The HiFi Five Podcast
- Episodes
- 44
- Released
- every two weeks
- Latest episode
- Nov 12, 2026
About the podcast
Welcome to The HiFi Five, a live roundtable discussion show about all things high-end audio plus music recommendations, produced twice per month --the second and the fourth Wednesday of every month.
The HiFi Five is hosted/moderated by Ron Resnick, co-owner of WhatsBestForum and audio reviewer.
Our other chairs will feature one-time guests and recurring guests.
This show is educational: explaining how to select components, how to build audio systems, how to treat rooms and how to help you achieve the greatest realism and emotional engagement from your audio system. This show also is a candid, freewheeling, behind-the-scenes look at the high-end audio hobby and industry, with reports from audio shows, and gives you insights, opinions and perspectives.
Episodes 44
The HiFi Five Episode 44: All About Tape
The HiFi Five Episode 44: All About TapeGuestsArian Jansen -- the Founder and Designer of Sonorus AudioBob Attiyeh -- Founder, Producer and recording engineer of Yarlung RecordsChad Kassem -- Founder and CEO of …
Show notes
The HiFi Five Episode 44: All About Tape
Guests
Arian Jansen -- the Founder and Designer of Sonorus Audio
Bob Attiyeh -- Founder, Producer and recording engineer of Yarlung Records
Chad Kassem -- Founder and CEO of Acoustic Sounds, Analogue Productions, APO Records, Quality Record Pressings pressing plant and Blue Heaven Studios
Kostas Metaxas -- Founder and Designer of Metaxas & Sins
Larry Toy -- audiophile hobbyist, tape playback expert
Topics
🎧 Can reel-to-reel tape actually sound better than the best digital and vinyl playback? And if so, what does it do better?
💿 Does tape automatically mean better sound? What determines whether a great vinyl pressing can outperform a great reel-to-reel tape?
🎞️ How much sound quality do you lose when making consumer tapes from an original analog master? Can a second- or third-generation tape really compete with the master?
⏳ Can an aging master tape actually sound worse than a vinyl record made from that same tape decades ago? Which causes more sonic damage: tape deterioration or vinyl’s inherent limitations?
💰 How much money does it really take to get into reel-to-reel tape? What equipment do you need to make your best tapes sound better than your best vinyl?
🔧 What’s more important to tape playback: the transport, the tape heads, or the playback electronics? And does an expensive outboard repro preamp make a meaningful difference?
📼 Are record-company production master tapes really as good as today’s audiophile tape releases from Analogue Productions and Rhino?
👨🏫 What’s the biggest misconception audiophiles have about reel-to-reel tape?
The HiFi Five Episode 43: Solid-State Versus Tube Amplifiers
The HiFi Five Episode 43: Solid-State Versus Tube AmplifiersGuestsDavid Berning -- Founder and Designer of The David Berning Company John Curl -- Founder and Designer of Vendetta Research, Designer for …
Show notes
The HiFi Five Episode 43: Solid-State Versus Tube Amplifiers
Guests
David Berning -- Founder and Designer of The David Berning Company
John Curl -- Founder and Designer of Vendetta Research, Designer for Parasound and for Mark Levinson
Michael Fremer -- Founder and Editor of Tracking Angle and the Editor at Large of The Absolute Sound
Ralph Karsten -- Founder and Designer of Atma-Sphere
The HiFi Five Episode 42: Truths About Cables
The HiFi Five Episode 42: Truths About CablesGuests:Matthew Bond -- Founder and Designer, Matthew Bond Audio; formerly Founder and Designer at Tara LabsGalen Gareis -- Designer at Iconoclast Cables; formerly …
Show notes
The HiFi Five Episode 42: Truths About Cables
Guests:
Matthew Bond -- Founder and Designer, Matthew Bond Audio; formerly Founder and Designer at Tara Labs
Galen Gareis -- Designer at Iconoclast Cables; formerly Principal Engineer at Belden Wire & Cable
Ralph Karsten -- Founder and Designer of Atma-Sphere tube and solid-state electronics
William Low -- Founder and Chief Designer of Audioquest
Eric Neff -- Reviewer for HiFi+ Magazine
This is the most candid and insightful discussion about cables every recorded!
