SoundStage! Audiophile Podcast

Latest Episodes:

KEF’s Next Chapter: VECO and the LS Luxe Oct 23, 2026

Show notes

What does the future hold for KEF—and for loudspeaker design in general?

This week, host Jorden Guth sits down with Jack Oclee-Brown, KEF’s VP of Technology, at SoundStage!’s 2026 yet-unnamed audio camp, an annual gathering of leading hi-fi designers in Port Cunnington, Ontario, Canada. Their conversation begins with the retreat itself and the profound influence of legendary acoustics researcher Dr. Floyd Toole on KEF’s approach to loudspeaker engineering.

From there, they explore KEF’s VECO technology, the importance of a holistic approach to loudspeaker design, and the surprisingly capable new LS Luxe. What makes this speaker so special, and what might it reveal about where KEF—and the wider hi-fi industry—is headed?

Sources:

KEF’s Jack Oclee-Brown - Tangerine Waveguide: https://www.soundstage.life/e/kef-jack-oclee-brown-the-tangerine-waveguide-blade-loudspeakers-aspirational-hi-fi/

Inside VECO: https://www.soundstage.life/e/inside-veco-kefs-breakthrough-active-speaker-technology/

The Science and Precision Behind KEF's Speaker Production: https://www.soundstage.life/e/the-science-and-precision-behind-kefs-speaker-production/

Chapters:
00:00:00 Announcement
00:00:36 Introduction to the SoundStage! audio camp
00:03:35 All roads lead to Floyd Toole
00:12:51 How’s VECO doing?
00:15:51 A holistic design approach
00:23:26 The delightful, surprising LS Luxe
00:29:59 Outro music: “imok” by Folly Tree

When Machines Make the Music, What Happens to Hi-Fi? Oct 09, 2026

Show notes

This week, host Jorden Guth is joined by SoundStageXperience.com editor Joseph Taylor and SoundStageAccess.com editor Dennis Burger for a wide-ranging debate about AI-generated music—and what happens when machines can make music without musicians.

Is AI music actually art? Does it matter whether a human being created what we’re listening to? Are record companies helping accelerate their own obsolescence? And could the renewed popularity of vinyl, CDs, and other physical media become a form of resistance to a future flooded with synthetic music?

Joseph and Dennis approach the subject from very different perspectives, leading to a discussion that ranges from creativity and artistic intent to streaming economics, record conglomerates, science fiction, bots, and the increasingly blurry line between human- and machine-made culture.

And somehow, amid all of that, there’s still time to discover just how badly Jorden can pronounce “Angine de Poitrine.”

Sources:

“Artificial Intelligence and Unintelligent Music” by Joseph Taylor: https://www.soundstagexperience.com/index.php/features-menu/pulse-menu/1213

“Can Kids Save Us from the Existential Threat of AI Music?” by Dennis Burger: https://www.soundstageaccess.com/index.php/feature-articles/1400

Man crashed out #drummer #jokerchallenge #redrumclub: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/98hCBawtI3M

“What Makes a Good Reference Recording?” by Dennis Burger: https://www.soundstageaccess.com/index.php/feature-articles/1219

Rationality: From AI to Zombies by Eliezer Yudkowsky: https://www.readthesequences.com/

Chapters:
00:00:00 Announcement
00:00:36 Introductions
00:10:35 Isn’t it ironic?
00:20:22 Rage against the machines
00:29:13 The complicity of record conglomerates
00:34:31 Physical media as rebellion?
00:37:40 I have no mouth and I must scream
00:47:26 Who’s listening?
00:49:34 The bots ain’t trying to get laid
00:52:16 Technological Stockholm Syndrome?
00:59:04 The ghosts are becoming machines
01:04:33 Outro music: "I as a Black Hole" by BΔΔ RΔΔ

Creating Audiophiles, One Neighbor at a Time Sep 25, 2026

Show notes

This week, host Jorden Guth is joined by SoundStage! Ultra senior editor Jason Thorpe to talk about My Audiophile Neighborhood, his ongoing SoundStage! Global series chronicling what happens when he introduces friends and neighbors to better sound.

But the conversation quickly becomes about something bigger: If we want hi-fi to thrive, how do we actually create new enthusiasts? Jorden and Jason discuss why good communication matters, why the hobby’s obsession with constant upgrading can work against it, the realities of the generation gap, and why advocacy has to extend beyond preaching to people who are already converted. Most importantly, they explore why praxis—putting ideas into action—is every bit as important as theory when it comes to bringing new people into hi-fi.

