The World’s Number One Audiophile?
December 10th, 2007 — By Robert HarleyWe didn’t stay to listen; there was more to see. Unfortunately, I didn’t take detailed notes of all the sources and electronics in each room; it went by so quickly and cataloging everything would have been a major job. Nonetheless, I didn’t see any gear that was anything less than first-rate.
We took the elevator up a couple of floors to find another system based on the JM Lab Grand Utopia driven by the massive Mark Levinson monoblocks.
As with most of the rooms, this one featured two turntables, one fitted with multiple arms and cartridges. All the turntables in Mr. Li’s house were spinning and ready for action. We didn’t stop to listen to this system; it just happened to be on our way to another huge room, this one featuring the MartinLogan Statement loudspeaker.
The Statement is a massive four-piece electrostatic-dynamic hybrid system about eight-feet tall with similarly sized dynamic woofer columns. It represented MartinLogan’s best effort, and cost, if I remember correctly, about $85,000.
This room also had video projection and multichannel capability. Electronics included a Mark Levinson No.40 Media Controller ($30k). The LFE channel was reproduced by a pair of Wilson WATCH Dog subwoofers. Again, the sound was spectacularly great; effortless dynamics, huge soundstage, and tremendous bass extension and power.
Lots of money does not make for an audiophile. Speaker placement is completely wrong on several of the systems pictured, including having cabinets stacked in front of each other, or staggered to the side while in front - making for some horrific reflection patterns, as well as having cabinets waaay too far away from side or back walls.
Cabling jobs look horrible - poor component placement to where you need to step over some equipment to get to others when it would have made more sense to lay it side-by-side, or stack it vertically.
Impressive collection of equipment and music for sure - but not an impressive presentation of it, and doubtful it sounds half as good as it would if it were properly placed in the rooms and without obstructions directly in the path to the listener.
Also noticed not a single Klipsch cabinet anywhere in the place… so “ultimate audiophile” clearly does not apply.
Comment by John December 11th, 2007 @ 11:51 amIt is cool to see all these systems, but I wonder if RH got some idea of the obvious question: “Why?”
Comment by Tom December 11th, 2007 @ 6:43 pmwhy ask ‘why’? people have different hobbies, collecting stamps, sea shells, cards, autographed this and that, this guy happens to collect audio gear and records, if he enjoys doing so, can afford doing it, while noone is in harm’s way, what’s wrong with that?
Comment by Raymond December 11th, 2007 @ 10:12 pmIn response to Tom’s comment:
The obvious answer: why not?
Because he can. Because he wants to.
Comment by Gregor December 11th, 2007 @ 11:10 pmare you jelous? if the guy enjoys and knowing each system, why not?
Comment by ps December 12th, 2007 @ 3:59 amvery good but not as good as this:
http://www.royaldevice.com/custom.htm
Comment by marlon December 12th, 2007 @ 9:47 am“WHY” is the obvious question, but you can easily find the answer - dialectical materialism. It is a common illness in growing China economy.
I think the title could be re-worded as : the world’s number one audiophile equipment collector”.
I believed that many experienced audiophile equipment reviewers including RH have listened most or all of Mr. Li’s systems. However, these reviewers did not have to own those systems in their home, not because they did not have money to own them. It is because their professionals are not audiophile equipment collectors.
Audiophile should not be equal to audiophile equipment collector.
Comment by Sidney Tam December 12th, 2007 @ 10:11 amwhile am sure he is a nice man n has even created the club for many to enjoy a top end music reproduction, even his house is open to visitors to enjoy his music that ammount of money
spend by any man/woman when millions die every year from starvation? how “right” is that?
well to me is not far short of immoral i am sure many other people with his money n possition wouldn’t even look a ordinary people is still no excuse when that kind of money could build and run an orphanage or two in china where so many kids specially little baby girls are not wanted by their families cause they can’t feed them, and they prefer boys instead
come on Mr Li pls sir build an orphanage for them poor unwanted kids and if u want a maintenace man n i’ll valenteer,
chinese children are the best behaved kids on earth give them a chance,
Regards Takis
Comment by Takis Sozou December 12th, 2007 @ 12:34 pmTakis :
Comment by carlos V December 12th, 2007 @ 7:54 pmHow do you know Mr. Li has not build an orphage, help to charity ,donate to a hospital, pay good salaries to his employees, promote the arts etc…
Its unfair of yourself to put him in a position “not far short of inmoral”. many wealthy people from aroud the globe have excentric hobbies but that does not mean they are selfish.
guys, give the man a break, its his hobby…let us not mix it w/ any moral issues of today.
let’s just enjoy and have fun for a moment here.
