the ecoustics podcast

Join Chord Electronics’ digital audio consultant Rob Watts as he dives deep into the challenges of reproducing lifelike sound from 16-bit/44.1kHz PCM. From his groundbreaking DAC designs—spanning $650 to $20,000—to why off-the-shelf chips can’t compete, Rob explains how his unique approach goes beyond conventional measurement-based audio engineering. He also previews Chord’s next flagship product, the Quartet M Scaler, which will build on the Hugo M Scaler, and shares his thoughts on DSD, the importance of cables, and hidden sonic factors like RF and power supply issues. Even 45 years after the CD’s debut, there’s still high-resolution audio left to uncover.Thank you to our sponsor SVS for support of our programming! https://www.svsound.comHosted by:Brian Mitchell, Founder & CEOCredits:Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.comVoice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.comProduction by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting: https://www.ecoustics.com#ecoustics #avtrends #dacs #chordelectronics #audioengineering #digitalaudiodesign #digitalaudio #musicstreaming #qobuz #hifi #audiophile #vintageaudio #hometheater #dolbyatmos #headphones #vinylcommunity 

3/16/26 • 87:40

Japan has become the world’s most in demand travel destination since the pandemic, but beyond cherry blossoms, bullet trains, Lawson runs, anime and those dangerously good 7-Eleven egg salad sandwiches, there’s a deeper pull that audiophiles can’t ignore.In this episode of the eCoustics podcast, resident Japanophile Eric Pye (@audioloveyyc) and reluctant future convert Mitch Anderson (@blackcircleradio) go all in on Japan’s cultural gravity and its quiet takeover of audio: the pilgrimage to e-Earphone, late night jazz kissa listening rooms, Technics heritage, Three Blind Mice pressings, JICO styli, portable travel rigs, flying JAL, record hunting in back alleys, and why Japan still treats music as ritual instead of background noise. This isn’t tourism hype it’s immersion, listening culture, and what the rest of us may have forgotten.Links for further information:Japanese Jazz Kissa and the Art of the Piano Trio: Exit to Vintage StreetJazz Kissa Culture Goes Global: Exit to Vintage StreetJazz City online store: Purchase Jazz Kissa magazines and booksTokyo Jazz Joints website@jazz_kissa on InstagramThank you to our sponsor SVS & Shure for supporting this episode!https://www.svsound.comhttps://www.shure.comIn the Episode:Eric Pye, Vintage Audio ColumnistMitch Anderson, ProducerCredits:Original intro music by The Arc of All.Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited.Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios.Keep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Music, Home Theater, and Headphone news by visiting:https://www.ecoustics.com#hifi #audiophile #vintageaudio #jazzkissa #japanesejazz #vinylcommunity #consumerelectronics #podcast #jico #ecousticsd #blackcircleradio #audioloveyyc #instavinyl #vinylcommunity

3/2/26 • 50:06

Vacuum tubes are supposed to be extinct yet here we are in 2026 still arguing swapping and occasionally getting electrocuted. In this episode Mitch Anderson, Eric Pye, and Jeremy Sikora strip the romance out of valves and talk about why they still matter without leaning on lazy audiophile clichés. The discussion cuts through tube rolling reality versus placebo and the ongoing new production versus NOS debate. It also looks at why Ray Tubes are suddenly on everyone’s radar and what Jeremy’s amp building class at the American Wireless Communication Museum teaches you that spec sheets never will.Along the way, we connect the dots between Talk Talk’s obsessive studio craft, Miles Davis with Jimmy Cobb’s unshakable timing, and the Tron soundtrack, while getting very real about tube amp safety; from blown parts to painful zaps, because high voltage does not care how experienced you think you are.Thank you to SVS and Shure for their support of our programming!https://www.svsound.comhttps://www.shure.comCredits:• Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com• Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com• Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comDon't forget to check our website for daily updates on the latest electronics, news, recommendations, and deals on high-end audio, loudspeakers, earphones, TVs, and more.https://www.ecoustics.com#raytubes #vacuumtubes #audiovalves #vinylcommunity #audioloveyyc #budgetaudiophiler #blackcircleradio #ecoustics #hifi #audiophile #hometheater #listeningroom #musicindustry #analogaudio 

