Best THE HI FI SOUND NETWORK Podcasts (2024)

1
Pro Audio Technology’s Paul Hales: Putting Theory into Practice - Origins | Marrying Hi-Fi and Professional 1:15:04

8d ago1:15:04

1:15:04

This week, host Jorden Guth is joined by Pro Audio Technology owner/president L. Paul Hales to discuss his history in audio, how audio research has guided the development of his speakers over the years, what really matters in audio and what doesn’t, and why most consumer speakers fall short in one significant way. Sources: “Theory Audio Design Sys5…

1
All About Vinyl - Earliest Experience | Cartridges | Accuracy | Belt vs. Direct Drive | Psychology 1:08:36

13d ago1:08:36

1:08:36

This week, host Jorden Guth is joined by the SoundStage! Network’s Joseph Taylor, Jason Thorpe, and Dennis Burger to discuss records and turntables, from the perspective of two old pros and one recent convert to the format. Sources: “A Vinyl-Apathist’s Quest for His Perfect First Turntable” by Dennis Burger: https://soundstageaccess.com/index.php/f…

1
All I Want to Do is Listen! Why is Streaming Audio So Complicated? 52:31

18d ago52:31

52:31

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…

1
Simaudio & the Art of Local Manufacturing - Origins | Nimbleness | Repairability 53:39

11d ago53:39

53:39

This week, host Jorden Guth is joined once again by Simaudio product director Dominique Poupart and marketing director Étienne Gautier to discuss how making its products locally affects the quality of the components, their serviceable life, rolling changes to production, and adapting to tough times like global pandemics. Sources: North Collection: …

1
SVS Ultra Evolution Speakers - The Audiophile Bargain of 2024? 1:00:40

21d ago1:00:40

1:00:40

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…

1
Dr. Floyd Toole: An Oral History 2 - A/B Tests | Bass | Athena | Brains, Rooms, Hearing and Listening 1:19:12

25d ago1:19:12

1:19:12

This week, host Jorden Guth continues his conversation with Dr. Floyd Toole, exploring the origins of the Athena project at Canada’s NRC, the reasons for and details of his move to Harman International, some of the most misunderstood aspects of his research, the origins of his legendary book Sound Reproduction: The Acoustics and Psychoacoustics of …

1
Dr. Floyd Toole: An Oral History 1 - Two Ears and a Brain | Transistors | Rules and Data 56:55

1M ago56:55

56:55

This week, host Jorden Guth is joined by the loudspeaker legend himself, Dr. Floyd Toole, whose research at Canada’s National Research Council (NRC), followed by his tenure at Harman International, resulted in arguably more improvements to the fidelity of audio we hear at home than anything attributable to any one person. In this first of our two-p…

1
Sound Researcher Dr. Sean Olive - Tonmeister | NRC, Harman, and Floyd Toole | Target Curves 52:44

3M ago52:44

52:44

This week, host Jorden Guth is joined by Dr. Sean Olive, senior fellow at Harman International, to discuss his time at NRC with Dr. Floyd Toole, his move from there to Harman, the development of the Harman target curves for headphones and earphones, and his thoughts on the future of immersive audio and more. Sources: Dr. Sean Olive on 35 Years of “…

1
From DSD to Analog Tape, Well Made Music Talks Formats from a Mastering Perspective 57:18

3M ago57:18

57:18

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…

1
Munich High End 2024 Retrospective - About the Show | The Vibe | 2024 Favorites 51:12

3M ago51:12

51:12

This week, host Jorden Guth is joined by SoundStage’s Doug Schneider, Jason Thorpe, and Matt Bonaccio to discuss the biggest audio show in the world, what’s new, what’s different, and what were their favorite sights and sounds this time around. Sources: Coverage of High End 2024 - Munich, Germany: https://soundstageglobal.com/index.php/shows-events…