Comment by Maverick December 12th, 2007 @ 8:35 pmIt is funny when you see the amount of negative feedbacks about Mr Li. Nobody said anything when you buy million dollar picasso paintings. What can you do with them?What about those people who amassed the fleets of cars?Huge homes that you need bicyclesto navigate insides?
The fact of the matter is Mr li is a music lover in the truest sense.As we all know The music that comes from those i pods and the one that comes from systems like Mr li”s are in different universe
There are too many orphanages in the world already, and the fact that some people cant eat got nothing to do with people like Mr Li ,but due to people like GW Bush and The Japanese Goverments Hypocritical Stance
I admire your passions Mr Li and for sharing the joy of music with everyone. MR LI I salute you….
AFZAL
Comment by afzal December 12th, 2007 @ 9:27 pmWho says that mr. Li only spends money on his equipment. For all we know he could run 20 orphanages. Anyway, a comment like that is shortsighted and narrowminded. The money spend on all that gear benefitted a lot of small audio companies and countless musicians. Why don’t they donate the money they earn to charity? Just because a person decides to spend money on his passion doesn’t make him a bad person.
Comment by Singapura December 13th, 2007 @ 5:51 amNice colection, do you think to give some of your systems, someone who dont have anything?
Comment by Tuvok December 13th, 2007 @ 6:40 amIts a christmas time !
You guys should be ashamed, why are you even taking the time to read this bloody article if your not interested? You sit there and critize him when you A. Clearly don’t know the guy for beans. B. Aren’t “curing world hunger on your own” and C. Claim he can’t be an audiophile because he doesnt seem to like the corny, sorry horny sound of “Klipsch”
Comment by Justin December 13th, 2007 @ 10:05 amSuch WEAK A$$ comments basically just to $hit in the guys cornflakes.
Amazing systems, just stunning. I only dream to be able to own 1 system remotely close to something Mr. Li houses. The one obvious question I haven’t heard and is the ONLY obvious question in my mind is, WHERE DOES THIS GUY LIVE!!??? lol. I clearly must have missed it somewhere in the article, but i think i might know where i shall plan my next vacation
Wow… that’s impressive… yes, the house and club full of gear, new and old, is very impressive, but more impressive is the instant backlash based on one review and a few pictures that this man can’t possibly be an audiophile for one reason or another. Wow. Ever hear of the golden rule, John? I’d be willing to bet you’re not perfect either, and it amazes me how someone can be so quick to judge based on a couple of pictures. Just say, “good job, nice collection” and be done. That kind of senseless judgemental negativity always gets me on a soapbox and only shows you to be a jealous individual that is also known as “the topper” or “one-upper” if not said to your face then behind your back… sorry everyone.
As far as the collection goes, that’s wonderful that he has the money and passion to pursue what he enjoys to an extent beyond what most ever could. It’s excellent that he wants to share his passion as well. Awesome article as well. I could easily have read so many more pages and looked at endless pictures of this place.
Comment by Barclay December 13th, 2007 @ 10:28 amIt is very obviously, that is a second hand shop.
Comment by SGPhifi December 13th, 2007 @ 1:18 pmI’m debating whether to show these pictures to my wife. On the one hand, I’d like to show her that my approach to this hobby is comparatively under control. On the other, it may only serve to stimulate her fear of what I might do if I had more money to sink into this hobby.
Comment by Jim Hannon December 13th, 2007 @ 1:19 pmAs has been stated,if he enjoys it, and harms no one, have at it and enjoy. Takis how do you know what his charitable endeavors are? We can’t make assumptions (take your hands out of his pocket anyway) can we?
Comment by Kevin December 13th, 2007 @ 5:42 pmWow!!! Won’t mind being in his shoes but then again maybe not. Less is more.