2/13/26 • 57:50

eCoustics Vintage Editor Eric Pye and Producer Mitch Anderson sit down with Dave Kelley, President of KLH, for a grounded conversation on loudspeaker design, KLH’s history, and how a legacy brand operates in today’s market without leaning on nostalgia as a crutch.The discussion traces the influence of Henry Kloss, the shared DNA linking Klipsch, Kelley, Kyocera, and KLH, and how those ideas continue to inform real-world speaker engineering. Attention turns to KLH’s current lineup—specifically the Model Three, Model Five, and Model Seven—with the Five and Seven competing for Eric’s eCoustics 2025 Editors’ Choice Floorstanding Loudspeakers vote based on listening, not legacy. If you want a clear-eyed look at where KLH has been and why its modern speakers still deserve serious consideration, this episode delivers without the marketing gloss.Thank you to SVS and Shure for their support of our programming!https://www.svsound.comhttps://www.shure.comCredits:• Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com• Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com• Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comDon't forget to check our website for daily updates on the latest electronics, news, recommendations, and deals on high-end audio, loudspeakers, earphones, TVs, and more.https://www.ecoustics.com#KLHspeakers #vinylcommunity #audioloveyyc #KLHModelSeven #ecoustics #hifi #audiophile #hometheater #listeningroom #musicindustry #loudspeakerdesign #HIFIHistory

1/30/26 • 68:04

Fresh off a week in Las Vegas, the eCoustics team breaks down the CES 2026 Best in Show award winners across speakers, soundbars, wireless audio, TVs, home theater projectors, and headphones, explaining who stood out, why these products impressed us in controlled demo booth conditions, and what those design and performance choices are likely to cost you when they hit the market later in 2026.  View all Best in Show CES 2026 Awards:https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/best-ces-2026/Panel:Brian Mitchell, Host and eCoustics FounderChris Boylan, Editor at LargeRobert Silva, News Correspondent Mitch Anderson, ProducerCredits:• Original intro music by The Arc of All. sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com• Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com• Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting:https://www.ecoustics.com#ces2026 #cesconvention #audiophile #hifi #hometheater #lifestylesound #interiordesign #audioindustry #ecoustics #projectors #4ktv #luxuryaudio #luxuryav #inwallspeakers #2026tvs #consumertech #futuretech #multimedianews

1/19/26 • 85:03

If you want music in every room without juggling multiple apps, this is your episode. HEOS isn’t just in Denon and Marantz gear — it’s built into a growing ecosystem of speakers, AVRs, soundbars, and components across the Harman Lifestyle portfolio. It’s become a serious multi-room, multi-zone streaming platform with Hi-Res audio, major music services, stereo pairing, and full Alexa/Google voice-assistant support.Phil Jones of Harman Lifestyle joins us to lay out what HEOS can really do — including the tricks Sonos, BluOS, and WiiM would probably prefer you didn’t mention. Simple to run, surprisingly deep, and absolutely worth a fresh look.Thank you to our sponsor SVS for a phenomenal year of collaboration and support of our programming! https://www.svsound.comOn the panel:Brian Mitchell, Founder & CEOChris Boylan, Editor at LargePhil Jones, Harman LifestyleCredits:Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.comVoice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.comProduction by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting: https://www.ecoustics.com#ecoustics #avtrends #heos #musicstreaming #multiroomstreaming #networkstreaming #denon #marantz #qobuz #hifi #audiophile #vintageaudio #hometheater #dolbyatmos #headphones #vinylcommunity #harmanlifestyle

1/8/26 • 41:15

In this episode, the eCoustics team cut through a year of hype, delays, and eyebrow-raising price hikes to talk about the products that genuinely moved the needle across hi-fi, head-fi, and home theater. We cover the TVs and projectors that finally earned their bragging rights, the headphones and earbuds that didn’t just chase trends, and the loudspeakers and portable gear that reminded us why good engineering still matters.It’s a wide-ranging, candid discussion about what impressed us.And because the timing couldn’t be better, the ink is barely dry on our massive eCoustics Editors’ Choice awards list. If you want to know which products actually earned a spot—and which ones quietly didn’t—you’ll want to listen first, then check the list.Less hype. More perspective. And no participation trophies.Thank you to our sponsor SVS for a phenomenal year of collaboration and support of our programming! https://www.svsound.comOn the panel:Brian Mitchell, Founder & CEOChris Boylan, Editor at LargeW. Jennings, Sr. Portables EditorEric Pye, Contributor / IG Influencer @audioloveyycEalan Osborne, Mr. eCoustically SpeakingMitch Anderson, Podcast ProducerProducts mentioned:Chris Boylan:> Sony Bravia 8 II> Hisense L9Q UST> Kaleidescape Strato E and Strato V> Denon AVR-X3800H> Samsung Micro RGB> Dirac Acoustic Room TreatmentEalan Osborne:> Sony STR-AZ7000ES> Google Eclipsa> DTS:X Profile 2William Jennings:> Sony WH-1000XM6> Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3> Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2> Audeze CRBN2> Questyle QCC Pro> Astell&Kern SP4000 DAP> Bose Ultra Open-Ear budsEric Pye:> Vinyl reissues> KLH Model Five> KLH Model SevenMitch Anderson:> MoFi UltraTracker> Ray TubesBrian Mitchell:> Canvas HiFi> Canvas HiFi Frame> Bacch 3DRelated links:> https://www.ecoustics.com/best-right-now/Credits:Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.comVoice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.comProduction by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting: https://www.ecoustics.com#ecoustics #avtrends #2025bestof #hifi #audiophile #vintageaudio #hometheater #dolbyatmos #headphones #vinylcommunity #yearinreview