1
No TV is Perfect, Which One is Perfect for You? With Caleb Denison of Digital Trends 55:26

3M ago55:26

55:26

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…

1
IMAX In Your Living Room? DTS:X Sound on Disney+ with IMAX Enhanced (a Deep Dive) 56:02

3M ago56:02

56:02

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…

1
The History of Bryston According to CEO James Tanner - Medical Origin | Expanding Products | To Present Day 57:36

3M ago57:36

57:36

This week, host Jorden Guth is joined by James Tanner, CEO of Bryston Ltd., to discuss the company’s origins in the medical industry, the design of its original amplifiers, how the company has evolved over time, and how he eventually joined forces with Axiom Audio’s Ian Colquhoun. Sources: “Canadian Hi-Fi Trilogy: Axiom Audio, Bryston, and Magnum D…

1
Sound Engineer/Educator Marcela Rada on Immersive Audio - Education | Experimentation | Mix Maxing 49:00

3M ago49:00

49:00

This week, host Jorden Guth is joined by sound engineer, educator, and content developer Marcela Rada to discuss her obsession with sound, her personal history, how she became involved with the recording industry, and what’s different about mixing for immersive formats like Dolby Atmos. Sources: Marcela Rada: https://marcelarada.com/ “Audiophile At…

1
Can We Finally Admit that Wireless Loudspeakers Don't Suck? 46:32

4M ago46:32

46:32

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…

1
Axiom Audio’s Ian Colquhoun and NRC - Origin | Dr. Floyd Toole | Music Types | Twin Tweeters | Measurements 1:11:36

4M ago1:11:36

1:11:36

This week, host Jorden Guth is joined by Ian Colquhoun, founder of Axiom Audio and now also the owner of Bryston and Magnum Dynalab, to discuss the origins of the company, its connection with the National Research Council, his own relationship with Dr. Floyd Toole, and how the company’s speakers evolved after the legendary NRC research wound down. …

1
Sony is Bringing the Cinema Home with new 2024 BRAVIA 4K TVs and Soundbars 37:01

5M ago37:01

37:01

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 …

1
Dr. Peter Schuck: Room-Correction Pioneer (Part 2) - Anthem Room Correction | FIR and IIR Filters | In-Room Response 42:50

4M ago42:50

42:50

This week, host Jorden Guth continues his conversation with Dr. Peter Schuck, technical director at Paradigm Electronics Inc. The two cover the birth of Anthem Room Correction, the pros and cons of IIR and FIR filters, side quests, diversions, why flat in-room response isn’t actually the goal, and how ARC has evolved in response to market pressures…

1
Rotate This? The Best Audiophile Turntables Between $600 and $2,000 33:03

5M ago33:03

33:03

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 …

1
Dr. Peter Schuck: Room-Correction Pioneer (Part 1) - Education | NRC | DSP | Athena Project 53:42

5M ago53:42

53:42

This week, host Jorden Guth is joined by Dr. Peter Schuck, technical director at Paradigm Electronics Inc., to discuss his history in hi-fi, how he ended up at the NRC, how his work with Dr. Floyd Toole evolved into the pioneering Athena project, and exactly what sorts of tests he and others constructed and conducted to determine listener preferenc…

1
The Last Days of Gear Fetishism? How Network Amplifiers Are Going to Change Hi-Fi Forever 40:29

6M ago40:29

40:29

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…

1
Tax Scam Record Labels (Episode 98) 2:46:41

6M ago2:46:41

2:46:41

Today, we look at the albums and labels that were born to lose money. The artifacts of music industry mischief and copyright chicanery. So, go ahead and file an extension on your common sense. Declare the next hour or three a total loss and adjust your gross. Put your dependents to bed and audit yourself for a stiff drink. This is going to get taxi…

1
PSB's Paul Barton (Part 2) - Measurements | Diffraction | Waveguides | Diminishing Returns 43:58

5M ago43:58

43:58

This week, host Jorden Guth continues his conversation with Paul Barton, founder of PSB Speakers. If you haven’t listened to season 3, episode 1 yet, do check that out first! In this second half of their conversation, the two discuss how the research at NRC contributed to the evolution of PSB speakers. Along the way, Paul gives the most cogent expl…

1
Sankar's Audeze: How a Boutique High-End Headphone Brand Sparked a Revolution in Sound and May Have Changed the Gaming Experience Forever 45:29

