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the ecoustics podcast

Black Circle Studios

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Passionate about music, movies, HiFi audio, headphones and home theater, eCoustics has been covering the A/V industry since 1999. Join our diverse cast of journalists, audiophiles, industry experts and special guests for always spirited, sometimes controversial discussions about the latest news, happenings and trends in the audio, video and music industries. Whether you're listening through stereo loudspeakers with a vintage tube amp, rocking a multi-channel home theater, on-the-go with wire ...
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Neil Rosen and Bill McCuddy love to disagree about what they see in pop culture and they see hundreds of movies every year, so there's plenty for them to yell about. The New York based duo are seen nationally on Time Warner Cable's weekly series "Talking Pictures On Demand". They're joined each week Entertainment Correspondent for CBS Radio News Bill Bregoli. These guys hobnob at movie premieres, parties and industry panels. They'll recommend the movies you can watch right away at home as th ...
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For the last 18 years the vinyl record industry in the U.S. has sustained a continuous uptick in sales. So when a report last month by Luminate, the leading music industry source for tracking music consumption, indicated a precipitous 33% drop during the first half of 2024, it caused quite a stir. Since then, Luminate has retracted its original rep…
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Boutique electronics manufacturer LTA (Linear Tube Audio) offers cutting edge vacuum tube-based HiFi components designed in partnership with the legendary amp designer David Berning. Our Producer Mitch Anderson chats with LTA's Sales and Marketing Manager Nicholas Tolson about the company's new Aero DAC and Velo Headphone Amplifier, which LTA has b…
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Daylight Savings Time is coming to an end and darkness will be upon us even sooner. But that's OK since there are lots of movies and shows to watch.We start with "Woman of the Hour." It's the directorial debut of Anna Kendrick who also stars in the film as Sheryl Bradshaw, a single woman looking for a suitor on a hit 1970s TV show, chooses charming…
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While TV picture quality continues to improve, TV sound quality is still pretty terrible, maybe even worse than it used to be. What's a poor movie and music lover to do? Will a cheap soundbar do the trick or is it really necessary to bite the bullet and go with a component-based sound system? Maybe something in between? Listen in as eCoustics found…
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Summer's creature features and superheroes have faded away and now it's time for the award show bait to show up. We start with "Conclave" which stars Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini (wow!). Ralph stars as Cardinal Lawrence, who is tasked with leading one of the world's most secretive and ancient events, selecting …
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There’s no denying that movie theater attendance and revenues still haven’t recovered from the pandemic. In fact, 2024 looks like it may end significantly weaker than 2023 for box office revenue. With inexpensive 98-inch TVs, great sounding home theater systems and soundbars, is there even a future for the movie theater? And if so, what does that l…
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It's officially Fall now. And like your neighbor's zucchinis, we have lots of movies. Some big, some small. First up we've got "Wolfs." It's about two rival fixers who cross paths when they're both called in to help cover up a prominent New York official's misstep. Oh, George Clooney and Brad Pitt are in it. Then there's "My Old Ass." It's a comong…
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Every year since 2004, the top TVs compete for the title of “King of TV” in the Value Electronics TV Shootout. This year, Sony won both the OLED and MiniLED competitions. Our Editor-at-Large Chris Boylan has covered the event in person since 2011. Here's how this year’s Shootout went down. Find out who won, what it revealed, and ultimately what mat…
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Every year, CEDIA Expo showcases the very best architectural and outdoor audio and video solutions for homes, yachts, and more. Our Editor-at-Large, Chris Boylan and Sr. News Correspondent, Robert Silva fervently experienced all the show had to offer over three days (Sept 4-7), which varied from relatively affordable to million dollar home theater …
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If you've been going to movies for a few years you;ve probably realized that August is usually the End of Season Clearance Sale at the movies. Horror flicks, lame comedies, really, they should mark these films down. But this year is very different. Not only are pictures making more money this August than a year ago, but they're making more money th…