12/20/25 • 88:06

This episode examines the results from the 2025 Ultra-Short Throw (UST) Projector Showdown with event organizer, Brian Gluck of ProjectorScreen.com and emcee, Phil Jones of ProjectorReviews.com. The UST Projector Showdown allowed 6 judges to rate 9 UST projectors side-by-side with identical 100-inch screens, which underwent testing 15 different categories.  The models in the competition included the:• Epson QS100 3-Chip Laser-Lit LCD Projector – 4,500 Lumens ($4,999)• Formovie Theater Premium Triple Laser DLP Projector – 2,200 Lumens ($2,799)• Hisense L9Q Triple Laser DLP Projector – 5,000 Lumens ($5,999)• Hisense PT1 Triple Laser DLP Projector – 2,500 Lumens ($2,999)• Hisense PX3 Pro Triple Laser DLP Projector – 3,000 Lumens ($3,499)• JMGO O2S Ultra Triple Laser DLP Projector – 3,600 Lumens ($2,999)• Nexigo Aurora Pro MKII Hybrid Triple Laser/LED DLP Projector – 2,400 Lumens ($3,499)*• XGIMI Aura 2 GTV Hybrid Laser/LED DLP Projector – 2,200 Lumens ($2,699)The 2025 UST Projector Showdown was held November 8, 2025 at ProjectorScreen.com's headquarters in New Jersey, which crowed winners across four categories:1. Best for Mixed use in Bright and Dark Rooms2. Best for Home Theater3. Best Value4. Best Overall Picture PerformanceFind out who won and how it all went down.Panel:• Brian Mitchell, Founder, eCoustics• Chris Boylan, Editor-at-Large, eCoustics• Brian Gluck, Owner, ProjectorScreen.com• Phil Jones, Owner, ProjectorReviews.comRelated links:https://www.ecoustics.com/news/best-ust-projectors-2025-showdown/https://www.projectorscreen.com/blogs/insights/the-2025-ust-projector-showdown-resultshttps://www.projectorreviews.com/2025-ultra-short-throw-projector-showdown-recap/Credits:Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.comVoice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.comProduction by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting: https://www.ecoustics.com#USTProjector #USTshowdown #miniprojector #ecoustics #projectorscreens #projectorshootout #hometheater #hdr #uhd #4k #8k #tvtech #2025bestoftech #2025tv

11/25/25 • 42:18

Confused by the Denon vs. Marantz AVR maze? Join eCoustics Founder Brian Mitchell, Editor at Large Chris Boylan, and Phil Jones, Global Director of Training at Harman International, as they break down 19 AVRs ranging from $400 to $7,200. Though Denon and Marantz have been under the same corporate roof for over a decade (now Harman International, owned by Samsung), not all AVRs are created equal.Discover the subtle—and not-so-subtle—differences, what really matters for your Dolby Atmos setup, and which brand might make your wallet sigh. Perfect for home theater enthusiasts ready to cut through the hype and make a smart buy.Thank you to our sponsor of this episode, HEOS! For more information please visit:https://www.denon.com/en-us/plp/heosCredits:Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.comVoice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.comProduction by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting:https://www.ecoustics.com#hifi #audiophile  #ecoustics #avr #heos #surroundsound #denon #marantz #soundunited #bowerswilkins #polk #hometheater 

10/30/25 • 37:22

Back in the 80s and 90s, earplugs at a concert were a one-way ticket to dweeb status. Protecting your hearing? Please. You might as well have stayed home with a VHS and some Tang. These days it’s the opposite—walk into any venue and half the crowd is rocking hi-fi earplugs that make the music sound better and keep your ears intact.Etymotic’s new Music Pro Elite are at the front of that shift, and Tim Monroe, Sr. Director of Engineering, along with Chris Roth, Principal Engineer at Etymotic Research, join us to break down why and how these things work so damn well.Thank you to HEOS, and SVS for supporting this episode!www.svsound.comhttps://www.marantz.com/en-us/world-of-marantz/heosCredits:• Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com• Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com• Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comDon't forget to check our website for daily updates on the latest electronics, news, recommendations, and deals on high-end audio, loudspeakers, earphones, TVs, and more.www.ecoustics.com#ecoustics #hifi #audiophile #avtech #musicindustry #liveconcertexperience #hearingprotection #hifiearplugs #hearingsaftey #loudnesswars #hearingaid #etymotic #lifestyleav #earplugs

