The Occasional Podcast (Brian Hunter)

An interview with digital designer Rob Watts of Chord Electronics fame. Rob Watts has seen much success in hifi designing under the British brand Chord. With a long history in the semiconductor industry along with heavy chops in digital audio, Rob is a wealth of information with the sales figures to back it up. 

S4E2 Sponsors:

QOBUZdotCOM - Authentic Music Experience

SONUSFABERdotCOM - Artisans of Sound

ZUAUDIOdotCOM - Omen DW Sale, July 1st At Noon

Brian Hunter covers the large swath of high fidelity product launches that hit the market this week in preparation for the upcoming holiday season. Much of the new gear is highly anticipated flagship offerings as well as some new tech and updated feature sets to established favorites. Includes live show coverage and 6 interviews with manufacturers including DCS, Focal and more.

S8E3 Sponsors:

ZUAUDIOdotCOM - Any music, amp or room, there's a Zu for You

PURISTAUDIODESIGNdotCOM - Let Us Connect You To The Music!

INNUOSdotCOM - Listen From Within

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

Everything you ever wanted to know about optimizing your budget for audio gear. Interview with Jonathan Derda of MoFi. On this episode, we cover how much to budget for each product category of audio gear. We provide general guidance on where to spend your money on speakers, amplifiers, sources and more. 

S5E2 Sponsors:
FOCALdotCOM– French Hi-Fi Global Leader
SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California, Starting At $49
INNOUSdotCOM - Listen From Within

What is British HiFi? We explore this somewhat vague topic with the help of Rob Watts, Andrew Jones, Mike Moffat and Johan Coorg. Is it a sound? A frequency response? A specific market? Special thanks to PartTimeAudiphile editor Marc Phillips for co-hosting duties. 

S5E9 Sponsors:

NAIMAUDIOdotCOM– British Hi-Fi Specialist
SCHIITdotCOM – Audio Components Designed & Built in California, Starting At $49
BRYSTONdotCOM - Taking Power To the Next Level

Awards Show for the very best hifi product of 2022. Marc Phillips and Scot Hull of PartTimeAudiophile close out the year with an interview representing the mass of nominations and awards for product of the year from the site. Metric tons of high fidelity products were listened to, and there were many outstanding products across all catagories. We reveal our pick for the king of them all for 2022, but also highlight the picks for analog, digital, speakers and more.

Check out the full product of the year post on PartTimeAudiophile.com as well as our Best Value of the year award.

S8E10 Sponsors:

ZUAUDIOdotCOM - Any music, amp or room, there's a Zu for You

VONSCHWEIKERTAUDIOdotCOM - VSA Loudspeakers

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

WHARFEDALEUSAdotCOM - Legendary British Sound – Elevated

Andrew Jones (speaker designer, Pioneer/KEF/TAD) joins the podcast again to talk about the "why" of his recent move from ELAC to MoFi Electronics. Recorded live from AXPONA 2022 in Chicago, Andrew elaborates on his journey to upcoming developments with the currently speakerless MoFi brand and why he thinks the partnership will make for a solid pairing with his next designs. 

S7E5 Sponsors:

MUSICALSURROUNDINGSdotCOM - World-Class Analog Equipment

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

PURISTAUDIODESIGNdotCOM - Let Us Connect You To The Music! 

WELLPLEASEDAVdotCOM - You can’t please everyone, so why don’t you please yourself?

A beginner's guide to understanding mastering and a buyer's guide to remastered albums. In this episode we explore the acoustic art of Mastering. What is Mastering? What does it mean when an album is Remastered? Does that make an album worth buying again if I already own it? We dive deep with mastering engineer Dave McNair and Grover Neville to unearth answers to these burning questions and more. Co-Hosted by Bryan Beasley.

S4E1 of The Occasional Podcast is sponsored by:

DCSLTDdotCOdotUK - Only The Music

WELLPLEASEDAVdotCOM - You Can't Please Everyone, So Why Not Please Yourself?

AUDIORESEARCHdotCOM - High Performance Vacuum Tube Electronics Since 1970.

An interview with Michael Lavorgna of TwitteringMachines.com. Michael has a long history as a HiFi writer. His credentials include Stereophile magazine and Audiostream.com - the latter of which he ran for several years before Stereophile shuttered the site along with the personal audio site InnerFidelity. Michael is one of the predominant voices in digital audio, something that has evolved immensely in high fidelity audio in the past 20 years he has been writing on the subject. We sit down to chat about his long history with the hobby, his outlook on high end audio in general and even share a few stories from his experience reporting on the subject. 

Check out our amazing Bronze Record Weight merch here: PTA Store

S10E7 Sponsors:

ZMFHEADPHONESdotCOM - Traditional Craft, Modern Acoustics

MUSICHALLAUDIOdotCOM - No Nonsense, Just Great Sound

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

WOOAUDIOdotCOM - Where Better Sound Begins

Everything you ever wanted to know about buying a turntable, records, and getting started with high fidelity analog playback. Interview with Jonathan Derda of MoFi. We dig deep in this episode which covers off on a multitude of subjects centered around getting started with vinyl. How much to spend? What is required? How to get the most out of your system? How to improve the sound from your current turntable? Jon leaves no stone unearthed in this beginner's guide to buying vinyl and record players - filled with tips and tricks for analog playback that even a seasoned audiophile will enjoy.

S4E8 Sponsors:

QOBUZdotCOM - Authentic Music Experience MCINTOSHLABSdotCOM – Legendary Audio Equipment The LSA Group and CorePower - State Of The Art Power At Real World Prices

An interview with the legendary voice of analog hifi, Michael Fremer. Michael joins the show to chat about his long, tenured history reviewing audio products. Along with his 40+ years of expierence with turntables, Michael has worked as a writer in Hollywood, a DJ for radio, a stand up comedian and YouTube personality. You can follow his newest projects starting soon at www.trackingangle.com. 

S7E9 Sponsors:

MUSICALSURROUNDINGSdotCOM - World-Class Analog Equipment

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

PURISTAUDIODESIGNdotCOM - Let Us Connect You To The Music! 

WELLPLEASEDAVdotCOM - You can’t please everyone, so why don’t you please yourself?

Marc Phillips returns from the HIGHEND audio show in Munich Germany. Filled with tons of impressions, product announcements and best sound of the show for 2024, Marc recaps his trip abroad with some of his personal takeaways from the biggest high fidelity event on the planet. 

Check out our amazing Bronze Record Weight merch here: PTA Store

S10E6 Sponsors:

ZMFHEADPHONESdotCOM - Traditional Craft, Modern Acoustics

MUSICHALLAUDIOdotCOM - No Nonsense, Just Great Sound

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

Interview with Axel Grell - the designer of legendary headphones from Sennheiser, including the HD 600/650, HD 800 and Orpheus headphone system. Axel sits down with us to chat about all things headphones, including the direction they are going, his experience designing the sound for some of personal audio's biggest audiophile headphones, and the founding of his new headphone company Grell.

S6E5 Sponsors:

MUSICALSURROUNDINGSdotCOM - World-Class Analog Equipment

SVSOUNDdotCOM– Join the Sound R|Evolution.

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

WHARFEDALEUSAdotCOM - Legendary British Sound – Elevated

Interview with Sonus Faber President and CEO Jeff Poggi and Brand Manager William Kline. This episode also features all the latest in hifi news including hot items coming out of the recent consumer electronics CES show in Las Vegas. Co-host Bryan Beasley.

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Made In The US, Starting At $49

AXPONAdotCOM - North America's Audio Expo

Amplifier designer Jason Stoddard takes us through the signal path of an amplifer. Jason talks us across all the elements and parts of amplifier design, starting with the analog signal and ending with speaker or headphone output. He provides tips on what to look for in good parts, as well as what topogies work best in any given situation. It's a great epsiode chock full of interesting information and antecdotes for anyone who ever wondered how amplifiers really work. 

