Afraid of Stairs is a shoegaze band from Gothenburg, Sweden consisting of P… Read Full Bio ↴Afraid of Stairs is a shoegaze band from Gothenburg, Sweden consisting of Pontus Wallgren & Max Sjöholm. The band was conceived by Pontus Wallgren in March 2003, and some time later the band's first song, Not Today, was recorded. They were immediately signed to Labrador that put the demo version of the song on their site. The feedback from visitors including the Swedish magazine Sonic (which wrote an article about the band just because they loved the song so much) was overwhelming. The debut 7“ single was released in October 2003 to positive reviews and, newly gained, fans acclaim.

In the summer of 2005 the band started recording an EP and after hearing the finished result, Labrador dropped the band. The search for a new label that would want to release the EP started. And in the late summer of 2006 they finally found a new home at Lavender.

Hi-Fi
Afraid of Stairs Lyrics

We have lyrics for 'Hi-Fi' by these artists:

Anna Oxa (M.Lavezzi - O.Avogadro) Hi-fi per sognare per sdraiarsi…
Banda & Wanda Odmierza czas nowa płyta Już kolejny przebój nocy wciska się…
Banda i Wanda Odmierza czas nowa plyta Juz kolejny przebój nocy wciska móz…
Cale Hawkins Turn on the receiver Thousand dollar speakers When ya coming…
DOPING PANDA I love you ... and hold me tight ... and please touch…
Laylow Sur ma chaîne hi-fi (sur ma chaîne hi-fi) J'fais défile…
Lucio Battisti un'ora di relax con l'alta fedeltà le luci basse per…
M . Ward Hi-Fi Where you gonna run to now That you ain't got…
M. Ward Hi-Fi Where you gonna run to now That you ain't got…

M.Ward Where you gonna run to now That you ain't got space…
Męskie Granie Orkiestra 2017 Odmierza czas nowa płyta Już kolejny przebój nocy wciska się…
Mr. Ward Hi-Fi Where you gonna run to now That you ain't got…
Piotr Rogucki / Miuosh / Męskie Granie Orkiestra 2017 Odmierza czas nowa płyta Już kolejny przebój nocy wciska się…
Robots in Disguise Funny how you look at my hi-fi Touch my hi-fi Like to…
Suede Slipping through the city, sliding train to train, Sulking …
Teenage Fanclub Always I loved you, always untrue And I know I've ? when…
The London Suede Slipping through the city, sliding train to train, Sulking…
TIM3BOMB Ride or die, yeah, ride or die, baby We can…
Various Artists La mia clicca miete teste d'haters col machete La mia clicca…

Wanda i Banda Odmierza czas nowa płyta Już kolejny przebój nocy wciska si…

The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

gbfabiani

2y↑3

Amazing clarity in your step by step masterclass !! It really appears you were thinking to these changes over many years, and a lot of pieces of the puzzle have been put together so well.

As you said at the very end, Sonos somehow is/was years in advance on this process with streaming, active speakers, adding Subs, adding rear speakers, just with the app, with Trueplay being ( at least as a concept) the cherry on the pie.

Sonos is looking mainstream and its goal was probably to fit as many speakers in home as possible ( I own 14 of them) , but if some Sonos executive will whatch your video, I hope thy start thinking to a Sonos Pro line : something allowing their existing customer base to upgrade significantly 1 or 2 rooms in the house, without having to lose the easy multiroom configurations they have already, and all the different pieces they already own.

In my situation, I was tempted for my quite large living room to buy a pair of KEF Ls50+sub ( or now the LS60) , but I could't remove Sonos from my living room because of my wife , so I will end with too many objects in conflict for the same position .....

thanks for the fantastic video!!

All comments from YouTube:

The World's Tallest Dwarf

2y↑8

Super Future Fi is when we are all assimilated into the Borg, and don't have to worry about having our own equipment, or picking our own music, because the Borg will take care of it. However, I do believe that if one were to wish to know what songs were playing, one would have to be a member of the Borg's Patreon.

Ralex

2y↑2

John is so incredibly organized in his presentations. Love this channel. Comprehensive and engaging.
Superb knowledge

gotham61

2y↑20

I think the main argument against something like this, is that you lock yourself into the technology that exists at the time of purchase, with no way to make easy changes as technology advances. High performance speakers and power amps made 25 years ago can still be perfectly valid, but concepts like streaming, or even network attached stored music didn't even exist until relatively recently. Companies like Quobuz, Tidal, and Roon weren't around a decade ago, so it seems crazy to lock your entire audio system into an ecosystem that may be the best option today, but who knows where it will be a decade down the road.

Ross Warren

True. But you have to think that software upgrades (if they will do them) could provide a way to close the gap. My issue with these "all-in-one" solutions is that if something breaks you have to send back the whole, sometimes very heavy, speaker in "somewhere" for repair. Where will those repairs be done and how long will a company support them? I bought a perfectly good Samsung Blu-ray player at a considerable expense when Blu-ray was new. Samsung stopped supporting it with software upgrades after only 5 years, even though it was still working fine. More expensive - and still working - crap filling up our landfills. I'll never buy anything "Samsung" ever again.

nanaholic01

2y↑1

Nearly all AIO speakers has an RCA analogue input and those will NEVER go away anywhere. So just like you said since the speaker and power amps don't really age that quickly when the streamer in these systems is outdated you simply buy a new stream and plug it in via the analogue input and it will still be good, it really is not different than a ground up component system made up of DAC streamer/amp/speaker because the DAC portion is still replaceable while the amp/speaker is bundled together. The only issue is the longevity of the power amp module and as long as that doesn't break AIO speakers will continue to work.