10/6/25 • 40:54

The Bowers & Wilkins 801 isn’t just another loudspeaker—it’s the one Abbey Road Studios trusted when the music actually mattered. For 45 years, the 801 has been part of legendary recordings that shaped how we hear music, and now it’s back in the spotlight with the 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition. Andy Kerr, Director of Marketing and Communications at Bowers & Wilkins, joins eCoustics CEO and Founder, Brian Mitchell to dig into how this speaker became the reference at the world’s most famous studio, why Abbey Road didn’t exactly choose it by accident, and what makes this anniversary edition more than just a fancy finish.Thank you to Denon, SVS and Shure for their support of our programming!www.svsound.comwww.denon.comwww.shure.comCredits:• Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com• Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com• Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comDon't forget to check our website for daily updates on the latest electronics, news, recommendations, and deals on high-end audio, loudspeakers, earphones, TVs, and more.www.ecoustics.com#abbeyroadstudios #bowersandwilkins #studiomonitors #signatureseries #B&W801 #ecoustics #hifi #audiophile #hometheater #avtech #musicindustry #projectors #recordingstudios 

9/26/25 • 50:52

A/V industry expert and custom integrator John Sciacca joins the eCoustics team to break down our top picks from CEDIA Expo 2025, held September 3–6. The annual trade show covers everything from home theater and soundbars to architectural speakers and outdoor A/V systems—gear designed for the pros who install and recommend solutions for luxury homes and yachts. We’ll highlight this year’s “Best in Show” winners across multiple categories—and call out a few products that didn’t quite live up to the hype.Panel:John Sciacca, Partner at Custom Theater and AudioChris Boylan, eCoustics Editor-at-LargeRobert Silva, eCoustics Sr. News CorrespondentBrian Mitchell, eCoustics Founder and HostThank you to Marantz and SVS for their support of our programming!www.svsound.comwww.marantz.comCredits:• Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com• Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com• Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comDon't forget to check our website for daily updates on the latest electronics, news, recommendations, and deals on high-end audio, loudspeakers, earphones, TVs, and more.www.ecoustics.com#cedia2025 #ecoustics #hifi #audiophile #hometheater #avtech #custominstall #bestof2025tech #musicindustry #projectors #dolbyatmos #bestsoundbar #besttv #beststereo

9/16/25 • 66:08

The Rhino in the room can’t be ignored: after decades in the vault, Buckingham Nicks is finally getting a reissue. eCoustics Editors Eric Pye, Jeremy Sikora, and producer Mitch Anderson team up with mastering engineer Kevin Gray (Cohearent Audio) to dig into why this cult classic vanished, why it’s back now, and what it means for fans who’ve been chasing scratched LPs for years. Along the way, we get into the bigger picture—the state of the reissue market, the future of vinyl cutting, and why Fleetwood Mac drama still drives the mythology around this record. Chaos may have fueled the Mac, but this one’s all about clarity.Thank you to Bowers & Wilkins and SVS for their support of our programming!www.svsound.comwww.bowerswilkins.comCredits:• Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com• Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com• Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comDon't forget to check our website for daily updates on the latest electronics, news, recommendations, and deals on high-end audio, loudspeakers, earphones, TVs, and more.www.ecoustics.com#fleetwoodmac #ecoustics #audiophilereissue #vinylreissue #buckinghamnicks #rhinorecords #kevingray #cohearentaudio #vinylcommunity #classicalbums #hifi #audiophile #vinylmastering #recordindustry #musicindustry

9/5/25 • 54:07

The eCoustics team discusses their "Best In Show" picks from Audio Advice Live 2025 -- the largest home theater show open to consumers. With over 1,700 attendees and more than 60 experience rooms featuring hifi and home cinema systems from $5,000 to over $250,000, it was a virtual Disneyland for audiophiles, videophiles and home theatre aficionados.View a list of all award winners here:https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/best-audio-advice-live-2025/Thank you to SVS and HEOS for sponsoring this episode! On the panel:Brian Mitchell - eCoustics Founder (and host)Chris Boylan - eCoustics Editor-at-LargeEalan Osborne - eCoustics Video ProducerCredits:• Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com• Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com• Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comThis episode was originally recorded August 12, 2025. Audio Advice Live 2025 took place at the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel in Raleigh, NC from Aug 1-3, 2025.#audioadvicelive #hometheater #hifi #bestinshow