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Streaming has become the dominant format for both music listening and video viewing. Music streaming services account for 84% of all music listening and 89% of music industry revenue. Video streaming services account for approximately 95% of the home video market. Fully 99% of US households subscribe to one or more video streaming services as of 20…
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While speaker company SVS is known for their bargain-priced high quality Prime Series loudspeakers, the company just launched a new flagship line called the Ultra Evolution. It's actually more of a revolution than an evolution with all new drivers, new crossovers and a completely new industrial design. With diamond-coated tweeters and an angled cab…
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One thing about staying home in the air conditioning is that you wind up seeing a lot of commercials. And boy have they been advertising our first movie, "Fly Me to the Moon." It stars (in case you've been asleep or in a coma) Scarlett Johanson and Channing Tatum. They're selling it as a "fake the moon mission" movie but it's more than that...and l…
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Even the calendar says it's officially summer now. And in Hollywood that means it's time for sequels and remakes. And before you say "oh please, no more sequels," keep in mind that one of them - "Inside Out 2" is making money like crazy. So obviously people are coming out to see it even though it's a sequel. And even though the original came out ni…
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In this episode of the eCoustics podcast, Mitch Anderson sits down with Chief Engineer Clint Holley and Senior Mastering Engineer Dave Polster from Well Made Music to discuss the DSD audio format. Well Made Music located in Bristol, Virginia has over 1700 mastering credits to its name on Discogs, and not one, not two, not three, but four Neumann re…
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Summer is pretty much here and so is the season of reconstructing Will Smith's reputation. That's why our first movie is "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" in wwhich Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are back with their iconic mix of edge-of-your seat action and outrageous comedy but this time with a twist: Miami's finest are now on the run. Does somebody get sl…
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Now that all five major TV makers have shown off their 2024 flagship TVs, it's time to talk about which TVs we believe are in the running for best TV of 2024. Will OLED win the day or will it finally be toppled by a Mini LED TV? Ultimately, no TV is perfect for all content in every environment. But the key is to pick the best TV for your specific n…
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So this is the summer movie season, huh? Okay, it seems last year's strikes cut back on how many big "tentpole" (somebody explain that term to me, please) movies or big summer blockbusters. But Hollywood is still putting out some movies they hope will slack our summer movie thirst. First up is "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga." And you probably know that i…
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In this episode we speak with Sven Mevissen, Director of Product Management, Home and Media Solutions, Xperi (parent company to DTS) to discuss the IMAX Enhanced program and the role that DTS:X plays in delivering immersive cinematic sound to home viewers. As of May 15, 2024, Disney+ is the first mainstream streaming service to bring the IMAX Enhan…
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The calender tells us it's still Spring" but in Hollywood Summer is just getting started. That's why our first film is the big budget action film "The Fall Guy" starring Ryan Gosling as a down-and-out stuntman whi must find the missing star of his ex-girlfriend's blockbuster film. Is it too much too soon, or is it not enough? We'll let you know. Th…
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The wireless loudspeaker category has made enormous strides over the past 5 years and there is no question that there are high-end options that offer better sonic performance, superior connectivity options, and greater value for your money than traditional passive loudspeakers. Don't listen to members of the Hi-Fi press who try to tell you that you…
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The good weather is finally here - almost anyway. And that means you won't be didging raindrops on your way to the local cinema. Or, if you're more of a homebody, that you'll have something to watch once you've finished your daily errands. And we've got plenty of options. First there's the very controversial action movie "Civil" War." It stars Kirs…
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Today (April 17, 2024) Sony introduced its new 2024 line of BRAVIA 4K TVs, Soundbars and Theater speakers. Take a deep dive into the product launch with eCoustics Founder, Brian Mitchell and Editor at Large, Chris Boylan who got a hands-on tour of all the new products last month at Sony Pictures Studios in Los Angeles. Sony says, "Cinema is Coming …
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Spring is getting off to a fast start entertainment wise. First we've got "Steve! (Martin): A Documentary In Two Pieces" and if you thought that title was long wait until you watch this Apple TV+ documentary which follows the life and career of actor Steve Martin. And if this whets your appetite for documentaries about comedians we've also got "Rem…