Comment by yellowpaper December 14th, 2007 @ 2:52 ami believe the first room is his collection room, which he kept in glass cabinet( might be due to sentimental reason or rare pcs).
he must have liked what he listened to or have the mentality of “i could afford so i must have” what most of us could only read or listen in showrooms, anyway it’s his money, why not enjoy it the way he sees fit.
we do not know how much or if he donated any of his money (i don’t have to tell how much i donate do i?) and for we all know he feeds those homeless people or suppy them blankets??
for what my dream system are u have it all.. anyway it’s nice that u have ur own club and everyone’s welcome.
regards;
Comment by kray December 14th, 2007 @ 5:58 amkray
It is a pity some of the people to posted comments did not bother to read the article first. There are plenty of rich people in the world who spend their money on dozens of exotic cars, expensive furnishings, fancy houses, etc. One Chinaman spends his money on music reproduction and is generous enough to share his pleasure in the hobby with others, and some tossers want to moralise and bring him down.
John, Tom, Sidney and Takis, you are all lesser than Mr Li. Mr Li is quite rightly proud of his set up. I am happy for him.
Comment by Peter December 14th, 2007 @ 8:20 amI like the fact that he is prepared to share his passion with anyone who wants to walk in off the street.
Comment by john December 16th, 2007 @ 7:05 amAs for the ones complaining about his indulgence i bet if you had the money you would not donate it to charity and who is to say that he doesnt anyway.
Surely he must be a dealer?
Comment by Yorrpo December 18th, 2007 @ 8:06 pmWe need more people like him to correct the trade imbalance China has with the rest of the world. Way to go Mr. Li!!
I could suggest a few more equipments to add to his list but he probably already have them in his radar.
Comment by Julius December 19th, 2007 @ 5:56 pmIncredible!
Lots of sour grapes here also unfortunately.
Comment by templeboy December 20th, 2007 @ 9:10 amWhat impresses me most is that Mr Li can actually find a record or CD when he wants to listen to it. That implies that his collection is not merely for show.
In the world of collectors there are specialists and completists. Mr Li is obviously a completist. IMHO it’s impossible not to respect his dedication and ardor.
Bravo!
Comment by Steven Stone December 20th, 2007 @ 5:30 pmI agree with Templeboy. Very disappointed with some of the comments. The man is driven by one thing… and that’s the love of music. Who the HELL cares if the speakers are not in properly placed??! Take it for what it is…a HOBBY.
Comment by Tony G December 21st, 2007 @ 11:32 amI would like to know about tubes amplifiers and preamplifiers , impressing equipments and more fantastic the cds and vinils colections, but I saw only solid state gear, why not tubes also ?
Comment by George Magalhães December 22nd, 2007 @ 6:22 pmcongratulation to Mr.Li, in the future will be one great place to research music.
I was looking for Tannoys — maybe one of the first photos?
John, a lack of Klipsch cabs is consistent with the selection in general.
Comment by tubino December 22nd, 2007 @ 9:53 pmAs a dear friend has said to me…impossible to listen to all or even part of this archive But it’s good to see his collection includes music as well as gear. Im impressed. Good for him!
Comment by Randall Luttgens December 22nd, 2007 @ 9:59 pmDo you know what the proper way to drink single malt scotch is?
The answer…
Any way you like!
My compliments to you Mr. Li. I hope you enjoy your systems.
Comment by Weiser B December 23rd, 2007 @ 8:39 ami think with all of mr.li’s fastastic (though flawed) set ups a man of his ambition ought to be able to also solve at least a few of the worlds ( or even just his own country’s) problems….
really … thanks for bringing his piece of utopia to us.
Comment by paul December 24th, 2007 @ 6:39 ami have vicariously enjoyed it…
p.s -i like harley.
regards
The systems were nice but I could not help but notice that hardly any of them were set up properly. The speaker placement in reference to the sitting positions on the photos baffled me. To purchase high end equipment and then set it up so wrong in the rooms is simular to buying a Lamborghini and only sitting in your garage with the engine running. One would think the owners would understand, or at least have been told, how to set up their systems properly in their respective listening rooms. Especially with the large costs invested to have great sound…
Comment by Richard H December 24th, 2007 @ 10:52 amI think it’s great he is into this as much as he is. I want to talk to him about a pair of Beveridge speakers. Please have him contact me. Don’t think it will happen but never hurts to ask.
Comment by Steve Davis December 24th, 2007 @ 2:52 pmThat LUCKY BAH-STID!!!!!What would my Daoist monk son-in-law serving/living in Dali say/think??
