the ecoustics podcast

In part 6 of 7 in our podcast series on vintage audio we talk about oddities. This episode is moderated by Mitch Anderson of Black Circle Radio with our vintage hi-fi experts Eric Pye and Jeremy Sikora.Over the past 7 decades, consumers have had access to a myriad of hi-fi components that were not necessarily good or even useful. Claims about accessories that could transform the sound of your system were met with downright skepticism. The eCoustics Vintage Audio team takes a hard look at some of the oddities, myths and rare finds from the 50s, 60s and 70s.Sponsored by: Howard Products - Keep your audio equipment looking as good as it sounds!Learn more at: https://www.howardproducts.comAbout Jeremy Sikora:Jeremy has always been a music lover, but his path into the vintage realm started with a gifted Technics SL-1700 Turntable which sat with a broken stylus until it was paired with Marantz 2245 and Jensen Model 4 Speakers in 2018. From there the curiosity of “what else can I play music on” within a budget took over. Jeremy remains a fan of all things vintage, anything with an Ohm emblem, vacuum tubes, and especially a love for the fringe equipment of the hobby… and Depeche Mode.As he learned so much from others on IG he created his own page @budget_audiophiler and shares his hits and misses of his audio journey with his 100k followers. The vintage audio game on IG is strong, welcoming, and generous!https://www.ecoustics.com/author/jeremy-sikora/https://www.instagram.com/budget_audiophiler/About Eric Pye:Eric’s journey into vintage audio began in 2015 when his mum gave him the old family Technics SA-500 Receiver that had been sitting under the living room sofa for over 20 years. Soon after, his brother gave him an old Sansui AU-555 Integrated Amplifier. Two services and full recaps later, he was sold on both the nostalgia and quality of vintage equipment, and down the rabbit hole he plunged.His Instagram journey began a few years earlier as @headfiyyc (YYC the code for Calgary Airport), with a focus on headphones and portable audio. As he dove deeper into vintage, his account focus shifted to amps, speakers and eventually turntables, with a heavy dose of jazz, resulting in a name change to @audioloveyyc to more accurately capture his account vibe. He currently has over 45K jazz and gear-head followers, many of whom have also become friends.https://www.ecoustics.com/author/eric-pye/https://www.instagram.com/audioloveyyc/About Mitch Anderson:All-vinyl broadcaster since 2009 via Black Circle Radio. Avid musician since the age of 8. Active recording artist. Mitch performs, records, mixes, masters, and cuts records with a pretty darn eclectic hybrid of vintage and modern equipment. If it's the right sound, then it's the right equipment.https://www.sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.comhttps://www.instagram.com/black_circle_radio/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#vintageaudio #vintagehifi #vintageaudioseries #rainbowmeter #teac #reverb #vumeter #spatialexpander #spatialenhancer #dynamicexpander #radioshack #yamaha #nad #mcintosh #luxman #pioneer #sansui #stereo #quad #surroundsound

