Audio Insider, an AXPONA Podcast - AXPONA

Latest Episodes:

This Tube Amp Makes Audiophiles Rethink Everything Mar 27, 2026

Show notes

Lenny sits down with TJ from Axiss Audio to dive into Phasemation, a Japanese brand focused on high-end analog playback and tube-based electronics. TJ explains the company's roots in precision engineering and how that translates into meticulous, in-house manufacturing and long-term reliability. They break down the lineup, starting with phono cartridges that aim for an open, natural, slightly laid-back sound, scaling up in refinement, detail, and realism at higher price points. The conversation moves into phono preamps, highlighting the new EA1500, which combines tube sound with modern flexibility, including support for emerging optical cartridges while reducing noise through a separate power supply. A standout point is Phasemation's focus on lowering noise across all products, even using passive line-stage preamps that require no power at all. On amplification, TJ explains their tube-based designs, emphasizing a more lifelike, spacious, and "liquid" presentation compared to solid state, while noting system matching is key. They also touch on new tech like optical cartridges, the importance of system synergy, and upcoming product reveals at AXPONA. The episode wraps with a broader discussion on listening habits, demo music, and how different genres can reveal a system's true capabilities.

https://axpona.com

https://instagram.com/axpona https://facebook.com/axpona

Host:

@LennyFlorentine

https://Instagram.com/lenny.florentine

https://facebook.com/lenny.florentine

Guest https://www.axissaudio.com

https://www.facebook.com/AXISSAudioUSA/

https://www.instagram.com/axissaudiousa/

Modern Tech Meets Vintage Speakers Mar 23, 2026

Show notes

Don't settle for a "standard" sound system when the future of high-end audio is arriving in vibrant orange and handcrafted Polish timber. In this episode, Lenny Florentine sits down with Michael from Luxury Hi-Fi Distribution to go behind the curtain of the most talked-back brands heading to AXPONA 2026. Michael shares his lifelong journey from childhood listening sessions with McIntosh and Klipschorns to becoming a powerhouse in North American distribution. The heart of the conversation dives into the arrival of Pylon Audio, a Polish manufacturer offering everything from the "vintage-cool" Jade series to the ultra-modern, time-aligned Jasper speakers—all at price points that actually remain approachable. The "insider" talk doesn't stop at speakers. Michael breaks down the modular magic of Pink Fawn music servers, the low-noise revolution of fiber optic connections, and why you might just fall in love with a high-performance integrated amp from Perreaux—especially if it comes in Aston Martin Gray or eye-popping Orange. Whether you're a streaming skeptic or a seasoned audiophile, this episode is a deep dive into the gear that is redefining the AXPONA showroom floor.

https://Axpona.com

https://instagram.com/axpona https://facebook.com/axpona

Host: @LennyFlorentine https://Instagram.com/lenny.florentine

https://facebook.com/lenny.florentine

Guest Luxury HiFi Distribution

http://www.luxuryhifidistribution.com

The New Way Audiophiles Listen to Music Mar 20, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny Florentine sits down with Brad Lunde of Lone Mountain Audio to explore the world of professional studio monitoring and its connection to high end home audio. Brad shares his journey from aspiring musician and hi-fi salesman to becoming the U.S. importer for ATC speakers. The conversation dives into how ATC became one of the most respected studio monitor brands in the world by designing and manufacturing every component in house, focusing on extremely low distortion and true accuracy rather than exaggerated sound. Brad explains why many legendary artists and recording engineers rely on ATC to produce their music, and how audiophiles can hear recordings exactly the way they were intended to sound. They also discuss the surprising connection between audiophiles and recording engineers, famous studios using ATC, and what attendees can expect to hear from the brand at AXPONA.

Audiophile Amplifiers are on Another Level! Mar 13, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, host Lenny Florentine sits down with Randy Bingham and Nick Lucini of Rhythm Distribution to explore the extraordinary world of Goldmund and its flagship Telos amplifier lineup. The conversation dives into the full range of Telos amplifiers, from the Telos 800 stereo amplifier with its massive 3200VA transformer all the way up to the statement level Telos 8800, highlighting the engineering philosophy, performance goals, and luxury craftsmanship that define the brand. Randy and Nick share real world listening experiences, including customers comparing the Telos 800 against amplifiers costing several times more and still preferring the Goldmund sound. They also discuss Goldmund's broader ecosystem, including elegant lifestyle speakers, ultra limited statement designs, and fully integrated cinema systems designed entirely in house. The episode also previews the North American show debut of a Goldmund system at AXPONA, where attendees will be able to experience the Swiss brand's meticulous approach to high end audio firsthand.

