How the HiFi Industry ACTUALLY Works (And Why It Matters)
Audio Insider, an AXPONA Podcast
Release Date: 04/25/2025
This Audiophile Speaker Redefines Sound AND Design
Audio Insider, an AXPONA Podcast
On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny Florentine sits down with Jean-Loup from Devialet to explore how the French company blends cutting-edge technology with bold design. From the breakthrough ADH hybrid amplification and the original Expert amplifiers to the iconic Phantom speakers, Devialet has redefined what high-end audio can look and sound like. We also dive into their latest innovations — the new Astra amplifier and the upcoming Phantom Ultimate series — showcasing upgraded performance, improved DSP, and sleek finishes. If you’re curious about how Devialet...
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The Speaker Technology Audiophiles Need to Hear About
Audio Insider, an AXPONA Podcast
This week on the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast Lenny Florentine sits down with Jeff Coates of Harmonia, the U.S. distributor for Fyne Audio. Jeff shares his journey into hi-fi, the story behind Fyne’s creation, and what makes their IsoFlare driver and vintage-inspired loudspeakers so special. From speaker design breakthroughs to music that inspires, this conversation dives deep into passion, history, and sound.
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This Turntable Solves Problems Audiophiles Hate
Audio Insider, an AXPONA Podcast
Step inside the story of SOTA Turntables with Christan as he shares his journey from a teenage stereo shop kid to owner of one of the most respected analog brands in hi-fi. We talk about how his background as a musician shaped his approach to design, why locally sourced materials and precision engineering matter, and the legacy of SOTA’s suspended turntable philosophy dating back to 1979. Christan breaks down the challenges of building high-end turntables in today’s market, the constant pursuit of lower wow & flutter, and how SOTA continues to evolve with cutting-edge electronics while...
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The Truth About Vinyl & Vintage Hi-Fi No Audiophile Talks About
Audio Insider, an AXPONA Podcast
On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny sits down with Chad Kassem of Acoustic Sounds, founder of one of the most important names in the audiophile world. From a small passion for records in the 1980s to running a company with its own record label, mastering facility, printing shop, and the world-renowned Quality Record Pressings (QRP) plant, Chad has built a complete vinyl ecosystem that has changed the way collectors experience music. We also dig into Chad’s legendary vintage audio collection, including dozens of iconic Marantz, Sansui, Pioneer, Kenwood, and Yamaha...
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This Audiophile Upgrade CHANGES EVERYTHING (and there's proof)
Audio Insider, an AXPONA Podcast
In this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny Florentine sits down with Joe from Tributaries and Clarus Cables—and doesn’t hold back. From asking whether high-end cables are just snake oil to pressing for the real science behind the sound, this conversation isn’t your typical soft-ball interview. Joe shares his incredible journey from managing a legendary Mac dealer in the '70s to launching a cable company built not on hype, but on engineering, patents, and proof. You’ll hear how he challenged the industry status quo, worked directly with Jay Victor, and redefined how...
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Audiophiles Are Obsessed with These Stone Speakers
Audio Insider, an AXPONA Podcast
AXPONA's Lenny Florentine sits down with Sheree and Val from Acora Acoustics to explore how their pioneering use of granite and marble cabinets transforms hi‑fi listening. From their 1998 launch of handcrafted granite speakers to the new MRC marble series starting at $8,000, they reveal how exotic stone and accuton ceramic drivers deliver unmatched clarity, dynamics, and consistency. Discover the CNC precision, custom tooling, and thoughtful design decisions that make stone‑clad cabinets vibrationally inert and sonically transparent. Join us for an in‑depth look at how Acora pushes audio...
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Audiophiles Can’t Afford to Ignore this German Engineered HiFi Brand
Audio Insider, an AXPONA Podcast
On this episode of the Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny Florentine sits down with Dave Nauber of T + A to explore his journey from teenage hi‑fi enthusiast to industry leader, and to uncover what makes T + A’s gear so uniquely captivating. Dave shares how a chance summer job working at a local audio shop led him through engineering studies, roles at Madrigal Audio Labs and Classé, and ultimately to spearheading T + A’s North American launch. Along the way you’ll learn about the power of design in hi‑fi, the company’s focus on symmetric directivity for true musicality, and...
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The Unconventional Way to Take Subwoofers to New Heights
Audio Insider, an AXPONA Podcast
This week on the Audio Insider Podcast, Steve from 16Wurkz discusses his groundbreaking subwoofer wall-mount system that transforms bass by addressing room acoustics in three dimensions. Steve explains how gravity grip rails and red cedar mounting boards work together to elevate your subwoofer at shoulder height or near the ceiling without harming your walls. You’ll learn the simple tic-tac-toe placement algorithm for an asymmetrical multi-sub setup that delivers deeper, more coherent low frequencies, plus the minimal hardware and easy installation process that make it accessible for any...
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Audiophiles Are Discovering the TRUTH About Tube Amplifiers
Audio Insider, an AXPONA Podcast
On this episode of the Axpona Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny sits down with EveAnna Manley of Manley Labs, one of the most respected names in high-end American audio. EveAnna shares how she got started in the industry, how her first solo design—the Stingray—helped define the Manley sound, and why building powerful, honest-sounding tube gear in California remains at the heart of what they do. From 100-watt Snappers to 500-watt monoblocks, she explains how Manley delivers serious performance without the inflated price tags seen elsewhere in the market. The conversation also touches on pairing...
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Audiophiles Are Ditching Crossovers in Speakers (here’s WHY)
Audio Insider, an AXPONA Podcast
In this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny Florentine is joined by Harley Lovegrove from Pearl Acoustics. Broadcasting from Belgium, Harley shares the fascinating story behind the Model One loudspeaker, a single-driver, crossover-free design built from solid French oak. It’s a minimalist speaker with a massive following, known for its lifelike sound and handcrafted quality. Harley talks about building his first speakers at age nine, his deep roots in classical music, and how Pearl Acoustics became a global company with a focus on purity, simplicity, and sustainability. He...
info_outlineWelcome to the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, hosted by @LennyFlorentine . This episode dives deep with Steve from Fidelity Imports, one of the most forward-thinking companies in high-end audio distribution. From installing car stereos before he even had a car, to leading one of the most unique boutique audio importers in the industry, Steve shares the real story of how the hi-fi industry actually works—from sales floors to supply chains, from chasing passion to building a brand focused on family-made products and long-term vision. Whether you're an audiophile, a dealer, or just curious how high-end audio brands get from concept to customer, this episode pulls back the curtain. This is the side of hi-fi you never hear about—until now. This episode was recorded live at AXPONA, the largest high-end audio show in America.