6M ago45:29

45:29

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…

1
PSB's Paul Barton (Part 1) - Music and Violins | Starting Making Speakers | Dr. Floyd Toole and NRC 32:02

5M ago32:02

32:02

Welcome to season 3! This week, host Jorden Guth sits down with Paul Barton, founder of PSB Speakers, to discuss his personal history, his love of music, his passion for violin, and the origin story of PSB Speakers—all as a lead-in to a discussion about his time at the NRC doing research with Dr. Floyd Toole. Sources: PSB Speakers: https://www.psbs…

1
Selling Emotions: Conradin Amft on T+A's History and Future - Then to Now | Hi-Fi Tomorrow 38:18

6M ago38:18

38:18

For the final episode of season 2 of the SoundStage! Audiophile Podcast, host Jorden Guth is joined by T+A COO Condradin Amft to discuss the company’s history and heritage, its entry into the headphone market, and how hi-fi will evolve into the future. Sources: “44 Years of T+A—Germany's Hi-Fi Giant in Detail”: https://youtu.be/lzW18SuAJW0?si=SUjQk…

1
Don't Be Nervous. It's Finally Time to Cut the Cord: Q Acoustics' M40 Wireless Micro-Towers Prove that High-End Audio Has Made the Jump 50:13

6M ago50:13

50:13

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…

1
Sonus Faber Suprema Speaker System Deep Dive - Technical Highlights | Trickle-Down Technologies 1:11:01

6M ago1:11:01

1:11:01

When Sonus faber introduced its massive new flagship loudspeaker system, Suprema, at this year’s CES, most of the press responded by asking about the price and finishes and little else. In this episode of the podcast, host Jorden Guth and SoundStage! founder Doug Schneider ask the real (and really tough) questions about the design and technical spe…

1
A Little Extra Padding: How a Little Headphone Accessories Company Has Changed the Way We Listen. 57:30

7M ago57:30

57:30

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…

1
The Tao of the Reviewer - Hi-Fi Reviewers' Systems and Needs | Writing a Hi-Fi Review 55:11

7M ago55:11

55:11

This week, host Jorden Guth is joined by SoundStage! Access editor and producer of the podcast Dennis Burger to discuss his recent article about how reviewers’ reference systems are often necessarily different from the systems they wish they could own. Dennis also gives Jorden some tips on writing a good review. Sources: “The Needs of the Many vers…

1
Arcam Radia, JBL Classic and Roon: Interview with Jim Garrett 55:45

8M ago55:45

55:45

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…

1
2023 SoundStage! Awards - Products of the Year | Outstanding Achievements | Choosing 49:30

7M ago49:30

49:30

This week, host Jorden Guth is joined by SoundStage! founder Doug Schneider and SoundStage! Australia editor Edgar Kramer to discuss their respective 2023 year-end awards. Sources: “The 2023 SoundStage! Network Awards for Outstanding Achievements and Products of the Year” by Doug Schneider: https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/opinion/1843-the-…

1
From Wilson Audio to T+A , then Back - InSight Videos | The Two-Day Rule | The Filming Approach 44:54

8M ago44:54

44:54

This week, host Jorden Guth is joined by SoundStage! founder Doug Schneider to tell the origin story of SoundStage! Network’s InSight video series, how they’ve evolved, and the details of their most recent globetrotting trip to Wilson Audio and T+A. Sources: Muraudio's Domain Omni Series Speaker | SoundStage! InSight: https://youtu.be/VkHQC8pz2H8?s…

1
Non-Human Music, Part 1: Animal Bands (Episode 97) 1:49:27

9M ago1:49:27

1:49:27

Animals and robots might seem like strange bedfellows for rock albums, but once you know what you’re looking for, they are hard to miss. There are hundreds of examples of bands who have piped in animal noises for any number of reasons: to provide atmosphere, as a story-song plot device, just to add some insanity, or possibly even something unseemly…

1
Hi-Fi and Record Shopping in the Land of the Rising Sun 42:38

8M ago42:38

42:38

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…

1
House of the Rising Sun: A Journey to the Japanese Jazz Kissa 41:49

9M ago41:49

41:49

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…

1
Simaudio’s North Collection: The Future of Hi-Fi? - Development | BRM-1 | Reception and Reviews 58:19

9M ago58:19

58:19

This week, host Jorden Guth is joined by Simaudio product director Dominique Poupart and marketing director Étienne Gautier to discuss the company’s new North Collection, how it was developed, what it means for the future of hi-fi, why the remote control is the best in the world, and how the lineup has been embraced by audiophile press and customer…

