Jay’s Audio Lab is shutting down
Not sure why except he says he’s getting a bigger building somewhere.
I wonder if he’ll perhaps braiden his focus away from the ultra high end. I never really related to his channel -- his personality was a bit over the top-- but when he dedicated an episode to discussing how getting too obsessive with audio could potentially have destructive impacts in other areas of one’s life, that caught me off guard. Apparently, he’d witnessed other guys going through this and as a result, wanted to try to do something about it. Predictably, that episode elicited mixed reactions here but for me, it revealed a side of the guy I hadn’t been aware of and I respected him for his compassion. I wish him well in his next phase.
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He said in the video he's moving his family to another state and will have a much larger place to listen in, in two different rooms. He also said he will continue to focus on the upper levels of gear in Jays Audio lab 2. More to come he said. So not gone just going bigger it seems. He mentioned in the video there are dozens of reviewers doing the lower tier stuff and he will continue to focus on the ultra hi end. |
Jay is just another part of the landscape in the wonderful world of high-end audio, who concentrates solely on the ultra high-end. That's his specialty. Nothing wrong with that. I loved it!!! Jay seems like a very intelligent, likable, and personable guy, who I enjoyed watching and listening to immensely. I very much look forward to his return. He will be missed. Happy listening. |
@glennewdick after his interactions with gr-research and new record deal in Texas I’d be willing to bet Texas will be his new home state. Out in the country not having to deal with traffic. |
His focus on inefficient speakers and high wattage solid state amps doesn't really interest me. He does need a far larger listening room for the type of equipment he reviews, his present room also sounds far too damped unless it's mics he's using causing this. Excess flipping as well, but this pretty much required for youtube, have to keep the audience engaged. |
I had the opportunity to meet Jay at a speaker launch event. Not only did he spend time with me but he took a special interest in hearing what my 16 year old son had to say about music and equipment which really showed me the depth of his character and interest in general to audio. Additionally, I have used Jay as a reference for a couple of purchases and in that time got more direct “straight talk” that not only saved me money but valuable time. I’m a BIG FAN and can’t wait to see what he conquers next because the things he uncovers and discusses will help all of us. The very best of success to Jay 2.0. |
I never heard of the guy previous to this thread. I don’t wander around, mentally or in any other way, beyond the occasional audio show, in ultra-high end audio. After the comments above I was curious(disclosure, I’m building a set of GR speakers at the moment) about who/what Jay’s Audio was, so I watched both videos of his visit to Danny’s place. (first time I ever saw the guy) Jay didn’t strike as technically very well grounded. His reaction to the solar array and how it’s used, technically pretty basic stuff, was sheer amazement. Danny had to explain the concepts of it to him a few times. His response to Danny running most of his system off the grid on batteries was, as the Brits say, gobsmacked again. His response to Danny tweaking his system based on a response curve, sort of deer in the headlights. The way he talks about systems and listening..he strikes me as more a (somewhat skilled) casual observer of what he’s seeing/hearing than someone who’s inside the industry for a living to some extent, or entirely..I don’t know the guy. Jay seems like a nice guy and no doubt would be fun to have a beer with, but, having only seen him on the 2 videos, I would never guess that he runs a youtube channel reviewing ultra high end audio equipment. Presumably, high end companies are putting trust in this guy’s opinions enough to send him equipment. They must value his insights and yet, to me, he seemed uncomfortable on camera discussing audio topics. Odd. As for his thoughts on Danny’s system, It didn’t appear that he knew what to say. I would have expected some sort of critical, technical assessment. He didn’t say much of anything. Only guessing on my part, but, after living the equipment world he’s in, perhaps he was lost for words that an entire system could be assembled and sound (very) good for the cost of, say, a $15K turntable. Jay struck me as a decent guy..I’ll have to look at a few of his past videos. I’ve been on the planet for quite a few decades now and have met many people, from billionaires to street people, over the years. Maybe I’m missing something. |
@nogaps, as fas as I know Jay purchases all of the gear he discusses, no one sends him equipment to review. You are correct that he is not a techno, he worked in HR for some company prior to leaving that job for full-time doing his current thing. His opinions (and he is clear that this is what he offers) are based on his prior experience owning a lot of equipment and his listening to that equipment. He has a lot of equipment/experience, but in the end its his opinions based on his experience that he offers. |
Interesting. He must go through a fair amount of equipment to support a channel. I'll have to take a look. HR, given the size of the guy, that's sort of humorous. I can see a new employee during orientation.. Jay: "..and that's pretty much how we do things around here.." New Employee: "...(gulp)..ah, OK.."
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From my limited understanding of his business model he bought most gear and received some discounts. Although I’m told he received bigger discounts than most of "normal" audiogoners. He then sold off the equipment after listening/reviewing the gear and made some nice profits along the way. I bet now he opens a true hi-end store but he will work out of his home, as most have theorized, in Texas. Time will tell. |
Sometime ago along the way when he was here on A'gon, we exchanged some nasty words with each other...maybe some of you remember. At one point, we became cordial, and he showed interest in going into business with me, as at that time, he finally showed me some respect. As I was not interested based on our listening differences, he listened to the gear, and I, listened to the music. We spoke on the phone discussing his future, and I wished him luck with much success. I continue to wish him success, as his mission was exactly what the outcome has been. I have not followed him with his YT thing, but admittedly, he has made a name for himself with the ultra-high end. I give him credit, as his hard work and dedication has paid off, for not just him, but his family as well. MrD. |