Comment by len December 27th, 2007 @ 12:55 pmRichard, how do you know what is proper for his room. It all depends on his enviroment. For all we know he could have had a ton of work done on the room to help with the best possible layout for all of the equipment.
Also, there is not some golden rulebook that says you have to place speakers here, etc.. It’s all based on the enviroment and the listener. What sounds good to you, may not sound good to me.
Then again, it’s always fun to judge off of a few pictures.
Comment by Chris December 27th, 2007 @ 2:29 pm1. take a look at the parents of the kids that are in the orphanage. Stop having kids.
2. Buy all of the stereo equipment you want. you have earned it.
Comment by Blog December 27th, 2007 @ 5:06 pmthe audiophile part is a front, he is prolly growing dope and when the po po ask why his power bill is so high he shows them his speakers and they go away
Comment by Dustin December 30th, 2007 @ 12:12 amKlipsch? Too funny. I can’t be the only one that busted out laughing when I read that.
Comment by Butch December 30th, 2007 @ 9:30 amPS, audiophile means: lover of audio
Comment by Butch December 30th, 2007 @ 9:35 amMr. Li sure makes me jealous! Wonderful gear and so, so much music! Bravo article
Comment by Donald January 5th, 2008 @ 4:03 amForget about the equipments, I will take the records.
Comment by Tutly January 5th, 2008 @ 2:24 pmBravo Mr Li.
By the way, the tannoys on the first picture are very very rare Guy R. Fountain Autographs, the corner cabinets with Tannoy Reds I think. They are so rare and so many people want them. You’d be lucky to get them for 25k.
With reference to Jim Hannon’s comment; Jim you made me laugh. My trouble and strife is just the same. She frequently tells me I never stop collecting audio junk. Levinson, Audio Research,
Comment by O'Shag January 7th, 2008 @ 12:44 amSpectron, transparent, KEF, Musical Fidelity etc. Junk? You’re right. Perhaps I should show her this audiophile’s system, and she’ll think I’m a saint. On the other hand you are also right that she may think I have aspirations to build such a collection of systems. By the way, to those who are negative - get a life! Can’t you get over the fact that the guy is just doing what he likes. Just because you are jealous doesn’t mean you should trash him. And the bit about orphanages and ‘feed the world’…PUULEESE, GET A LIFE!!
Mr. Li, very nice! I would venture to say that your systems would make most of ours sound somewhat inferior. as far as speaker placement…if it sounds great to you then that’s all that matters (is that’s ok with you john?). my personal favorite is the Cardas golden ratio but, that’s me. And Klipsch? Good speakers (certain models) but, I wouldn’t sell my Legacy’s for a pair. I’ve never been that impressed with Klipsch. Bravo, Mr. Li
Comment by O'Brien January 8th, 2008 @ 4:49 pmMr. Li, does have a nice arrangement of equipment. I just wonder what Dick Diamond has at his home. Anyone have any ideas?
Comment by Jarrett February 12th, 2008 @ 8:42 amSome of these comments are disturbing to me.
Comment by JustinM February 13th, 2008 @ 7:04 pmIf you have lots of money world’s best audio equipment is just “peanuts”. Like Ferrari’s and Bentley’s. You go to an high end audio shop and you just say to the owner: I would like to have this full MBL system and I want to have it right now! No problem Sir, no problem at all…
Chris
Comment by Chris February 23rd, 2008 @ 9:09 amthis guy is sick
Comment by marko March 15th, 2008 @ 5:20 pmI can relate.Sick? well maybe but a life without any passion is arguably not worth living at all.Is he happier than you-maybe,maybe not.But I think you are more happy with yourself,which is different than being happy.—The ultimate goal of being an audiophile is to not need to listen to music ever again—think about it.Life is about learning,not being.A rock can be,only a human can think.
Comment by music March 20th, 2008 @ 1:04 amTakis,
If you think his hobby is just short of being immoral, why don’t you donate all your posessions to the poor before you judge him?
It simply absurd to regarding Mr.Li as an unethical person just because he has such a nice collection.
John:
Comment by joeb March 20th, 2008 @ 2:24 amKlipsch?
LOL
If not any people like him,how the top-end music equipment can be out?
Comment by Hank Tang May 15th, 2008 @ 2:35 am