

the ecoustics podcast
Black Circle Studios
Passionate about music, movies, HiFi audio, headphones and home theater, eCoustics has been covering the A/V industry since 1999. Join our diverse cast of journalists, audiophiles, industry experts and special guests for always spirited, sometimes controversial discussions about the latest news, happenings and trends in the audio, video and music industries. Whether you're listening through stereo loudspeakers with a vintage tube amp, rocking a multi-channel home theater, on-the-go with wireless speakers or headphones, streaming music or spinning vinyl, the experienced team at ecoustics breaks down what you need to know to really enjoy music and movies at home and on the road.https://www.ecoustics.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 5, 2024 • 56min
Arcam Radia, JBL Classic and Roon: Interview with Jim Garrett
In our second podcast with Jim Garrett, head of product strategy and planning at Harman Luxury Audio we discuss Arcam’s new product refresh. The British Hi-Fi brand has just introduced the sleek new Radia series of audio components, which consists of five new models:• Arcam A5 Integrated Amp – $699• Arcam A15 Integrated Amp – $1,099• Arcam A25 Integrated Amp – $1,499• Arcam CD5 CD Player – $699• Arcam ST5 Streamer – $799All are available at Crutchfield:https://bit.ly/arcam-radia-at-crutchfieldJim reveals key details about each product, how they work together, and what’s different between each model. In addition, Jim shares updates about JBL’s “vintage looking” Classic hi-fi components which are now shipping along with MKII (2nd generation) versions of the JBL Classic L100, L82 and L52 Loudspeakers.Finally, we talk about Harman’s surprise acquisition of Roon and what to expect going forward.Previous podcast with Jim Garrett:https://www.ecoustics.com/podcasts/harman-luxury-audio-2023/Related links:https://www.ecoustics.com/reviews/arcam-radia-st5-a25/https://www.ecoustics.com/products/arcam-radia-series/https://www.ecoustics.com/products/jbl-classic-loudspeakers-black/https://www.ecoustics.com/news/harman-acquires-roon/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.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting:https://www.ecoustics.com#arcam #radia #hifi #audiophile #harman #harmanluxury #ecoustics #jbl #loudspeakers #roon

Dec 19, 2023 • 43min
Hi-Fi and Record Shopping in the Land of the Rising Sun
In September 2023, vintage columnist Eric Pye (@audioloveyyc) spent three weeks in Japan pursuing audio perfection in all forms. In this episode of the eCoustics podcast, he and podcast producer Mitch Anderson (@black_circle_radio) discuss shopping in Japan for modern and vintage HiFi, and new and used music on vinyl and other mediums.Conversation meanders to Japanese audiophilia and the obsession with quality, Japanese jazz artists (including Ryo Fukui, Tsuyoshi Yamamoto and Isao Suzuki), and why classical music is still so popular when interest has fallen off in many other countries.Links:Iconic Sansui Amplifiers: Exit to Vintage StreetJapanese Jazz Wikipedia PageAudio Union WebsiteDisk Union WebsiteHMV Japan WebsiteThank you to our sponsor Marantz for supporting this episode!www.marantz.comIn the Episode:Eric Pye, Vintage Audio ColumnistMitch Anderson, 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 #japanesejazz #vinylcommunity #consumerelectronics #podcast

Dec 12, 2023 • 42min
House of the Rising Sun: A Journey to the Japanese Jazz Kissa
In September 2023, vintage columnist Eric Pye (@audioloveyyc) spent three weeks in Japan pursuing audio perfection in all forms. In this episode of the eCoustics podcast, he and podcast producer Mitch Anderson (@black_circle_radio) discuss the history and current state of Jazz Kissa culture, how visiting a Jazz Kissa is such a special experience, and why that experience can’t really be recreated elsewhere. Going off topic they also discuss Japanese vinyl pressings and why those are so desirable.Links for further information:Japanese Jazz Kissa and the Art of the Piano Trio: Exit to Vintage StreetJazz Kissa Culture Goes Global: Exit to Vintage StreetJazz City online store: Purchase Jazz Kissa magazines and booksTokyo Jazz Joints website@jazz_kissa on InstagramThank you to our sponsor Marantz for supporting this episode!www.marantz.comIn the Episode:Eric Pye, Vintage Audio Columnist Mitch Anderson, 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 #japanesejazz #vinylcommunity #consumerelectronics #podcast

