Steve Crutchfield

CEO, Chicago Trading

Search every verified Steve Crutchfield interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. In a March 2024 video on his "Old Guy Hi-Fi" YouTube channel, Steve Crutchfield introduced himself and shared his philosophy on audio and audiophilia. He stated that being an audiophile is defined by enthusiasm for music rather than the cost of equipment, and that "you don't need to spend a lot of money" to have a good system. Crutchfield expressed concern that older enthusiasts may create barriers for younger people, noting that listening on phones with wireless earbuds is not what he considers high-fidelity listening. He also advised that trade shows are poor places to judge sound and recommended buying from retailers with liberal return policies. Crutchfield described his own system, which includes a Cambridge AXR-100 receiver, Schiit components, and Elac speakers, noting that he shopped carefully for B-stock and open-box items to get the sound he wanted without paying full price. He encouraged viewers to focus on music as a way to improve health and lower blood pressure, stating that "the only person that's got to like your system is you."