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Are you considering a turntable upgrade in 2024? Before you empty your wallet on a deck that might seem like the right path for you — we have a few suggestions that might make more sense long-term if your budget is between $600 and $2,000. Does it make sense to spend more? We think the market has shifted and there are some outstanding options from …
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The gear fetishism that has stunted the mainstream growth of high-end audio for almost four decades is about to run out of runway and that might be the most positive development in years. How we consume music has completely shifted and whilst there will always be room on the credenza for a turntable, or even a CD player, the reality is that real es…
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Spring has sprung and by now you should be over your seasonal affective disorder and developing allergies instead. And the cure for that is staying indoors and watching stuff. Luckily we've checked out the most recent crop of movies and streaming shows for you. We start with "Arthur the King" which stars Mark Wahlberg as an adventure racer who adop…
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Audeze’s Co-Founder & CEO, Sankar Thiagasamudram, joins eCoustics Senior Headphone & Portables Editor William Jennings and Producer (and Audeze Artist) Mitch Anderson to discuss its 16 year journey as an innovator in the global Head-Fi revolution. Founded in 2008 as a boutique audiophile brand, Audeze's first concept was a loudspeaker which never c…
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Are you suddenly aware of how time is passing? Of course you are! The Oscars are less than a week away and so is Daylight Savings Time. And "Dune Part 2," which was supposed to come out last summer is finally in theaters. Bill McCuddy and Bill Bregoli both saw it and they'll tell you if it's worth spending 2 hours and 46 minutes of your precious ti…
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Can we finally stop pretending that wireless loudspeakers offer an inferior listening experience. The desire to sell high-end audio systems consisting of expensive boxes made of ticky tacky has become an impediment to the growth of the next generation of audiophiles and brands like Q Acoustics are working very hard to offer the best possible passiv…
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Word is that there's a big football game this weekend. In fact, Hollywood is so afraid no one will go to the movies this weekend that they're not putting many new ones in theaters. "Lisa Frankenstein" is sort of a sacrifical lamb. It's directed by Zelda Williams and written by Diablo Cody and it's about about a teenager and her crush, who happens t…
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With consumers spending tens of billions of dollars on headphones and earbuds, the product has become a commodity and one that is rather disposable. But does that need to be the case? Have you thrown away a perfectly good pair of earbuds or headphones because the ear pads or ear tips are worn down or busted up? Dekoni Audio have not only cornered t…
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To quote someone who got canceled - "baby, it's cold outside." Luckily we've been able to sample the latest movies and streaming shows to keep you warm. First there's "Origin" directed by Ava DuVernay. It tells the story of a real life journalist who investigated the unspoken system that has shaped America and chronicles how lives today are defined…
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It's a strange time of year. People have taken down their holiday decorations and tossed their Christmas trees out to the curb. But there are some new movies, and there are some kind of old movies that are getting awards. Let's start with "Mean Girls." It was a new movie 20 years ago but this time they've added some songs and made it into a movie m…
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In our second podcast with Jim Garrett, head of product strategy and planning at Harman Luxury Audio we discuss Arcam’s new product refresh. The British Hi-Fi brand has just introduced the sleek new Radia series of audio components, which consists of five new models: • Arcam A5 Integrated Amp – $699 • Arcam A15 Integrated Amp – $1,099 • Arcam A25 I…
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nIt's that time of year when we look back and figure out if we actually liked any of the movies and shows we saw. Turns out there were a few. Hint: None of them invoved superheroes. But first, we've got some new movies and shows to tell you about and we start with "The Color Purple." First it was a book, then a movie, then it was a Broadway musical…
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In September 2023, vintage columnist Eric Pye (@audioloveyyc) spent three weeks in Japan pursuing audio perfection in all forms. In this episode of the eCoustics podcast, he and podcast producer Mitch Anderson (@black_circle_radio) discuss shopping in Japan for modern and vintage HiFi, and new and used music on vinyl and other mediums. Conversation…
