the ecoustics podcast
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
IsoAcoustics Explains the Silent Fix: Vibration is the Sound Killer
Host Mitch Anderson interviews IsoAcoustics’ Sean Morrison and Matt Reilly about hi-fi isolation, vibration control, and why speakers, tube amps, turntables, and audio components may perform better when properly isolated. From floating a CBC Radio studio on 3,000 pucks to becoming an OEM solution for more than 50 hi-fi manufacturers, IsoAcoustics explains why the quietest product in your system might be doing more than you think.Thank you to our sponsor of this episode, SVS! www.svsound.com• 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#hifi #isoacoustics #soundisolation #proaudiohacks #recordlathe #blackcircleradio #vinylcommunity  #ecoustics #audiophile #homelistening
May 24
35 min
Movie Sound Design & Mixing with SVS Subwoofers: Matt Yocum on Bass Clarity and LFE Mastering
In this episode, Matt Yocum, an SVS artist and working film sound engineer, explains how modern movie soundtracks are built and why low frequency clarity plays a critical role in shaping the final experience. Drawing on his work across major film and television projects, Yocum discusses how much of what audiences hear is created in post production, how he approaches mixing for the LFE channel using SVS subwoofers, including the SB 4000, and why he often relies on dual subwoofer setups instead of one. The conversation also explores why SVS has become part of his workflow and what that says about the demands of contemporary film sound design. Learn more about Matt and SVS here:https://www.svsound.com/blogs/artist-spotlight/svs-featured-producer-matt-yocum-movie-and-tv-sound-engineer• 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 #hifi #lowendmixing #2026subwoofers #soundforfilm #hometheater #svsspeakers #svssubwoofers #ecoustics #audiophile #homelistening #soundforfilm
May 8
31 min
AXPONA 2026: Headphones and Tube Gear Best in Show Picks with William Jennings
Recorded from the show floor at AXPONA 2026, William Jennings, Personal Audio Editor at eCoustics, shares his impressions of the headphone and tube gear landscape at the show, focusing on what stood out in real listening conditions. The conversation highlights key trends in personal audio, the continued role of tube amplification, and the products that earned his Best in Show consideration, offering a clear and practical take on where the category is heading and what is worth paying attention to.Thank you to SVS for sponsoring this episode!Host: Mitch Anderson, eCoustics ProducerGuest: William Jennings, eCoustics Headphone & Portables EditorTime Keeper: Brian Mitchell, eCoustics Founder & CEOCredits:• 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.comDon't forget to check our website for daily updates on the latest electronics, news, recommendations, and deals on high-end audio, loudspeakers, earphones, TVs, and more.www.ecoustics.com#wirelessheadphones #headphoneindustry #2026headphones #audiophile #hifi #tubeamplification #musicindustrynews #ecoustics #hifinews #headfi #earbuds #vinylcommunity #axpona2026
Apr 28
42 min
Audeze and Prosper Cables at AXPONA 2026: Two Conversations from the Show Floor
Two episodes in one!Recorded from the show floor at AXPONA 2026, Karlee Little, Social Media and Gaming Relations at Audeze, walks through the new LCD S20 closed back headphones and what sets them apart in the current lineup. The discussion covers the fundamentals of the design, including how SLAM technology works, what listeners should expect from a fully analog and passive headphone, and where this model fits for both gaming and music use.Guest:Karlee Little, Social Media & Gaming Relations - AudezeCo-hosted by: Mitch Anderson, Producer - eCousticsWilliam Jennings, Headphone & Portables Editor - eCousticsAlso recorded at AXPONA 2026, Jeremy Longwell, Owner and Founder of Prosper Cables, discusses how he got started building cables and why he chose to focus on that side of the hi-fi world. The conversation looks at the realities of running a small business in the audio industry, including the role social media plays in building awareness and trust, along with what he has learned about cable design and performance through the process. It is a grounded perspective on a part of the hobby that often sparks debate but remains essential to system building.Guest: Prosper Cables - Jeremy Longwell, Owner/FounderHosted by Mitch Anderson, Producer - eCousticsCredits: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.com#headfi #headphones #ecoustics #hifi #audeze #prospercables #musicindustry #gamingheadphones #audiocables #blackcircleradio #sourceoflightandpower #axpona2026
Apr 27
20 min
Loewe at AXPONA 2026: Inside the Latest TVs and Headphones with the Team Behind Them
Recorded from the show floor at AXPONA 2026, this episode features Kendall Costello, Sales Operation Analyst at Loewe, and Amir Hejazi, Senior Engineer at Loewe, discussing the company’s latest TVs and headphone lineup. The conversation focuses on design priorities, key features, and how Loewe is positioning its products in a competitive premium market, with insight into how engineering and product strategy come together across both categories.Guests:Kendall Costello, Loewe Sales Operation AnalystAmir Hejazi, Loewe Sr. EngineerChris Boylan, eCoustics Editor-at-LargeBrian Mitchell, eCoustics Founder & CEOCredits: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.com#loewetelevision #luxurytv  #headfi #headphones #wirelessheadphones #ecoustics #hifi #luxuryaudio #axpona2026 #2026tvs