Sources:

Jason’s blog posts on SoundStage! Global: https://www.soundstageglobal.com/index.php/blogging-on-audio/181-jason-thorpe

Chapters:
00:00:00 Announcement
00:00:36 Introduction to Jason’s audiophile neighbors
00:09:35 Wanting something but not knowing what
00:15:09 The importance of Orwell and engaging prose
00:20:04 The compulsion to upgrade is optional
00:25:35 The generation thing
00:30:02 The importance of advocacy
00:36:15 The importance of praxis
00:39:22 The importance of incentive structures
00:43:40 Outro music: "Kumare Brothers" by Dialgo

Monitor Audio’s Ten-Year Plan for Hi-Fi—With Michael Johnson Sep 11, 2026

Show notes

This week, host Jorden Guth is joined by Michael Johnson, Global Marketing Director for Monitor Audio Group, to discuss the Monitor Audio Experience Centre, creating gateways to audiophilia, and the company’s ten-year roadmap. They also explore whether vinyl represents hi-fi’s past or future, the role active speakers might play at Monitor Audio, and why video games could be an important way to introduce a new generation to better sound.

Sources:

“Monitor Audio: From Concept 50 to Hyphn and Beyond” on the SoundStage! Audiophile Podcast: https://www.soundstage.life/e/monitor-audio-from-concept-50-to-hyphn-and-beyond-into-hi-fi-making-monitor-audio-speakers-the-response/

Chapters:
00:00:00 Announcement
00:00:36 Introductions
00:02:32 The Experience Centre
00:07:46 Sound and the tech that creates it
00:11:19 Conveying experiences
00:15:25 A gateway to hi-fi?
00:19:44 The ten-year roadmap
00:21:53 Is vinyl the past or the future?
00:28:39 What about active speakers?
00:36:12 Audio for video games
00:41:23 Outro music: “Let the Road Begin” by Ziv Moran

WiiM’s Recipe for Modern Hi-Fi—With Dominique Lingruen Aug 28, 2026

Show notes

This week, host Jorden Guth is joined by Dominique Lingruen, vice president of sales for Linkplay Technology Inc., parent company of WiiM—a fast-growing hi-fi brand whose expanding lineup includes streamers, amplifiers, wireless speakers, subwoofers, and other products designed for the modern connected audio system.

Topics of conversation include Dominique’s personal history in hi-fi, WiiM’s meteoric rise, the importance of personalization, how the company is reaching a younger and more female audience, what happened with AirPlay, and—perhaps most importantly—the best recipe for banana pancakes.

Plus, what does WiiM even mean? Jorden finds out.

Sources:

WiiM Amp Ultra Streaming Integrated Amplifier review by Dennis Burger: https://www.soundstageaccess.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/1358-wiim-amp-ultra-streaming-integrated-amplifier

“The WiiM Amp Ultra—What’s Happened to Me?” by Jason Thorpe: https://www.soundstageultra.com/index.php/features-menu/opinion-menu/1297-the-wiim-amp-ultra-whats-happened-to-me

Chapters:
00:00:00 Announcement
00:00:36 Introductions
00:03:22 Manifesting Beckham
00:06:23 It’s pronounced “WiiM”
00:08:20 The pieces of the Linkplay puzzle
00:13:56 Taking a big bet
00:18:31 Appealing to different demographics
00:21:28 From hi-fi to home theater
00:24:32 What happened with AirPlay
00:28:30 The future
00:30:47 The headphone hook and the vinyl fad
00:35:39 My-fi?
00:40:14 What would a WiiM AVR look like?
00:41:23 Outro music: “Four Leaf Clover” by Louis Island

The Future of Hi-Fi with Emotiva's Dan Laufman Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

Host Jorden Guth welcomes Emotiva founder Dan Laufman back to the podcast for a conversation about where hi-fi is headed. From the retro-inspired Nostala line to the need for high-value, long-lasting audio gear, Laufman explains why making great sound more accessible is essential to the industry's future.

Sources:

“Dan Laufman on the Value of Emotiva”: https://www.soundstage.life/e/dan-laufman-on-the-value-of-emotiva/

Emotiva BasX TA2+ stereo receiver by Dennis Burger: https://www.soundstageaccess.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/1393-emotiva-basx-ta2-stereo-receiver

Chapters:
00:00:00 Announcement
00:00:36 Introductions and the origins of Nostala
00:04:34 Listening to the music or the speakers?
00:07:23 Who is this retro-revival supposed to appeal to?
00:10:14 Retro-inspired electronics, too?
00:12:45 Making sense of model names
00:19:42 These young audiophiles are a different breed
00:23:11 Audio isn’t like other electronics
00:30:13 Education is empowerment
00:33:51 The return of Emofest
00:35:21 The soundtrack to Dan’s life
00:37:39 Outro music: “After 2AM” by Ziggy

How Great Hi-Fi Gets Made—Lenbrook's Matt Simmonds Jul 31, 2026

Show notes

Host Jorden Guth is joined by Matt Simmonds, Vice President of Product Development at Lenbrook, for a behind-the-scenes look at how modern hi-fi products come to life. Simmonds discusses his family's history in audio, the origins of Bluesound, the importance of industrial design, and how companies weigh innovation, market trends, and emerging technologies like AI when deciding what products to build next.