Keith Heinrich

2y↑1

Fair point, given many of these devices are running on a propriety software platform, the commitment of the manufacturer to their software platform needs to be a real consideration in the purchasing decision. How to gauge this is a good question.

I am now effectively locked into the BluOS ecosystem for the foreseeable future. Not a problem for now but my product is now superseded and I expect there won't be any significant software updates from this point. Not that its a problem, device works just fine. Same deal for other network streamers I have in the house.

As examples, Spotify connect seems to be a fairly mature and robust mechanism and well supported. ROON is also a mature platform which is well supported by the developer. I don't think the issue will be with streaming sources or connectivity with streamers, but the ongoing support from a manufacturer of the software/firmware for their specific product. In theory, it shouldn't be an issue once the firmware is stable and mature. I've got a streamer here whose last software update was in 2017 and I expect it will continue to work just fine until the smoke finally escapes which could be decades.

Drew

2y↑1

But you are not locked in with vast majority of devices as they generally all have high performance DACs and ADCs on board and a good selection of digital and analogue inputs.

Roland lickert

2y↑1

I use Roon and they have regular software up-date (simular to HP)and they offer a lifetime member chip meaning they are in for the long run.I use it for close to 7 years and did not encounter any serious problems. One has not to go all the way with Future hifi but I'm sure with the 10 evolution Darko presents they will be something suitable for everyone. I'm halfway there and pretty happy with my setup particularly since the cable salad has been minimized. Saves Money on cable and not much space is needed.

Rich Ross

2y↑2

This is an award wining segment!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So well done and explained. Fantastic job. WOW!!!!

T Q

2y↑7

Wow. An absolutely fantastic summary of the evolution of high-end audio with 10 specific steps. This is rather unique IMHO. Thanks John!

Dr. Tod

2y↑7

I'm surprised NAD C-series (ie: C368, C399, etc...) doesn't receive more consideration. They are all-in-one units with modularity by having the ability to add expansion cards to grow their functionality while keeping them all-in-one units. This fits well into "future proofing" your system provided NAD continues to create additional modular cards for the C-series.

Ross Warren

2y↑6

Even for those of us who will forever be into separates, it is still interesting to see what is out there to perhaps recommend to our friends that might prefer an "all-in-one" solution, so thanks!

Carey's Corner

2y↑74

The problem with "future-fi" is that it's not future-proof. Upgrading is basically ditching your entire system. At once. Who can afford to replace a complete high-end system at the same time? I certainly can't.

B2video

2y↑7

Yeah and with hardware warranty only being a year or two it's a bit like putting all your eggs in one basket

Souldigits _

2y↑2

@B2video full discrete anchor in the future used market

Ben Ausherman

2y↑7

I agree with this. In my own experience I have lots of bricks sitting around because there future fi functions no long work. This has actually moved me back to separates. But that's not to say I don't appreciate future fi, I really do! Manufacturer's need to figure out a way to future proof there products, or at least we need a standard time frame of usability? I couldn't imagine scraping everything including my speakers, I just work to hard for my cash.

B2video

2y↑5

Here in Australia I really doubt I can get any of this stuff serviced in a few years if something goes wrong

Bradley Occhipinti

2y↑5

My issue is that components fail. With separates you can pull the failed piece out of the chain and replace. Sure a pair of floating speakers sounds nice but I don't think I'd trade the ability to surgically cut out one piece or another in the name of simplicity.

3 More Replies...

steve rees

2y↑1

another great video John, especially for someone like me who loves a passive seperates system but is looking to reduce the clutter as my wife hates the cable issues. The future of hi-fi is definitely stepping in the direction of an all in one unit, but there will always be a small market for people who enjoy swapping over seperates. This video has helped me to rethink about my next hifi setup.

gbfabiani

2y↑3

DiGiPHiX

2y↑4

Arcam SA-30 owner here. Does everything on your list (Class G amplification+streamer+dac+HDMI+MM/MC Phono+Dirac+Small and compact chassis). I can't seem to understand why this amazing little powerhouse amp isn't talked about much more by reviewers.

shemsureshot

2y↑1

I have the sa30 and it was a nightmare trying to find any independent reviews on it. I’ve spent a few weeks with it now and it’s a keeper. I heard Arcam don’t send out review samples even though they have nothing to worry about.

Imran Mukhtar

2y↑3

I respect and appreciate that you shared with us what was cooking in your mind for about five long years. An idea gives birth to technology, I believe and you've come up with a good one. Thumbs up!

Thomas Ciavardini

2y↑7

Future fi is super appealing, but the major pitfall is software support. We've already seen Sonos burn their early adopters going from S1 to S2. This sort of software churn as streaming services and protocols phase in and out has huge potential to turn perfectly good all-in-one systems into e-waste if the manufacturer deems it necessary to drop software support. One of the amazing things about hi-fi has been the enormous forward compatibility, using equipment for years and even decades is common and they don't end up in a landfill if they stop receiving patches.

Gerald McMullon

Kef did not update the software of the LS50 Wireless to the user experience of the mark II, Devialet could not support the cost of built in apps so discontinues control from a computer, leaving it an app on a mobile phone and external apps on a phone for steaming services.

