WATCH THIS before buying ANY audio gear!

Summary

In this video, Kenneth dives deep into what truly matters when selecting audio gear, including streaming services, offline files, and hardware. He emphasizes the importance of well-mastered music over high-res files, and compares popular streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. He also discusses offline music ownership and explores various audio hardware such as wireless earbuds, wired headphones, and digital audio players. Kenneth stresses the significance of sound quality, build, and features while encouraging viewers to find what works best for them. A practical guide to navigating the audio world!

Takeaways

• 😀 Prioritize well-mastered music over high-res files for better sound quality, as mastering impacts 95% of the audio experience.
• 🎵 Different streaming services (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, etc.) can sound differently due to the mastering of their files.
• 🎧 Choose streaming services based on their feature set and user interface. For example, Apple Music has a clean catalog view, while Spotify excels in multi-device streaming.
• 🔊 File formats like MP3 and AAC at 256-320 kbps are sufficient for good sound quality, as long as the bit rate is high enough.
• 💡 YouTube Music offers an extensive catalog of covers and remixes, which can be a major draw for listeners seeking unique versions of songs.
• 📱 If you prefer offline music, consider purchasing digital files. But remember, physical copies provide tangible collectibles and unique versions not found on streaming services.
• 🎶 When it comes to wireless earbuds, prioritize comfort, build quality, battery life, and features like transparency, noise cancellation, and multi-point connection.
• 🔌 Wired connections offer better sound quality than wireless ones, as wired devices often feature better drivers for a more accurate audio experience.
• 🎧 When choosing wired gear, start with a basic dongle for your phone if you need simple functionality, but consider higher-end DACs or adapters if you're after better sound tuning and features.
• 🔋 A dedicated digital audio player (DAP) can provide a great offline listening experience, and models like the Shanling M1 Plus offer a good balance of features at an affordable price.

Q & A

What is the primary factor that determines sound quality in music streaming services?

Mastering of the music is the most important factor in sound quality, making up 95% of the difference. The EQ, compression, and other elements added during the mastering process have a significant impact on how music sounds, rather than the high-res format itself.

How does the mastering process impact the sound of music?

Mastering involves fine-tuning the audio, adjusting the EQ, compression, and other elements to enhance the overall sound. This process is crucial in ensuring that the music is optimized for the listener, influencing things like spatial separation and instrument placements in the mix.

Why might different music streaming services sound different from each other?

Different streaming services may use different source files for the same track, and each service has its own way of mastering and processing the audio. This can lead to noticeable differences in sound quality, even if they are offering the same high-res files.

What is the difference between high-res audio and well-mastered audio files?

High-res audio refers to files with higher sample rates and bit depths, but well-mastered audio is more important in achieving great sound quality. Well-mastered files focus on the details and quality of the sound, while high-res audio focuses on file size and technical specifications.

What are some key features to consider when choosing a streaming service?

Some important features to consider include the quality of recommendations, user interface, availability of high-res or lossless options, and additional features like lyrics, Dolby Atmos, and integrations with other devices or ecosystems.

Why does the author prefer Apple Music over other streaming services?

The author prefers Apple Music because of its clean interface, personalized album view, lack of ads, and features like the lyric view and karaoke functionality. Apple Music also offers Dolby Atmos and high-res lossless options, making it a top choice for the author.

What sets YouTube Music apart from other streaming services?

YouTube Music stands out for its powerful recommendations, which automatically play similar genres and artists based on the user's listening history. It also provides access to a vast catalog of covers and remixes, which is a unique selling point of the service.

What does the author think about offline music files, and why do they still buy them?

The author prefers offline music files because they can own the music and have physical copies with special edition cases or collectibles that aren't available through streaming services. The author also values the ability to access exclusive tracks not found on streaming platforms.

What are some important considerations when choosing wireless earbuds?

Important factors to consider include sound quality, build quality, comfort, battery life (with a minimum of 4 hours), transparency mode, multi-point connectivity, app support, and additional features like water resistance, wireless charging, and active noise cancellation (ANC).

How do wired and wireless headphones differ in terms of sound quality?

Wired headphones generally provide better sound quality because the money spent is directed towards the driver, leading to improved audio performance. Wireless headphones may not achieve the same level of sound quality, especially at higher price points.

What is the significance of a balanced 4.4mm cable in headphones?

A balanced 4.4mm cable delivers higher power, which can lead to higher volume and cleaner audio output, especially with harder-to-drive headphones. However, it's not necessary for most in-ear monitors (IEMs), but it can be beneficial for larger headphones that require more power.