the ecoustics podcast

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. F...

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.com

Panel:
Michael Pettersen, Shure Resident Historian
Mitch Anderson, Co-Host & eCoustics Podcast Producer
Brian Mitchell, Co-Host & eCoustics Founder


Credits:
• Original intro music by The Ar...

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.com
https://www.svsou...

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/TechnoDad

More on our eCoustics NAMM coverage can be found here: 
https://www...

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 m...

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 Large
Robert Silva, Sr. News Editor

Best in Show CES 2025 Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ecoustics-podcast/id15...

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/ecoustics

Thank you to our sponsors SVS & Q Acoustics! For more information on these stellar brands, please click the links below: 

https://www.svsound.com

https://www.qacoustics.com


Panel:

Brian Mitchell, eCoustics Fo...

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 Director
Mitch Anderson, Host & eCoustics Podcast Producer
Brian Mitchell, eCoustics Founder & CEO

Previous 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.dk

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-af

Panel:
Chris...

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 Website<...

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...

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...

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 founder Brian Mitchell and editor-at-large Chris Boylan discuss what options are out there now and whether you can get great sound at home without complicated set-up or a huge investment.

Thank you to our...

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 look like? 

Join the conversation with eCoustics Editor-in-Chief Ian White and Editor-at-Large Chris Boylan as they discuss the current and possible future state of movies in theaters and in the home.


Panel:

Ian White, eCoustics Editor-in-Chief (Host...

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 matters to you if you’re hoping to buy the best TV in 2024. 

View the results and scorecards here:

https://www.ecoustics.com/news/2024-tv-shootout/

Panel:

Brian Mitchell, eCoustics Founder & CEO (Host)

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 systems.

In this episode, the eCoustics team reveals its Best in Show winners across 17 different categories at CEDIA Expo 2024. 

For a list of all the winners and their products mentioned, please visit: 
https://www.ecoustics.com/news/best-cedia-expo-2024/

Thank you to...

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 2023. Many video streaming services can deliver video in high quality 4K resolution with HDR (High Dynamic Range) for a gorgeous image. But those who seek out and appreciate the finest possible sound quality may find actually getting that high quality sound through a streaming service is more complicated...

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 cabinet design to assure time alignment and phase coherence, the SVS Ultra Evolution offers both the sound quality and the look of much more expensive audiophile loudspeakers. 

In this podcast, we chat with Gary Yacoubian, CEO and President and Nick Brown, VP of Marketing for S...

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 record cutting lathes inside their mastering facility. 

This episode takes a look at how audio innovation from the 1950s played a huge role in Sony creating DSD in the 1970s and how DSD continues to demand hardware and software innovation f...

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 needs.

We chat with Caleb Denison, Editor-at-Large for Digital Trends to compare notes on which new TVs from Sony, Hisense, TCL, LG and Samsung are most likely to earn...

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 Enhanced experience with DTS:X sound into your home. The first of such titles includes the "Queen Rock Montreal" concert film as well as 18 films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

DTS:X immersive sound differs from traditional surround by adding a height...

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 must continue down the traditional path to achieve better sound quality at home. We have listened to more than two dozen of the best wireless and Bluetooth loudspeakers currently available below $5,000 and have some thoughts on what you should consider and how one...

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 Home" but is that true or just marketing hype? Join us and find out.

Thank you to the sponsor of this episode, Q Acoustics! https://www.qacoustics.com 


Learn more:
https://www.ecoustics.com/p...

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 Pro-Ject, Rega, Andover, U-Turn, and others worth exploring. 

Further Reading:

https://www.ecoustics.com/reviews/pro-ject-x2-b/

https://www.ecoustics.com/products/u-turn-audio-orbit-turntable-2023/

https://www.ecoustics.com/products/rega-system-one-analog-solution/

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 estate at home is a hot commodity, and most consumers want fewer boxes for their music listening journey.

Just what is a network amplifier and why should you consider one as your last Hi-Fi system...

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 awar...

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 passive and wireless loudspeakers for less. And they are succeeding.

Jamie McKay, Sales & Marketing Director, and Nick Renshaw, PR Manager, of Q Acoustics join us on this edition of the eCoustics podcast to discuss their award-winning 5000 series loudspeakers and the new M40 wireless...

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 the market on replacement pads for some of the most popular consumer and audiophile models on the market, but they have altered the way they sound. If you think you have heard "everything" from your...

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 – $799

All are available at Crutchfield:
https://bit.ly/arcam-radia-at-crutchfield

Jim reveals key details about each product, how they work together, and what’s different between each model. In addition...

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 meanders to Japanese audiophilia and the obsession with quality, Japanese jazz artists (including Ryo Fukui, Tsuyoshi Yamamoto and Isao Suzuki), and why classical music is still so popular when interest has fallen off in many other countries.

Links:
Iconic Sansui Amplifiers...

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, and why that experience can’t really be recreated elsewhere. Going off topic they also discuss Japanese vinyl pressings and why those are so desirable.

Links for further information:
Japanese Jazz Kissa and the Art of the Piano Trio: Exit to Vintage Street

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 rather extensive lineup of award-winning wireless speakers, turntables, streamers, and lifestyle systems that tick off every box for the next generation of music listeners. And don't believe the naysayers -- their Isogroove isolation technology makes it possible to have your turntable on top of your speakers.

...

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 portend a strong future for high-end audio manufacturers if they don't make some massive changes.

Sponsor: Thank you to the sponsor of this episode, Marantz. You’ll want to check out their new Stereo 70s Slimline Receiver.

On th...

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...

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...

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 brain responds to music in times of crisis, passion, or illness and how scientists are using it to diagnose and even manage cognitive decline.

For more information on Dr. Maimon's research please visit:
This Is What Music Does...

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 audiophiles since 1959. Their products are available at Amazon.com and westoneaudio.com.

For more information about this podcast visit: https://www.ecoustics.com/podcasts/westone-audio-2023/

Sponsor: Check out the new Marantz Stereo 70s Slimline Receiver.

Credits:

• Original intr...

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 Pr...