The Speaker Design Audiophiles Can't Ignore Mar 06, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny Florentine sits down with Jeremy Porter of J Porter Studios to explore his lifelong obsession with hi-fi and the engineering philosophy behind his striking, asymmetrical loudspeakers. Jeremy shares how growing up around his father's hi-fi system led him to study electrical engineering at UT Austin and spend decades refining speaker design. The conversation dives deep into his Baltic birch, multi-angled cabinets built to reduce resonances and diffraction, his folded transmission line architecture that reaches down to 16Hz, and the differences between ceramic and beryllium drivers in the Waterloo and Wellington series. They also discuss active vs. passive designs using Hypex amplification and DSP, the innovative three-way Waterloo Micro with dual opposed subwoofers, and what to expect from the new active Wellington Micro debuting at AXPONA. It's a technical yet passionate look at modern speaker design from a true audio obsessive.

Audiophiles Are Rediscovering This Legendary Brand Feb 27, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, host Lenny Florentine welcomes Randy and Nick of Rhythm Distribution, the U.S. importers for Luxman, for a deep dive into one of high-end audio's most iconic brands. Randy shares his decades-long journey through hi-fi retail and manufacturing, while Nick details his path from pro audio and recording into the high-end two-channel world. The conversation explores Luxman's 100-year legacy, its meticulous Japanese build quality, and the intentional design philosophy behind its celebrated integrated amplifiers—from the 505 and 507 to the flagship 509—as well as the leap into separates like the M10X and C10X. They also break down new product releases including the D-03R CD player/DAC, P-100 headphone amplifier, and E-07 phono stage, highlighting Luxman's signature balance of honesty, musicality, and emotional connection. Plus, the team teases major upcoming debuts at AXPONA and what the next century holds for the legendary brand.

How to Achieve an Audiophile Streaming Experience Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, host Lenny Florentine sits down with Stephen Healey of Innuos to trace both a personal and technical journey into high-end streaming audio. Stephen shares how a childhood surrounded by vinyl and classic hi-fi sparked a lifelong passion for music that eventually led him into the industry, before diving deep into the origins and philosophy of Innuos — from its early experiments with music servers in 2009 to becoming one of the most respected names in digital audio. The conversation explores Innuos' full-stack approach to streaming, why software, power supply design, and system efficiency matter just as much as hardware, and how modular streamers, dedicated network switches, and separates can dramatically impact sound quality. They also break down Innuos' current product lineup, explain digital connections and DAC options, and preview the U.S. debut of the flagship Nazare system at AXPONA, offering a clear look at how far high-end streaming has evolved — and where it's headed next.

You NEED To Know THIS About The Future of the HiFi Industry Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, host Lenny Florentine sits down with Lucca Chesky of Chesky Audio, one of the youngest and most compelling new voices in hi-fi today. Lucca shares how growing up surrounded by music and reference-level sound led him to start a loudspeaker company while still in high school, and how that early exposure shaped his design philosophy. The conversation dives deep into Chesky Audio's fully 3D-printed speaker cabinets, why traditional MDF construction limits performance, and how monocoque printing allows for greater control, rigidity, and value at accessible price points. They discuss the rapid success of the LC1, the evolution to the reference-focused LC2, breakout moments at AXPONA, and why thoughtful design, aesthetics, and affordability are key to bringing a new generation into hi-fi. From speaker engineering and manufacturing to the future of 3D printing, home theater, and entry-level audio, this episode explores where high-end sound is headed—and why the future of hi-fi may be younger than anyone expects.

Why Audiophiles Chase ANALOG Sound Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of the Audio Insider Podcast from AXPONA, host Lenny Florentine sits down with Mike Fajen of Sierra Sound to trace his journey from lifelong musician to one of the most respected voices in high-end analog audio. The conversation dives into Mike's early experiences with vinyl, tape, and recording, why analog listening still matters, and how those values shaped Sierra Sound's mission. They explore reference-level turntable design, tonearm engineering, and what separates truly great analog playback from the rest, with a deep look at AMG turntables and Sierra Sound's growing roster of premium brands. The episode also previews Sierra Sound's AXPONA presence, including multi-turntable all-analog systems, a hands-on "tonearm garden," and the now-legendary Metal Night sessions that challenge what hi-fi demos can be — all centered around one goal: putting music first.

SVS Built Something BIG That Audiophiles Didn't Expect! Jan 23, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, host Lenny Florentine is joined by returning guest Nick Brown from SVS to talk about the changing landscape of hi-fi, the importance of hands-on audio experiences, and SVS's biggest new product launches. The conversation covers SVS's new 3000 Revolution subwoofer series with flagship-level DSP, increased amplifier power, and upcoming auto-EQ features, as well as a redesigned 3000 Micro that now reaches down to 20 Hz. Nick also reveals SVS's move into the soundbar category with a high-performance, subwoofer-driven system built to deliver true home theater dynamics, immersive sound, and modern connectivity. Beyond products, they dive into why AXPONA matters more than ever, how to bridge the gap between audiophiles and mainstream listeners, the future of intentional listening, and why fun, accessible demos are key to growing the hobby.