Fedrick Lu

BluOS proves to be superior and reliable overtime, still supporting upgrades for their gen 1 products that i have been using for the last 10 years

democritus37

2y↑4

Great vid as always. My only problem with "dialling down the box count" is that the 1 box you are left with will eventually become obsolete; it would be cheaper to just upgrade the "technology" kit (streamer, and DAC), whereas the sound reproduction kit (amp and passive speaker) are much less likely to become obsolete? Interesting concepts though

Kevin F

Excellent video. I grew up in the heyday of hifi audio separates and have always been a bit confused when it came to DACs, streamers, media servers, etc. This video does a great job of breaking it down and explaining how all of the parts fit. And how everything is going to be simpler in the future. Well done.

Steve Wright

I will most likely always stick as passive speakers for my mains, but “wireless” lossless where possible is my end goal. Great video today!

icosadodecahedron2

I too am waiting for future-fi. Enjoying your videos for a couple years and was glad to see you put this into one video. Sometimes putting it out there, as concise as you have done here, will get the industries attention.
I’ve been selling off my vintage separatist equipment lately but not quite ready to buy my future fi gear. Your advice is very helpful in thinking this through. Thank you !

Shane Stephenson

I've got a step 11 John, and this I will really be impressed with is when they add a turntable to this one box wonder 😂🎧
I'm very much a separates guy and I didn't walk out of the room when you invited us to. I was and always will be an avid follower of the channel and always interested in your perspective which again in this case is very intriguing👍🙂🎧.

zzillezz

2y↑6

The problem is that this gives even more power to the Googles and Apples of this world. For a smaller manufacturer it's almost impossible to get certified for both Chromecast and Airplay2 for a moderately priced product. And I mean properly certified, not putting the right chips in and not having the right licences.

BenX74

2y↑1

Good point. UPnP should be the way to go.

Daily Critters In My Yard

2y↑1

I’m glad there are options like these for those who want them. My take, I am not cramped for space as I have a room set aside for my system. I will always need an audio rack since I’ve always had a turntable in my setup. There’s no reason for me to not utilize the rest of my rack for other gear. I don’t want to be reliant on some company’s app to operate a piece of gear. If we are talking about a second system elsewhere in the house then future-fi is more applicable. John, check out an old video of ours, I think you’ll like it. Larvae - Exit Strategy.

Beyond Resolution

2y↑1

The world of hifi is gonna change just the same as everything ells. And as always, thank you ever so much for yet a brilliant video :)

mpatman

Just came across your channel and wanted to say that i love the 2 videos I've watched so far. I'm a newbie to the audiophile world and have so much to learn.

unol

2y↑1

The syng cell alpha seems to pretty much tick most of the future fi boxes whilst looking futuristic too. Main downside is that it doesn't support chromecast and the room correction only gives you the eq they want you to have. Definately worth a review if you can get your hands on one or two John.

High5petservice

2y↑1

My biggest thought on all of this is, how crappy is it going to be when something breaks. Suddenly you're shipping speakers all over the place unless there's a local solution. Not to mention the time involved in all of that. That being said, I still like the idea

gamesessions

2y↑13

Hi John, love your videos as always. I work in hi-fi retail for Richer Sounds in Manchester, and having watched so many videos of yours over the years, we now often refer to integrated streaming amplifiers as “future-fi” as you’ve coined it, and even have a little future-fi section of the store too. So, thank you for that :)

Also, I think my favourite implementation of the active speaker formula has been the Dali C range of speakers such as the Rubicon 2C, where they have a separate box for you to connect your turntable to, for example, which then wirelessly streams to the speakers, and you can also get BluOS module for this for hi-res streaming, and even a HDMI module, which not only gives you TV connectivity, but also means you can use your Dali active speakers in surround sound too, should you want to. Unfortunately, no room correction yet though that I’m aware of, so still not quite perfect “future-fi”, but for me, the closest I’ve seen, and I definitely think that the Rubicon 8C can give the new KEF LS60 a good bit of competition.

Anyway, sorry for rambling, great work as always, and I look forward to the next one :)

Bert van Emmerik

I think a break out box, wired or wireless to the speakers, like a number of the Samsung tv's have is the way to go for the future. It can concentrate the cable clutter to the cabinet where it resides and and achieves maximum WAF.

Henry Pack

Hi John - thanks for putting this excellent future-fi summary together - very helpful. Some of us old time audiophiles are getting tired of dealing with the rats nest of cables and just want something simpler for high quality audio reproduction and this vid speaks to exactly that. My personal preference would be an one all-in-one box and then a set of passive speakers, to support connections from external sources like your TV (for video streaming services), turntable and Blu-ray players (some of us still have those).

Gerald McMullon

Freesat, Freeview ePCI card, CD, DVD, Blu-ray built in Blu-ray recorder, internet radio download app, all streaming service get an app. Out put with an external sound card (the DAC) to analogue active speakers or a HDMI debedder to 6 or 8 channel line level outputs. PC/laptop controls volume and selection. Sound card on modern motherboards are very good now. Windows has some room correction built in to it's set up. Most of the potential updates are either software or a card in a PC.

CrAnKcHiLLaH

2y↑1

When you talked about Sonos at the end this is precisely what I am thinking for years: Hifi Manufacturers have to step up their game in having the simplicity (plug in, open app and you are good to go) and feature set (HDMI, Vinyl, Room Correction, Streaming Services, Auto signal sensing, mix and match components in your setup) and we will be in future-fi. And I don't know how many of you have a separate listening room but having a wired or wireless connection to my TV is essential as I do not only want my system to be used for music but also for my TV.

