the ecoustics podcast

Black Circle Studios

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 wireless speakers or headphones, streaming music or spinning vinyl, the experienced team at ecoustics breaks down what you need to know to really enjoy music and movies at home and on the road.

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Episodes

Sankar's Audeze: How a Boutique High-End Headphone Brand Sparked a Revolution in Sound and May Have Changed the Gaming Experience Forever
Mar 6 2024
Sankar's Audeze: How a Boutique High-End Headphone Brand Sparked a Revolution in Sound and May Have Changed the Gaming Experience Forever
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 came to market. However, early innovations with planar magnetic technology led to the release of their first headphone, the LCD-1 for $600 — making it one of the most expensive headphones available in 2008. All 25 models sold, which led to the release of the LCD-2 in 2009 and LCD-3 in 2011. Both models became award-winning benchmarks for headphone design and turned what was a cottage industry aimed exclusively at high-end headphone listeners into a billion dollar segment. Audeze's success also created opportunities for its competitors to expand into the planar magnetic category, forcing the brand to push the envelope with state-of-the-art professional monitoring headphones, electrostatic headphones for the medical industry, and innovative gaming headphones that attracted the attention of Sony Interactive Entertainment which purchased the company last year -- exposing the brand to a much larger mainstream global audience and giving it a growing customer base for the future. Nearly all of Audeze’s products are hand-made in Costa Mesa, CA, including all LCD and MM series headphones and the Playstation headset drivers.Sankar takes us on a journey through Audeze’s history and reveals interesting insights about the company’s history, headphone manufacturing, and their path ahead.For more information on Audeze please visit https://www.audeze.comFor details and related links, visit: https://www.ecoustics.com/podcasts/audeze-sankar/This episode is brought to you in part by Audeze Artists, The Source of Light & Power. Hear the sounds from their recently completed one record a month for all of 2023 sonic adventure here: sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.comOn the Panel:Sankar Thiagasamudram, Audeze Founder & CEOWilliam Jennings, eCoustics Sr. Headphone & Portables EditorMitch Anderson, eCoustics Podcast ProducerCredits:Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://www.instagram.com/the_arc_of_allVoice 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#audeze #headphones #lcdx #canjam #maxwellheadphones #playstation #gamingheadset #planarheadphones #audiophile #headfi #audezeartists #vinylcommunity #audioforgaming #studioheadphones #masteringheadphones
Arcam Radia, JBL Classic and Roon: Interview with Jim Garrett
Jan 5 2024
Arcam Radia, JBL Classic and Roon: Interview with Jim Garrett
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 Integrated Amp – $1,499• Arcam CD5 CD Player – $699• Arcam ST5 Streamer – $799All are available at Crutchfield:https://bit.ly/arcam-radia-at-crutchfieldJim reveals key details about each product, how they work together, and what’s different between each model. In addition, Jim shares updates about JBL’s “vintage looking” Classic hi-fi components which are now shipping along with MKII (2nd generation) versions of the JBL Classic L100, L82 and L52 Loudspeakers.Finally, we talk about Harman’s surprise acquisition of Roon and what to expect going forward.Previous podcast with Jim Garrett:https://www.ecoustics.com/podcasts/harman-luxury-audio-2023/Related links:https://www.ecoustics.com/reviews/arcam-radia-st5-a25/https://www.ecoustics.com/products/arcam-radia-series/https://www.ecoustics.com/products/jbl-classic-loudspeakers-black/https://www.ecoustics.com/news/harman-acquires-roon/Credits:• 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#arcam #radia #hifi #audiophile #harman #harmanluxury #ecoustics #jbl #loudspeakers #roon
What Makes a UST Projector the Best? Inside the 2023 Laser TV Showdown
Nov 22 2023
What Makes a UST Projector the Best? Inside the 2023 Laser TV Showdown
