the ecoustics podcast

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The Best Hi-Fi Year of Our Lives: eCoustics Roundtable Nov 15, 2023

Show notes

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.com
https://www.qacoustics.com
Products mentioned:
Frogge' Phono Pre - http://www.thatoldretrostore.com/pages/preamps.html
Sony PS1
CEDIA’s Sickest Demo: https://www.ecoustics.com/news/sickest-demo-cedia-2023/
Focal Grand Utopia/Naim Statement System
Andrew Jones Source Point 10s - https://www.mofielectronics.com/products/mofi-electronics-sourcepoint-10-loudspeakers
On the panel:
Brian Mitchell, eCoustics Founder
Eric Pye, Vintage Columnist @audioloveyyc
Jeremy Sikora, Vintage Columnist @budget_audiophiler
Chris Boylan, Editor-at-Large
Robert Silva, Senior Correspondent
Mitch Anderson, Producer and Host of Black Circle Radio
Related 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
• 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://mixcloud.com/blackcircleradio
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news and product reviews on hi-fi, headphones, home theater, music and more.
https://www.ecoustics.com

What Exactly Does Music Do To Your Brain? Oct 20, 2023

Show notes

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 To Your Brain (via Haaretz)
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.com
Keep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting:
https://www.ecoustics.com
#hifi #audiophile #vinyl #ecoustics #musicindustry #musicstreaming #vintageaudio #musictherapy #sonicscience #cognitiveillness #phd #brainstudy #musicwellness
• 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://mixcloud.com/blackcircleradio
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news and product reviews on hi-fi, headphones, home theater, music and more.
https://www.ecoustics.com

Can Westone Audio Reclaim Dominance in the IEM Market? Oct 15, 2023

Show notes

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 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, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting:
https://www.ecoustics.com
#earphones #earbuds #headphones #inearheadphones #wirelessearphones #inearmonitor #iems #westone #iem #livesound #hifi #ecoustics #livesound #monitormix
• 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://mixcloud.com/blackcircleradio
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news and product reviews on hi-fi, headphones, home theater, music and more.
https://www.ecoustics.com

UE Pro: In Pursuit of the Ultimate Earphones with Vincent Liu Sep 29, 2023

Show notes

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 Premier
Thank 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.com
Keep 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
• 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://mixcloud.com/blackcircleradio
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news and product reviews on hi-fi, headphones, home theater, music and more.
https://www.ecoustics.com

Song of the Divine: An Intimate Conversation with Al Anderson of The Original Wailers Sep 19, 2023

Show notes

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 Tour
Al Anderson on Discogs
Song of The Divine Music Video on YouTube
Al 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.com
Keep 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
• 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://mixcloud.com/blackcircleradio
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news and product reviews on hi-fi, headphones, home theater, music and more.
https://www.ecoustics.com

Making MoFi the Soundtrack of Your Life Sep 01, 2023

Show notes

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 nirvana
Related 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.com
Keep 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
• 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://mixcloud.com/blackcircleradio
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news and product reviews on hi-fi, headphones, home theater, music and more.
https://www.ecoustics.com

The Lamborghini of Audio, Gryphon's Sales Director, Rune Skov Aug 25, 2023

Show notes

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.dk
Related links:
Podcast: Gryphon Audio North America, Anthony Chiarella at T.H.E. Show 2023
https://www.ecoustics.com/podcasts/gryphon-audio-anthony-chiarella/
Podcast: Gryphon Audio’s #1 Dealer, Joseph Cali at T.H.E. Show 2023
https://www.ecoustics.com/podcasts/gryphon-dealer-joseph-cali/
Gryphon Audio Trident II Loudspeakers & Apex Amplifier at T.H.E. Show 2023
https://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.com
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.
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
• 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://mixcloud.com/blackcircleradio
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news and product reviews on hi-fi, headphones, home theater, music and more.
https://www.ecoustics.com

SVS Immersion is Here, There, and Everywhere: Live from T.H.E. Show 2023 Aug 18, 2023

Show notes

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.com
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.
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.com
Keep 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
• 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://mixcloud.com/blackcircleradio
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news and product reviews on hi-fi, headphones, home theater, music and more.
https://www.ecoustics.com

Get Blown Away by JBL Sound Again, Interview with Jim Garrett of Harman Luxury Audio Group Aug 11, 2023

Show notes

In this episode eCoustics founder Brian Mitchell sits down with Jim Garrett, head of product strategy and planning at the Harman Luxury Audio Group, which is composed of five active brands — JBL, JBL Synthesis, Arcam, Mark Levinson, and Revel. The discussion centers around the luxury side of the JBL business, which includes the modernized re-launch of JBL’s classic products, including the L100.
Related links:
https://www.ecoustics.com/reviews/jbl-4329p/
https://www.ecoustics.com/products/jbl-l100-classic-75-loudspeaker/
https://www.ecoustics.com/products/jbl-75th-anniversary-sa750-integrated-amplifier/
Thank you to our sponsor Focal for the support of our programming!
https://www.focal.com
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.com
Keep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting:
https://www.ecoustics.com
#hifi #ecoustics #JBL #vintageaudio #L100 #marklevinson #immersiveaudio #customintegrationspeakers #hometheater #breakingthesoundbarrier #speakerdesign
• 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://mixcloud.com/blackcircleradio
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news and product reviews on hi-fi, headphones, home theater, music and more.
https://www.ecoustics.com

The Wonderful Wizard of GaN? Pulling Back the Curtains on the Next Generation of Amplification Aug 04, 2023

Show notes

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.com
https://oceanwayaudio.com
Thank you to our sponsors Q Acoustics & SVS for the support of our programming!
https://www.qacoustics.com
https://www.svsound.com
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.
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.com
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 #agdproductions #oceanwayaudio #allensides #grammywinner #audioengineer #musicmixing #recordingstudio #audiophile #theshow2023 #theshowsocal2023 #highendaudio #breakingthesoundbarrier
• 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://mixcloud.com/blackcircleradio
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news and product reviews on hi-fi, headphones, home theater, music and more.
https://www.ecoustics.com

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