S6E10 Sponsors:

MUSICALSURROUNDINGSdotCOM - World-Class Analog Equipment

SVSOUNDdotCOM– Join the Sound R|Evolution.

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

WHARFEDALEUSAdotCOM - Legendary British Sound – Elevated

Our season 9 premiere features the cast and crew from PartTimeAudiophile's coverage of the Florida Audio Expo in Tampa, held February 17-19. This episode reports back on all the showroom highlights and the latest hifi product releases from the Q1 event. Best of show, standout gear and plenty of weekend observations. Very special thanks to the illustrious co-hosts, Marc Phillips, Matthew Partrik and Scot Hull.

S9E1 Sponsors:

ZUAUDIOdotCOM - Any music, amp or room, there's a Zu for You

PURISTAUDIODESIGNdotCOM - Let Us Connect You To The Music!

INNUOSdotCOM - Listen From Within

AXPONAdotCom - North America’s Audio Expo

Interview with Romain Vet, VP Marketing Focal Naim America and Bes Nievera, Brand Ambessedor from Music Direct. This episode is a bit of a double header. We follow up with Naim-Focal to see what is going on in the big corperate world of high fidelity audio. The France-based multi-brand has taken some new leaps into fresh product catagories as of late. We also check in with Bes Nievera, an industry vetran with more than 40 years of sales, support and brand represetation in the audiophile realm. Bes shares some great stories, tips, and tricks from his long walk on the shores of hifi. 

S7E6 Sponsors:

MUSICALSURROUNDINGSdotCOM - World-Class Analog Equipment

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

PURISTAUDIODESIGNdotCOM - Let Us Connect You To The Music! 

WELLPLEASEDAVdotCOM - You can’t please everyone, so why don’t you please yourself?

Our season 10 premiere features the cast and crew from PartTimeAudiophile's coverage of the Florida Audio Expo in Tampa, held February 16-18. This episode reports back on all the showroom highlights and the latest hifi product releases from the Q1 event. Best of show, standout gear and plenty of weekend observations.

S10E1 Sponsors:

PURISTAUDIODESIGNdotCOM - Let Us Connect You To The Music!

INNUOSdotCOM - Listen From Within

AXPONAdotCom - North America’s Audio Expo

ZMFHEADPHONESdotCOM - Traditional Craft, Modern Acoustics

How vinyl records are mastered and produced. Vinyl pressings are a complicated thing to create. It is a much more intricate process compared the simplicity of the digital copy that has come to dominate the market (although digital resolution and streaming have their own unique set of variables as well). In this episode mastering engineer Dave McNair helps us decode the steps from the source tape (or digital master) to the final pressed vinyl record. 

S6E4 Sponsors:
MUSICALSURROUNDINGSdotCOM - World-Class Analog Equipment
PURISTAUDIODESIGNdotCOM - Let Us Connect You To The Music!
SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49
WHARFEDALEUSAdotCOM - Legendary British Sound – Elevated

An interview with the legendary music engineer and producer Al Schmitt. The sad news hit early Tuesday morning, music engineer and producer Al Schmitt had passed away at at 91. I got a chance to sit down with the music legend to chat about his legacy and upcoming book just a few years ago. I was recording interviews for Stereophile's Audiostream Podcast at the time, and Al was equal parts gracious and entertaining during the nearly three hours we spent together talking about his expansive, full life. His work in the music industry spans so many years, and he had so many fun and crazy stories to tell from his professional experience with the likes of Sam Cook, Todo, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra, Paul McCartney and more. 23 grammies worth, to be exact. I've revisited the entire interview on this week's Occasional Podcast to help give a small glimpse at the man who spent almost his entire life dedicated to making music sound better.

S5E8 Sponsors:

FOCALdotCOM – French Hi-Fi Global Leader

BRYSTONdotCOM - Taking Power To the Next Level

SCHIITdotCOM – Audio Components Designed & Built in California, Starting At $49

The best audio products of the year so far, and all the HiFi Highlights and Best Of Show from Pacific Audiofest in Seattle, WA. PT.Audio Editor-In-Chief Marc Phillips rejoins the show straight off the plane from PAF 2024. He gives us the big download on all the best products we have for 2024 so far, and all of his nominations for best of show from the Pacific Northwest event. 

The last episode of Season 10 is packed with the highest recommendations from across high fidelity audio with tons of options from the most current round of product launches in the market. A must listen for anyone interested in the latest and greatest for the hobby.

S10E10 Sponsors:

ZMFHEADPHONESdotCOM - Traditional Craft, Modern Acoustics

AUDIOCAFEBEVERLYHILLSdotCOM - Emotional Musical Engagment

FERNANDROBYdotCOM - Expert Craftmanship for Elevated Sound Systems

SVSOUNDdotCOM – Join the Sound R|Evolution

An interview with pt.AUDIO Editor-At-Large (Asia) Richard Mak. Richard joins the show to give us the lowdown on the relatively untapped media markets for areas like Signapore, Japan, China, HongKong and the rest of the Asian. US media for high fidelity gear rarely makes it over to these audio shows, so it was great to have Richard on to tell us about how things might be a little different... and how they are really still the same. Do individual geographic areas really have different sounds for high-end and headphone gear? In this episode we take on some of the unique differences across the global audio scene. Also includes coverage, impressions and best products/rooms from the Singapore audio show.

The Season 11 preimer kicks off a whole slew of new stuff, including our pt.AUDIO site rebrand and new MERCH! The new PTA Record Weight in Copper is now available. And for the holiday season - Gold!

pt.AUDIO Record Weight In Copper

pt.AUDIO Record Weight In Gold

S11E4 Sponsors:

PURISTAUDIODESIGNdotCOM - Let Us Connect You To The Music!

FOCALNAIMAMERICAdotCOM – High-End Hi-Fi Excellence

FERNANDROBYdotCOM - Expert Craftmanship for Elevated Sound Systems

PTdotAUDIO - Great Sounds Meet Good Times

Interview with Mark Schneider of LTA. Mark joins the show this week to disuss his unique brand of tube amplifiers based around the designs of David Berning. Also, new product roundup for the upcoming AXPONA audio show in Chicago, IL. 

S7E3 Sponsors:

MUSICALSURROUNDINGSdotCOM - World-Class Analog Equipment

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

AXPONAdotCOM - North America’s Audio Expo

WELLPLEASEDAVdotCOM - You can’t please everyone, so why don’t you please yourself?

Coverage and impressions from Captial Audiofest 2023. Marc, Brian, Grover and Graig broadcast live from the DC event for audiophiles. Full impressions, observations on trends and best of show awards. What is the current state of Class D and GaN updates! Are children welcome at audio shows? Also, a list of best practices for any first time show goer.

This show's event sponsor is Doug White and The Voice That Is. Doug was showcasing the new Tidal Contriva G3 loudspeakers (and Siltech Ruby Crown Cables) in their first US appearance at CAF 2023.

Check out our amazing Bronze Record Weight merch here: PTA Store

S9E14 Sponsors:

PURISTAUDIODESIGNdotCOM - Let Us Connect You To The Music!

INNUOSdotCOM - Listen From Within

Interview with Rich Grado of Grado Labs. The Brooklyn-based Grado has been making turntable cartridges and headphones for the better part of a century. Now with the launch of their retail site 4ourears.com and the move into wireless personal audio, the company is making changes to the way they do things - while still keeping true to their long-standing legacy in hifi. 