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 reveal which UST projectors and which portable projectors got the highest ratings from the judges. We chat with Rob Sabin of ProjectorCentral.com and Brian Gluck of ProjectorScreen.com, organizer and host of the shootout event which saw nine of the world's best UST projectors and five of the top portable 4K projectors face-off side-by-side for the top spots.Sponsor: Thank you to the sponsor of this episode, Marantz. You’ll want to check out their new Stereo 70s Slimline Receiver.Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/iW8-OhdmzNs View the scorecards and links to all the winners here:https://www.ecoustics.com/podcasts/2023-laser-tv-showdown-recap/On the panel:Brian Mitchell, eCoustics FounderChris Boylan, eCoustics Editor-at-LargeBrian Gluck, Owner of ProjectorScreen.comRob Sabin, Editor-in-Chief at ProjectorCentral.comCredits: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#lasertv #ustprojector #showdown #projectorcentral #projectorscreen #bigscreen #hometheater #homevideo #2023lasertvshowdown #portableprojector #hometheatre #bestprojector #bestof2023
The Best Hi-Fi Year of Our Lives: eCoustics Roundtable
Nov 15 2023
The Best Hi-Fi Year of Our Lives: eCoustics Roundtable
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 subwoofers in their home theater? Maybe you do. On this roundtable discussion of the eCoustics podcast, we discuss the Best Hi-Fi year of our lives. Thank you to our sponsors SVS & Q Acoustics for supporting our sonic messaging! https://www.svsound.comhttps://www.qacoustics.comProducts mentioned:Frogge' Phono Pre - http://www.thatoldretrostore.com/pages/preamps.htmlSony PS1CEDIA’s Sickest Demo: https://www.ecoustics.com/news/sickest-demo-cedia-2023/Focal Grand Utopia/Naim Statement SystemAndrew Jones Source Point 10s - https://www.mofielectronics.com/products/mofi-electronics-sourcepoint-10-loudspeakersOn the panel:Brian Mitchell, eCoustics FounderEric Pye, Vintage Columnist @audioloveyycJeremy Sikora, Vintage Columnist @budget_audiophilerChris Boylan, Editor-at-LargeRobert Silva, Senior CorrespondentMitch Anderson, Producer and Host of Black Circle RadioRelated links:https://www.ecoustics.com/podcasts/vintage-audio-series-episode-7/https://www.ecoustics.com/podcasts/blue-note-tone-poet-episode-3/https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/best-of-cedia-expo-2023/#hifi #vinylrecords #phonopreamp #sonyps1 #audiophile #focal #naim #waveforming #kevingray #kirstenedkins #livemusic #coldplay #vintageaudio
UE Pro: In Pursuit of the Ultimate Earphones with Vincent Liu
Sep 29 2023
UE Pro: In Pursuit of the Ultimate Earphones with Vincent Liu
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 as well as complete the development and testing of the new Premier.Also discussed in this conversation is UE Pro’s dedication to performing artists, their design philosophy and about where the new Premier’s signature fits into the product line. Many expected the Premier to be a UE18 Pro taken to the next level but the signatures are different and the two in-ears are aimed at different market segments. Finally, there was talk about some of the things that set Ultimate Ears Pro apart from other in-ear manufactures and where Vincent sees the company heading next.Click to learn more about Ultimate Ears UE PremierThank you to our sponsors SVS & Q Acoustics for supporting our HI-FI messaging.Credits:• 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#earphones #earbuds #headphones #inearheadphones #wirelessearphones #ultimateears #inearmonitor #iems #uepro #premier #iem #livesound #hifi #ecoustics
Song of the Divine: An Intimate Conversation with Al Anderson of The Original Wailers
Sep 19 2023
Song of the Divine: An Intimate Conversation with Al Anderson of The Original Wailers
Legendary guitarist, Al Anderson, toured with Bob Marley & The Wailers from 1974 until just before Marley’s death in 1981. Anderson's stunning lead guitar work on iconic classics like "No Woman, No Cry," "Three O’clock Road Block," and "Could You Be Loved" earned him a place in music history.Al continues touring to this day as the sole member of the 1970s lineup with his Grammy nominated band, "The Original Wailers", which carries on the original vision of Bob Marley’s music.His memory inducing lead guitar playing was also featured on the Platinum Award winning albums Live at the Lyceum, Babylon by Bus, and the 10 times Platinum, Legend. After Marley's death, Anderson continued to tour with The Wailers Band. Anderson went on to record with Ben Harper (Diamonds On the Inside (2003), Lauryn Hill on her multi-Grammy winning debut The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998) as well as with Santana on his 9-Grammy award winning Supernatural (2000). Al speaks with Mitch Anderson (sonically related), eCoustics podcast producer and host of Black Circle Radio, live on stage at T.H.E. Show 2023. This episode was recorded on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at