the ecoustics podcast

Black Circle Studios
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Dec 6, 2024 • 46min

Inside the 2024 UST Projector Showdown: Reference vs. Preference

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-afPanel:Chris Boylan, eCoustics Editor-at-Large and HostBrian Gluck, Owner and President, ProjectorScreen.comPhilip Jones, Technical Editor and Lead Reviewer, ProjectorReviews.comCredits:Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.comVoice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.comProduction by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting: https://www.ecoustics.com#USTProjector #USTshowdown #miniprojector #ecoustics #projectorscreens #projectorshootout #tcl #hisense #hometheater #hdr #uhd #4k #8k #tvtech #2024bestof #2024tv
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Nov 20, 2024 • 33min

Blue Note’s Tone Poet Society Subscriptions Are Making Us Feel Kind of Blue

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 WebsiteJapanese Jazz Kissa and the Art of the Piano Trio: Exit to Vintage StreetJazz Kissa Culture Goes Global: Exit to Vintage StreetIn the Episode:Eric Pye, Vintage Audio ColumnistMitch Anderson, Podcast ProducerCredits: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, Music, Home Theater, and Headphone news by visiting:https://www.ecoustics.com#hifi #audiophile #vintageaudio #jazzkissa  #vinylcommunity #ecoustics #bluenotetonepoet #tonepoetsociety #bluenoterecords #musicsubscriptionservice #vinylsubscriptionservice #musicindustrynews 
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Nov 13, 2024 • 1h 20min

Vinyl Record Sales Are Not Down, Luminate and Warner Respond

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 counting record sales isn’t as easy as it may seem. Although Luminate gets accurate accounting of record sales from major online websites and big box retailers, sales from independent record stores (“indies”) are harder to come by. That wouldn’t be such a big deal, except for the fact that an estimated 40% of record sales are from indies in the U.S. So with only a small fraction of indies reporting vinyl sales, Luminate has always estimated the indie portion in its reports. But how they estimate matters.A small change in Luminate’s estimation algorithm caused a dramatic turn of events. But there is more to the story of vinyls resurgence, so we hope you’ll tune in to take a deep dive into the vinyl music industry.Thank you to our sponsors SVS and Q Acoustics! For more information on these stellar brands, please click the links below: https://www.svsound.comhttps://www.qacoustics.comRelated links:https://luminatedata.comhttps://vinylalliance.orghttps://www.riaa.com/u-s-sales-database/https://www.ifpi.orghttps://www.wmg.comhttps://www.discogs.com/digs/collecting/vinyl-sales-up-in-2024/Panel:• Mitch Anderson, Host & eCoustics Podcast Producer• Brian Mitchell, eCoustics Founder & CEO• Chris Muratore, Director, Luminate• Billy Fields, VP Sales, Warner Music GroupCredits:• 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.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting:https://www.ecoustics.com#vinylcommunity #musicindustry #vinylrecordindustry #luminate #billboardcharts #wmg #warnermusicgroup #musicbusinessnews #ecoustics #mediamanufacturing #makingvinyl #vinylalliance #blackcircleradio #sourceoflightandpower
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Nov 3, 2024 • 53min

LTA: Not Your Grand-Daddy's Tube Amps, A Conversation with Nicholas Tolson

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 requests should not never be shouted ("Freebird!") and other insider tips. For more information on Linear Tube Audio please visit:https://www.lineartubeaudio.comThank you to our sponsors SVS & QAcoustics! For more information on these stellar brands, please click the links below: https://www.svsound.comhttps://www.qacoustics.comCredits:• 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.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting:https://www.ecoustics.com#audiophile #LTA #ZOTL #LinearTubeAudio #lifestylesound #interiordesign #tubeampdesign #audioindustry #ecoustics #musictech #HIFIShows #CAF2024 #Audio DAC#hiresaudio #hifi 
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Oct 26, 2024 • 42min

The Best Path to Better TV Sound: Soundbar or Separates?