S5E3 Sponsors:
FOCALdotCOM– French Hi-Fi Global Leader
SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California, Starting At $49
INNOUSdotCOM - Listen From Within

Interview with David Solomon and Dan Mackta, the US Qobuz team. This episode also features a bonus introduction: an audiophile's guide to wireless audio listening - along with 5 wireless headphones reviewed and compared. David and Dan take us through the newest stateside high resolution music streaming service that is shaking up the hifi industry. Co-Host Bryan Beasley. 

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio components made in the US, starting at $49. 

ZUAUDIOdotCOM - Loudspeakers, Cables and Cartridges.

The first installment in our series of vintage gear. Justin Weber of ampsandsound joins the show to give his list of favorite vintage amplifiers. Where does one start with vintage HiFi? Which McIntosh amp model fetches the highest price? He also helps identify which amps are worth buying, easiest to repair, and which ones you might want to avoid all together. Its a Top 10 list of vintage gear that you will not want to miss! 

The Season 11 preimer kicks off a whole slew of new stuff, including our pt.AUDIO site rebrand and new MERCH! The new PTA Record Weight in Copper is now available. A special, limited launch discount code can be found in the episode.

pt.AUDIO Record Weight In Copper

S11E1 Sponsors:

PURISTAUDIODESIGNdotCOM - Let Us Connect You To The Music!

FOCALNAIMAMERICAdotCOM – High-End Hi-Fi Excellence

FERNANDROBYdotCOM - Expert Craftmanship for Elevated Sound Systems

Interview with Sean Casey of Zu Audio and Bart Andeer Of The Florida HiFi Show (Florida International Audio Expo). This week's double header features the proprieter of the Florida Audio Show, plus the return of Sean Casey, a first since his intial appearance in S1E1! Bart gives us the low down on the next big audio show in Tampa coming on February 17-19 2023, plus all his expierences traveling across the globe with HiFi in mind. Sean talks music, creativity, new gear and old, entry-level to his never publicly released flagships. 

S8E8 Sponsors:

VONSCHWEIKERTAUDIOdotCOM - VSA Loudspeakers

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

WHARFEDALEUSAdotCOM - Legendary British Sound – Elevated

Everything you ever wanted to know about digital audio. In episode 5 of season 4, we explore the great digital landscape with Alex Brinkman of Auralic Audio. Together we tackle all the hurdles of getting into digital audio, exploring the options and creating a high fidelity, high resolution playback system that is right for you. There is a lot that we cover, so get out your notepad. 

S4E5 Sponsors:

QOBUZdotCOM - Authentic Music Experience

SONUSFABERdotCOM - Artisans of Sound

The LSA Group and CorePower - State Of The Art Power At Real World Prices

The top 3 audio myths are addressed in this episode. What are some of the most common misconceptions that audiophiles encounter when dealing with the hobby at large? Are there any pieces of "advice" that keep newcomers out of HiFi when first starting out? We tackle the issues with the help of our friends at SVS this week. 

Special bonus, full (and I mean full) room coverage, impressions, takeaways and best-of-show from the California Audio Show 2024 located in the East Bay of San Francisco.

A very special thanks to Gary Yacoubian, Nick Brown, Michael Liang (HiFiInsider on YouTube) and Tristan (PhotoTristan on YouTube).

S10E8 Sponsors:

ZMFHEADPHONESdotCOM - Traditional Craft, Modern Acoustics

MUSICHALLAUDIOdotCOM - No Nonsense, Just Great Sound

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

FERNANDROBYdotCOM - Expert Craftmanship for Elevated Sound Systems

Greg Neville And Marc Phillips join the show to give their impressions of all the audio gear that was on display at Chicago's AXPONA 2022. Recorded live April 22-24 from the audio show, we cover all the highlights from the hifi listening rooms and Ear Gear Expo hall. Best of show, standout gear and new product releases. 

S7E4 Sponsors:

MUSICALSURROUNDINGSdotCOM - World-Class Analog Equipment

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

PURISTAUDIODESIGNdotCOM - Let Us Connect You To The Music! 

WELLPLEASEDAVdotCOM - You can’t please everyone, so why don’t you please yourself?

Everything you ever wanted to know about music servers for two channel listening. Interview with Nuno Vitorino from Innuos. A deep dive into music servers and their role in a high fidelity playback system. What to look for, where to get started, what are high priority design elements... and all the reasons why everything makes a difference - even music servers.

S5E5 Sponsors:
FOCALdotCOM– French Hi-Fi Global Leader
SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California, Starting At $49
ZUAUDIOdotCOM - A Revolution in American Hi-Fi

We deliver a tell-all for everything hot coming out in headphones for the 2023 holiday season. PartTimeAudiophile.com Editor-In-Chief Marc Phillips joins the show to give all the juicy HiFi updates to his immediate trip abroad (he literally jumped on a plane after we recorded this). We discuss all the latest headphone news with on-site interviews from the latest personal audio show in Los Angeles. Are wireless headphones finally coming into thier own? Marc and Brian discuss, along with observations about new tech entering the field and why audiophiles seem to only buy black or silver boxes. This episode also features the top 10 hardest audio brands to pronounce according to our recent Facebook poll.

S9E11 Sponsors:

PURISTAUDIODESIGNdotCOM - Let Us Connect You To The Music!

INNUOSdotCOM - Listen From Within

HIFIROSEUSAdotCOM - The Future Of Music Awaits You

Interview with Nelson Pass of Pass Labs. In our season closer, we walk down the history of one of audio's most prolific amplifier designers Nelson Pass. This episode includes stories from his early days, design philosophy and early successes in the hifi industry. Part 1 of our two part series with Nelson.

S3E11 of The Occasional Podcast is sponsored by:

VAC-AMPSdotCOM - For When Music Matters

WELLPLEASEDAVdotCOM - You Can't Please Everyone, So Why Not Please Yourself?

ZUAUDIOdotCOM - Loudspeakers, Cables and Cartridges.

How to get into reel to reel audio, interview with Greg Beron of United Home Audio. Every wonder what it takes to listen to music on your home stereo with reel to reel playback as a source? In this episode we outline all the ups and down, positive and negatives for one of the most analog-ist type of hifi systems. Co-host Bryan Beasley steps in to share his experience with the platform and UHA R2R expert Greg Beron takes us all the way down the rabbit hole with his high-end, end-game gear.

SCHIITdotCOM – Audio components made in the US, starting at $49.

Recap and highlights from FLAX 2020 in Tampa, Florida. Brian Hunter is joined by PartTimeAudiophile contributors Marc Phillips and Dave McNair with all the highlights, takeaways and great sounding gear from the relatively new show on the US scene. Bonus intro interview with show organizer Bart Andeer. 

S3E10 Sponsored by VAC-AMPSdotCOM - For When Music Matters

FLAX 2020 Show Coverage Sponsored by The LSA Group and CorePower.

Interview with Garth Powell of Audioquest. Garth provides some diabolical insights into how to control, alleviate and erradicate noise and hum from your strereo. Packed full with tips, tricks and first-hand knowledge, Garth runs the gamut on the subject of unwanted outside noise permeating into your hifi system. From connection options to controlling your mains, this episode really buckles down and delivers on the "how to" catagory. 

S9E3 Sponsors:

ZUAUDIOdotCOM - Any music, amp or room, there's a Zu for You

PURISTAUDIODESIGNdotCOM - Let Us Connect You To The Music!

INNUOSdotCOM - Listen From Within

AXPONAdotCom - North America’s Audio Expo

An interview with Michal Jurewicz of Mytek. The founder and designer of Mytek joins the show with a whole host of information on the latest in digital audio, Class-D and GaN updates. The latest in Class D amplification usually involves GaN technologies, and Michal has his own design and spin on the latest option for power that isn't the hot Class A or even AB technologies preferred by audiophiles. His latest product is a Class D monoblock, and he provides a great explaination as to what the current field looks like for this topology that is creeping into HiFi from the mainstream. 

