Thoughts about the "Cheapaudioman" on YouTube

I’ve seen some of his videos.

If you’ve never heard, nor owned quality equipment, or are just starting your audio journey, he’s worth a watch.

Unfortunately, I’m sort of "way beyond" most of the garbage he seems to peddle/advocate/review. (I’m not trying to sound snobby, but when he tells me that a hybrid tube amp for $139 off of AliExpress is the best thing since sliced bread, well.....I can pretty much guarantee you it’s not.)

Most of my cables cost more than the equipment/gear he reviews.

IOW, I don’t really find his advice useful, (nor very accurate).

How can you evaluate cheap components without the context of valuable components? This cheap component is better than this cheap component isn’t really much of a comparison. At the end of the day if a component isn’t competitively priced it won’t sell and will fall by the wayside. If I were to step into that arena I would have to define cheap and match the brand that way. The "less than $100 audioman" or $1000 or whatever. Check the EISA awards, they call it "best value" and contrast it with "high end":

https://eisa.eu/awards/hi-fi/

I see cheapaudioman as an audio reviewer for the blue collar guy, maybe the average audiophile. There are plenty of reviewers for the white collar guy (who has a bigger cash wad to spend). And of course the ridiculous reviewers who rate $20k cables. I say to each his own.... and just enjoy the gear and the music.

Sounds like maybe he is just trying to help the everyday man get better sound.... not undermining "audiophiles"?

I would assert you do NOT have to be an audiophile these days to get top notch sound. Future Fi gear like all-in-ones solve most all of the system building problems for people. Then its just the usual things, tweaking the sound in the room, choosing speakers, etc. to one's personal taste. Most people are not in the hifi olympics looking to win gold medals at any cost.

I’ll take a look if I get a chance and see.

@mr_m having seen the material, what is your assessment?

I enjoy watching Randy's videos for stuff of interest - I like his personality. Although it's kinda silly that he is not allowed to pronounce the name 'Schitt' as it should be.