In part 5 of 7 in our podcast series on vintage audio we talk all things turntables. This episode is moderated by Mitch Anderson of Black Circle Radio with our vintage hi-fi experts Eric Pye and Jeremy Sikora.Ten years have passed since the rebirth of vinyl, and thousands of vintage turntables have been dusted off by music listeners and found their way into hi-fi systems around the globe. Consumers want to know if vintage tables are worth restoring or does it make more sense to buy a new turntable in 2023 to enjoy your record collection. The eCoustics Vintage Audio team breaks down everything you need to know before you decide to invest in a vintage table and what you need to be aware of before you invest money and elbow grease. You spin me round this week and down the spindle shaft we go.Sponsored by: Howard Products - Keep your audio equipment looking as good as it sounds!Learn more at: https://www.howardproducts.comAbout Eric Pye:Eric’s journey into vintage audio began in 2015 when his mum gave him the old family Technics SA-500 Receiver that had been sitting under the living room sofa for over 20 years. Soon after, his brother gave him an old Sansui AU-555 Integrated Amplifier. Two services and full recaps later, he was sold on both the nostalgia and quality of vintage equipment, and down the rabbit hole he plunged.His Instagram journey began a few years earlier as @headfiyyc (YYC the code for Calgary Airport), with a focus on headphones and portable audio. As he dove deeper into vintage, his account focus shifted to amps, speakers and eventually turntables, with a heavy dose of jazz, resulting in a name change to @audioloveyyc to more accurately capture his account vibe. He currently has over 45K jazz and gear-head followers, many of whom have also become friends.https://www.ecoustics.com/author/eric-pye/https://www.instagram.com/audioloveyyc/About Jeremy Sikora:Jeremy has always been a music lover, but his path into the vintage realm started with a gifted Technics SL-1700 Turntable which sat with a broken stylus until it was paired with Marantz 2245 and Jensen Model 4 Speakers in 2018. From there the curiosity of “what else can I play music on” within a budget took over. Jeremy remains a fan of all things vintage, anything with an Ohm emblem, vacuum tubes, and especially a love for the fringe equipment of the hobby… and Depeche Mode.As he learned so much from others on IG he created his own page @budget_audiophiler and shares his hits and misses of his audio journey with his 100k followers. The vintage audio game on IG is strong, welcoming, and generous!https://www.ecoustics.com/author/jeremy-sikora/https://www.instagram.com/budget_audiophiler/About Mitch Anderson:All-vinyl broadcaster since 2009 via Black Circle Radio. Avid musician since the age of 8. Active recording artist. Mitch performs, records, mixes, masters, and cuts records with a pretty darn eclectic hybrid of vintage and modern equipment. If it's the right sound, then it's the right equipment.sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.comhttps://www.instagram.com/black_circle_radio/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#vintageaudio #vintagehifi #vintageaudioseries #turntable #recordplayer #vinylcommunity #vinylrecords #dualturntable #technics #beltdrive #directdrive #nowspinning

In part 4 of 7 in our podcast series on vintage audio we talk reel-to-reel. This episode is moderated by Mitch Anderson of Black Circle Radio with our vintage hi-fi experts Eric Pye and Jeremy Sikora.Reel-to-Reel Tape Decks get a lot of attention on the used market and with new models and pre-recorded open reel tapes gaining traction with audiophiles once again, there are a lot of factors to consider before taking the plunge. The format can offer a superior sonic experience when done correctly, but you do need to learn the basics so you don't end up with a very expensive paper weight on your rack. The eCoustics Vintage team discusses the various types of decks, maintenance, tapes, operation, and where to start your journey. The reel truth about R2R Tape Decks is that they are worth the effort. Let's begin.Sponsored by: Howard Products - Keep your audio equipment looking as good as it sounds!Learn more at: https://www.howardproducts.comAbout Mitch Anderson:All-vinyl broadcaster since 2009 via Black Circle Radio. Avid musician since the age of 8. Active recording artist. Mitch performs, records, mixes, masters, and cuts records with a pretty darn eclectic hybrid of vintage and modern equipment. If it's the right sound, then it's the right equipment.sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.comhttps://www.instagram.com/black_circle_radio/About Jeremy Sikora:Jeremy has always been a music lover, but his path into the vintage realm started with a gifted Technics SL-1700 Turntable which sat with a broken stylus until it was paired with Marantz 2245 and Jensen Model 4 Speakers in 2018. From there the curiosity of “what else can I play music on” within a budget took over. Jeremy remains a fan of all things vintage, anything with an Ohm emblem, vacuum tubes, and especially a love for the fringe equipment of the hobby… and Depeche Mode.As he learned so much from others on IG he created his own page @budget_audiophiler and shares his hits and misses of his audio journey with his 100k followers. The vintage audio game on IG is strong, welcoming, and generous!https://www.ecoustics.com/author/jeremy-sikora/https://www.instagram.com/budget_audiophiler/About Eric Pye:Eric’s journey into vintage audio began in 2015 when his mum gave him the old family Technics SA-500 Receiver that had been sitting under the living room sofa for over 20 years. Soon after, his brother gave him an old Sansui AU-555 Integrated Amplifier. Two services and full recaps later, he was sold on both the nostalgia and quality of vintage equipment, and down the rabbit hole he plunged.His Instagram journey began a few years earlier as @headfiyyc (YYC the code for Calgary Airport), with a focus on headphones and portable audio. As he dove deeper into vintage, his account focus shifted to amps, speakers and eventually turntables, with a heavy dose of jazz, resulting in a name change to @audioloveyyc to more accurately capture his account vibe. He currently has over 45K jazz and gear-head followers, many of whom have also become friends.https://www.ecoustics.com/author/eric-pye/https://www.instagram.com/audioloveyyc/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#vintageaudio #vintagehifi #vintageaudioseries #reeltoreel #analogtape #tapemachine #teacx2000r #teacx1000r #analogrecording