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It's that time of year. You're busy shopping and you haven't had much time to sit down and enjoy a movie or TV show. Plus Hollywood's flood gates are about to open right around Christmas and there will be even more choices to make. Luckily we've got some films worth checking out before they get lost in the Christmas shuffle. First there's "Eileen" …
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In September 2023, vintage columnist Eric Pye (@audioloveyyc) spent three weeks in Japan pursuing audio perfection in all forms. In this episode of the eCoustics podcast, he and podcast producer Mitch Anderson (@black_circle_radio) discuss the history and current state of Jazz Kissa culture, how visiting a Jazz Kissa is such a special experience, a…
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One encounters all sorts of things during the holiday season. Office parties, strange food, strange people. And your entertainment options are just as varied. Luckily we managed to put down our cocktails and watched some stuff to help you figure out just how to spend your precious time. We start with "Poor Things" which starsEmma Stone as Bella Bax…
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With consumers moving away from expensive multi-component systems and looking for more economical and space-spacing alternatives, the question has to be asked -- who is actually offering solutions that are affordable? Bob Hazelwood, Director of Engineering and Product Development, Andover Audio, joins us on the eCoustics podcast to discuss their ra…
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A new generation of music listeners are stepping outside their traditional comfort zones and looking for better ways to enjoy their music collections. But will they find that at a traditional Hi-Fi show? EIC Ian White and Producer Mitch Anderson break down CAF 2023 and why horrible music, unaffordable systems, and an aging customer base do not port…
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Looking for a 4K UST projector or a portable lifestyle projector for your home? At the 2023 Laser TV Showdown, six unbiased expert judges took a look at the top UST projectors and the top portable 4K projectors (aka lifestyle projectors) and picked the winners in each category. Join us for a discussion with the organizers of the event as they revea…
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Chances are you've got a lot on your plate (metaphorically speaking) this week and you don't have time to figure out what to watch after the big meal is over. Luckily we've predigested all sorts of entertainment options for you. We start with a big one - "Napoleon" Ridley Scott's epic that details the checkered rise and fall of French Emperor Napol…
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2023 was a year of discovery for all of us. New music. Some strange audio discoveries that have panned out beyond our wildest dreams. It was also a year where some of us stretched their budget and looked beyond what we thought we needed after exposure to some of the best Hi-Fi and home theater systems currently available. Does anyone really need 24…
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Okay folks. Here come the serious movies! Maybe you'd prefer another "Barbie" but now we've got the "buzz worthy" award-bait movies. It happens this time of year and there's no avoiding it. Still, if you listen to us at least you'll know which of these films are worth your time. We start with "Nyad" which is based on the true story of athlete Diana…
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Have you ever wondered why music changes the way your brain deals with pain, love, or anxiety? Is it possible to use music to diagnose the early onset of Dementia or Alzheimer's disease? Leading Israeli Scientist, Dr. Neta Maimon, joins this episode's host, editor-in-chief Ian White, on the eCoustics podcast from Netanya, Israel, to discuss how the…
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In this episode, eCoustics Senior Headphone Editor, W. Jennings speaks with Tal Kocen (Vice President, Consumer Product) and Dave Friesema (Technical Director/General Manager) of Westone Audio about the company’s wide range of custom and universal fit IEM products. Westone has been making earphones and audio accessories for musicians and audiophile…
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Now that everyone on the planet has seen "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" it's time to sample of of the new movies coming out. We've got quite a varied sample to tell you about. We start with "Flora & Son" starring Eve Hewson and Joseph Gordon-Levitt and it follows Flora, a single mom who is at war with her son, Max. Trying to find a hobby for Max, she r…
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eCoustics Senior Headphone Editor W. Jennings recently sat down with Vincent Liu, Ultimate Ears Pro’s Head of Product & Operations for a conversation about the new Premier 21-driver IEM. This discussion touches on the impacts of the pandemic on Ultimate Ears Pro and how that provided opportunities to rethink some design elements of existing models …
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