Topics:
A $25 interconnect vs. a $250,000 one, a 10,000-to-1 price gap. Where does the extra money stop buying better sound?
Expectation bias is real. So how does someone who sells cables justify sighted listening over blind testing?
Can everything that matters sonically about a cable be measured objectively, or do the measurements miss things we can hear?
How much of the sound of a cable is attributable to the electrical characteristics of the two components the cable is connecting?
How should an audiophile go about selecting cables?
Where does diminishing returns set in on cables?
The "full loom": real engineering or just a way to sell you more cable?
What's the biggest myth audiophiles believe about cables?
The HiFi Five Episode 41: Is Your Set-Up All Wrong?
This is the most actionable, answer-packed discussion about set-up issues and conundrums we all face ever recorded!Guests:Frank Doris -- Editor, Copper Magazine; Senior Associate Editor, Positive FeedbackPeter …
Show notes
This is the most actionable, answer-packed discussion about set-up issues and conundrums we all face ever recorded!
Guests:
Frank Doris -- Editor, Copper Magazine; Senior Associate Editor, Positive FeedbackPeter Noerbaek -- Founder and Designer, PBN Audio
Lee Scoggins -- Reviewer, Positive Feedback
Norman Varney -- Founder, A/V RoomService
Topics:
What are the most common setup mistakes audiophiles make?
Can measurements really tell you where to put your speakers and listening chair -or do you ultimately have to trust your ears?
What do you do when bass problems simply won’t go away? TubeTraps, subwoofer swarm, digital EQ or active bass?
Process for selecting cables.
What if your system sounds edgy and fatiguing around 4–5 kHz? How do you figure out what’s actually causing it?
Should your equipment rack be between the speakers—or along a side wall? Can its location actually change the sound?
Speakers spikes or no spikes? Component footers?
The HiFi Five Episode 40: Are HiFi Influencers Breaking the Rules?
The HiFi Five Episode 40: Are HiFi Influencers Breaking the Rules?This episode shines a bright line on many questionable practices in the industry, and proposes a remedy.Guests:Frank Doris -- Editor of Copper …
Show notes
The HiFi Five Episode 40: Are HiFi Influencers Breaking the Rules?
This episode shines a bright line on many questionable practices in the industry, and proposes a remedy.
Guests:
Frank Doris -- Editor of Copper Magazine, Senior Associate Editor at Positive Feedback
Mike Powell -- OCD HiFi Guy and founder of the audio brand Verastarr and online dealer 11Stereo
Stu McCreary -- attorney and Senior Associate Editor and legal counsel for Positive-Feedback
David Robinson -- Founder, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Positive Feedback
Topics:
Are some YouTube, magazine and influencer reviews really paid endorsements in disguise?
If a reviewer, YouTuber or influential audiophile gets free gear, an accommodation price or a huge discount, should you be told? What about the “ordinary hobbyist” who gets a sweetheart deal because a manufacturer expects him/her to talk about the product online?
When does a long-term “review loan” stop being a loan and become compensation? And what if the reviewer eventually sells the gear and keeps -- or shares -- the profit?
What are the Federal Trade Commission rules already requiring reviewers, influencers and audio companies disclose some of their business relationships?
Should the industry adopt the disclosure rule proposed by Ron in the episode?
The HiFi Five Episode 39: Is Vinyl All That?
The HiFi Five Episode 39: Is Vinyl All That?Guests:Jefferson Douglas -- CEO of Tubelandia MusicMike Lavigne -- audiophile hobbyistAmadeus Meitner -- Managing Director, EMM Labs and MeitnerDoug Schneider …
Show notes
The HiFi Five Episode 39: Is Vinyl All That?
