Audio Insider, an AXPONA Podcast - AXPONA

Latest Episodes:

Audiophiles Can't Ignore This Streamer Oct 24, 2025

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In this episode, Lenny Florentine is joined by Eric Smith from Fidelity Imports to explore one of the most exciting new names in streaming: Matrix Audio. Born from three high school audiophiles with a passion for great sound and great design, Matrix has grown into one of the most complete digital audio manufacturers in the world. They design everything in-house—from the hardware and software to the app and operating system—making their products stand apart from the crowd. We dive deep into the new TS1, a $2,500 all-in-one streamer/DAC/preamp/headphone amp that's turning heads with its build quality, intuitive UX, and AKM-based design. You'll also hear about Matrix's full range of products, from dedicated streaming transports and DACs to their reference separates, and how features like internal SSD storage, CD ripping, ARC support, and even external clock integration make them serious contenders in the audiophile streaming space. If you've been thinking about upgrading your streamer or exploring Matrix Audio for your hi-fi system, this episode is a must-listen.

Audiophiles Can't Believe How These Speakers Sound Oct 17, 2025

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A new name in high-end audio has arrived — and it's anything but ordinary. In this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, host Lenny Florentine sits down once again with Jeff Coats from Harmonia Distribution to introduce Ø Audio, a bold Norwegian loudspeaker brand making its U.S. debut. Founded by Sveinung Mala and Jonathan Cook, Audio blends Scandinavian craftsmanship with raw sonic power, working closely with SEAS to create proprietary driver technology that delivers explosive dynamics and live-performance realism. From the Frigg 02 to the commanding Icon 12 and the flagship Verdande, these speakers aren't just designed to impress — they're built to make you feel every note. Hear how this "Business Viking" brand is taking audio shows by storm, why their jump factor is unlike anything else, and what makes them one of the most exciting new names in the audiophile world.

Audiophiles Know Something About ANALOG You Don't Oct 10, 2025

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Analog lovers, you're going to enjoy this one. In this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, host Lenny Florentine sits down with Greg Beron of United Home Audio, the man keeping reel-to-reel tape alive in the modern hi-fi world. Greg shares how he went from being laughed at during the rise of digital audio to becoming one of the most respected builders of audiophile-grade tape decks. He explains why tape remains the most authentic way to hear music recorded on analog masters, how his hand-built machines are engineered for reliability and performance, and what makes the Super Deck one of the most advanced analog sources in existence. You'll also hear stories from decades of audio shows, learn how master tape copies are produced, and understand why reel-to-reel delivers something that streaming and vinyl can't — the complete musical picture.

Audiophile Speakers That Reveal What You've Been Missing Oct 03, 2025

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In this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny sits down with Tom and Monica from Cymatix—a father-daughter team bringing groundbreaking speaker design to the hi-fi world. Tom shares his journey from building speakers in Poland over 40 years ago to creating some of the most ambitious compound planar drivers available today. Monica opens up about leaving a corporate career to embrace the healing and transformative power of sound, and together they reveal what makes Cymatix speakers unique: emotional clarity, fatigue-free listening, and fully customizable designs built in-house. From massive 750-pound floorstanders to in-wall speakers that disappear into the room, Cymatix is redefining what's possible in high-end audio.

Are These the Future of Audiophile Speakers? Sep 26, 2025

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On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny Florentine sits down with Chris from Focal and Naim to talk about the evolution of hi-fi, from car audio beginnings to groundbreaking headphone technology and now to the all-new Diva Utopia and Diva Mezza Utopia wireless speakers. These models combine Focal's decades of loudspeaker innovation with Naim's legendary amplification, bringing true audiophile performance into a modern, lifestyle-friendly design. From luxury finishes and advanced room correction to the seamless integration of wireless streaming and powerful Class AB amplification, Chris shares how these speakers are changing perceptions of what wireless hi-fi can deliver.

This Audiophile Speaker Redefines Sound AND Design Sep 19, 2025

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On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny Florentine sits down with Jean-Loup from Devialet to explore how the French company blends cutting-edge technology with bold design. From the breakthrough ADH hybrid amplification and the original Expert amplifiers to the iconic Phantom speakers, Devialet has redefined what high-end audio can look and sound like. We also dive into their latest innovations — the new Astra amplifier and the upcoming Phantom Ultimate series — showcasing upgraded performance, improved DSP, and sleek finishes. If you're curious about how Devialet continues to push boundaries in hi-fi, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

The Speaker Technology Audiophiles Need to Hear About Sep 14, 2025

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This week on the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast Lenny Florentine sits down with Jeff Coates of Harmonia, the U.S. distributor for Fyne Audio. Jeff shares his journey into hi-fi, the story behind Fyne's creation, and what makes their IsoFlare driver and vintage-inspired loudspeakers so special. From speaker design breakthroughs to music that inspires, this conversation dives deep into passion, history, and sound.

This Turntable Solves Problems Audiophiles Hate Sep 05, 2025

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Step inside the story of SOTA Turntables with Christan as he shares his journey from a teenage stereo shop kid to owner of one of the most respected analog brands in hi-fi. We talk about how his background as a musician shaped his approach to design, why locally sourced materials and precision engineering matter, and the legacy of SOTA's suspended turntable philosophy dating back to 1979. Christan breaks down the challenges of building high-end turntables in today's market, the constant pursuit of lower wow & flutter, and how SOTA continues to evolve with cutting-edge electronics while still servicing decks that are decades old. From the entry-level Moonbeam to the all-new Onyx flagship, we dive into what makes SOTA unique and why their tables are still built to last a lifetime.

The Truth About Vinyl & Vintage Hi-Fi No Audiophile Talks About Aug 22, 2025

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On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny sits down with Chad Kassem of Acoustic Sounds, founder of one of the most important names in the audiophile world. From a small passion for records in the 1980s to running a company with its own record label, mastering facility, printing shop, and the world-renowned Quality Record Pressings (QRP) plant, Chad has built a complete vinyl ecosystem that has changed the way collectors experience music. We also dig into Chad's legendary vintage audio collection, including dozens of iconic Marantz, Sansui, Pioneer, Kenwood, and Yamaha receivers. He shares the stories behind collecting, trading, and preserving these classics, plus why the look, feel, and sound of vintage gear still captures the imagination of today's audiophiles. This conversation bridges two worlds: the future of vinyl production at scale and the timeless beauty of vintage hi-fi. All coming from two vintage hi-fi enthusiasts whom both run hi-fi retail businesses in different parts of the country.

This Audiophile Upgrade CHANGES EVERYTHING (and there's proof) Aug 08, 2025

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In this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny Florentine sits down with Joe from Tributaries and Clarus Cables—and doesn't hold back. From asking whether high-end cables are just snake oil to pressing for the real science behind the sound, this conversation isn't your typical soft-ball interview. Joe shares his incredible journey from managing a legendary Mac dealer in the '70s to launching a cable company built not on hype, but on engineering, patents, and proof. You'll hear how he challenged the industry status quo, worked directly with Jay Victor, and redefined how cables can impact music listening.

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