Apr 24
29 min
T10 Bespoke In-ear Computers with HiFi Bear at AXPONA 2026
Recorded from the show floor at AXPONA 2026, HiFi Bear unboxes the T10 Bespoke eCoustics Special Edition In-ear Computers, a custom release created for a show floor raffle. This episode focuses on the design, presentation, and what sets this limited edition apart, offering a first look at a unique collaboration built specifically for the event. Oh yeah, they sound great too.Panel:Hi-fi Bear - T10 BespokeCaptain Kangaroo - eCoustics ProducerCredits: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.com#t10bespoke #inearcomputer #IEM #headfi #headphones #wirelessearbuds #ecoustics #hifi #bespoke #luxuryaudio #axpona2026
Apr 23
52 min
Lenny CoCo of MoFi: Why Vinyl Matters More Than Ever in a Digital World
Recorded from the show floor at AXPONA 2026, Lenny Coco of Mobile Fidelity Distribution discusses why vinyl still holds relevance in a digital first world, and how it fits alongside modern streaming habits. The conversation avoids framing the formats as competitors and instead looks at how each serves a different role for listeners, with Coco offering his perspective as both an industry insider and music fan. In the end, the focus stays on what matters most: the connection to the music, regardless of how it is delivered.Sponsor: Please check out the latest SVS subwoofers, speakers and more.Panel:Lenny CoCo - MOFIMitch Anderson, Co-Host & eCoustics Podcast ProducerBrian Mitchell, Co-Host & eCoustics Founder & CEOCredits: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.com#axpona2026 #mofi #mobilefidelity #vinylcommunity #ecoustics #turntables #hifi
Apr 22
26 min
AXPONA 2026: The Good, the Bad, and the Stupidly Expensive with EIC Ian White
Recorded from the show floor at AXPONA 2026, eCoustics Editor in-Chief Ian White shares a straightforward take on what he saw and heard across the show. This episode covers the systems and brands that delivered, including QUAD, ATC, DeVore Fidelity, Advance Paris, Focal, Michell, Unison Research, TEAC, Amphion, and Dynaudio, along with a look at rooms and products that were less convincing. It is an honest assessment of what worked in real listening conditions, what felt overpriced, and how the gap between performance and cost continues to shape the high-end audio market.Sponsor: Please check out the latest SVS subwoofers, speakers and more at svsound.com.Panel:Ian White, eCoustics Editor-in-ChiefMitch Anderson, Co-Host & eCoustics Podcast ProducerBrian Mitchell, Co-Host & eCoustics Founder & CEOCredits: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.com#ecoustics #axpona2026
Apr 21
59 min
QUAD ESL 2912X at AXPONA 2026: Inside the Evolution of Electrostatic Speakers
Recorded from the show floor at AXPONA 2026, this episode brings together Kornelijus and Jamie O’Callaghan of the IAG Hi-Fi Division for a deep dive into the legacy and future of QUAD’s electrostatic loudspeakers, including the ESL 2912X. We break down what makes electrostatic panel speakers fundamentally different from traditional designs, why QUAD has remained committed to the technology for decades, and how the latest generation improves on transparency, dispersion, and real world usability. The conversation also explores how these iconic speakers fit into a modern hi-fi landscape increasingly dominated by compact and wireless solutions, and why QUAD continues to attract listeners who care more about realism than convenience.Panel:Jamie O'Callaghan, IAG Hi-Fi Division, Global Head of Sales & MarketingKornelijus, IAG Hi-Fi Division, Product SpecialistMitch Anderson, Co-Host & eCoustics Podcast ProducerBrian Mitchell, Co-Host & eCoustics Founder & CEORelated links:https://www.ecoustics.com/products/quad-esl-2912x/https://quad-hifi.co.ukCredits: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.com#quad #axpona2026
Apr 20
21 min
RSD 2026: A Record Store Owner’s 13-Year Perspective, Live from AXPONA
In this episode, we sit down with Jordan Pries, owner of The Electric Kitsch record store in Bay City, Michigan and working musician (he wrote our podcast theme song!), for a clear eyed look at what it takes to survive and stay relevant through 14 years of industry shifts and the rise of Record Store Day. From the early days of RSD to today’s global frenzy, Jordan breaks down what has changed, what has not, and what customers rarely see, including the financial realities, supply chain headaches, and the role RSD plays in keeping the lights on. We also explore how running a shop intersects with life as a musician, shaping how music is valued on both sides of the counter, and whether Record Store Day still delivers for the independent stores it was built to support or just makes for one very long Saturday.In the Episode:Jordan Pries (Arc of All), Owner of The Electric KitschMitch 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 #RSD2026 #RecordStoreDay #vinylcommunity #electrickitsch #podcast #ecoustics #blackcircleradio #sourceoflightandpower #blackcircleradio #solp #bcr #instavinyl #vinylcommunity #brickandmortar #smallbusiness #michiganbusiness #musicindustrynews
Apr 17
40 min
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