T.H.E. Show 2023 at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa California.Related links:The Original Wailers 2023 Fall TourAl Anderson on DiscogsSong of The Divine Music Video on YouTubeAl Anderson with Mitch on Black Circle Radio This episode brought to you by The Source of Light and Power. One record a month being released for all of 2023. SOLP is stoked to be endorsed by Audeze Headphones, Linear Tube Audio, RME, and Peluso Microphones. For those who seek the ALL. Credits:• 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#mofi #hifi #audiophile #vinyl #alanderson #reggae #legend #guitargod #electricguitar #bobmarley #ecoustics #musicindustry #musicstreaming #vintageaudio #theoriginalwailers #songofthedivine
Making MoFi the Soundtrack of Your Life
Sep 1 2023
Making MoFi the Soundtrack of Your Life
Lenny CoCo spends his days and nights traversing North America, spreading the gospel for MoFi Distribution, as their National Specialty Audio Sales Manager. After more than 32 years in the business, he has seen it all and can help music listeners assemble the audio system of their dreams, regardless of price. His passion for music and hi-fi began when was only 10 years old, and his core belief remains the same. Creating an emotional connection to music is ultimately what matters and how you get to that moment is the real journey.CoCo sits down with eCoustics CEO and Publisher, Brian Mitchell, as well as eCoustics Podcast Producer, Mitch Anderson to discuss his deep love of vintage turntables, cartridges, the battle between digital music and vinyl, and his sales philosophy after four decades in the world of high fidelity playback. Some of the topics covered in this episode include:- A deep dive into Lenny’s vintage turntables, cartridges and setup- Why vinyl and digital music can coexist- Lenny’s hi-fi sales philosophy- The power of connecting to music- Lenny’s definition of audiophile nirvanaRelated links:https://www.ecoustics.com/products/mofi-masterphono-preamplifier/https://www.ecoustics.com/products/mofi-sourcepoint-8/https://www.ecoustics.com/products/mofi-sourcepoint-10/This episode was hosted by Brian Mitchell, eCoustics Founder & CEO and Mitch Anderson of Black Circle Studios. It was recorded on June 9, 2023 at T.H.E. Show at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa.Listen to Lenny’s previous appearance on the podcast from T.H.E. Show 2022.https://www.ecoustics.com/podcasts/the-show-2022-lenny-coco/Credits:• 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#mofi #hifi #audiophile #vinyl #digitalmusic #ecoustics #turntables #musicstreaming #vintageaudio #loudspeakers
The Lamborghini of Audio, Gryphon's Sales Director, Rune Skov
Aug 25 2023
The Lamborghini of Audio, Gryphon's Sales Director, Rune Skov
In our third installment with Gryphon Audio Designs, we speak with Gryphon’s Sales Director, Rune Skov, at T.H.E. Show 2023. He’s responsible for the company’s worldwide sales strategy, tasked with the daunting goal of turning Gryphon into the most sought-after brand in hi-fi. Gryphon Audio’s vision is clear: the company wants its brand to be as recognized as the “Lamborghini of High End Audio,” exclusive to the select few who value its performance and style. It takes more than a clever marketing message to achieve this this goal. The company is building some of the world’s finest audio products in Denmark, at prices higher than one might expect; however, they offer a full system approach, which means that Gryphon offers every component in the audio chain…including the cables. That leaves no uncertainly for the customer and assures that everything from source through speakers is meticulously engineered to function perfectly together. Gryphon Audio Designs was founded in 1985 and Rune’s career trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric. After 12 fulfilling years as a teacher at a prestigious private school, Rune was recruited by Nordost and quickly rose to become one of the most prominent figures in Danish High End. Spending over 100 days per year visiting foreign dealers and distributors while studying for his MBA, Rune recently graduated with honors and has already been appointed to the Board of Directors of several large Danish corporations. Rune’s dedication, love of music and personal sense of style have contributed to Gryphon’s explosive growth and stature as one of Ultra-Luxe audio’s true icons.The proud father of 5 beautiful children, Rune’s personal and professional life recently merged when his oldest son, Alexander Raul, joined the Gryphon team as the company’s first Sales & Marketing intern. One of the