8/21/25 • 74:02

Our friend and popular YouTube tech reviewer, B The Installer, joins us on the podcast to discuss the results of the 2025 TV Shootout, where the top-of-the-line 65-inch 4K OLED TVs all went head to head. The four models in the competition included the LG G5, Panasonic Z95B, Samsung S95F, and Sony Bravia 8 II.Find out how it all went down with B The Installer who was in attendance, along with eCoustics Editor-at-Large, Chris Boylan, who was one of the 9 judges at the event.With two different perspectives, each offers some surprisingly candid thoughts on the Value Electronics 2025 TV Shootout.The Contenders:LG 65-inch G5 OLED TV (OLED65G5WUA) – $2999.99 – Amazon | CrutchfieldPanasonic 65-inch Z95B OLED TV (TV65Z95BP) – $3399.99 – AmazonSamsung S95F QD-OLED TV (QN65S95F) – $3299.99 – Amazon | CrutchfieldSony BRAVIA 8 II QD-OLED TV (K65XR80M2) – $3299.99 – Amazon | CrutchfieldThis episode was recorded on July 29, 2025 and moderated by eCoustics founder, Brian Mitchell.For even more details on this event, check out our in-depth coverage of the 2025 TV Shootout.Thank you to Polk Audio and SVS for their support of our programming!www.svsound.comwww.polkaudio.comCredits:• Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com• Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com• Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comDon't forget to check our website for daily updates on the latest electronics, news, recommendations, and deals on high-end audio, loudspeakers, earphones, TVs, and more.https://www.ecoustics.com#2025TVs #tvshootout #bestoftech #sonybravia #sony #samsung #lg #panasonic #ecoustics #hometheater #besttv #oledtv #4ktv

8/1/25 • 60:59

In this episode, William Jennings, our Senior Headphones and Portables Editor, dives deep into the wireless headphone and earbud game. He'll name-drop his top picks for 2025 and share his thoughts on where this market is headed.The good news? Bluetooth and noise cancellation are finally living up to their promises, and the sound gap between wired and wireless is closing fast—especially in the high-end stuff. Whether you're stuck on Sony or Bose, or willing to drop some serious cash on Focal or Bowers & Wilkins, or just wondering if wireless really can stack up to the wired heavyweights—this episode's got the answers. Get ready to feel the burn on your wallet, but at least the sound won't suck.Thank you to Bowers & Wilkins and SVS for their support of our programming!www.svsound.comwww.bowerswilkins.comHosted by Mitch Anderson, eCoustics ProducerGuest William Jennings, eCoustics Headphone & Portables EditorCredits:• Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com• Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com• Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comDon't forget to check our website for daily updates on the latest electronics, news, recommendations, and deals on high-end audio, loudspeakers, earphones, TVs, and more.www.ecoustics.com#wirelessheadphones #headphoneindustry #2025headphones #audiophile #hifi #hiresaudio #musicindustrynews #ecoustics #hifinews #headfi #earbuds #vinylcommunity

7/5/25 • 56:55

The eCoustics podcast has made it to our 100th episode! Let's rewind and check in with our top contributors and editors to recap the highlights - and lowlights? - in the HiFi and home theater industry over these past four years.Huge thank you to all of our subscribers, listeners, collaborators, friends, and sponsors for helping to keep us going!Special thank you to SVS & Q Acoustics for being such longstanding supporters of our podcast messaging. www.svsound.comwww.qacoustics.comCredits:• Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com• Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com• Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comDon't forget to check our website for daily updates on the latest electronics, news, recommendations, and deals on high-end audio, loudspeakers, earphones, TVs, and more.www.ecoustics.com#100thepisode #podcastmilestone #audiophile #hifi #hiresaudio #musicindustrynews #ecoustics #hifinews #homeentertainmenttech #tvreviews #vintageaudio #vinylcommunity

6/20/25 • 66:58

Qobuz, the leading audiophile-quality music streaming service, just got even better with the introduction of Qobuz Connect. Now subscribers can play their favorite lossless and high resolution audio tracks and albums directly from the cloud to their playback gear of choice, bypassing the phone, PC or tablet for elevated performance, improved functionality and even better sound quality.We chat with Qobuz VP of business development and Hi-Res Music Evangelist David Solomon on where Qobuz came from, what its mission is and where it’s going in 2025 and beyond. Note: eCoustics readers, listeners and viewers can get an exclusive 60-Day extended trial of the Qobuz streaming service here: http://qob.uz/ecousticsSpecial offer expires June 14, 2025Thank you to our sponsors SVS & Qacoustics! For more information please visit:www.svsound.comwww.qacoustics.comPanel:David Solomon, Qobuz V.P of Business DevelopmentMitch Anderson, Host & eCoustics Podcast ProducerChris Boylan, Co-Host & eCoustics Editor-at-LargeCredits:• Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com• Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com• Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting:https://www.ecoustics.com#qobuz #qobuzconnect #audiophile #hifi #hiresaudio #hiresstreaming #dac #musicindustrynews #highendmunich #streamingservices #musicstreamers #heos #ecoustics #hifinews