In part 3 of 7 in our podcast series on vintage audio we talk speakers. This episode is moderated by Mitch Anderson of Black Circle Radio with our vintage hi-fi experts Eric Pye and Jeremy Sikora.Consumers and manufacturers love to wax poetically about “vintage” when it comes to loudspeakers, but the truth is that many of them require a lot of work and some luck if the previous owners have been less than gentle with them. There are some hidden gems to be found but unless you have done your homework – you can end up with an expensive bookend. The eCoustics Vintage Audio team covers everything you need to know before you buy. Is there truly magic to be found in old speakers? We think so. Sponsored by: Howard Products - Keep your audio equipment looking as good as it sounds!Learn more at: https://www.howardproducts.comAbout Eric Pye:Eric’s journey into vintage audio began in 2015 when his mum gave him the old family Technics SA-500 Receiver that had been sitting under the living room sofa for over 20 years. Soon after, his brother gave him an old Sansui AU-555 Integrated Amplifier. Two services and full recaps later, he was sold on both the nostalgia and quality of vintage equipment, and down the rabbit hole he plunged.His Instagram journey began a few years earlier as @headfiyyc (YYC the code for Calgary Airport), with a focus on headphones and portable audio. As he dove deeper into vintage, his account focus shifted to amps, speakers and eventually turntables, with a heavy dose of jazz, resulting in a name change to @audioloveyyc to more accurately capture his account vibe. He currently has over 45K jazz and gear-head followers, many of whom have also become friends.https://www.ecoustics.com/author/eric-pye/https://www.instagram.com/audioloveyyc/About Jeremy Sikora:Jeremy has always been a music lover, but his path into the vintage realm started with a gifted Technics SL-1700 Turntable which sat with a broken stylus until it was paired with Marantz 2245 and Jensen Model 4 Speakers in 2018. From there the curiosity of “what else can I play music on” within a budget took over. Jeremy remains a fan of all things vintage, anything with an Ohm emblem, vacuum tubes, and especially a love for the fringe equipment of the hobby… and Depeche Mode.As he learned so much from others on IG he created his own page @budget_audiophiler and shares his hits and misses of his audio journey with his 100k followers. The vintage audio game on IG is strong, welcoming, and generous!https://www.ecoustics.com/author/jeremy-sikora/https://www.instagram.com/budget_audiophiler/About Mitch Anderson:All-vinyl broadcaster since 2009 via Black Circle Radio. Avid musician since the age of 8. Active recording artist. Mitch performs, records, mixes, masters, and cuts records with a pretty darn eclectic hybrid of vintage and modern equipment. If it's the right sound, then it's the right equipment. sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.comhttps://www.instagram.com/black_circle_radio/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#vintageaudio #vintagehifi #vintageaudioseries #vintagespeakers #hifispeakers #ohmspeakers #bowersandwilkins #klipsch #adventspeakers #kef #diyaudio

