Audiophiles Are Discovering the TRUTH About Tube Amplifiers
Audio Insider, an AXPONA Podcast
Release Date: 07/06/2025
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...
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Your Speakers Are Being Held Back (here’s the FIX)
Audio Insider, an AXPONA Podcast
What does isolation actually do for your system? In this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny sits down with Dave from IsoAcoustics to break down the science and the emotion behind proper isolation. From speakers to turntables, Dave shares how their new Gaia NEO series unlocks detail, lowers noise floors, and brings out the space in your music like never before. We also talk about why most musicians don’t even own HiFi systems, how pro and home audio markets differ, and why 70+ manufacturers are now building IsoAcoustics products directly into their gear. Whether you're a...
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The Hi-Fi Comebacks of Advance Paris, Vienna Acoustics, TEAC, & Velodyne
Audio Insider, an AXPONA Podcast
On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny Florentine sits down with Rob Standley, the founder of Playback Distribution—a company that’s rapidly become a driving force behind some of the most talked-about hi-fi brands today. Rob shares how growing up on a ranch in Montana led to a lifelong love of music, a deep dive into audio retail, and eventually launching Playback Distribution. Learn how he built a distribution powerhouse in just two years, representing iconic and rising brands like Esoteric, TEAC, Advanced Paris, PMC, Velodyne, Vienna Acoustics, Java Hi-Fi,...
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What Makes DALI Speakers Different? The Secret's in the Design
Audio Insider, an AXPONA Podcast
On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny Florentine sits down with the OG JZ—not the rapper, but Jay Zidle from DALI Speakers. From his early days cutting speaker wire in Montreal to helping grow one of Denmark’s biggest audio exports, Jay shares his journey into high-end hi-fi. Learn how DALI (Danish Audiophile Loudspeaker Industries) became a global powerhouse with its groundbreaking SMC magnet system and wood fiber cone drivers that offer ultra-low distortion and wide dispersion—technology that even trickles down to their most affordable speakers. We also dive into...
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Why Audiophiles Are Switching to THIS Streaming Service
Audio Insider, an AXPONA Podcast
On this episode of the Axpona Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny Florentine sits down with David Solomon from Qobuz to talk about why this high-res streaming platform is making serious waves in the audiophile world. From the origin of its name - yes, it’s based on an ancient instrument played by shamans - to why it’s the only major service that still uses human-curated playlists instead of AI. David shares stories from the road, talks about healing from a rotator cuff injury, and breaks down how Qobuz became the first to publish what it pays artists per stream—spoiler alert: it’s about...
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Wharfedale vs Mission vs Leak & The Man Behind the Vintage Speaker Resurgence
Audio Insider, an AXPONA Podcast
On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny sits down with Peter Comeau, the legendary designer behind iconic speakers from Mission, Wharfedale, Leak, and more. With over 45 years in the industry, Peter shares his journey from hi-fi retail on London’s Tottenham Court Road to shaping the sound of generations of loudspeakers. They dive deep into the stories behind the Linton, Super Linton, Dovedale, and Mission 770—exploring how vintage inspiration meets modern design. Peter explains what makes each brand’s sound unique, how listener preferences shape his approach, and why...
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MoFi SourcePoint V10 - The SECRET Behind Andrew Jones' New Speakers
Audio Insider, an AXPONA Podcast
Andrew Jones joins us on the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast for a deep dive into his legendary career in speaker design—from his early days at KEF to the debut of the all-new SourcePoint V10. We talk about his obsession with concentric drivers, the evolution from the 888 to the V10, and the emotional power of music that makes him—and his listeners—tear up during demos. He shares never-heard stories about working with Richard Small, his time at Infinity and TAD, and what drives him to keep pushing the limits of loudspeaker engineering. If you're into hi-fi, this is one you don't want to...
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Stereos to Stadiums and Back: Jay Jay French Unplugged
Audio Insider, an AXPONA Podcast
Jay Jay French the founding guitarist of Twisted Sister, traces his lifelong passion for music and hi-fi from his teenage years in 1967 to his rise in the music industry. He shares vivid memories of buying his first stereo during the launch of Sgt. Pepper, attending legendary concerts at the Fillmore East, experimenting with early high-end gear, and eventually building a system that rivals any audiophile’s dream. Along the way, he discusses how drug culture nearly derailed his life, how glam rock and Twisted Sister became his creative outlet, and how decades in the music business led him to...
info_outlineOn 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 amps with speakers like Klipsch Heritage, navigating global tube supply issues, and why mastering studios became her reference point for sound. EveAnna opens up about her passion for American manufacturing, the team that builds every piece in Chino, and even shares a bit about her life outside audio as a longtime motorcyclist. It’s an inside look at a company that’s built its reputation on performance, integrity, and a whole lot of tubes.