5/15/25 • 57:25

Caleb Denison, formerly of Digital Trends, joins eCoustics Editor at Large, Chris Boylan and eCoustics Founder, Brian Mitchell to discuss the best 2025 televisions. In addition, Caleb shares his thoughts on the state of the 2025 TV market and the latest flagship TVs from Sony, Samsung, LG, Panasonic, TCL and Hisense, along with buying advice when shopping for a new OLED or Mini LED TV this year.Caleb also discusses the launch of his new YouTube channel called CalebRated. But after recording this episode, Digital Trends has claimed ownership of Caleb's new channel forcing YouTube to take down his videos. For the latest information on this issue visit:https://www.ecoustics.com/news/calebrated-banned-from-youtube/Caleb now has a GoFundMe to help defray his legal expenses. You can find that here: https://gofund.me/3dbb9fdaOn the panel:Brian Mitchell, eCoustics Founder & CEOChris Boylan, eCoustics Editor at LargeCaleb Denison, CalebRatedThank you to our sponsors SVS and Qacoustics!www.svsound.comwww.qacoustics.comCredits:• Original intro music by The Arc of All. sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com• Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com• Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting:https://www.ecoustics.com#hifi #ecoustics #audiophile  #highendaudio #breakingthesoundbarrier #vinylcommunity #streamingnews #youtubenews #channeltakedown #calebrated #digitaltrends #musicindustrynews #broadcastmedianews

5/5/25 • 67:30

On April 25, 2025 Shure celebrates the company's 100th Anniversary, and we take a deep dive into the company's 100 year history with resident historian, and nearly longest tenured employee (since 1976), Michael Pettersen. Michael recounts the various jobs he held, company milestones, as well as his time that intersected with its founder, Sidney N. Shure.For more information on Shure please visit their website at https://www.shure.comPanel:Michael Pettersen, Shure Resident HistorianMitch Anderson, Co-Host & eCoustics Podcast ProducerBrian Mitchell, Co-Host & eCoustics FounderCredits:• Original intro music by The Arc of All. sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com• Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com• Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting:https://www.ecoustics.com#hifi #ecoustics #audiophile  #highendaudio #breakingthesoundbarrier #vinylcommunity #livesound #proaudio #proaudionews #shurephonocartridges #shuremicrophones #sm58 #shuresound #shure100 #musicindustrynews #broadcastmedianews

4/25/25 • 116:06

In the episode Nick Brown, SVS VP of Marketing speaks with eCoustics Podcast Producer, Mitch Anderson about various ways to get the best sound from your home audio setup. Whether you’re buying your first hi-fi or approaching your endgame system, Nick offers up some surprising tips on subwoofer placement, system building, and even room acoustics. Before you spend another dime on audio gear, you’ll want to hear where this conversation leads.Hosted by:Mitch Anderson, Producer Thank you to our sponsors Q Acoustics & SVS!https://www.qacoustics.comhttps://www.svsound.comCredits:• Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://www.sourceoflightandpower.com• Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com• Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting:https://www.ecoustics.com#svsultraevolution #svsspeakers #svssubs #audiophile #hifihappyhour #hifi #2025speakers #hometheater #lifestylesound #interiordesign #speakerdesign #audioindustry #ecoustics #musictech #hifitips 

4/1/25 • 60:52

Hot on the heels of CES and NAMM, we asked YouTube's TechnoDad himself, Channa De Silva to chat with us about the cool audio/video gear and technology we've seen at the shows and will be coming to consumers this year. Topics include Dolby Atmos in cars, Google's new Eclipsa immersive audio format, new TV tech from Samsung, Hisense. LG, and TCL and so much more.More information can be found on TechnoDad via his YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TechnoDadMore on our eCoustics NAMM coverage can be found here: https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/best-namm-2025/Keep up with the latest audio and video news at https://www.ecoustics.comThank you to our sponsors SVS & Q Acoustics! For more information on these stellar brands, please click the links below: https://www.svsound.comhttps://www.qacoustics.comCredits:• Original intro music by The Arc of All. sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com• Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com• Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.com#dolbyatmosheadphones #binauralsound #immersivesound #dolbyatmos #spatialaudio #virtuososoftware #aplaudio #aesnews #aes #audioengineers

