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 PURISTAUDI...
Apr 28, 2022•50 min•Season 7Ep. 4
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 ...
Apr 19, 2022•42 min•Season 7Ep. 3
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 ...
Apr 14, 2022•1 hr 42 min•Season 7Ep. 2
A discussion about the current state of the world's tube supply. Is there going to be a major issue getting replacement tubes for hifi amplifiers and production gear? Brian Hunter and Marc Phillips from PTA Productions put together a few talking points with the help of Jason Stoddard from Schiit Audio and EveAnna Manley from Manely Labs. Also an interview with audio showrunner Liz Miller Smith and Mark Freed. S7E1 Sponsors: MUSICALSURROUNDINGSdotCOM - World-Class Analog Equipment SCHIITdotCOM - ...
Apr 04, 2022•50 min•Season 7Ep. 1
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: MUSICALSURRO...
Jan 25, 2022•57 min•Season 6Ep. 10
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 Sponsor...
Jan 11, 2022•1 hr 3 min
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 Component...
Dec 29, 2021•48 min
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 especial...
Dec 05, 2021•54 min
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 li...
Nov 09, 2021•54 min
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|Evo...
Oct 25, 2021•49 min
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 - Wor...
Oct 13, 2021•46 min
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 Equipme...
Sep 29, 2021•39 min
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 cable...
Sep 08, 2021•1 hr 29 min
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 Des...
Aug 16, 2021•53 min
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...
Jun 07, 2021•57 min
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
May 19, 2021•41 min
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 ...
Apr 28, 2021•1 hr 39 min
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 ...
Apr 19, 2021•1 hr 28 min
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 ...
Apr 06, 2021•58 min
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 $...
Mar 22, 2021•1 hr 2 min
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: FOCALd...
Mar 08, 2021•51 min
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, Starti...
Feb 22, 2021•48 min
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...
Feb 09, 2021•58 min
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 INNOUSdotC...
Jan 25, 2021•57 min
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
Dec 01, 2020•50 min
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 mark...
Nov 10, 2020•44 min
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 player...
Oct 21, 2020•49 min
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 AUDIORESEARC...
Oct 05, 2020•1 hr 32 min
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 epis...
Sep 19, 2020•35 min
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 Cor...
Aug 25, 2020•37 min