Keith Heinrich

2y↑1

Following a previous future-fi discussion, I landed on the NAD M10, suitable speakers and sub which works well in the small space it lives in. This sort of thing is the future I tells ya. Thanks John for pointing the way.

bjwal6

2y↑2

Step 5: I would love you to get your hands on the NAD C399 with bluos module. My main question is: is it an M10 with more power, and maybe a better analogue input for phono, for less.

If the sound quality is there, it really has everything in one (simple and large) box, and I’m very tempted.

mathiasaxelsson

First time I’ve heard you mention Linn :). If I’m not misinformed, it actually has room correction (space optimization), so it should be one step up on your list👍

If it wasn’t for the vinyl, I would go all in future-fi.

Mark Harrington

2y↑3

The tech advance is unstoppable in most respects. I ditched a separate system for LS50w2’s and an LC62 and really haven’t looked back - saved myself a TON of space and gained 100% convenience too.

Also, and perhaps for me most importantly, I have got rid of that niggling ‘just a step more’ sensation. There’s no way I can add to this system apart from the next iteration of the same, and it’s a big weight off the old shoulders I’ll tell you!

I’m starting to feel the same way about my camera - It’s beginning to feel anachronistic and outdated when compared with my phone. Here, once computational photography is indistinguishable from images taken with a ‘proper’ camera there’s no going back. Same with the way I play music. It always comes sooner than you think…. 😳

Matthew Mills

2y↑1

After step 5 I realised you've just described a whole load of home theatre amplifiers. My Yamaha A6a does everything you just described to step 5 and I suspect a whole bunch more do it too.

20cc's of benadine methachloride

2y↑1

It's all about the room. I'd LOVE to use room correction software if each speaker was controlled independently. Since my room has 1 speaker near a corner and the other not near a side boundary, each would need to be tweaked differently, no? Or maybe have each speaker with it's own EQ. That would be awesome!

Vikram Bhaskar

As usual you videos never fail to impress!! Just one question though, doesn't LDAC support lossless audio?

Supes 323

I would love to see more comparisons against the all in ones and similar priced separates (when combined). There are obvious benefits for all in ones but can they beat the sound quality of similar priced separates? Personally, I only tinker with multiple gear components out of necessity to achieve better sound but love the idea to simplify things and yet achieve better sound. Interesting times for audio.

David Richardson

2y↑2

Great analysis and options cited. If I hadn’t spend the last 20 yrs putting together a big multi-box system (over kilowatt in amplification) with +800 cds and 70 rtr tapes I would be very inclined to go this route. I just moved and it took me over 3 hrs to re-connect. And it gave me a terrific headache. For a holiday home I will definitely go this route. I love the HIFI Rose 150b and would build around it. Btw- terrific glasses- what brand are they?

Michael Long

2y↑3

The issue with an all-in-one speaker system is still cable management. By the time you add the power, Ethernet, HDMI, digital and phono cables, you have quite the mess out to the main speaker. Add to the fact that you may have to purchase longer cables for each of these to get the speakers placed correctly in your room. It seems the more viable solution for optimum speaker placement is a super integrated with DIRAC and just speaker cables to passive speakers.

Robert Simpson

2y↑1

Great content, thank you. I think you are correct about the direction of travel. Personally I am concerned about repair costs of a complete unit, if it could be repaired at all. It is not the end of the world to swap out a DAC or buy a new streamer when the technology changes. You seem to be a breath of sanity and reason in a hobby afloat in snake oil.

D N

Outstanding video, its not an easy one to to tackle but you did a really good job. I have been on my own journey for decades, have swapped in/out components in my multi zone system but landed on Roon, Meridian (the Roon guys split from Meridian after Sooloos acquisition years back), MacIntosh and an assortment of other fun Future Fi components but you really stirred the creative juices enough for me to potentially re-evaluate a few components. Hi-Fi is such a great hobby, but you evaluated and took on this topic of Future-Fi on with discernment, “thank you”. 🙏 I sent this video to a few of my “purist” buddies just for a giggle, we banter back and forth its fun

Rob Jones

2y↑1

Really good video. One of the most informative I’ve watched in ages. This is from a guy that loves separates 😃. More of this type of progression posts

Good Sound

Finding gear that offers the functionality that one is looking for is not that hard, but finding gear that also suits your tonal preferences (analytical/neutral/warm) is more of a challenge, because this is an information you usually get only from reviewers, not manufacturers.
And btw. HiRes is important, maybe not for EDM, but surely for lovers of Classical and Jazz music.

TintinBeeblebrox

You mentioned Anthem Room Correction (ARC) in passing on your podcast about this same topic, but you were unsure if Anthem produced a stereo integrated amp. Indeed they do: the Anthem STR. Would love if you were able to review the STR someday. Thanks for the discussion of “Future-Fi”, including the topic of room correction, which I find to be fascinating (and possibly a game changer for many people trying to get the best sound in a typical living area).

Ralex

2y↑5

Being into separates I can still appreciate the technology that allows for an all in one concept.
I do own a Cambridge Evo for practicality and simplicity. Having said that, I love my vinyls and don’t mind getting up to change sides of my 45 rpm audiophile pressings after each 10 mins sides

Erwin de Wit

True, same here. But can't you connect your turntable to a pair of those super integrated loudspeakers? I'd think so....

weatheranddarkness

how's the EVO sound?

shemsureshot

2y↑1

The Arcam SA30 is worth mentioning which would be a solid step 5. Also the Sony HT-A9 belongs somewhere on the future fi list, although it misses some connections but makes up for it with being a home theatre and decent room calibration.