company’s major shareholders, Rune relishes his role as Gryphon’s international Brand ambassador and loves nothing more than sharing his enthusiasm for the brand and its peerless products.For more information: https://gryphon-audio.dkRelated links:Podcast: Gryphon Audio North America, Anthony Chiarella at T.H.E. Show 2023https://www.ecoustics.com/podcasts/gryphon-audio-anthony-chiarella/Podcast: Gryphon Audio’s #1 Dealer, Joseph Cali at T.H.E. Show 2023https://www.ecoustics.com/podcasts/gryphon-dealer-joseph-cali/Gryphon Audio Trident II Loudspeakers & Apex Amplifier at T.H.E. Show 2023https://www.ecoustics.com/news/gryphon-audio-the-show-2023/Credits:• 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.comThis episode was hosted by Brian Mitchell, eCoustics Founder & CEO and Mitch Anderson of Black Circle Studios. It was recorded on June 9, 2023 at T.H.E. Show at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa.Keep 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 #theshow2023 #theshowsocal2023 #highendaudio #breakingthesoundbarrier #lamborghini
SVS Immersion is Here, There, and Everywhere: Live from T.H.E. Show 2023
Aug 18 2023
SVS Immersion is Here, There, and Everywhere: Live from T.H.E. Show 2023
SVS has a gone from a factory-direct seller of affordable subwoofers, to a full fledged audio brand to be reckoned with. In keeping to their high value / affordable roots, SVS now sells a full lineup of loudspeakers, wireless speakers, and accessories in addition to subwoofers. The company has racked up so many awards, it's nearly impossible to go wrong buying anything from SVS.Although consumers can still order direct from the SVS website today, its products are now sold in-stores in places such as Best Buy and online across many merchants including Amazon. SVS products can be purchased everywhere, including internationally.If you plan to attend an audio show, there’s a good chance SVS will be there demonstrating to a packed room. We caught up with Nick Brown, SVS VP Marketing and Gary Yacoubian, SVS CEO at T.H.E. Show 2023 in Costa Mesa, California this past June. We discussed their current product line as well as their strategy to reach the next generation of audio and home theater enthusiasts.For more information: https://www.svsound.comThis episode was hosted by Brian Mitchell, eCoustics Founder & CEO and Mitch Anderson of Black Circle Studios. It was recorded on June 9, 2023 at T.H.E. Show at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa.Related links:https://www.ecoustics.com/ask-an-expert/what-svs-subwoofer-should-you-buy/https://www.ecoustics.com/news/svs-the-show-2023/https://www.ecoustics.com/tag/svs/Previous SVS podcasts:https://www.ecoustics.com/podcasts/svs-prime-wireless-pro/https://www.ecoustics.com/podcasts/the-show-2022-svs-interview/Credits:• 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#svs #svsound #hifi #audiophile #dolbyatmos #wirelessspeakers #ecoustics #hometheater #loudspeakers
The Wonderful Wizard of GaN? Pulling Back the Curtains on the Next Generation of Amplification
Aug 4 2023
The Wonderful Wizard of GaN? Pulling Back the Curtains on the Next Generation of Amplification
In this episode we return to the T.H.E. Show 2023, where we talk with Allen Sides of Ocean Way Audio and Alberto Guerra of AGD Productions. The unlikely duo have teamed up at T.H.E. Show in Costa Mesa, CA to demonstrate the synergy between AGD electronics and Ocean Way loudspeakers.Allen Sides is a five-time Grammy winning engineer/producer who has worked on over a thousand albums. Under his companies, Ocean Way Recording and Ocean Way Audio, Allen developed highly-acclaimed loudspeaker systems for both professional studios as well as home hi-fi listening.Alberto Guerra is the founder of AGD Productions, which is pioneering the use of Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology in the company’s audiophile amplifiers and preamplifiers.For more information:https://www.ecoustics.com/news/agd-ocean-way-the-show-2023/https://agdproduction.comhttps://oceanwayaudio.comThank you to our sponsors Q Acoustics & SVS for the support of our programming!https://www.qacoustics.comhttps://www.svsound.comThis episode was hosted by Brian Mitchell, eCoustics Founder & CEO and Mitch Anderson of Black Circle Studios. It was recorded on June 9, 2023 at T.H.E. Show at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa.Credits:• 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 #agdproductions #oceanwayaudio #allensides #grammywinner #audioengineer #musicmixing #recordingstudio #audiophile #theshow2023 #theshowsocal2023 #highendaudio #breakingthesoundbarrier