S10E3 Sponsors:

AXPONAdotCOM - North America’s Audio Expo

ZMFHEADPHONESdotCOM - Traditional Craft, Modern Acoustics

MUSICHALLAUDIOdotCOM - No Nonsense, Just Great Sound

WOOAUDIOdotCOM - Where Better Sound Begins

Interview with Nelson Pass of Pass Labs Part 2. In part two of our series with Nelson Pass we talk about design philosophy and the history of his "other project" company, First Watt. Widely considered one of hifi's leading solid state amplifier designers, Nelson talks about the status of the industry, listening habits and his vantage point into the dynamic hobby of audio listening. 

S3E12 of The Occasional Podcast is sponsored by:
VAC-AMPSdotCOM - For When Music Matters
WELLPLEASEDAVdotCOM - You Can't Please Everyone, So Why Not Please Yourself?

An in-depth interview with Jeff Joseph of Joseph Audio plus a full rundown and review of the new Beatle's Abbey Road Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition. Co-host Bryan Beasley discusses the sonic intricacies of the newest Beatles reissue along with all the tasty extras sure to tickle the fancy of any lifelong fan. Jeff joins us at AXPONA this year to give a history of the hifi loudspeaker brand Joseph Audio, some of his favorite sonic tastes and what its life growing up on the east coast in the heyday of high fidelity audio.  

WELLPLEASEDAVdotCOM - You can't please everyone, so why don't you please yourself?

A beginner's guide to wireless audio - tips, tricks and high fidelity options. Audio with little-to-no wires is a growing category, even among audiophiles. While some connections like bluetooth are lossy, there are an increasingly large amount of applications where wireless technologies make the pleasure of listening to music just that much more convenient. In this episode, we sit down with Nick Brown and Smith Freeman from SVS and revisit all the latest ins, outs and round abouts of wireless listening. This includes (but not limited to) the newest protocols, product categories, streaming, how to, tips, wifi, bluetooth, setup, troubleshooting and more. 

S6E6 Sponsors:

MUSICALSURROUNDINGSdotCOM - World-Class Analog Equipment
PURISTAUDIODESIGNdotCOM - Let Us Connect You To The Music!
SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49
WHARFEDALEUSAdotCOM - Legendary British Sound – Elevated

Interview with Co-Founder of Schiit Audio Mike Moffat. The digital brains behind one of entry-level hifi's favorite upstart, Mike Moffat joins the show to talk about his experience creating some of the first DACs on the planet and his second tidal wave of success with Schiit Audio. Special co-host thanks to PartTimeAudiophile publisher Scot Hull.

S5E1 Sponsors:

NAIMAUDIOdotCOM– British Hi-Fi Specialist

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California, Starting At $49

INNOUSdotCOM - Listen From Within

An audiophile conversation though the lens of production. Mastering engineer Dave McNair and producer Grover Neville cover off on a variety of subjects including clean and musical systems vs colorations, discussions on the idea of detail, what is accuracy and how Jazz music makes it easy to uphold audiophile pursuits in production. 

S6E1 Sponsors:

MUSICALSURROUNDINGSdotCOM - World-Class Analog Equipment

PURISTAUDIODESIGNdotCOM - Let Us Connect You To The Music!

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

WHARFEDALEUSAdotCOM - Legendary British Sound – Elevated

This episode comes lives from the Chicago event with the cast and crew from PartTimeAudiophile's coverage of AXPONA, held April 14-16. We sound off on all the showroom highlights and the latest hifi product releases we saw at the massive 200+ listening room convention. Best of show, standout gear and plenty of weekend observations. Very special thanks to our devious co-hosts, Marc Phillips, Matthew Partrik and Mohammed Samji.

S9E5 Sponsors:

PURISTAUDIODESIGNdotCOM - Let Us Connect You To The Music!

INNUOSdotCOM - Listen From Within

Marc Phillips returns from the HIGHEND audio show in Munich Germany. Filled with tons of impressions, product announcements and best sound of the show, Marc recaps his trip abroad with some of his personal takeaways from the biggest high fidelity event on the planet. 

Check out our amazing Bronze Record Weight merch here: PTA Store

S9E6 Sponsors:

AMPSANDSOUNDdotCOM - Making Better Sound Quality Accessible

WOOAUDIOdotCOM - Where Better Sound Begins

ACORAACOUSTICSdotCOM - Hear The Truth

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

An interview with Andrew Jones of MoFi Electronics. Andrew joins the show once again, this time to discuss the new Sourcepoint 888 floorstanding loudspeaker. Recorded live at AXPONA 2024 in Chicago, we sit down with one of HiFi's most prolific speaker designers to discuss the habits of audiophiles, the Harman Curve, the value of speaker measurments and more. Andrew is a great interview, and is able to commucate various topics in both an in-depth but understandable way. A must listen for anyone just starting out or looking for a bit more information on how things come into being from a manufacturing and design standpoint. 

S10E5 Sponsors:

ZMFHEADPHONESdotCOM - Traditional Craft, Modern Acoustics

WOOAUDIOdotCOM - Where Better Sound Begins

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

Interview With Schiit Audio Founder Jason Stoddard. Jason joins the show this week to talk about all the new changes with this budget HiFi brand fenom Schiitt Audio. Starting as a headphone amplifier and DAC company, Jason is futher exanding his wallet friendly offerings into the two channel speaker market with the introduction of three new products and a unified remote control system. Epsiode includes some time with Jason discussing the overall direction of the company, his thoughts on growth, learing from past mistakes and more.

The Season 11 preimer kicks off a whole slew of new stuff, including our pt.AUDIO site rebrand and new MERCH! The new PTA Record Weight in Copper is now available. A special, limited launch discount code can be found in the episode.

pt.AUDIO Record Weight In Copper

If you are attending Capital Audiofest this weekend, please swing by the Wilson Room and see our CAF 2024 sponsor, Doug White and The Voice That Is. Doug will showcasing his fine selection of brands including Tidal Audio, Turnbull Cables, Dohmann Audio and more.

S11E2 Sponsors:

PURISTAUDIODESIGNdotCOM - Let Us Connect You To The Music!

FOCALNAIMAMERICAdotCOM – High-End Hi-Fi Excellence

FERNANDROBYdotCOM - Expert Craftmanship for Elevated Sound Systems

Tips and tricks to getting the most out of your vinyl and turntable playback. Dr. Vinyl himself joins the show with updates and suggestions for keeping your alanog playback working its best. Alighment, tubes, warmup and a top list of all the things to look out as you begin your audiophile journey with records and beyond. 

Dr. Vinyl Website: https://www.drvinyl.net

S10E9 Sponsors:

ZMFHEADPHONESdotCOM - Traditional Craft, Modern Acoustics

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

FERNANDROBYdotCOM - Expert Craftmanship for Elevated Sound Systems

SVSOUNDdotCOM – Join the Sound R|Evolution

Everything you ever wanted to know about the BBC's LS3/5a loudspeaker. As a follow up to our podcast "What Is British HiFi?" Marc and Brian interview Jerry Bloomfield of Falcon Acoustics. Jerry has a vast history with the LS3/5a including its implementation, research, construction and original design goals dating back to its inception back in 1975. Licensed by the BBC to manufacturers, the LS3/5a has stood the test of time and proven to be one of the cornerstones of high fidelity's (and especially brit-fi) history.