2/19/25 • 60:38

While Apple Music, TIDAL and Amazon Music are all pushing spatial audio and immersive sound as the next big thing, the current reality is that, to get the best, most immersive effect, you need speakers: lots and lots of speakers. Of course, you *can* listen to immersive sound formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X on headphones, but the current processes to render a multi-channel recording into a 2-channel binaural signal, suitable for playback on headphones, leave room for improvement.APL (Advanced Psychoacoustics Lab) is dedicated to fixing this problem. The company's Virtuoso software can convert any 2-channel or multi-channel recording to a standard binaural headphone mix that maintains all the sonic cues of a real three-dimensional mix or space. Join eCoustics CEO Brian Mitchell on this episode of the eCoustics podcast as he chats with APL founder Professor Hyunkook Lee to discuss the current state of immersive sound over headphones and what can be done to make it better.Learn more at:https://apl-hud.com/Keep up with the latest audio and video news at https://www.ecoustics.comThank you to our sponsors SVS & Q Acoustics! For more information on these stellar brands, please click the links below: https://www.svsound.comhttps://www.qacoustics.comCredits:• Original intro music by The Arc of All. sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com• Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com• Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.com#dolbyatmosheadphones #binauralsound #immersivesound #dolbyatmos #spatialaudio #virtuososoftware #aplaudio #aesnews #aes #audioengineers

2/5/25 • 45:51

In our second podcast devoted to new products and technologies unveiled in Las Vegas at CES 2025, the eCoustics team discusses what you’ll want to be on the lookout for and what you may want to avoid. This wide ranging discussion addresses Eclipsa Audio, HDR10+ and new advancements in TVs and projectors, along with some surprises you won’t want to miss.Panel:Brian Mitchell, eCoustics Founder & CEO (Host)Chris Boylan, Editor at LargeRobert Silva, Sr. News EditorBest in Show CES 2025 Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ecoustics-podcast/id1566783125?i=1000684074466https://open.spotify.com/episode/7C0QVJdjQVYU5GpnJaPAHghttps://youtu.be/Fwai0nfUl8UFull story:https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/best-ces-2025/Thank you to our sponsors SVS & Q Acoustics! For more information on these stellar brands, please click the links below: https://www.svsound.comhttps://www.qacoustics.comCredits:• Original intro music by The Arc of All. sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com• Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com• Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting:https://www.ecoustics.com#ces2025 #cesconvention #audiophile #hifi #hometheater #lifestylesound #interiordesign #audioindustry #ecoustics #projectors #4ktv #luxuryaudio #luxuryav #inwallspeakers #outdoorspeakers #consumertech #futuretech #multimedianews

1/23/25 • 45:17

In amongst the AI and robots that invaded this year's CES, we found some cool and innovative audio/video gear and technology. Check out our 21 picks for "Best in Show."Find all of our in depth coverage of CES 2025 here: https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/best-ces-2025/https://www.youtube.com/ecousticsThank you to our sponsors SVS & Q Acoustics! For more information on these stellar brands, please click the links below: https://www.svsound.comhttps://www.qacoustics.comPanel:Brian Mitchell, eCoustics Founder & CEO (Host)Chris Boylan, eCoustics Editor-at-LargeCredits:• Original intro music by The Arc of All. sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com• Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com• Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting:https://www.ecoustics.com#ces2025 #cesconvention #audiophile #hifi #hometheater #lifestylesound #interiordesign #audioindustry #ecoustics #projectors #4ktv #luxuryaudio #luxuryav #inwallspeakers #outdoorspeakers #consumertech #futuretech #multimedianews

1/15/25 • 68:44

In this episode, we welcome back Rune Skov, Gryphon Audio’s Sales Director for his second appearance on the podcast. Rune discusses some of Gryphon’s new products and the secrets to creating an ultra-luxe high-end audio brand.Panel:Rune Skov, Gryphon Audio Global Sales DirectorMitch Anderson, Host & eCoustics Podcast ProducerBrian Mitchell, eCoustics Founder & CEOPrevious Podcasts about Gryphon Audio:https://www.ecoustics.com/podcasts/gryphon-audio-rune-skov/https://www.ecoustics.com/podcasts/gryphon-dealer-joseph-cali/https://www.ecoustics.com/podcasts/gryphon-audio-anthony-chiarella/For more information:https://gryphon-audio.dkCredits:• Original intro music by The Arc of All. sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com• Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com• Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting:https://www.ecoustics.com#hifi #ecoustics #listeningroom #gryphonaudio #ultraluxe #luxuryaudio #danishdesign #audiophile  #highendaudio #breakingthesoundbarrier #nordicnoir #costnoobject #vinylcommunity #turntables