Guests:
Jefferson Douglas -- CEO of Tubelandia Music
Mike Lavigne -- audiophile hobbyist
Amadeus Meitner -- Managing Director, EMM Labs and Meitner
Doug Schneider -- founder of SoundStage!
Topics:
Which is the best sounding format, and what does best sounding mean?
When great vinyl beats state-of-the-art digital, what are we really hearing -- the format, better mastering, or better gear?
If master tape is the ultimate reference, which gets closer: vinyl or digital?
If an LP was recorded, mixed or mastered digitally, what exactly do you gain by playing it on vinyl? Can mastering digital onto vinyl actually make it sound better?
Where does another $25,000 buy you more sonic improvement -- vinyl or digital?
Twenty years from now, will vinyl still be a reference-quality format -- or mainly a collectible experience while digital becomes the unquestioned reference?
The HiFi Five Episode 38: Buying Used Components and Repairs
The HiFi Five Episode 38: Buying Used Components and RepairsGuests:Morrison Agen -- Hardcore HiFi, a dealer and component repair and restoration business Jay Caceres -- Jay’s Audio Lab, a dealer in used …
Show notes
The HiFi Five Episode 38: Buying Used Components and Repairs
Guests:
Morrison Agen -- Hardcore HiFi, a dealer and component repair and restoration business
Jay Caceres -- Jay’s Audio Lab, a dealer in used components
Peter Glenn -- Director of Quality Assurance at The Music Room, a dealer in used components
Jim Yager -- audiophile hobbyist
Topics:
Is buying used actually the smartest way to build a great high-end audio system?
What high-end components are safest to buy used -- and which are the biggest gamble?
What components are easiest to resell -- and which ones can you get stuck with?
Are used high-end audio prices getting ridiculous -- or are today’s prices actually justified?
How big does the used discount have to be before you’re willing to give up the security of a factory warranty?
What actually breaks more often: relatively new high-end components or vintage gear -- and are tubes or solid state easier to keep running?
How does Jay’s Audio Lab and The Music Room determine their buying prices and their selling prices?
The HiFi Five Episode 37: Southwest Audio Fest 2026 Show Report
The HiFi Five Episode 37: Southwest Audio Fest 2026 Show ReportGuests:Chad Crawley -- audiophile hobbyistGary Gill -- founder and organizer of the Southwest Audio Fest and Capital Audio FestMatt Philpot …
Show notes
The HiFi Five Episode 37: Southwest Audio Fest 2026 Show Report
Guests:
Chad Crawley -- audiophile hobbyist
Gary Gill -- founder and organizer of the Southwest Audio Fest and Capital Audio Fest
Matt Philpot -- YouTube channel Everyday Audiophile
Keith Rochelli -- audiophile hobbyist
Joey Veloso -- President of the DFW Audiophile Club
Topics:Was Southwest Audio Fest better than last year—or did it take a step backward?
Which new components were the biggest surprises… and which failed to impress?
Favorite exhibits?
Best affordable systems?
Can you really judge a six-figure audio system by how it sounds in a hotel room?
Do the most expensive systems actually sound the best at an audio show?
What was the biggest piece of industry gossip or insider information we heard at SWAF?
The HiFi Five Episode 36: Roger Hwang, CEO Crystal Claire, on Audio Research and Acora Acoustics
In this The HiFi Five Special Episode Ron Resnick interviews Mr. Roger Hwang, the CEO of Crystal International Group Inc. and Crystal Claire Cosmetics Inc., who explains the many recent corporate and personnel …
Show notes
In this The HiFi Five Special Episode Ron Resnick interviews Mr. Roger Hwang, the CEO of Crystal International Group Inc. and Crystal Claire Cosmetics Inc., who explains the many recent corporate and personnel developments at Audio Research Corporation and at Acora Acoustics.