S6E7 Sponsors:

MUSICALSURROUNDINGSdotCOM - World-Class Analog Equipment
SVSOUNDdotCOM– Join the Sound R|Evolution.
SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49
WHARFEDALEUSAdotCOM - Legendary British Sound – Elevated

An interview with Jeremy Bryan of MBL North America. MBL offers some of the most exotic speaker designs on the market. More than merely a driver in a box, the German company creates electronics and speakers that are as expensive as they are unique. Jeremy takes us through a quick history of the company along with some of the finer details on what makes the bespoke technologies different from other transducers. 

S4E4 Sponsors:
QOBUZdotCOM - Authentic Music Experience
MCINTOSHLABSdotCOM – Legendary Audio Equipment
The LSA Group and CorePower - State Of The Art Power At Real World Prices

Interview with John DeVore of DeVORE FIDELITY. John joins the show to talk about all things audio and more. This huge and diverse interview covers speaker topics like material resonances, hard dome tweeters, sensory perception, the myth of the skinny speaker and more. It explains why a solid wood speaker cabinets is rarely used and inspires the host Brian Hunter to search for sweeter sounds at low levels. The show also highlights John's other artistic talents including his love for unique and high-end drawing pens. 

If you are attending Capital Audiofest this weekend, please swing by the Wilson Room and see this show's sponsor, Doug White and The Voice That Is. Doug will showcasing the new Tidal Contriva G3 loudspeakers (and Siltech Ruby Crown Cables) in their first US appearance. 

S9E13 Sponsors:

PURISTAUDIODESIGNdotCOM - Let Us Connect You To The Music!

INNUOSdotCOM - Listen From Within

MUSICHALLAUDIOdotCOM - No Nonsense, Just Great Sound

Interview with legendary speaker designer Andrew Jones of MoFi Electronics. Andrew joins the podcast again to do a deep dive into the design elements of speaker cabinets. His history creating speakers spans the years making iconic hifi from the likes of ELAC, KEF, TAD, Pioneer - just to name a few. In this episode we expore topics like how to get bass out of small sizes, how much damping is the correct amount, what designs have proven to be the most useful for certain scenarios and more. It is pretty much everything you ever wanted to know about the precious enclosures we cradle our drivers in, and maybe a little bit extra for good measure. 

S8E4 Sponsors:

ZUAUDIOdotCOM - Any music, amp or room, there's a Zu for You

PURISTAUDIODESIGNdotCOM - Let Us Connect You To The Music!

INNUOSdotCOM - Listen From Within

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

Interview with David Solomon of Qobuz plus T.H.E. Show 2023 Highlights from Costa Mesa. This double header includes a massive primer on how to stream digial audio. Tips, tricks and everything you need to get started with both high resolution music streaming as well as a a deeper dive for those already well versed. David is the VP of Biz Dev at Qobuz and is perhaps one of the most seasoned digial audio guys who still make the rounds within the audiophile show circuit. Recorded earlier this year, we make our way through everything you need to know to grapple and master digtial audio streaming. 

The second half of the show features none other than PTA writer Grover Neville. Grover and Brian showcase all the highlights from The Home Entertaiment Show 2023 which takes place in early June every year. Expect all the good, bad and culinary delights of this year's big Los Angeles HiFi show.

S9E8 Sponsors:

WOOAUDIOdotCOM - Where Better Sound Begins
ACORAACOUSTICSdotCOM - Hear The Truth
SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49
ZMFHEADPHONESdotCOM - Traditional Craft, Modern Acoustics

How are meta materials being used in audio? Plus, we talk about if/how expensive cables can make a difference in audio systems. Dan Clark of Dan Clark Audio joins us to discuss and explain meta materials use in hifi. Dan recently launched a new headphone called the DCA Stealth that is the first to incorporate the rising technology in a personal audio setting. The PTA staff comes together to chat about the ever evolving discussion around the value and use case of expensive cables, and audio cables in general. Guests include Marc Phillips, Scot Hull, Grover Neville and Dave McNair from PTA editorial.

S6E2 Sponsors:
MUSICALSURROUNDINGSdotCOM - World-Class Analog Equipment
PURISTAUDIODESIGNdotCOM - Let Us Connect You To The Music!
SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49
WHARFEDALEUSAdotCOM - Legendary British Sound – Elevated

Interview with Andrew Jones of MoFi Electronics (KEF/ELAC/Pioneer fame) discussing crossovers in speaker design. Andrew Jones is one of our favorite people to have on the show because he: 1. knows things 2. shares that knowledge in an articluate manner 3. has a British accent that just makes things sound cool. Crossovers can be a complicated subject when constructing (and purchasing) a loudspeaker, but in this episode, Andrew helps clear up some of the misconceptions on the somewhat cloudy subject of internal speaker hardware. Mr. Jones has two new speakers of his design out right now under the MoFi Electronics umbrella that are raising some buzz in the market - the Sourcepoint 8 & 10.

Check out our amazing Bronze Record Weight merch here: PTA Store

S9E10 Sponsors:

WOOAUDIOdotCOM - Where Better Sound Begins

ACORAACOUSTICSdotCOM - Hear The Truth

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

ZMFHEADPHONESdotCOM - Traditional Craft, Modern Acoustics

Our 2024 Buyer's Guide For Audiophiles. Marc and Brian go over some of the best and brightest audio products reviewed and heard for the upcoming year. Broken out into 12 categories, the buyer's guide provides some insight into the season's best audiophile products along with some general hifi banter and tips for the hobby. See the full guide in written form at PT.Audio.

Don’t forget to check out our merch for Season 9, a 100% bronze record weight that is really something behold, and to hold.

S9E15 Sponsors:

PURISTAUDIODESIGNdotCOM – Let Us Connect You To The Music!

INNUOSdotCOM – Listen From Within

HIFIROSEUSAdotCOM - The Future Of Music Awaits You

An interview with the founder of Audio Note UK, Peter Qvortrup. Peter shares some of his history and plenty of the audio know-how that he has collected over his very extensive tenure working in HiFi. He brings a fairly unique perspective to some of high end's more well-trodden talking points and offers up his two cents on speaker placement, damping, distorition, spec limits and how we as humans have evolved over time to hear certain things, in specific ways. A really interesting interview with one of high fidelity's more elusive characters.

S10E2 Sponsors:

AXPONAdotCOM - North America’s Audio Expo

ZMFHEADPHONESdotCOM - Traditional Craft, Modern Acoustics

MUSICHALLAUDIOdotCOM - No Nonsense, Just Great Sound

Interview with Steve Guttenberg and Herb Reichert. Both Steve and Herb have prolific resumes in the audiophile world. Steve has written for CNET, Stereophile, TAS and more - while now dominating the video space on YouTube with over 230k subscribers and millions of views. Herb is a longtime Stereophile writer and reviewer who isn't afraid to take a steady look at budget and personal audio systems in his very approachable and creative writing style in a typically high end, high brow (and maybe high nosed) sea of HiFi reviews. Steve and Herb combined have both brought huge contributions in the media space - efforts that continue to bring in fresh members and serve as an amazing point of entry for so many individuals first getting into the hobby. 

S9E7 Sponsors:

WOOAUDIOdotCOM - Where Better Sound Begins

ACORAACOUSTICSdotCOM - Hear The Truth

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

ZMFHEADPHONESdotCOM - Traditional Craft, Modern Acoustics

Recap and highlights from Capital Audiofest 2019 located in DC. ParttimeAudiophile editor Scot Hull is joined by staff writers Marc Phillips and Eric Franklin Shook along with special guests Grover Neville, Dave McNair and Jameson Mourafetis. 

S3E5 Sponsored by Schiit Audio - Audio Components Made In The US, Starting At $49.