Steve Cagle

2y↑1

I have started the journey down the Future Fi road and I enjoy the listening experience. I was surprised that more people are not concerned about sound quality at each step, thinking that as you travel down the Future FI road that sound quality potentially could be sacrificed.
Curious about your thoughts regarding sound quality.

Hoyt Maulden

Spot on. Awesome survey. I'm generally in agreement -- and I'm ready to get rid of all my different boxes. But with my multi-box system (with my ears) I can detect hi-rez, especially DSD files. And I also love Roon with Qobuz. I am excited by the format of the KEF LS60's and will be listening to them soon.

Oliver Balogh

2y↑1

I have been using the Quad Vena II Play since it has been released with a pair of passive Quad speakers. You might want to review it as a budget friendly option that includes streaming, dac, amp... It is with DTS playfi streaming module, but do Spotify Connect too which makes it perfect for me.

Michael Schmidt

2y↑1

Step 10: Bang & Olufsen Beolab 28, incl. room correction and Wisa for lag free streaming for movies or games. Sounds stunning in my ears and I am used separates for decades.

Paul Kerr

2y↑3

Most HT receivers have everything in one box and sound pretty good. Plus you can watch movies. Job done.

Brynner

Was gonna jump in to mention the same thing. Not as "prestigious" or sharply designed as integrated amps, but they can be a great "audio Swiss army knife"

bartkdt

Hot topic here. Loads of “what about my thing I’m interested in”. #eyeroll
I’m watching this this line of products closely. I like the idea of eliminating separates. I still want more analog inputs for LP, cassette, and CDs.also I’m still not convinced of Type D amplification for music. Hopefully it keeps evolving.
Thanks for the info all worth consideration.

Orientalmuffin

Great video John. Yes - it's been 'percolating' for a while however, you've produced one damn fine coffee! Like many, I've been down that expensive 'rabbit-hole' of separates for years. And it was a hit & miss (mainly 'miss') affair. In this day and age, it's virtually impossible to sample the various combinations of separates in order to achieve a person's audio nirvana. And I appreciate that not all future streaming/active etc loudspeakers will be good (we haven't eliminated the need for reviews). However, the confusing array of choices, headaches, clutter, A/B comparisons and time wasting in choosing separates will be greatly reduced. Thanks John.😃

JayDpwnz

2y↑2

My idea of the future is probably something WISA based. When there's a WISA hub with multiple hdmi inputs and earc as well as room correction even put android tv for all I care; then thats when home theater enthusiast will pay attention. I think people love the idea of self powered speakers that have multiple dsp profiles that don't clutter your room with a bunch of speaker cables going across your room.

SRC666

I’m a separates guy (at the moment) but am always interested in new tech - its part of the fun with this hobby of ours. The KEF LS-60 look really interesting, perhaps with an added sub….

Stan Kukin

2y↑1

Great take! I find myself trying to stay within the “old school” and dabble in “future-FI” at the same time for now. Maybe the ls60 will tip the scale eventually. Also, wanted to comment on the step 10 - won’t the beolab 28 fit that category? They technically would be the first speakers to do so as well. Cheers

mikehughescq

2y↑6

Loving how all who are interested in separates were asked to not watch but you all stayed and commented.

Diogo Brandão

Back in 2003, B&O (hated by hi-fiers) was already moving into this direction with the Beolab5. 4 way active design with DSP, room correction (called by them adaptive bass control) and embedded DAC. Quite revolutionary at the time. Would be very interesting to assess how they perform compared to similar recent active speakers when connected directly to a modern streamer.

Ben Walker

2y↑2

One of the few people on YouTube that I can listen to as you simply talk to camera and spill the knowledge & thoughts

Lee Oades

2y↑1

Years ago, I had an Arcam amp, B&W speakers, CD player, tuner etc. After selling it all, I avoided getting back into the hifi market mostly due to the cost.
After watching your channel for a while, I purchased a pair of Kef LSX speakers plus a sub and they are perfect for me. Beautiful sound, Spotify connect and absolutely none of the faff. Thank you!

T Charlton

This has probably been my favorite video from you. I’ve really been thinking about getting something like the Auralic with a pair of active speakers. This would be in my main room and replace my Sonos set up.

Kai Belterman

Great video as always, challenging the status quo. Personally I'm about half way down that road (NAD C 700) but who knows what the future holds.

Robert Connors

2y↑4

To really Future Proof, you need an architecture which provides for modular boards that can be pulled out of an integrated solution, and new ones added, to provide for technology upgrades for network connectivity, amplification, DAC, streaming services, speaker technology. NAD claimed to do this in the past and now, but they only produced a small number of upgrade boards.

Ognjen Becin

Excellent John - I've been following the progression of Future-Fi you've been speaking about for years and finally purchased my version late last year. No. 9 on your list - a pair of the older model Dynaudio Focus 60XDs. Streaming is taken care of by the Zidoo Neo S which is Roon ready, has Spotify Connect and Airplay. Headphones are also taken care of by the Zidoo with a SE and a balanced headphone out. Quite minimal and sounds wonderful. I've completely obliterated the simplicity (and the minimal box count) by adding a Transrotor turntable with outboard power supply, and a separate phono stage plugged into the analog inputs on the speakers...and then Dynaudio brings these out...

