the ecoustics podcast

Hosted by Black Circle Studios

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Episodes

134

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Oct 2026

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About the show

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

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60 recent

October 20, 2026Episode 1351 hr 49 min

Paul Hales Challenges the Audio Industry: Have We Forgotten What Good Sound Sounds Like?

Have audiophiles become so accustomed to compromised sound that we've forgotten what great loudspeakers should sound like? Paul Hales, the designer behind PRO Audio Technology, Theory Audio Design, and Theory Professional, joins us to challenge some of the audio industry's most sacred cows. From loudspeaker measurements and room correction to digital signal processing and conventional design wisdom, Hales explains why much of what audiophiles believe deserves closer scrutiny. With decades of experience designing speakers for everything from living rooms and private screening rooms to outdoor installations and live venues, he makes a compelling case for rethinking how we judge sound quality. Are we listening critically, or have we simply gotten used to bad sound? Thank you to SVS for their continued support of our programming! For more information, please visit: http://www.svsound.com Panel Brian Mitchell - eCoustics CEO/Founder Paul Hales - Theory Audio/Pro Audio Technology CEO/Founder • 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

October 13, 2026Episode 13448 min

Nobody Told the CD It Was Dead: Physical Media Is Surging Again and Streaming Can’t Kill It

CDs were supposed to be finished, vinyl was supposed to be a fad, and streaming was supposed to make owning music unnecessary. The latest RIAA numbers tell a very different story. In this episode, eCoustics Editor-in-Chief Ian White joins Podcast Editor and Producer Mitch Anderson to unpack why U.S. CD revenue surged 58.6% in the first half of 2026, vinyl revenue climbed another 17.7%, and physical music revenue overall jumped 25.9%. They also dig into why Gen Z is buying physical media, rising vinyl prices, the resurgence of used CDs, collectibility, ownership, and why listeners are still spending money on records and discs when nearly everything is available to stream. Thank you to this episodes sponsor, SVS! For more information please visit: http://www.svsound.com • 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

September 11, 2026Episode 1331 hr 27 min

CEDIA Expo 2026 Gets CalebRated: The State of the Custom A/V Market

Upon returning from CEDIA Expo, held September 1-4, 2026 at the Denver Convention Center, we sit down with experienced A/V journalist, Caleb Denison who runs the very popular YouTube channel CalebRated to discuss the trade show, products that stood out, and the general state of the custom A/V market. Please join us as we take a deep dive into the latest in big screen and big sound showcased at CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association), with eCoustics Editor-at-Large, Chris Boylan and eCoustics Founder, Brian Mitchell. Panel: Chris Boylan, eCoustics Editor-at-Large Brian Mitchell, eCoustics Founder and Host Caleb Denison, Calebrated Thank you to SVS for their support of our programming! www.svsound.com #cedia2026 #ecoustics #hifi #audiophile #hometheater #avtech #custominstall #bestof2026tech #musicindustry #projectors #dolbyatmos #bestsoundbar #besttv #beststereo • 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

August 13, 2026Episode 13231 min

Best TVs of 2026: Editors’ Choice

RGB backlighting and Super Quantum Dot (SQD) technology are mounting the strongest challenge yet to OLED’s dominance in 2026. After testing and reviewing the year’s major contenders, we are ready to reveal our picks for the best TVs of 2026 so far. Join Senior Reviewer Al Griffin, and Editor-at-Large Chris Boylan as they break down their favorite models, explain what sets each one apart, and debate whether OLED still deserves the crown. • 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

August 6, 2026Episode 13128 min

Dolby Vision 2 is Coming to 2026 Hisense TVs: Will Movies Look Better?

When Dolby Vision 2 - the latest version of the company's dynamic HDR solution - was first announced in late 2025, there was a lot of uncertainty about how, when and why it was coming. Over the past 10 months, things have become clearer, including its imminent availability on select Hisense TVs. Tune in with eCoustics founder Brian Mitchell, Senior Reviewer Al Griffin and Editor at Large Chris Boylan as we discuss the latest developments with Dolby Vision 2 and Dolby Vision 2 Max and what's coming over the next few weeks and months. Additional details about Dolby Vision 2 and Dolby Vision 2 Max: https://www.ecoustics.com/news/dolby-vision-2/ Thank you to our sponsor of this episode, Shure! www.shure.com • 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 #dolbyvision2 #dolbyvision2max #dolbyvision #ecoustics #hometheater #hisense • 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

July 17, 2026Episode 13054 min

Jacob Wendt, Kevin Gray and the Sound of a Modern Jazz Quintet

Jacob Wendt leads from behind the drum kit without treating every song like a personal drum clinic. His forthcoming album, The Gallery, arrives in late summer and was recorded by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Recording, aka “Hackensack West,” using an all-valve signal path from microphone to cutter head. In this episode of the eCoustics Podcast, Eric Pye (@audioloveyyc) and Mitch Anderson (@black_circle_radio) join Wendt and Gray to discuss the new album, Wendt’s previous release Silver Street, quintet chemistry, horn arrangements, live versus studio recording, and the difficult art of leading a band without elbowing everyone else out of the spotlight. 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.com Keep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting: https://www.ecoustics.com #hifi #kevingray #cohearentrecords #jacobwendt #musiconvinyl #vinylenthusiast #blackcircleradio #vinylcommunity #ecoustics #audiophile #homelistening • 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

May 24, 2026Episode 12935 min

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.com Keep 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 • 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

May 8, 2026Episode 12831 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.com Keep 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 • 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

April 28, 2026Episode 12742 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 Producer Guest: William Jennings, eCoustics Headphone & Portables Editor Time Keeper: Brian Mitchell, eCoustics Founder & CEO 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 Don'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 • 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

April 27, 2026Episode 12620 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 - Audeze Co-hosted by: Mitch Anderson, Producer - eCoustics William Jennings, Headphone & Portables Editor - eCoustics Also 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/Founder Hosted by Mitch Anderson, Producer - eCoustics 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 #headfi #headphones #ecoustics #hifi #audeze #prospercables #musicindustry #gamingheadphones #audiocables #blackcircleradio #sourceoflightandpower #axpona2026 • 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