CAF 2019 Show Coverage Sponsored by Verdant Audio and Tenacious Sound 

Our favorite picks for audio products from the past 6 months! PLUS Co-Host Bryan Beasley and Brian Hunter recap their visit to the legendary Van Halen 5150 recording studios. Special thanks to PartTimeAudiphile Editor-In-Chief Marc Phillips for his help with nominations for TOP's Products Of The Season. 

S5E10 Sponsors:
NAIMAUDIOdotCOM– British Hi-Fi Specialist
SCHIITdotCOM – Audio Components Designed & Built in California, Starting At $49
QOBUZdotCOM - Authentic Music Experience

An interview with Justin Weber Of ampsandsound. Justin walks us through 5 things to consider when purchasing a tube amplifier. This includes a deep dive into power needs, tube choices, tube colorations, overall topology preferences and more. Justin is both an excellent amplifier designer and a lifelong hobbiest of hifi. This thorough revisitation into tube amplifiers both breaks new ground for the show and adds to our vast knowledge base for listeners. Don't forget to also check out our Guide To Tube Amplifiers from season 6 and our Ode To The 300b Tube from season 7 for even more info on audiophile glass.

S9E2 Sponsors:

ZUAUDIOdotCOM - Any music, amp or room, there's a Zu for You

PURISTAUDIODESIGNdotCOM - Let Us Connect You To The Music!

INNUOSdotCOM - Listen From Within

AXPONAdotCom - North America’s Audio Expo

An interview with Steve Sells, Technical Director, Electronics at Naim Audio. As part 3 of our exploration into British HiFi (What is British Hifi?, History Of The LS3/5a) we sit down with Steve from Naim Audio to discuss the legendary British audio brand that has helped shape the high fidelity landscape over the years. A longstanding Brit-Fi icon, Naim is known for its classic amplifiers and cutting edge streaming devices (along with other audio components and even a record label). 

S6E9 Sponsors:
MUSICALSURROUNDINGSdotCOM - World-Class Analog Equipment
SVSOUNDdotCOM– Join the Sound R|Evolution.
SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49
WHARFEDALEUSAdotCOM - Legendary British Sound – Elevated

This second part of our interview with Garth Powell of AudioQuest has it all. A fresh take on the current state of music, studio misconceptions, reflections on improvisation and even Tibetan throat singing. Also joining us on the show is Liz Miller and Mark Freed from AXPONA. We have all the newest product announcements for the Chicago-based audio event this week (April 14-16) plus visitation tips and show "how tos". Don't forget to check out our new merch at PartTimeAudiophile.com!

S9E4 Sponsors:

ZUAUDIOdotCOM - Any music, amp or room, there's a Zu for You

PURISTAUDIODESIGNdotCOM - Let Us Connect You To The Music!

INNUOSdotCOM - Listen From Within

AMPSANDSOUNDdotCOM - Making Better Sound Quality Accessible

Our favorite products from Season 6. The Occasional Podcast end of the year awards the best audio/hifi products we have heard. With the help of the PartTimeAudiophile writing staff, we wrap up 2021 in style with gear recommendations, music and great sound. Special thanks to Marc Phillips, Mohammed Samji and Grover Neville for help with the nominations.

S6E8 Sponsors:

MUSICALSURROUNDINGSdotCOM - World-Class Analog Equipment

SVSOUNDdotCOM– Join the Sound R|Evolution.

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

WHARFEDALEUSAdotCOM - Legendary British Sound – Elevated

Interview with Damon Von Schweikert Of VSA. The CEO of one of high-end's most prolific speaker brands sits down with us to discuss a lifelong experience in audio. His hifi resume starts with his father's early legacy and provides an unique look at the community at large. Damon shares his tips, tricks and observations of an evolving landscape from the perspective of an audiophile speaker manufacturer whose product lines have crossed decades. 

S7E2 Sponsors:

MUSICALSURROUNDINGSdotCOM - World-Class Analog Equipment

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

AXPONAdotCOM - North America’s Audio Expo

WELLPLEASEDAVdotCOM - You can’t please everyone, so why don’t you please yourself?

The Loudness Wars. Special guest mastering engineer Dave McNair and Grover Neville help explain the Loudness Wars. How did we get here? Where are we going? Are things getting better, or worse? Dave and Grover give first hand experience to help us better understand the current state of things in regards to dynamic compression and its effects on popular music. 

S4E3 Sponsors:

QOBUZdotCOM - Authentic Music Experience

MCINTOSHLABSdotCOM – Legendary Audio Equipment

The LSA Group and CorePower - State Of The Art Power At Real World Prices

An interview with PTA's Marc Phillips upon his return from Denmark. Marc joins the show to recap his trip to see a few Danish hifi manufacturers. Fresh from the audio show in Munich, Marc heads back out to Europe to follow up with a few high end brands that caught his eye at the international show including Borrenson, Aavik and Ansuz from the Audio Group Denmark and also Dali Speakers. We also drop the latest audiophile news including new product releases and upcoming events for fall.

S8E2 Sponsors:

ZUAUDIOdotCOM - Any music, amp or room, there's a Zu for You

PURISTAUDIODESIGNdotCOM - Let Us Connect You To The Music!

INNOUSdotCOM - Listen From Within

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

Highlights from Rocky Mountain Audiofest 2019. Brian Hunter and PartTimeAudiophile founder Scot Hull break down all the good, bad and crispy from the most recent audio show in Denver, CO. The September show covered some of the best in high end audio as well as headphone/personal audio from the headspace ballroom. RMAF 2019 coverage brought to you by: The LSA Group – The new high-end high-value speaker standard. CorePower – State-of-the-art power at real-world prices.

Interview with Jon Derda Of Mofi Electronics. In this week's episode we expore the current state of Class D amplification. Historically, the amplifier topology has had a rocky past with the audiophile mainstream, but have current technological advances changed the way we look at this catagory? Jon joins us to help explain the current state of things, new technologies like Gallium Nitride (GaN) and what the future might hold for hifi and class D.

S7E8 Sponsors:

MUSICALSURROUNDINGSdotCOM - World-Class Analog Equipment

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

PURISTAUDIODESIGNdotCOM - Let Us Connect You To The Music! 

WELLPLEASEDAVdotCOM - You can’t please everyone, so why don’t you please yourself?

An Occasional Podcast Halloween special. What ever happened to Crazy Eddie's chain of electronics stores? In this episode, we explore the rise, fraud and fallout of one of the biggest retail scams that just kept getting bigger and bigger.

What started as a small electronics chain grew into 43 stores in four states and an alleged $300 million in sales. If you were around the area in the 80's, the signature high energy "crazy Eddie" commercials saturated the popular culture at the time. His brand of intense media blitz earned a place in the mindset of many, millions of stolen dollars and a crimial investigation.

This epsiode also marks the return of co-host Bryan Beasley, special thanks to him for his many contributions helping put this complex show together. 

S8E5 Sponsors:

ZUAUDIOdotCOM - Any music, amp or room, there's a Zu for You

PURISTAUDIODESIGNdotCOM - Let Us Connect You To The Music!

INNUOSdotCOM - Listen From Within

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

Interview with Mats Andersen of QLN Audio. Episode 6 explores two-way speaker design in depth with Mats Andersen, designer and owner of QLN Audio and maker of the highly transparent Signature 3 standmount/bookshelf style speaker. Mats pulls from his deep well of knowledge to chat about 2-way vs 3-way design, benefits, challenges and learnings on the subject. Also, the best audio products of 2020 so far. Special thanks to Rafe Arnott from RESISTORMAGdotCOM for his contribution to this week's episode.