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 sponsors Chord, SVS & Q Acoustics!For more information on these stellar brands, please click the links below: https://soundorg.com/ultima-integrated-amplifier/https://www.svsound.comhttps://www.qacoustics.comOn the panel:Brian Mitchell, eCoustics Founder & CEOChris Boylan, eCoustics Editor at LargeCredits: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, Music, Home Theater, and Headphone news by visiting:https://www.ecoustics.com#hometheater #soundbar #theaterbar #televisions #ecoustics #hifi #surroundsound #dolbyatmos #immersiveaudio #bringingthecinemahome #braviatheater #avtech #homelistening
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Sep 27, 2024 • 1h 5min

Home Theater vs. Movie Theater: Does Anyone Even Go to The Movies Anymore?

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)Chris Boylan, eCoustics Editor-at-LargeCredits:Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.comVoice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.comProduction by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting:https://www.ecoustics.com#hifi #audiophile #boxoffice2024 #imax #amc #directtostreaming #ecoustics #hometheater #filmsound  #surroundsound #hiresplayback #filmproduction #movienews
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Sep 20, 2024 • 46min

What Makes a “King of TV?” Inside the 2024 TV Shootout

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)Chris Boylan, eCoustics Editor-at-LargeCredits:Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.comVoice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.comProduction by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting: https://www.ecoustics.com#miniled #oled #qled #tv #4ktv #ecoustics #sony #samsung #lg #tcl #hisense #hometheater #hdr #uhd #4k #8k #tvtech #2024bestof #2024tv
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Sep 13, 2024 • 1h 11min

Best in Show Awards from CEDIA Expo 2024

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 our sponsors Chord, SVS & Q Acoustics! For more information on these stellar brands, please click the links below: https://soundorg.com/ultima-integrated-amplifier/https://www.svsound.comhttps://www.qacoustics.comRelated links:https://www.ecoustics.com/news/cedia-expo-2024-highlights-1/https://www.ecoustics.com/reviews/jbl-modern-audio-2024/https://www.youtube.com/ecousticsPanel:Brian Mitchell, eCoustics Founder & CEO (Host)Chris Boylan, eCoustics Editor-at-LargeRobert Silva, eCoustics Sr. News Correspondent 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.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting:https://www.ecoustics.com#cedia2024 #cediaexpo #audiophile #hifi #hometheater #lifestylesound #interiordesign #audioindustry #ecoustics #projectors #4ktv #luxuryaudio #luxuryav #inwallspeakers #outdoorspeakers
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Aug 9, 2024 • 53min

All I Want to Do is Listen! Why is Streaming Audio So Complicated?

Dive into the complexities of streaming audio as the hosts unravel the tangled web of formats like Dolby Atmos and the challenges of lossless sound. Explore the evolution of audio quality in streaming services and learn why achieving immersive sound can be a puzzle. Discover the stark differences in subscription models and how they affect access to high-definition audio. Plus, find out what it really takes to enjoy the finest listening experiences at home. It's a soundscape that music lovers can't afford to ignore!
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Jul 30, 2024 • 1h 1min

SVS Ultra Evolution Speakers - The Audiophile Bargain of 2024?

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 SVS who discuss the details of the SVS Ultra Evolution loudspeaker line: what makes them special and why they took more than two years to design and manufacture.More details: https://www.ecoustics.com/products/svs-ultra-evolution-loudspeakers/Hosted by:Mitch Anderson, Producer Chris Boylan, Editor-at-Large Thank you to our sponsor CHORD! For more information on their breathtaking Ultima Integrated, please visit: https://soundorg.com/ultima-integrated-amplifier/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.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting:https://www.ecoustics.com#svsultraevolution #svsspeakers #svssubs #audiophile #hifihappyhour #hifi #2024speakers #hometheater #lifestylesound #interiordesign #speakerdesign #audioindustry #ecoustics #musictech 

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