The HiFi Five Episode 35: Dynaudio Withdrawal and Distributor Life Today
The HiFi Five Episode 35: Dynaudio Withdrawal and Distributor Life TodayGuests:Brian Ackerman -- Founder of Aaudio ImportsBill Leebens -- CEO of Leebens Marketing and ManagementDoug Schneider -- Founder of …
Show notes
The HiFi Five Episode 35: Dynaudio Withdrawal and Distributor Life Today
Guests:
Brian Ackerman -- Founder of Aaudio Imports
Bill Leebens -- CEO of Leebens Marketing and Management
Doug Schneider -- Founder of SoundStage!
Hiram Toro -- Founder of Supreme Acoustic Systems and of Decibel+
Topics:
Is this an isolated case, or the first major warning sign that the economics of importing high-end audio into North America have changed fundamentally?
What role did tariffs really play in Dynaudio’s decision to leave the U.S. market
Are U.S. distributors facing the toughest business environment they’ve seen in decades?
Who really pays the tariffs on imported high-end audio—the manufacturer, the importer, the dealer, or ultimately the consumer
How today can foreign imported brands compete against domestic brands?
The Hi-Fi Five Episode 34: Thirteen Full System Recommendations from $500 to $100,000
In this Episode 34 the guests and Ron explain thirteen full system recommendations from $500 to $100,000! The HiFi Five supports budget and student audiophiles!Guests:Erin Hardison -- Erin’s Audio CornerDanny …
Show notes
In this Episode 34 the guests and Ron explain thirteen full system recommendations from $500 to $100,000! The HiFi Five supports budget and student audiophiles!
Guests:
Erin Hardison -- Erin’s Audio Corner
Danny Kaey -- Sonic Flare
Eric Neff - Reviewer for HiFi+ Magazine
Andrew Quint -- Senior Writer at The Absolute Sound
Additional Topics:
How should audiophiles divide their budget among speakers, amplifier, preamplifier, source components and cables?
Would you rather have outstanding speakers with modest electronics, or modest speakers with outstanding electronics? Why?
Should audiophiles select the loudspeaker first, and match an amplifier to the loudspeaker, or select the amplifier first and match a loudspeaker to the amplifier?
Which source experiences faster diminishing returns to improving sound quality, digital playback or vinyl playback?
The Hi-Fi Five Episode 33: Axiss Lawsuit
The HiFi Five Episode 33: Axiss LawsuitGuests:Chad Crawley -- audiophile hobbyistErin Hardison -- Erin's Audio CornerKerry Harvey -- commercial transactions attorney who has litigated dozens of cases and …
Show notes
The HiFi Five Episode 33: Axiss Lawsuit
Guests:
Chad Crawley -- audiophile hobbyist
Erin Hardison -- Erin's Audio Corner
Kerry Harvey -- commercial transactions attorney who has litigated dozens of cases and served as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and audiophile hobbyist
Doug Schneider -- founder of SoundStage!
Steven Stone -- Senior Reviewer at The Absolute Sound
The Hi-Fi Five Episode 32: Getting Kids into Music and Audio
The Hi-Fi Five Episode 32: Getting Kids into Music and AudioGuests:May Anwar -- Scientist, college educator, co-founder of M101 Audio and the creator of “Passport to Sound”Steve Lefkowicz -- Senior Associate …
Show notes
The Hi-Fi Five Episode 32: Getting Kids into Music and Audio
Guests:
May Anwar -- Scientist, college educator, co-founder of M101 Audio and the creator of “Passport to Sound”
Steve Lefkowicz -- Senior Associate Editor at Positive Feedback
Joe Pavel -- audiophile hobbyist parent
Max Pavel -- audiophile hobbyist kid
Topics:
• Are headphones and earbuds creating tomorrow’s audiophiles -- or replacing traditional stereo systems?
• Could video gaming ultimately do more to create music lovers than the hi-fi industry itself?
• Is streaming producing passionate music fans -- or impatient listeners who never slow down long enough to really listen?
• Is YouTube helping young people discover great music and sound -- or distracting them from both?
• If we could change one thing about the hobby to make it irresistible to younger listeners, what would it be?