S4E6 Sponsors:
QOBUZdotCOM - Authentic Music Experience
SONUSFABERdotCOM - Artisans of Sound
The LSA Group and CorePower - State Of The Art Power At Real World Prices

Interview with the president of Marantz & Classe Joel Sietsema and Senior Director of Technical Category Management Emmanuel Millot. Very special bonus interview with documentary filmmakers Kevin Smokler and Christopher Boone. Kevin and Christopher recently co-directed a film called Vinyl Nation which focuses on the 10 year run of vinyl resurgence and record collecting we now find ourselves in. It's timely and a ton of fun. 

S4E7 Sponsors:
QOBUZdotCOM - Authentic Music Experience
AUDIORESEARCHdotCOM - High Performance Vacuum Tube Electronics Since 1970
The LSA Group and CorePower - State Of The Art Power At Real World Prices

Interview with Andrew Jones of ELAC and Pioneer fame. Andrew is a legendary speaker designer that has worked for KEF, TAD and more. He returns to the show to talk about the latest in speaker designs including his thoughts on meta material, deep bass from small enclosures and how the recent pandemic has affected the hifi industry. 

S5E7 Sponsors:

FOCALdotCOM– French Hi-Fi Global Leader

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California, Starting At $49

ZUAUDIOdotCOM - A Revolution in American Hi-Fi

Eric, Grover, Dave and Jameson from the PartTimeAudiophile.com writing staff join The Occasional Podcast to give thier impressions of all the audio gear that was on display at Capital Audiofest 2022 in DC. This episode covers all the showroom highlights and the latest hifi product releases from the East Coast event. Best of show, standout gear and plenty of weekend observations.

S8E7 Sponsors:

THEVOICETHATISdotCOM - For The Love Of Music

ZUAUDIOdotCOM - Any music, amp or room, there's a Zu for You

VONSCHWEIKERTAUDIOdotCOM - VSA Loudspeakers

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

WHARFEDALEUSAdotCOM - Legendary British Sound – Elevated

Tube amplifiers, tube topologies explained! This episode is our guide to tube amplifiers, and features deep dive interviews with Gary Dews of Border Patrol Audio Electronics and Mark Schneider of Linear Tube Audio. SET, Pentode, OTL, Push-Pull? The designs of tube amplifiers in hifi is a rich as their love for three letter acronyms. Join us for a thorough exploration of all the different ways to derive power from a glass tube. 

S6E3 Sponsors:

MUSICALSURROUNDINGSdotCOM - World-Class Analog Equipment

PURISTAUDIODESIGNdotCOM - Let Us Connect You To The Music!

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

WHARFEDALEUSAdotCOM - Legendary British Sound – Elevated

A tribute to the 300b amplifier tube with Gary Dews of Border Patrol Audio Electronics. Why is the 300b so common in audiophile tube amplifier designs? What about the 300b makes it unique amoung the many options available to amp makers? In this episode, we explore everything you would ever want to know about this direct heated triode, including usage, benefits, drawbacks and the current state of pricing and supply.

S7E10 Sponsors:

ZUAUDIOdotCOM - Any music, amp or room, there's a Zu for You

MUSICALSURROUNDINGSdotCOM - World-Class Analog Equipment

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

WELLPLEASEDAVdotCOM - You can’t please everyone, so why don’t you please yourself?

Marc Phillips joins the show to give his impressions of all the audio gear that was on display at Pacific Audio Fest 2022 in Seattle. This episode covers all the highlights in high fidelity and Marc's overall vibe from the debut of the West Coast's newest audio event.  Best of show, standout gear and new product releases. 

S8E1 Sponsors:

THEVOICETHATISdotCOM - For The Love Of Music

ZUAUDIOdotCOM - Any music, amp or room, there's a Zu for You

PURISTAUDIODESIGNdotCOM - Let Us Connect You To The Music! 

INNUOSdotCOM - Listen From Within

Interview with Josh Meredith and Angela Cardas of Cardas Audio. In this episode The PartTimeAudiophile editorial crew drops their picks for the best audio products of 2020. Josh and Angela also help us answer the age old question: Why Do Radio Stations Always Play The Same Songs Over And Over? 

S4E10 Sponsors:
QOBUZdotCOM - Authentic Music Experience SONUSFABERdotCOM - Artisans of Sound
The LSA Group and CorePower - State Of The Art Power At Real World Prices

An interview with Anthony Chiarella of Specialty Sound & Vision and our 2023 Buyer's Guide Special. Scot, Marc and Brian go over some of the best and brightest audio products reviewed and heard for the upcoming year. Broken out into 12 categories, the buyer's guide provides some insight into the season's best audiophile products along with some general hifi banter and acoustic tips. 

The show also features a surprising follow up to our S8E5 Halloween special with Anthony who actually worked at Crazy Eddie's retail chain in New Jersey from 1977-1981, before it was dissolved due to Eddie Antar's criminal prosecution. He shares personal stories from that time and further explores the subject with his first hand experience on the sales floor.

S8E9 Sponsors:

ZUAUDIOdotCOM - Any music, amp or room, there's a Zu for You

VONSCHWEIKERTAUDIOdotCOM - VSA Loudspeakers

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

WHARFEDALEUSAdotCOM - Legendary British Sound – Elevated

Marc Phillips joins the show to give his impressions of all the audio gear that was on display at High End Munich 2022. We cover all the highlights from one of the world's biggest high fidelity audio shows held in Germany. Best of show, standout gear and new product releases. 

S7E7 Sponsors:

MUSICALSURROUNDINGSdotCOM - World-Class Analog Equipment

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

PURISTAUDIODESIGNdotCOM - Let Us Connect You To The Music! 

WELLPLEASEDAVdotCOM - You can’t please everyone, so why don’t you please yourself?

Coverage and impressions from Captial Audiofest 2024. Marc, Brian, Grover, Graig and Marc S. broadcast live from the DC event for audiophiles. Full impressions, observations on trends and best of show awards. What rooms sounded like perfection? What new products really impressed? All the new details all a ton of new products get realeased at this East Coast show and we have them all to share with you in this detailed and robust episode of HiFi wondery.

This episode's event sponsor is Doug White and The Voice That Is. Doug was showcasing the North American premiere for new TIDAL for Bugatti MC-1 Digital Controller, TIDAL for Bugatti MP-1 Pre amplifier and Turnbull Audio Prestige Audio Cables. 

Everything you ever wanted to know about subwoofers and two channel listening. In this episode we dive deeper than we have ever dove before, straight into a subwoofer. SVS Director of Technology, Ed Mullen helps us unroot all the helpful tidbits for getting the best, and most seamless listening experience with subs. This includes basics, room placement, how to connect, tips, advice and even setup options for both stereo and home theater rigs. One of our most in-depth and informative podcasts to date. 

S5E6 Sponsors:

FOCALdotCOM– French Hi-Fi Global Leader

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California, Starting At $49

INNOUSdotCOM - Listen From Within

Zach and Bevin Mehrbach from ZMF Headphones get interviewed. Also 2019 year-end roundup of the "best of" audio products according to Bryan and Brian. Special bonus: Two Grown Men Arguing In A YouTube Comments Section. Co-host Bryan Beasley.

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Made In The US, Starting At $49

Live from Chicago, IL - The cast and crew from PartTimeAudiophile's coverage of AXPONA 2024 weigh in. Held April 12-14 in the Schaumburg Convention Center, this episode reports back on all the showroom highlights and the latest hifi product releases from the largest high fidelity audio event in North America. Best of show, standout gear and plenty of weekend observations. Special thanks to Marc Phillips, Matthew Partrick, Grover and Graig Neville.