Jim Huffman

Love your videos John. Have been an active listener to your posts for about a year now - i try never to miss one. I do appreciate where you are heading with the futurefi` posts. I’ve been a Linn enthusiast for 20+ years, most recently in 2016 where amp, dac, dsp is in the speakers (Klimax 350’s) with an outboard streamer and control. That’s nice, but i gotta say, part of the hobby is the passion of mix/match, amps/speakers, which is so much harder to do with futurefi approach. As an aside, I’d love to see you offer a playlist that you use when you are reviewing gear. Have i missed it?

Merrill Aldrich

Excellent video as ever. I guess I am happily in the middle (TDAI-1120 + passive speakers). I think that since there's so much impact to the sound from the selection of speakers, then the sort of Goldilocks scenario here is to have all the electronics in one box, paired to speakers of your liking, and which fit the room.

Oito ou Oitenta

Well done! For your headphone section of the video: I just learned about Nurasound's new earbuds, the NuraTrue Pro, which apparently will be out in October. They will support lossless audio over Bluetooth. I wonder how many others will come out this year, can't wait!

starman jesus

what a magnificent piece of art and lesson about the future of hi fi, you’re my master, bravo!

sjc1204

2y↑3

I thought you handled the separates people with respect and politeness. I heard they ended up at a pub and discussed mono blocks.

Funny thing is, a lot of active speakers take the mono block approach a step further; each driver has its own amplifier.

I have and love KEF LS50 W but you've got me thinking about the Navis again.

FoldSpace Navigator

You certainly identified the missing link & future step with headphones that so may of us watchfully await. Especially as a frequent traveler, I so look forward to an all-in-one solution that melds mobility convenience & efficiency with good audiophile sound.

The Dirty Dutchman

Exactly my kid wrecks a speaker not such a expensive to fix

HAdison

This is AMAZING! I have always wanted to ask this question but I didn’t know how to word it. Thanks a bunch Darko team!

STS

2y↑2

What you say is completely true. Most people simply want to enjoy great music and are happy to pay for it. That's why Sonos became a successful product. I think the Hi-Fi company knows that too. Why do they dont it, to build all in one? I guess it is not only about marketing but also the consumers' doubts. I guess the possibility of upgrading both hardware and software is the key. Many people can’t afford to buy a very expensive product that is totally obsolete after 4-5 years. Having the system in pieces increases the chance of future upgrades / updates with a reduced risk that the entire system becomes irrelevant. Those who want to sell high end integrated Hi-Fi must be able to convince their customers that the upgrade / update will be available for free or at low cost for a longer period of time.

Gerald McMullon

The software update or hardware upgrade are often not available even with a (high) cost. Some hi-end gear do have a card based system where features can be added by getting an extra or upgraded card like we can on a desktop pc. Merdian with the 8000 series of pre-amps.

They tried that with the MCA *just add a module then another until it expands the width of a very wide cabinet) and somewhat even with the 100 Series where updates to the phono modules was possible. I upgraded twice. They even had a back to factory upgrade to add a CD input and change the phono/FM tuner switch to a three was.

Jaremy Pyle

I can get on board this future. It’s going to be interesting for sure. I’m really trying to think about elements of minimalism in my electronic life style lately.

Matthew Frazee

2y↑2

Great video as always. The only season I went super integrated recently was my substantial investment in speakers.

Mark Hewitt

2y↑5

At stage 10, if one thing breaks, you have to throw everything away.

Roland lickert

Not really you always can repair. In general, HIFI is hardy and seldom breaks down at least what I experience in the last 52 years! The old rule applies to hifi as well if you buy cheap don't expect a very long life span. (exceptions can happen but not very often).

PINOY NGA

2y↑1

Hi John! Greetings from the Philippines 🇵🇭 (where a $250 dragonfly dac needs serious financial justification 😂), but nevertheless, there are also music lovers! Glad you gave preference to someone like me who won’t be able to afford “separates.” That’s why I learned painfully to stay away from HI-Res audio forums I labeled “the land of the blind” (where one-eyed audio gods are kings 😭). I was told never to use bluetooth because they’re trash and I should buy this and that to enjoy musiK like they did, but more importantly, were hurtful and made fun of me 😭. But as I have learned from vlog sites such as yours, the only one who can define what’s Hi-Res audio is me! A BIG YES from me, John, to your HI-FI future! 👍 I’m not sure I’ll still be in the future but I sure would like to get a taste of audio/musiK “nirvana” today, not tomorrow. In The Philippines, a pair of cheap headphones and a mobile phone is the only link to good sounds. But I struggled to somehow build a slightly better setup. My goal towards “music nirvana”, is to be able to enjoy GREAT “musiK” wherever I am in the house. I had to live and make do with a hodgepodge audio & video gears both old and relatively new ones. For my wired setup, I have an Onkyo 7.2 TX-NR676E for my movies/musiK paired with old B&W L/C/R/Sur 602s S3/LCR60 and 2x ASW610s. I’m enjoying my audio-video nirvana and find no need for more expensive gears! For musiK, I got two engines: Mararantz PM/ND 8006s paired with B&W 603s S2 for formal listening, and a Cambridge CXA60 paired with Wharfedale Denton 80th anniversary for informal listening. Since I got smart tvs in the rooms, i have JBL sound bars which I also use for music. For wireless streaming for musiK, it’s just bluetooth, my B&W PX7, and iPad/iPhones. I do have vynils and phono, but they’re more for nostalgia for me! Listening convenience is primordial to me. Am I enjoying my “musiK”? You bet I’ve got a “taste of nirvana” today all across my house! In my most humble opinion from my neck-of-the-woods, you’ve got your Hi-FI future forecast 101% right! 👍👍👍 For the generation starting from naught in the HI-FI arena, your video shows the clear path for audio-video manufacturers to focus on, with due respect to the very few Hi-Res audio “purists.” Love your videos, John! 👍 PEACE! 🙏🇬🇧🇵🇭