The Hi-Fi Five Episode 31: High End Vienna 2026 Show Report
THE HIFI FIVE Episode 31: High End Vienna 2026 Show ReportLearn what really happened at the show, best sounding exhibits, most exciting component debuts and industry discussions!Guests:Edgar Kramer …
Show notes
THE HIFI FIVE Episode 31: High End Vienna 2026 Show Report
Learn what really happened at the show, best sounding exhibits, most exciting component debuts and industry discussions!
Guests:
Edgar Kramer -- Editor-in-Chief of SoundStage! Australia
Mikhail Kuzemchenko -- audiophile hobbyist
Carlo Lo Raso -- Editor-in-Chief of Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity
Greg Weaver -- The Audio Analyst on YouTube, Senior Editor at Positive Feedback
The first High End Vienna has come and gone, and opinions are already divided. Did Vienna actually improve on munich? On this episode of The HiFi Five, we ask:
Was moving the show from Munich a mistake -- or a major upgrade?
Why didn’t High End Society secure additional venue capacity instead of effectively encouraging satellite shows?
Favorite affordable and favorite cost no object systems.
Which mega-buck systems failed to impress?
Which affordable systems embarrassed components costing ten times as much?
What products created the most buzz?
The HiFi Five Episode 30: DACs and Digital Playback
The owners of MSB and veteran reviewers tackle some of the biggest -- and most divisive -- questions in digital audio:Guests:Daniel Francis -- Co-owner and Industrial Designer of MSB TechnologyJonathan Gullman …
Show notes
The owners of MSB and veteran reviewers tackle some of the biggest -- and most divisive -- questions in digital audio:
Guests:
Daniel Francis -- Co-owner and Industrial Designer of MSB Technology
Jonathan Gullman -- Co-owner and CEO of MSB Technology
Doug Schneider -- Founder of SoundStage!
Steven Stone -- Senior Reviewer, The Absolute Sound
Topics:
Why are some experienced audiophiles still obsessed with “obsolete” DAC chips from the 1990s? Are vintage multi-bit designs hearing something modern DACs miss?
Non-oversampling and filterless DACs: More natural and analog -- or technically compromised nostalgia?
Can measurements really tell us what a DAC will sound like? Which specs matter, which are marketing, and how do you know the measurements themselves are trustworthy?
How should an audiophile’s digital budget be split between DAC and streamer?
USB, I²S, co-axial, XDMI, etc. do digital interfaces actually sound different? If the bits are the same, what exactly are listeners hearing?
If live music includes ambient noise, why are DAC companies obsessed with “blacker backgrounds” and vanishingly low noise floors? Does technical silence really sound more believable?
Where should the clock be located?
Have we nearly reached the end of meaningful DAC progress? Are today’s flagship DACs approaching the ceiling -- or are major breakthroughs still coming?
The Hi-Fi Five Episode 29: Field Coil Loudspeakers
The HiFi Five Episode 29: Field Coil LoudspeakersGUESTSFrank Doris -- Editor of Copper Magazine, Senior Associate Editor at Positive FeedbackRich Pinto -- Founder and Designer, Treehaus AudioPeter Qvortrup …
Show notes
The HiFi Five Episode 29: Field Coil Loudspeakers
GUESTS
Frank Doris -- Editor of Copper Magazine, Senior Associate Editor at Positive Feedback
Rich Pinto -- Founder and Designer, Treehaus Audio
Peter Qvortrup -- Founder and Managing Director, Audio Note UK
Ken Songer -- Founder and Designer, Songer Audio
TOPICS
Why are field coil drivers something special sonically?
Permanent magnets and electromagnets both generate a magnetic field. Why does the sound coming off the cone sound different when it's moved by one type of magnet versus the other? What is the technical advantage of using an electromagnet?Are most field coil drivers fabricated in-house or bought off the shelf?
Does the type of power supply — tube or solid-state — affect the sound of the driver?
How does the sound change as you change the power supply voltage to the electromagnet? Why?