Video coverage: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd0NF-pYiZLThKkddrmJylA

S10E4 Sponsors:

ZMFHEADPHONESdotCOM - Traditional Craft, Modern Acoustics

MUSICHALLAUDIOdotCOM - No Nonsense, Just Great Sound

WOOAUDIOdotCOM - Where Better Sound Begins

Marc Phillips rejoins the show after a quick trip to the coast for Pacific Audiofest 2023 in Seattle, WA. Filled with tons of impressions, product announcements and best sound of the show, Marc recaps his trip to the Pacific Northwest with some of his personal takeaways from the one of the newest high fidelity events to join the circuit. 

Check out our amazing Bronze Record Weight merch here: PTA Store

S9E9 Sponsors:

WOOAUDIOdotCOM - Where Better Sound Begins

ACORAACOUSTICSdotCOM - Hear The Truth

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

ZMFHEADPHONESdotCOM - Traditional Craft, Modern Acoustics

Interview with Andrew Jones of Mofi Electronics. We visit Andrew Jones' (ELAC/KEF/Pionneer) design office in Beverly Hills to get an exclusive first look at his new Source Point 10 concentric loudspeaker, the first release under the new MoFi Electronics brand. Andrew gives us all the updates on the new monitor-sized two-way and devulges his philosophies when it comes to material choice, bracing, crossovers, form factor and more. 

If you are attending Capital Audiofest this weekend, please swing by the Wilson Room and see this show's sponsor, Doug White and The Voice That Is. Doug will showcasing the new Tidal Piano G3 loudspeakers (and Critical Mass Systems Ultra Q Rack) in their first US appearance. 

S8E6 Sponsors:

THEVOICETHATISdotCOM - For The Love Of Music

ZUAUDIOdotCOM - Any music, amp or room, there's a Zu for You

VONSCHWEIKERTAUDIOdotCOM - VSA Loudspeakers

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

An Occasional Podcast Halloween special. The series of events that unfolded at a HiFi retail store in Ogden, UT in 1974 would forever change the small town. One of the most brazen and brutal crimes to ever unfold in the HiFi market is the subject of this SE podcast episode. 

Warning: This episode contains descriptions of graphic and disturbing content which might be upsetting for some listeners.

Special guest host Bryan Beasley along with Brian Hunter lay down the events of Monday, April 22 and walk through the timeline, case and trial of this terrifying true crime.

A very special thanks to Bryan for his many contributions helping put this complex show together.

S9E12 Sponsors:

HIFIROSEUSAdotCOM - The Future Of Music Awaits You

WOOAUDIOdotCOM - Where Better Sound Begins

Integrated Amplifiers and Two Way Loudspeakers, a match made in heaven. In this episode we discuss all the lovely benefits (and some of the potential drawbacks) of two of high fidelity audio's most beloved compact options for home playback. Whether you have limited space or just love the sound of a simple crossover design, this interview with PartTimeAudiophile's Marc Phillips draws from his deep pool of knowledge (and love) for the highly utilized sub genre of audiophilia. 

S5E4 Sponsors:

FOCALdotCOM– French Hi-Fi Global Leader

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California, Starting At $49

INNOUSdotCOM - Listen From Within

Extended interview with Von Schweikert Audio's Leif Swanson and Damon Von Schweikert. S3E7 kicks off with a full rundown of the new LCD-1 headphone by Audeze and the RAD-0 by Rosson Audio Design. Damon and Leif drop some knowledge on us about what it's like to make high-end speakers, manufacturing in the US and accuracy in listening. Special bonus "Two Grown Men Arguing On Facebook". Co-host Bryan Beasley. 

MOON-AUDIOdotCOM - Dragon Audio Cables - Unleash Your Music!

AXPONAdotCOM - North America's Audio Expo

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Made In The US, Starting At $49.

S7E1 Sponsors:

MUSICALSURROUNDINGSdotCOM - World-Class Analog Equipment

SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in California & Texas, Starting At $49

AXPONAdotCOM - North America’s Audio Expo

WELLPLEASEDAVdotCOM - You can’t please everyone, so why don’t you please yourself?

Interview with Heinz Lichtenegger of Pro-Ject, an high fidelity audio company internationally known for turntables, electronics and speakers. Started in 1991, Pro-Ject dove into the record player business at a time when the world's focus was on the CD. Now a world-wide brand, the turntable maker supplies both its own products and OEM options for a multitude of companies. Owner and President Heinz Lichtenegger joins us to chat about his passion for great sound, the evolution of the turntable market and continuing affordable options to bring new listeners into the fold.

S4E9 Sponsors:
QOBUZdotCOM - Authentic Music Experience MCINTOSHLABSdotCOM – Legendary Audio Equipment
The LSA Group and CorePower - State Of The Art Power At Real World Prices

Part-Time Audiophile

Welcome to the first episode of the Occasional Podcast! Our maiden voyage kicks off with CES prep and part one of our two part interview with Sean Casey of Zu Audio.

The post Sean Casey, Part 1 appeared first on Part-Time Audiophile.

Part-Time Audiophile

Sean from Zu Audio talks about speaker design, running from the police in Ogden and attending audio shows. This podcast is the second installment from our two part interview. You can listen to Part 1 here. Sean’s site: www.zuaudio.com Please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes if you enjoyed the show!

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Part-Time Audiophile

Audio highlights from CES 2018 with co-host Bes Nievera. Bes is brand ambassador for Music Direct & on-air host of DCB Jazz at WDCB 90.9 FM in Chicago.

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Part-Time Audiophile

NAMM prep and CMO of HiFiMAN, Andrew Regan. Andy talks touring with David Bowie, selling high-end in New York and the absence of pre-show brown M&Ms. Special co-host Bryan Beasley.

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Part-Time Audiophile

Zev Feldman of Resonance Records. Zev is a record hunter and the Indiana Jones of lost Jazz. He gives us the lowdown on digging up old albums and breathing new life into Bill Evens, Wes Montgomery and more. Special co-host Bryan Beasley. Check out PartTimeAudiophile this month for the Winter issue of The Occasional Magazine. Its packed with reviews and loads of hifi imagery, including shots from our interview here with Zev.

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Part-Time Audiophile

Paolo and Livio walk us through the process of designing the new McIntosh XRT2.1k and Sonus Faber AIDA loudspeakers. Recorded at the World of McIntosh Townhouse in New York, the body (industrial) and soul (acoustic) of design for the McIntosh Group discuss driver materials, colors and how our hearing is most sensitive to the scream of the weakest of our kind (2k-6k). Don’t forget to check out PartTimeAudiophile this month for the Winter issue of The Occasional Magazine!

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Part-Time Audiophile

Andrew Jones of ELAC, Pioneer, TAD and KEF. Andrew enlightens us about his long history with audio, designing speakers for a Japanese company and what its like growing up with a mirror twin. Special Co-Host Bryan Beasley. https://www.atochadesign.com – Handmade American Furniture for Vinyl Lovers

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Part-Time Audiophile

Schiit Audio co-founder Jason Stoddard. Jason conveys his thoughts on MQA, audiophile cables and what its like taking an audio company from the garage to the warehouse. Recorded live at the Schiitr retail space in downtown Newhall, CA. ATOCHADESIGNDOTCOM – Handmade American Furniture for Vinyl Lovers

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Part-Time Audiophile

John DeVore of DeVORE FIDELITY. John walks us through his process for designing loudspeakers, the New York audio scene of the late 90’s and why drummers will always be in demand. Special co-host Bryan Beasley. ADORAMADOTCOM – The Pro’s Choice for Sound

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Part-Time Audiophile

Vitaliy Belo of 64 Audio. Vitaliy goes behind the mic to share with us his thoughts on earphone design, audiophile preferences and what its like being part of a family band. Co-host Bryan Beasley. ADORAMADOTCOM – The Pro’s Choice for Sound

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