Rosendo Merel

Right on point Darko on future hi-fi, really interesting times on this topic, two years ago I was thinking about 'this future-fi', with the Kef Lsx, Kef Ls50 wireless and Klipsch the fives, I choose the fives so happy with this speakers right now , but love to hear the Kef lsx ii. Also great tracks Darko as usual :)

neps4th

2y↑1

A great ramble on audio philosophy. 5 stars, John !

J C

2y↑1

Something else to look at would be the miniDSP SHD Power. It has quite a bit to offer with volumio for streaming, a decent dac with quite a few input options, analog input, dirac, the ability to set crossover points, and a 120w per channel amp. I have the version without an amp and I really like it. I want to say the amp is a pretty standard Ice Power unit.

Frank Kaminsky

That’s my way since a couple of years now. Running my Dynaudio Focus 60 XD (Level 7??) with my Minidsp SHD incl. room correction as a Roon Ready device streaming from Tidal :-) good stuff! But I have already an eye on its successor (Focus 50), hence I a look forward to your thoughts on its little sister.

BTW, within the same category of the 60XD we shall mention the Quadral Aurum Gamma (and Alpha).

Thanks for your nice and well thought through video (as always) which I would like to strongly recommend to all those who fight „with the cables“ and only rarely beat the quality of level 7 up 😉

David Stephens

2y↑3

I agree, I think the majority of the market will shift to the minimalist convenience, especially if the sound quality keeps improving/narrowing margin with passive separates. It’s a bit analogous to the mobile phone replacing camera, music player, navigation separates.

Gerald McMullon

2y↑1

Active speakers out performed the passive equivalents in quality and price 40 years ago. With DSP the designer can get more out of the box than would be possible with a passive design. Hence Kef LS60 will never have a passive version. There are passive speakers as good (better) but at the cost of size and at a price.

Mobile phones are Swiss Army knifes of tech but like the Champ every tool can be easily bettered at the cost of space and money. 80% covered is often good enough.

The worry with much of the tech advancement now is the way mobile phones do not get updates. A new phone may refuse to install an older app and then your steaming DSP active speakers will not work. A new update or new device may not work with your 18 month old phone that can not get the current version of operating system needed. The manufacturers have chosen to do this, not for technical reasons but because they can't afford to update last years' model with new software and believe users would not pay for that service.

Henrik Gadegaard

I am definitely with you here. Currently pondering whether to either 1) get a Chord Poly for my Mojo or 2) ditch the whole setup and move over to something like the AirPods Max or PX7mk2 or Sony WH1000XM5 though none of those offers lossless. Love my simple Sonos setup around the house. Just works.

Peppermint 💋

Very interesting and thought-provoking John. Enjoyed this immensely, despite being a multi-box lover. I didn't leave the room, sorry.

Justin Walsh

I’m currently considering an NAD integrated with a Bluesound module installed for my first hifi system paired with the Lumina ii’s (I demoed them recently and was floored by them) and that’s as future fi as I’d go, partly because of budget and partly because I want to be able to upgrade things down the road if I feel the need. So I’m not fully future fi, but when I finally buy my system it’ll be partly future fi

Colani Tower

2y↑1

I took more of a sidestep. Replaced tape deck, cassette deck, turntable with laptop and DAC and kept amplifier and loudspeakers the same. The whole 2,000 album collection & former tapes as playlists are now on the laptop. Computers and DACs have shorter technology life cycles than amps & speakers so I kept this separate

Mike Davis

2y↑1

I agree that simpler is better - fewer boxes and fewer cables and fewer components that become older by new models coming out almost yearly. But for those of us with components, it is daunting and very expensive change. And there are seldom addressed economic issues. I buy CDs and LPs from indie artists at shows and online because streaming services rip them off. Very few can continue to perform on the miserly checks from streaming companies. The vision seems to ignore the need to support music content providers. That being said, I love this vision. Alas, it wil be just a vision for me for a LONG time until all that can be put in good-sized Martin Logan electrostatic speakers.

Rennie Ash

You could fit all that on the back of said good size MLs . Afterall the sub is a great table :)

Michael

2y↑4

John, I'm totally with you on simplicity, minimal boxes and dumping hi rez audio. My vintage Linn amp (LK140) and pre-amp (Kolektor) stack are "about the same size" as a Naim Uniti Atom, with 2019 KEF LS 50 speakers and my iphone X / YouTube Music paid service plugged in via a simple rca to mini cable. No external DAC or streamer needed. I am happy as a clam. And I hear lots of great $$$$ systems as a friend owns a local high end shop with Chord, Auralic, Bluesound, etc. I can't justify the extra expense for my ears and I've tried, trust me.

I love the idea of everything in one box. However, it also scares the hell out of me when repair parts are no longer available after warranty and we create lots of paperweights for those of us who do not suffer from upgrade fever.