Sources:

"Bluesound's High-Style Pulse Sub+ Subwoofer"—SoundStage! Talks (December 2020): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2-ljBZQ4uE

Chapters:
00:00:00 Announcement
00:00:36 Introductions and family traditions
00:06:34 Career-type decisions
00:10:19 Why Bluesound?
00:14:00 Design matters
00:20:53 Avoiding cannibalism
00:27:51 Polishing that crystal ball
00:33:51 AI versus the real world
00:43:04 Outro music: "Brother” by Montessori

Hi-Fi Nerd Fight Part 2—Dennis Burger vs. Paul Hales on Room Correction Jul 17, 2026

Show notes

This week, we pick up the ball from where the previous episode left off. Host Jorden Guth once again moderates a chat between podcast producer Dennis Burger and guest L. Paul Hales about the future of hi-fi and the place room correction has in that future. Topics include how one defines a good speaker, why kick drums can lose their oomph, why you wouldn’t EQ a piano, and a complete break-down of Paul’s five-point problem with room correction.

Sources:

“Are JL Audio’s Primacy Speakers the Future of Stereo?”: https://www.soundstage.life/e/are-jl-audio-s-primacy-speakers-the-future-of-stereo/

“JL Audio’s Primacy Active Loudspeaker Systems: Charting a New Course Under Garmin” by Roger Kanno: https://www.soundstageglobal.com/index.php/blogging-on-audio/232-roger-kanno/1266-jl-audios-primacy-active-loudspeaker-systems-charting-a-new-course-under-garmin

“Are JL Audio’s Primacy Speakers the Future of Stereo?” (S5:E4): https://youtu.be/xdyxqp9kYvE?si=lZwAeCePVYoVOLl6

“Chest-Pounding Bass, Done Smarter 🔊 Theory’s Renegade Approach to LFE”: https://youtu.be/vtOgOT5hsu0?si=0J9qiAfDGGK-8XHR

Chapters:
00:00:00 Announcement
00:00:36 Introductions
00:01:59 What makes a speaker good?
00:07:28 A thought experiment
00:15:54 Get that kick drum out of my ass
00:25:07 Paul’s five-point problem with room correction
00:33:31 The question of burn-in
00:37:23 A band of speakers?
00:38:25 Outro music: "Goosefeet” by Javapysch

Hi-Fi Nerd Fight Part 1—Dennis Burger vs. Paul Hales on Room Correction Jul 03, 2026

Show notes

This week, host Jorden Guth moderates a conversation between podcast producer Dennis Burger and returning guest L. Paul Hales, founder and chief designer of California-based Pro Audio Technology. Together, they explore the future of hi-fi and the role room correction may play in shaping it. This is the first installment of a two-part discussion.

Sources:

“Are JL Audio’s Primacy Speakers the Future of Stereo?”: https://www.soundstage.life/e/are-jl-audio-s-primacy-speakers-the-future-of-stereo/

“Are JL Audio’s Primacy Speakers the Future of Stereo?” (S5:E4): https://youtu.be/xdyxqp9kYvE?si=lZwAeCePVYoVOLl6

“Chest-Pounding Bass, Done Smarter 🔊 Theory’s Renegade Approach to LFE”: https://youtu.be/vtOgOT5hsu0?si=0J9qiAfDGGK-8XHR

Chapters:
00:00:00 Announcement
00:00:36 Introductions
00:09:59 Can bad rooms benefit from room correction?
00:16:43 Dennis enters the chat
00:23:15 The parable of the piano
00:30:12 Direct vs. reverberant sound
00:36:14 Grimes theory of economic unfairness, but speakers instead of boots
00:40:59 Outro music: "Techné” by Art Against Agony

Vienna Verdict: Did High End 2026 Deliver? Jun 19, 2026

Show notes

This week, host Jorden Guth sits down with SoundStage! Ultra’s Jason Thorpe and SoundStage! founder Doug Schneider to discuss their trip to Vienna for High End 2026—the first time the world's most important hi-fi show has been held outside Munich in more than two decades. Did the move affect the show? Was there a demographic shift among attendees? What were the most impressive products, rooms, and demonstrations? And perhaps most importantly, were the Vienna sandwiches up to par?

Sources:

High End 2026 coverage from Vienna, Austria, on SoundStage! Global: https://www.soundstageglobal.com/index.php/shows-events/high-end-2026-vienna-austria

Chapters:
00:00:00 Announcement
00:00:36 Introductions
00:06:46 Taking attendance
00:09:22 Quantity and quality of the rooms
00:14:23 How’d it sound?
00:28:33 The best record Jason ever heard
00:31:30 Bowers & Wilkins 800 D5
00:32:40 A demographic shift?
00:35:02 The offsite controversy
00:36:27 A 21st century player piano
00:43:53 Outro music: "To Be the One” by Israel Wasserman

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