In part 2 of 7 in our podcast series on vintage audio we examine both old and modern playback devices you may want to consider. This episode is hosted by our vintage hi-fi experts Eric Pye and Jeremy Sikora and moderated by Mitch Anderson of Black Circle Radio.Integrating legacy devices including cassette decks and CD players into a vintage audio system is not difficult but are there any technical pitfalls that you might not be aware of? Adding digital streaming sources such as a network player, tablet, DAP, or smartphone can be achieved rather easily as well but will you require special adapters? The eCoustics Vintage Audio team simplifies all of this and discusses some of its favorite sources so that you don't skip a beat.Sponsored by: Howard Products - Keep your audio equipment looking as good as it sounds!Learn more at: https://www.howardproducts.comAbout Eric Pye:Eric’s journey into vintage audio began in 2015 when his mum gave him the old family Technics SA-500 Receiver that had been sitting under the living room sofa for over 20 years. Soon after, his brother gave him an old Sansui AU-555 Integrated Amplifier. Two services and full recaps later, he was sold on both the nostalgia and quality of vintage equipment, and down the rabbit hole he plunged.His Instagram journey began a few years earlier as @headfiyyc (YYC the code for Calgary Airport), with a focus on headphones and portable audio. As he dove deeper into vintage, his account focus shifted to amps, speakers and eventually turntables, with a heavy dose of jazz, resulting in a name change to @audioloveyyc to more accurately capture his account vibe. He currently has over 45K jazz and gear-head followers, many of whom have also become friends.https://www.ecoustics.com/author/eric-pye/https://www.instagram.com/audioloveyyc/About Jeremy Sikora:Jeremy has always been a music lover, but his path into the vintage realm started with a gifted Technics SL-1700 Turntable which sat with a broken stylus until it was paired with Marantz 2245 and Jensen Model 4 Speakers in 2018. From there the curiosity of “what else can I play music on” within a budget took over. Jeremy remains a fan of all things vintage, anything with an Ohm emblem, vacuum tubes, and especially a love for the fringe equipment of the hobby… and Depeche Mode.As he learned so much from others on IG he created his own page @budget_audiophiler and shares his hits and misses of his audio journey with his 100k followers. The vintage audio game on IG is strong, welcoming, and generous!https://www.ecoustics.com/author/jeremy-sikora/https://www.instagram.com/budget_audiophiler/About Mitch Anderson:All-vinyl broadcaster since 2009 via Black Circle Radio. Avid musician since the age of 8. Active recording artist. Mitch performs, records, mixes, masters, and cuts records with a pretty darn eclectic hybrid of vintage and modern equipment. If it's the right sound, then it's the right equipment. sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.comhttps://www.instagram.com/black_circle_radio/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#vintageaudio #vintagehifi #vintageaudioseries #cdplayers #cassettedecks #streamingplayers #8track #cassettes

Our 7-part podcast series on vintage audio begins with a look at amplifiers. This episode is hosted by our vintage hi-fi experts Eric Pye and Jeremy Sikora; moderated by Mitch Anderson of Black Circle Radio.Does the concept of investing in a vintage tube or solid state amplifier or receiver sound like a solid path forward? Before you take that blind leap down the rabbit hole, the eCoustics Vintage Audio team explains everything you need to know about brands, features, power ratings, repairs, sound quality, and the long-term viability of your purchase. Don't make mistakes and find yourself in repair limbo -- get the most bang for your buck and don't end up with a banged up amp.Sponsored by: Howard Products - Keep your audio equipment looking as good as it sounds!Learn more at: https://www.howardproducts.comAbout Eric Pye:Eric’s journey into vintage audio began in 2015 when his mum gave him the old family Technics SA-500 Receiver that had been sitting under the living room sofa for over 20 years. Soon after, his brother gave him an old Sansui AU-555 Integrated Amplifier. Two services and full recaps later, he was sold on both the nostalgia and quality of vintage equipment, and down the rabbit hole he plunged.His Instagram journey began a few years earlier as @headfiyyc (YYC the code for Calgary Airport), with a focus on headphones and portable audio. As he dove deeper into vintage, his account focus shifted to amps, speakers and eventually turntables, with a heavy dose of jazz, resulting in a name change to @audioloveyyc to more accurately capture his account vibe. He currently has over 45K jazz and gear-head followers, many of whom have also become friends.https://www.ecoustics.com/author/eric-pye/https://www.instagram.com/audioloveyyc/About Jeremy Sikora:Jeremy has always been a music lover, but his path into the vintage realm started with a gifted Technics SL-1700 Turntable which sat with a broken stylus until it was paired with Marantz 2245 and Jensen Model 4 Speakers in 2018. From there the curiosity of “what else can I play music on” within a budget took over. Jeremy remains a fan of all things vintage, anything with an Ohm emblem, vacuum tubes, and especially a love for the fringe equipment of the hobby… and Depeche Mode.As he learned so much from others on IG he created his own page @budget_audiophiler and shares his hits and misses of his audio journey with his 100k followers. The vintage audio game on IG is strong, welcoming, and generous!https://www.ecoustics.com/author/jeremy-sikora/https://www.instagram.com/budget_audiophiler/About Mitch Anderson:All-vinyl broadcaster since 2009 via Black Circle Radio. Avid musician since the age of 8. Active recording artist. Mitch performs, records, mixes, masters, and cuts records with a pretty darn eclectic hybrid of vintage and modern equipment. If it's the right sound, then it's the right equipment. sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.comhttps://www.instagram.com/black_circle_radio/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#vintageaudio #vintagehifi #vintageamps #vintageamplifiers #vintageaudioseries