12/20/24 • 54:06

The results are in for the 2024 UST Projector Showdown, and while some UST projectors shone brightly (quite literally), other strong performers didn't fare as well as expected. Event host Brian Gluck, emcee Phil Jones and judge Chris Boylan discuss the details of how the contenders were selected, what went down in the showdown and why the picture settings were what they were at the event.See the scorecards and full results here:https://www.ecoustics.com/news/best-ust-projector-ust-showdown-2024/Where to buy all projectors:http://www.projectorscreen.com/?af=e-bpbs-afPanel:Chris Boylan, eCoustics Editor-at-Large and HostBrian Gluck, Owner and President, ProjectorScreen.comPhilip Jones, Technical Editor and Lead Reviewer, ProjectorReviews.comCredits:Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.comVoice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.comProduction by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting: https://www.ecoustics.com#USTProjector #USTshowdown #miniprojector #ecoustics #projectorscreens #projectorshootout #tcl #hisense #hometheater #hdr #uhd #4k #8k #tvtech #2024bestof #2024tv

12/6/24 • 45:54

There were several exciting jazz record announcements last week, with the most anticipated being the 2025 Blue Note Tone Poet release schedule. Not expected was the simultaneous reveal of a new subscription service dubbed the Tone Poet Society. In this episode of the eCoustics podcast, Mitch Anderson and Eric Pye break down the different service features and tiers, the pros and cons of the Society, and share both their own and social media reactions to the announcement.Thank you to our sponsors SVS and Q Acoustics!Links for further information:Blue Note Tone Poet Society WebsiteJapanese Jazz Kissa and the Art of the Piano Trio: Exit to Vintage StreetJazz Kissa Culture Goes Global: Exit to Vintage StreetIn the Episode:Eric Pye, Vintage Audio ColumnistMitch Anderson, Podcast ProducerCredits:Original intro music by The Arc of All.Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited.Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios.Keep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Music, Home Theater, and Headphone news by visiting:https://www.ecoustics.com#hifi #audiophile #vintageaudio #jazzkissa  #vinylcommunity #ecoustics #bluenotetonepoet #tonepoetsociety #bluenoterecords #musicsubscriptionservice #vinylsubscriptionservice #musicindustrynews 

11/20/24 • 32:43

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 report, and followed up with a corrected report saying vinyl sales were actually up 2.2% in 2024.To find why this happened, we speak with Chris Muratore, Director at Luminate and music industry insider Billy Fields from Warner Music Group.Ultimately counting record sales isn’t as easy as it may seem. Although Luminate gets accurate accounting of record sales from major online websites and big box retailers, sales from independent record stores (“indies”) are harder to come by. That wouldn’t be such a big deal, except for the fact that an estimated 40% of record sales are from indies in the U.S. So with only a small fraction of indies reporting vinyl sales, Luminate has always estimated the indie portion in its reports. But how they estimate matters.A small change in Luminate’s estimation algorithm caused a dramatic turn of events. But there is more to the story of vinyls resurgence, so we hope you’ll tune in to take a deep dive into the vinyl music industry.Thank you to our sponsors SVS and Q Acoustics! For more information on these stellar brands, please click the links below: https://www.svsound.comhttps://www.qacoustics.comRelated links:https://luminatedata.comhttps://vinylalliance.orghttps://www.riaa.com/u-s-sales-database/https://www.ifpi.orghttps://www.wmg.comhttps://www.discogs.com/digs/collecting/vinyl-sales-up-in-2024/Panel:• Mitch Anderson, Host & eCoustics Podcast Producer• Brian Mitchell, eCoustics Founder & CEO• Chris Muratore, Director, Luminate• Billy Fields, VP Sales, Warner Music GroupCredits:• Original intro music by The Arc of All. sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com• Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com• Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting:https://www.ecoustics.com#vinylcommunity #musicindustry #vinylrecordindustry #luminate #billboardcharts #wmg #warnermusicgroup #musicbusinessnews #ecoustics #mediamanufacturing #makingvinyl #vinylalliance #blackcircleradio #sourceoflightandpower 

11/13/24 • 80:26

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 been showing to much acclaim at high-end audio shows all over the country.As a show veteran, we also get Tolson's perspective on the best way for HiFi show attendees to make the most out of their visits. Find out why everything sounds better on Sundays, why song requests should not never be shouted ("Freebird!") and other insider tips. For more information on Linear Tube Audio please visit:https://www.lineartubeaudio.comThank you to our sponsors SVS & QAcoustics! For more information on these stellar brands, please click the links below: https://www.svsound.comhttps://www.qacoustics.comCredits:• Original intro music by The Arc of All. sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com• Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com• Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting:https://www.ecoustics.com#audiophile #LTA #ZOTL #LinearTubeAudio #lifestylesound #interiordesign #tubeampdesign #audioindustry #ecoustics #musictech #HIFIShows #CAF2024 #Audio DAC#hiresaudio #hifi 

11/3/24 • 52:33