Is there any scenario where a permanent magnet driver is the better engineering choice than a field coil driver for a loudspeaker?
Are there any specific objective measurements which demonstrate the technical superiority of field coil drivers?
Can you imagine traditional loudspeakers manufacturers like Magico or Wilson moving to field coil drivers?
The HiFi Five Episode 28: Multi-Channel for Audiophiles
The HiFi Five Episode 28: Multi-Channel for AudiophilesGuests:Ulrike Schwarz — Grammy award-nominated co-founder of multi-channel recording firm Anderson Audio New YorkAndrew Quint — Senior Writer at The …
Show notes
The HiFi Five Episode 28: Multi-Channel for Audiophiles
Guests:
Ulrike Schwarz — Grammy award-nominated co-founder of multi-channel recording firm Anderson Audio New York
Andrew Quint — Senior Writer at The Absolute Sound
Arian Jansen — founder and designer of Sonorus Audio
Danny Kaey — Sonic Flare, hifi reviewer
The HiFi Five Episode 27: AXPONA 2026 Show Report
The HiFi Five Episode 27: AXPONA 2026 Show Report with Jeff Dorgay, Erin Hardison, Lee Scoggins and Dave Solomon
The Hi-Fi Five Episode 26: How to Select a Loudspeaker and Room Placement
The HiFi Five Episode 26: How to Select a Loudspeaker and Room PlacementShanon McKellar, audio and music reviewer for Analog PlanetSteven Norber, founder and designer of PranaFidelity dynamic driver …
Show notes
The HiFi Five Episode 26: How to Select a Loudspeaker and Room Placement
Shanon McKellar, audio and music reviewer for Analog Planet
Steven Norber, founder and designer of PranaFidelity dynamic driver loudspeakers, and Director of Audio Engineering of Von Schweikert Audio
Greg Roberts, founder and designer of Volti Audio horn loudspeakers
Florian Wiegand, founder and designer of Clarisys Audio ribbon loudspeakers, and proprietor of Audio Excess, a distributor and dealer in SwitzerlandThe Hi-Fi Five Episode 25: Measurements for Subjectivist Audiophiles
Episode 25: Measurements for Subjectivist AudiophilesRon Resnick (host/moderator): WhatsBestForumBrent Butterworth: Wirecutter, Audio Unleased, Audio JournalistDanny Kaey: EMM Labs, Sonic Flare, HiFi …
Show notes
Episode 25: Measurements for Subjectivist Audiophiles
Ron Resnick (host/moderator): WhatsBestForum
Brent Butterworth: Wirecutter, Audio Unleased, Audio Journalist
Danny Kaey: EMM Labs, Sonic Flare, HiFi Reviewer
Ralph Karsten: Atma-Sphere
The Hi-Fi Five Episode 24: Component Selection and System Building
Episode 24: Component Selection and System BuildingRon Resnick (moderator): WhatsBestForumDanny Kaey: EMM Labs, Sonic Flare, HiFi ReviewerDoug Schneider: SoundStagePeter Noerbaek: PBN AudioMike Lavigne …
Show notes
Episode 24: Component Selection and System Building
Ron Resnick (moderator): WhatsBestForum
Danny Kaey: EMM Labs, Sonic Flare, HiFi Reviewer
Doug Schneider: SoundStage
Peter Noerbaek: PBN Audio
Mike Lavigne: prominent audiophile hobbyist
Welcome to The HiFi Five -- a weekly news and roundtable discussion show about all things high-end audio.
This show is a candid, freewheeling, behind-the-scenes look at the high-end audio industry. We're going to give you insights, opinions and perspectives, while also discussing components, music, system-building and how to get the most out of your audio system.The Hi-Fi Five Episode 23: Guest Norman Varney, AV RoomService
Welcome to The HiFi Five -- a weekly news and roundtable discussion show about all things high-end audio!Featuring:Ron Resnick (moderator) - WhatsBestForum; audio reviewerOur other chairs will feature co-hosts …
Show notes
Welcome to The HiFi Five -- a weekly news and roundtable discussion show about all things high-end audio!
