How To Start A Headphone Company
The Occasional Podcast
Ever sit at your 9 to 5 and wonder what it would be like to venture out on your own, in your favorite hobby? This is exactly what Zach Mehrbach of did until he kicked off what turned out to be one of the most successful micro-brands in the headphone space. In this episode we explore some of the growing pains of a small business in personal audio, hunting wood, Steve Jobs and going from a metaphoric "David" to "Goliath". Season 12 Merch is now available! The pt.AUDIO Record Weight In Walnut : S12E2 Sponsors: - A Clear Choice For The Best Connection - Audio Components Designed &...
info_outline
David Chesky Of Chesky Records And The Audiophile Society
The Occasional Podcast
Our Season 12 opener is with David Chesky of Chesky Records and The Audiophile Society. Along with creating the high resolution music download service HDTracks.com, David is a composer, Jazz pianist and founder of both the label Chesky Records and a new venture with a focus on 3D sound called the Audiophile Society. In this episode he discusses life as a musician, creator and composer with audiophile pursuits. A great listen for anyone looking to hear more about the latest in HiFi music production, life as a Jazz musician and more. David's latest projects: | Season 12 Merch is now available!...
info_outline
The State Of CD, Physical Media And The Tyranny Of Wanting What You Can No Longer Have
The Occasional Podcast
An interview with Drew Baird Of . Drew joins the Season 11 finale with tons of unique insights into the current state of the CD - and some of his observations might actually surprise you. In this episode we explore the impacts of physical media on the current audiophile landscape, system matching, the eventual takeover of AI and more. An excellent learning/conversional piece about the current state of HiFi and what to expect to see in the next few years. Drew owns and operates the online retailer and has an absolutely massive cache of product knowledge including sales trends and...
info_outline
Is The Term "Yacht Rock" Reductive? A Subtle Insult? Pejorative!? An Interview With Nick Niespodziani Of Yacht Rock Revue
The Occasional Podcast
A huge show with an interview of Nicholas Niespodziani from Yacht Rock Revue! The term "Yacht Rock" is turning out to be quite the hot button topic for audiophiles. With the release of the HBO doc Yacht Rock: A DOCKUMENTARY and Donald Fagan's white hot response to the idea, it has quickly become apparent that not everyone is in love with the term that has caused a massive resurgence in interest from LA-based soft rock bands from the mid 70s and 80s. Yacht Rock Revue has been at the head of that resurgence, riding the wave with musicianship and showmanship like no other. With a massive...
info_outline
Florida Audio Expo 2025 - HiFi Highlights And Best Of Show
The Occasional Podcast
Marc and Brian take on pt.AUDIO's coverage of the Florida Audio Expo in Tampa, held February 21-23. 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. From warding off gators in the hotel parking lot to 8 foot tall flat panel speakers, this episode tells you everything you need to know about the first big audio event of 2025. Don’t forget to check out our merch for Season 11. The 800g , plus the new ! S11E9 Sponsors: - Hearing Is Believing - Expert...
info_outline
Michael Trei Of Stereophile Magazine
The Occasional Podcast
An interview with Michael Trei of Stereophile Magazine. Michael joins the show to chat about his historic run with HiFi. In addition to reviews and a regular column with Stereophile, Michael has held nearly every possible position for a real high fidelity enthusiast. This includes (but not limited to) writer, reviewer, distributor, retail sales and even turntable setup-er. His knowledge of the analog spinning disc is deep, and he shares some of his life experiences along with a good helpful chunk of audio knowledge in this interview. Don’t forget to check out our merch for Season 11....
info_outline
The Anatomy Of A Headphone With Zach Mehrbach of ZMF Headphones
The Occasional Podcast
Due to the sucess of our episode on , we decided to take a deep dive into headphones with the same format. This week we are joined again by none other than Zach Mehrbach of . Zach walks us through the "how to" and "know how" of every part that makes up a headphone, from connector to cable to headband - and everything in between. This includes things to look out for in a quality headphone build and the impact of each part, material and design choice. Don’t forget to check out our merch for Season 11. The 800g , plus the new ! S11E7 Sponsors: - Hearing Is Believing – High-End...
info_outline
Herb Reichert Returns!
The Occasional Podcast
An Interview With Herb Reichert Of Stereophile Magazine. We met up with Herb at another audio show last year and really got a chance to pick his brain about HiFi, life and even the growing AI trend as it relates to music and art. Herb is one of the great writers for Stereophile and isn't afraid to tackle anything from headphones to the high-end when it comes to his art. There was such an interesting crew the came up from the East Coast during the golden age of HiFi, so we are so honered to have Herb back on the show this week (he orginally appeared with in an interview way back in S9E7)....
info_outline
An Audiophile's Buyers Guide 2025
The Occasional Podcast
Our 2025 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 several HiFi categories, the buyer's guide provides some insight into the season's best audiophile products along with some general banter and tips for the hobby. See the full guide in written form at . Don’t forget to check out our merch for Season 11. The 800g , just in time for the holidays. (plus the new !) S11E5 Sponsors: - Let Us Connect You To The Music! – High-End Hi-Fi Excellence - Expert Craftmanship for...
info_outline
Does HiFi Gear Made For the Asian Markets Have A Unique Sound? Plus Highlights and Best Of Show From Singapore
The Occasional Podcast
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...
info_outlineAn 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