Dec 5, 2023 • 45min
Ace of Space? Andover Audio Has an Affordable and Unique Solution for Your Hi-Fi Budget Blues
With consumers moving away from expensive multi-component systems and looking for more economical and space-spacing alternatives, the question has to be asked -- who is actually offering solutions that are affordable?Bob Hazelwood, Director of Engineering and Product Development, Andover Audio, joins us on the eCoustics podcast to discuss their rather extensive lineup of award-winning wireless speakers, turntables, streamers, and lifestyle systems that tick off every box for the next generation of music listeners. And don't believe the naysayers -- their Isogroove isolation technology makes it possible to have your turntable on top of your speakers.Ace of Space? You will be very surprised what you can do.Thank you to our sponsors SVS & Q Acoustics for supporting our sonic messaging! https://www.svsound.comhttps://www.qacoustics.comIn the Episode:Bob Hazelwood, Director of Engineering and Product Development - Andover AudioMitch Anderson, 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 #andoveraudio #spinbase #vinylcommunity #consumerelectronics #podcast

Nov 28, 2023 • 39min
Capital Audiofest 2023: Are High-End Audio Manufacturers Living on Borrowed Time?
A new generation of music listeners are stepping outside their traditional comfort zones and looking for better ways to enjoy their music collections. But will they find that at a traditional Hi-Fi show?EIC Ian White and Producer Mitch Anderson break down CAF 2023 and why horrible music, unaffordable systems, and an aging customer base do not portend a strong future for high-end audio manufacturers if they don't make some massive changes. Sponsor: Thank you to the sponsor of this episode, Marantz. You’ll want to check out their new Stereo 70s Slimline Receiver.On the panel:Ian White, eCoustics Editor-In-ChiefMitch Anderson, 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 #capitalaudiofest2023 #caf2023 #caf #headphones #audioshow #luxuryaudio #audioreview #musicindustry

Nov 22, 2023 • 1h 8min
What Makes a UST Projector the Best? Inside the 2023 Laser TV Showdown
Looking for a 4K UST projector or a portable lifestyle projector for your home? At the 2023 Laser TV Showdown, six unbiased expert judges took a look at the top UST projectors and the top portable 4K projectors (aka lifestyle projectors) and picked the winners in each category. Join us for a discussion with the organizers of the event as they reveal which UST projectors and which portable projectors got the highest ratings from the judges. We chat with Rob Sabin of ProjectorCentral.com and Brian Gluck of ProjectorScreen.com, organizer and host of the shootout event which saw nine of the world's best UST projectors and five of the top portable 4K projectors face-off side-by-side for the top spots.Sponsor: Thank you to the sponsor of this episode, Marantz. You’ll want to check out their new Stereo 70s Slimline Receiver.Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/iW8-OhdmzNs View the scorecards and links to all the winners here:https://www.ecoustics.com/podcasts/2023-laser-tv-showdown-recap/On the panel:Brian Mitchell, eCoustics FounderChris Boylan, eCoustics Editor-at-LargeBrian Gluck, Owner of ProjectorScreen.comRob Sabin, Editor-in-Chief at ProjectorCentral.comCredits: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#lasertv #ustprojector #showdown #projectorcentral #projectorscreen #bigscreen #hometheater #homevideo #2023lasertvshowdown #portableprojector #hometheatre #bestprojector #bestof2023

Nov 15, 2023 • 1h 1min
The Best Hi-Fi Year of Our Lives: eCoustics Roundtable
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.comhttps://www.qacoustics.comProducts mentioned:Frogge' Phono Pre - http://www.thatoldretrostore.com/pages/preamps.htmlSony PS1CEDIA’s Sickest Demo: https://www.ecoustics.com/news/sickest-demo-cedia-2023/Focal Grand Utopia/Naim Statement SystemAndrew Jones Source Point 10s - https://www.mofielectronics.com/products/mofi-electronics-sourcepoint-10-loudspeakersOn the panel:Brian Mitchell, eCoustics FounderEric Pye, Vintage Columnist @audioloveyycJeremy Sikora, Vintage Columnist @budget_audiophilerChris Boylan, Editor-at-LargeRobert Silva, Senior CorrespondentMitch Anderson, Producer and Host of Black Circle RadioRelated 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

Oct 20, 2023 • 51min
What Exactly Does Music Do To Your Brain?
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.comKeep 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

Oct 15, 2023 • 49min
Can Westone Audio Reclaim Dominance in the IEM Market?
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

Sep 29, 2023 • 1h 14min
UE Pro: In Pursuit of the Ultimate Earphones with Vincent Liu
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 PremierThank 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.comKeep 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