1
Ace of Space? Andover Audio Has an Affordable and Unique Solution for Your Hi-Fi Budget Blues 45:05

9M ago45:05

45:05

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…

1
Capital Audiofest 2023: Are High-End Audio Manufacturers Living on Borrowed Time? 39:04

9M ago39:04

39:04

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…

1
How SVS Built a Hi-Fi Community - History | Products | Community Building 45:02

9M ago45:02

45:02

This week, host Jorden Guth is joined by SVS president Gary Yacoubian and VP of marketing Nick Brown to discuss the company’s history, its unique approach to hi-fi and home theater, and how it actively engages with its customers. Sources: SVS: https://www.svsound.com/ “The Only True Currency in This Bankrupt World” by Audio Unleashed: https://audio…

1
What Makes a UST Projector the Best? Inside the 2023 Laser TV Showdown 1:07:58

9M ago1:07:58

1:07:58

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…

1
Underwater Music (Episode 96) 2:14:24

10M ago2:14:24

2:14:24

On today’s episode, we’re casting our line out as far as we can to reel in a history of a music style that is as expansive, deep, majestic, and mysterious as the oceans themselves. Be ready for thrills to your gills and grins to your fins! It’s time to get your snorkel and flippers out of storage and your lures and bobbers out of the tackle box and…

1
The Best Hi-Fi Year of Our Lives: eCoustics Roundtable 1:00:40

9M ago1:00:40

1:00:40

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…

1
Audio Video Show 2023 Highlights - Warsaw Vibe | Good and Bad Shows | Bringing Matt | Best and Worst Products 53:15

10M ago53:15

53:15

This week, host Jorden Guth is joined by SoundStage! founder Doug Schneider and SoundStage! Ultra senior editor Jason Thorpe to discuss Warsaw 2023, why it’s such a special show, what it’s like to be there, and what it was like to see it through the eyes of a young audiophile. Sources: SoundStage! coverage of Audio Video Show 2023 - Warsaw, Poland:…

1
It's Another Gourd-jus Halloween Mix (Episode 95) 51:24

10M ago51:24

51:24

We hope to be back with a fresh batch of episodes very soon! Highway Hi-Fi is a proud member of the Pantheon Music Podcast Network - Home of the Finest Music Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ryan & Joe

1
Dan Laufman on the Value of Emotiva - Origin | Hi-Fi Manufacturing | Profits | Ethics 59:41

10M ago59:41

59:41

This week, host Jorden Guth is joined by Emotiva’s Dan Laufman to discuss the origins of his passion for hi-fi, the history of electronics manufacturing in the neoliberal era, how to make an profit in the audio business ethically, the long hard road to revitalizing North American manufacturing capabilities, and the virtues of being inclusive instea…

1
What Exactly Does Music Do To Your Brain? 51:07

10M ago51:07

51:07

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…

1
Can Westone Audio Reclaim Dominance in the IEM Market? 48:50

10M ago48:50

48:50

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…

1
Martijn Mensink On the Magic of Dutch & Dutch - Active Speakers | Cardioid Dispersion | Acoustics 55:21

11M ago55:21

55:21

This week, host Jorden Guth is joined by Martijn Mensink of Dutch & Dutch to discuss how an old clock radio incubated a love of music that developed into a passion for good sound that evolved into a career in speaker design. During the course of the conversation, they explore Martijn’s history of speaker development, the business ventures that prec…

1
House of Sound NYC - McIntosh | Sonus Faber | The Other Brands | New York | Luxury 47:38

11M ago47:38

47:38

This week, host Jorden Guth is joined by David Mascioni, Global Director of Brand Marketing for McIntosh, to discuss the origins of the original World of McIntosh Townhouse in New York City, how it developed, why it closed, and how the concept evolved into the new House of Sound at a new location, with much more representation for the entire McInto…

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