BenX74

I like what YG did with their new Live active speakers: There's a control-box with all the capabilities and inputs, running thin optical cable to the active speakers. I listened to them in Munich and "incredible" doesn't even start to describe how these did sound. 50k for the whole shebang seemed like a bargain for what you actually get.

Seán Kerr

2y↑2

I’ve had Linn Majik DSMs in two rooms for many years now - one box (streamer, DAC, pre-amp, power amp) that you just have to add passive speakers to and that you can also add extra power amps to bi-amp and also be connected to by any 4k video source or a turntable, albeit it doesn’t have a phono stage on board. Both are running Qobuz and my stored music collection via Roon but are able to run all the major streaming services as well. The rooms I run these in have limited space so this is the perfect solution for these rooms (both also have in-wall Totem speakers to save space). My main system is a separates system with 10 boxes and 9 speakers, 4 of which are active, but that’s no compromise and the room has plenty of space. However, that a bit misleading as that system in a home cinema / hifi. If I look at just the hifi element, it’s future-fi. One box for streaming (Linn Klimax System Hub) feeds active speakers using cat 6 cable (Linn Akubariks, which contain 5 amps each and the DACs). Also connected to the Klimax SH with a cat 6 cable is a Linn LP12 turntable with onboard phono stage. So I can play records and digital (streaming, ripped and downloaded) using two boxes plus speakers with NO compromise on sound quality, which is very much top-end hi-fi.

Samit Bhatheja

Beolab 28 from Bang and Olufsen is step 11 as it has all 10 step you have mentioned. The 11 th step is swappable digital platform inside these speakers called Mozart platform which can be changed as technology evolves in future which makes these streaming active room correcting speakers future proof as well. By the way they sound holographic and phenomenal.

Hugo Escalpelo

2y↑1

If future-fi is also a way to bring "better audio experience" for a lot of people, I encourage you to try Amazon Echo 4. I've managed to get somehow decent audio from it with it's integrated EQ, Spotify connect and precise distancing from a wall (12cm from center device to wall in a 4x4x2.10m room). It also has kind of room correction... My point is, outside the niche, outside the very high end audio hobbyist, its a step 10 device, already in millions of homes, ready to sound very enjoyable. Pd: Please, be aware all terminology I did not use

Thor

Good video. Dirac live is the reason why I did not go with the active wireless dali system. Instead I went with nad m10 v2 and dali passive speakers. It's still pretty minimalist for me, but I agree with you about the future.

rhorto01

2y↑4

While watching this I kept thinking "everything old is new again" because this same drive is basically what we saw in the 1970's in stereo receivers. They became single box solutions (plus speakers) for the audio tech of the day. Most of the people into hi-fi went that route, and it was only the folks who craved a little extra performance that sought out extra boxes. The thing is stereo receivers are STILL doing this. Look at a humble product like the Onkyo TX-8270 stereo receiver ($600 USD), it has a lot of your "future fi" AND hi-res audio capability, plus you can listen to the radio lol.

b bb

2y↑1

love your videos, production/aesthetic and view towards audio and equipment! that said, i think you should clearly differentiate between future-fi and future proof, given they seem to be in opposition. Considering the rate of change in equipment/software, specifically that being jammed in active speakers, i think there is significant risk. agree this is likely a potential future for hifi but repairability (rrr) and upgradability seem to be a significant cost/loss. i suggest all proceed with caution in the future-fi space.

Alex Origoni

As someone who owns a complete separates system at home, and the Mark Levinson 5909 headphones, all I can say is, “more of this please!”

Todd Covington

Have loved my Audio Engine HD6's since 2017!
Primarily use them with my TV today as I have gone primarily vintage.
Have a buddy who likes to come over to listen to his recording mixes on my many systems prior to final Mastering. We always run them through the Audio Engines Blue tooth as one of the "references. "

Christopher Buck

Silly question may be missed a previous comment. I love the idea that’s for sure I would appreciate this simplicity. but I do like vinyl, and my R2R so assume I can either look at AtoD convention, or I just get over the fact I will stick with seperate’s. As always superb video and very well explained, well done Johns.

Andrew Forsythe

2y↑1

Great subject, glad I qualified to watch. I have been watching you for a long time, I really like your approach to hifi. Always a calm approach. Excellent. Thank you.

Kostas Jezuz

2y↑3

Having a breakout box that houses most electronics and connections, like Samsung does with some of its TVs, and then having wireless speakers is the way to go. I think SVS and some other companies does that, some house it in a Soundbar etc

John Brady

2y↑1

Agree - having a pile of wires going to the back of something called a wireless speaker a) is pretty ironic, maybe they should call them "speaker-wireless loudspeakers" ... and, b) doesn't really scale, like for phono and some aux source devices. I prefer where Buchardt drew the line.

Off2Geo

2y↑1

I am totally on board with this idea. When I was younger, I had all the separates; including massive Carver Silver Seven-T's mono block amps etc... today in my 50's I am all about simplicity, smaller and less clutter. I no longer can tolerate the cable salad.

Anthony A

Great content John. What’s your thoughts on cable salad with these units. I believe step #11 will be integrating power with ethernet (the latest POE lack enough current for power hungry all in one units) or are we looking at Wi-Fi 6e for greater bandwidth ?

Rob Sandler

I respect your vision and while your ideas of simplification are ideal. The one problem with this concept is that when something breaks and it’s all integrated, it will be a costly proposition to troubleshoot and replace the failed component or the all in one Speaker/DAC/Amplifier/RoomEQ/Streamer. Which is why separates are better.

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