The new line of SVS Prime Wireless Pro Speakers and SoundBase Streaming Amplifier bring some heat to the hi-res audio over wi-fi streaming arena. In this episode eCoustics podcast producer, Mitch Anderson sits down with SVS CEO, Gary Yacoubian and SVS VP of Marketing, Nicholas Brown to talk about the experiences these new hi-fi products can unleash into the homes (and dorm rooms) of sonic seekers anywhere.Thank you to our friends and sponsor SVS for supporting and engaging with us here at eCoustics.Learn more at: https://www.svsound.comRead about the SVS products discussed in this episode:https://www.ecoustics.com/products/svs-prime-wireless-pro-speakers/https://www.ecoustics.com/products/svs-prime-wireless-pro-soundbase/https://www.ecoustics.com/products/svs-soundpath-hdmi-cables/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#svs #streaming #speakers #amplifiers #cables #wirelessspeakers #hiresaudio #hifi

Could the next generation of earphones offer a very different experience that transforms how we listen? Gary Spittle, Founder & CEO of Sonical, speaks with Brian Mitchell, eCoustics Founder, about the future of wireless earphones. Spittle believes that we have only scratched the surface of what's possible with wireless earphones and earbuds and provides a fascinating explanation of what's to come.Learn more about Sonical at: https://www.sonical.aiSponsors:Shure: Check out the Shure MV7 podcast mic and SRH440A headphones used by Brian in this episode.https://www.shure.com/en-US/products/bundles/mv7_srh440aFocal: Don’t miss Focal’s 40% off sale on its entire line of Chora speakers.https://www.focal.com/en/home-audio/high-fidelity-speakers#choraCredits:• 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

Have soundbars elevated or diminished the home theater experience? Is Dolby Atmos succeeding or failing to attract a new generation of home theater enthusiasts? The eCoustics team engage in a rather spirited debate about both of these topics and the impact of the Metaverse and Dirac Live in the home theater category. We go beyond Sonos and answer some of the hard questions you should be asking.Happy Listening from our sponsor SVS. Acclaimed for punching well above their class, experience thrilling and immersive sound from SVS speakers, subwoofers, and cables. Join the Sound Revolution today. https://www.svsound.comLinks mentioned:https://www.ecoustics.com/reviews/theory-audio-design-surround-sound-system/https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/affordable-dolby-atmos-systems/https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/great-sounding-dolby-atmos-soundbars/https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/improve-tv-sound/https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/what-is-dolby-atmos/https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/best-soundbars/Panelists:• Ian White, Editor-in-Chief & Host• Brian Mitchell, Founder & CEO• Emiko Carlin, Video Producer• Chris Boylan, Home Theater Editor• Robert Silva, News & Home Theater EditorCredits:• 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#hometheater #soundbars #homecinema #dolbyatmos #diraclive #sonos #apple #metaverse #spatialaudio

Hi-Fi components won’t last forever and when they break, there is nothing more frustrating than not knowing how to fix them. Who do you send it to? Can you do it yourself? Join us this week on the podcast as the eCoustics team discusses everything you need to know when things go awry. We get into basic maintenance, finding the proper tech, doing your own repairs, and how to perform upgrades or modifications. Happy Listening from our sponsor SVS. Acclaimed for punching well above their class, experience thrilling and immersive sound from SVS speakers, subwoofers, and cables. Join the Sound Revolution today. Visit https://www.svsound.comThe ecoustics team appearing in this episode:Will Jennings, Senior Headphone ColumnistJeremy Sikora, Vintage Audio ColumnistLynn Miller - Headphone ColumnistEric Pye, Vintage Audio ColumnistMitch Anderson, Podcast ProducerCredits:• Original intro music by The Arc of All. http://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