Featuring:
Ron Resnick (moderator) - WhatsBestForum; audio reviewer
Our other chairs will feature co-hosts and one-time guests and recurring guests.
This show is a candid, freewheeling, behind-the-scenes look at the high-end audio industry. We're going to give you insight, opinions and perspectives, while also discussing components, music, system-building and how to get the most out of your audio system.The HiFi Five Special Episode 22: Response to Robert Harley's "Magazine Ethics" Editorial, April 2026 The Absolute Sound
This is a Special Episode in which we respond to Robert Harley's editorial, "Magazine Ethics," in the April 2026 issue of The Absolute Sound.Welcome to The HiFi Five -- a weekly news and roundtable …
Show notes
This is a Special Episode in which we respond to Robert Harley's editorial, "Magazine Ethics," in the April 2026 issue of The Absolute Sound.
Welcome to The HiFi Five -- a weekly news and roundtable discussion show about all things high-end audio!
Featuring:
Jay Caceres - Jay's Audio Lab; pre-owned dealer; audio reviewer
Elliot Goldman - Bending Wave USA; high-end audio distributor and retailer
Danny Kaey - EMMLabs Advisor Sonic Flare; audio and music reviewer
Ron Resnick (moderator) - WhatsBestForum; audio reviewer
Our fifth chair will host one-time guests and recurring guests.
This show is a candid, freewheeling, behind-the-scenes look at the high-end audio industry. We're going to give you insight, opinions and perspectives, while also discussing component categories and music.
The Hi-Fi Five Episode 21: Guest Gary Gill, Capital Audiofest
Welcome to The HiFi Five -- a weekly news and roundtable discussion show about all things high-end audio!Featuring:Jay Caceres - Jay's Audio Lab; pre-owned dealer; audio reviewer Elliot Goldman - Bending …
Show notes
Welcome to The HiFi Five -- a weekly news and roundtable discussion show about all things high-end audio!
Featuring:
Jay Caceres - Jay's Audio Lab; pre-owned dealer; audio reviewer
Elliot Goldman - Bending Wave USA; high-end audio distributor and retailer
Danny Kaey - EMMLabs Advisor Sonic Flare; audio and music reviewer
Ron Resnick (moderator) - WhatsBestForum; audio reviewer
Our fifth chair will host one-time guests and recurring guests.
This show is a candid, freewheeling, behind-the-scenes look at the high-end audio industry. We're going to give you insight, opinions and perspectives, while also discussing component categories and music.
The Hi-Fi Five Episode 20
What has been your experience on the show so far? Where would you like us to take the show from here?How does the Florida Audio show compare to other shows in the U.S. or Canada?Is it true that Stereophile …
Show notes
What has been your experience on the show so far? Where would you like us to take the show from here?
How does the Florida Audio show compare to other shows in the U.S. or Canada?
Is it true that Stereophile boycotted the Florida Audio show?
Do dealers do a disservice to their customers by telling customers that every new version of a component, every upgrade, every update will get them closer to the sonic Holy Grail?
Is streaming audiophile quality?
Which do you prefer, Tidal, Qobuz or other?
The HiFi Five Episode 19: Guest Randy Bingham, Rhythm Distribution
This week saw the announcement of the industry's first seven figure component — the Borresen M8 at $1,200,000. Is the race for eye-popping MSRPs good or bad for the industry? Why do manufacturers hire a …
Show notes
This week saw the announcement of the industry's first seven figure component — the Borresen M8 at $1,200,000. Is the race for eye-popping MSRPs good or bad for the industry?
Why do manufacturers hire a distributor, instead of managing a network of dealers directly?
How difficult is it to find qualified retailers for high-end brands in the USA?
Can high-end products be properly represented by non-traditional home dealers?
What role do print and on-line review magazines play today in building a brand? How do you spend your marketing dollars?
What are the attributes of a good distributor?
Under what circumstances may a distributor sell direct to a consumer?
What really sells high-end products: sonic qualities, aesthetics, quick delivery, price, the trade-in deal?
The HiFi Five Episode 18: Guest Louis Desjardins, Kronos
What aspect of vinyl playback do you believe is most misunderstood, and how do different turntable designs try to address it?Do different turntable drive systems have a consistent sonic signature? Do most …
Show notes
What aspect of vinyl playback do you believe is most misunderstood, and how do different turntable designs try to address it?
Do different turntable drive systems have a consistent sonic signature? Do most direct drive turntables sound similar? Do most belt drive turntables sound similar?
What is most important to the sound of the system: the turntable, the tonearm or the phono cartridge?
How important is speed accuracy (maintaining exactly 33.33) versus speed stability (speed doesn’t vary)?
When listeners describe a turntable as having better “timing” or “flow,” what do you think they are actually hearing?
Should a manufacturer who uses a traditional distributor/dealer model terminate a distributor who sells directly to a consumer?
What your favorite type of cartridge? Moving coil? Optical?
What set-up variable do you think audiophiles underestimate the most in vinyl playback?
For the same tonearm design why would somebody use a longer arm -- 14" or 12" over the 9" version?
Turntables were invented over 100 years ago. After 100 years of development is there anything that can still be improved on a turntable?
The HiFi Five Episode 17: Guest Doug Schneider, SoundStage!
Which is the most technologically impressive audio manufacturer factory you have ever visited?Is there any way to bridge the subjectivist audio/measurements objectivist divide?Do you personally believe that …
Show notes
Which is the most technologically impressive audio manufacturer factory you have ever visited?Is there any way to bridge the subjectivist audio/measurements objectivist divide?
Do you personally believe that everything we hear can be measured?
How can any advertiser supported magazine or review site or YT channel maintain editorial independence and honesty? Doesn’t advertising become influence even unintentionally?
How transparent should media outlets be about who pays their bills?
Over the last 20 years where has the high-end industry made real progress in increasing the believability of reproduced sound, and where has it fallen short?
What is the biggest mistake audiophiles make when putting their systems together?
From which audio designer have you learned the most?
Which product category in high-end audio is the least defensible technically?
The Hi-Fi Five Episode 16: Guest Danny Richie, GR Research
How have the scientific studies of hearing and audio at Bell Labs and at Harman impacted your work in audio?Why has the industry not insisted that reviewers, manufacturers, influencers and marketers to publish …
Show notes
How have the scientific studies of hearing and audio at Bell Labs and at Harman impacted your work in audio?
Why has the industry not insisted that reviewers, manufacturers, influencers and marketers to publish their ear hearing measurements as evidence of credibility for their audio pronouncements?
Are there inherent sonic advantages to: dipole planar speakers, horn speakers, dynamic driver speakers?
If a box speaker, to port or not to port?
Do exotic materials for driver cones sound better than traditional paper cones?
Does the material used in the cabinet of the speaker -- wood, aluminum, carbon fiber, acrylic resin -- drive the resulting sound?
The Hi-Fi Five Episode 15
Welcome to The HiFi Five -- a weekly news and roundtable discussion show about all things high-end audio!Featuring:Jay Caceres - Jay's Audio Lab; pre-owned dealer; audio reviewerElliot Goldman - Bending …
Show notes
Welcome to The HiFi Five -- a weekly news and roundtable discussion show about all things high-end audio!
Featuring:
Jay Caceres - Jay's Audio Lab; pre-owned dealer; audio reviewer
Elliot Goldman - Bending Wave USA; high-end audio distributor and retailer
Danny Kaey - EMMLabs Advisor Sonic Flare; audio and music reviewer
Ron Resnick (moderator) - WhatsBestForum; audio reviewer
Our fifth chair will host one-time guests and recurring guests.
This show is a candid, freewheeling, behind-the-scenes look at the high-end audio industry. We're going to give you insight, opinions and perspectives, while also discussing component categories and music.
These are the latest 40 of 44 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.
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