Audio Insider, an AXPONA Podcast
Step into the world of Hi-Fi audio with your host, Lenny Florentine, on the Audio Insider an AXPONA Podcast! Each week, Lenny sits down with some of the biggest names in the industry, bringing his signature mix of curiosity, boldness, and approachability. You’re guaranteed candid conversations, surprising stories, and a deep dive into the gear that shapes our world. This is Hi-Fi like you’ve never heard it before. Get ready to be entertained and informed.
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AXPONA 2026 Seminars: Retail Reinvention: The Modern Hi-Fi Showroom
06/18/2026
AXPONA 2026 Seminars: Retail Reinvention: The Modern Hi-Fi Showroom
Specialty retail remains central to high-end audio—but expectations have changed. This discussion focuses on experience-driven retail, appointment models, demonstration strategy, CRM integration, and hybrid online/offline approaches. Dealers and manufacturers will explore how to create environments that convert serious listeners into long-term clients. Moderator: Julie Mullins, Contributor, Stereophile/Analog Planet Panelists: Brandon Bartee, AudioConcepts Wesley Katzir, Common Wave Hi-Fi Tyler T Mueller, Next Level HiFi Adam Wexler, Resolution Audio/Video NYC
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This Audiophile Tube Amp Brand Makes Everything From Scratch
06/05/2026
This Audiophile Tube Amp Brand Makes Everything From Scratch
If you have ever wondered what it actually sounds like when a company spends 35 years refusing to cut corners, this episode is your answer. Adrian from Audio Note UK sits down and walks through a brand philosophy that is almost unheard of in this industry. No discontinued products. No MK2 making your purchase obsolete. No chips in their DACs. Just tubes, hand wound transformers, custom wound signal capacitors, silver voice coils, and a resistor ladder DAC that their head designer spent 12 years building from scratch because a chip was never going to be good enough. When Adrian says Audio Note makes everything from the power cord to the tip of the stylus, he means every word of it. This one gets into territory most audiophiles have never explored. The difference between a chip based R2R DAC and a true resistor ladder. Why 300B tubes have a cult following and what separates a great 300B amp from one that just sounds like pipe and slippers. The story of how Audio Note acquired the entire IP of legendary speaker designer Peter Snell. And why once you sit down and let an Audio Note system draw you in, most people say the same thing. This sounds like music.
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The Audiophile Analogy That Changes How You Think About Vinyl Forever
05/29/2026
The Audiophile Analogy That Changes How You Think About Vinyl Forever
If you have been sitting on the fence about moving from a moving magnet cartridge to a moving coil, this episode is going to push you right off it. Garth from Musical Surroundings brings over 40 years of high end audio experience to this conversation and what he breaks down about cartridge design, analog resolution, and the physics of why a moving coil just sounds more alive is the clearest explanation most audiophiles have ever heard. He compares it to the difference between a low res JPEG and a 60 megabyte TIFF file and once you hear it that way, you cannot unhear it. On top of that, Garth takes us deep into two of the most respected cartridge brands in the world, Clear Audio and HANA, and the stories behind both are genuinely fascinating. A nuclear physicist who founded Clear Audio because turntables were not good enough. A 56 year old Japanese company that quietly built cartridges for everyone else before finally putting their own name on one. And a turntable that weighs 770 pounds with a magnetically levitated platter that sells for $300,000. This is what it looks like when a lifetime obsession with music and sound collides with 40 years of industry knowledge in one conversation.
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AXPONA 2026 Seminar - All Ears Welcome: Building a More Inclusive Audio Community
05/22/2026
AXPONA 2026 Seminar - All Ears Welcome: Building a More Inclusive Audio Community
About This EpisodeThis episode features an exclusive presentation recorded live at AXPONA 2026. The audio world is changing—but is it changing fast enough? This session takes a frank look at diversity and inclusivity across both the industry and the hobby, exploring who feels represented today and who’s still missing from the conversation. Attendees will dig into shifting demographic trends, cultural barriers that have shaped participation, and the growing efforts to broaden the community. Expect an honest discussion about what progress looks like, why it matters, and how the audio world can evolve into a space that genuinely welcomes every listener. Moderator: Angelas Cardas, Manager, Cardas Audio Speakers: Harry Kimura, Sound Quality Judge, IASCA Kat Ourlian, MoFi Electronics Anastasia Protopappas, President, Pass Labs
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Every Audiophile Needs to See What Is Inside These Speakers
05/15/2026
Every Audiophile Needs to See What Is Inside These Speakers
Rich from Monarch Systems sits down and unpacks some of the most engineering forward speaker and turntable technology in the world right now. We are talking speakers built with ceramic foam and copper foam inside the cabinet, spiderless drivers, glass cladding, and a modular flagship that was sold in only 10 pairs at a quarter million dollars. And then there is the turntable story that almost sounds too good to be true. Garrard, a company that started as a jeweler making crown jewels, is now rebuilding their legendary 301 idler wheel turntables from the ground up using original paint recipes, original rubber mat molds, and a brand new rubber formulation for the idler wheel that makes the whole thing run in complete silence. This is the kind of episode audiophiles share with each other. The level of craft, history, and engineering obsession packed into this conversation is genuinely rare and Rich clearly loves every bit of it. Whether you are a speaker person, a vinyl person, or both, there is something in here that is going to make you want to dig deeper.
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Bringing the Live Concert Experience Home for Audiophiles
05/01/2026
Bringing the Live Concert Experience Home for Audiophiles
If you have ever stood in a room and felt music physically move through you, you already know what this conversation is about. Rob from Third Ear Speakers joins the AXPONA Audio Insider podcast and what he describes goes far beyond specs and measurements. We are talking about a speaker so focused in its imaging that you can walk out of the sweet spot entirely and the center image does not move. Not a little. Not at all. Rob comes from the pro audio world, has mixed in arenas, has stood on the floor at Metallica, and has listened in the nosebleeds at Madison Square Garden with Clapton's own engineer at the helm. When someone with that set of ears tells you a speaker changed how he thinks about sound, you listen. This is the kind of episode that reminds you why audiophiles never stop searching. Rob breaks down what separates a truly great listening experience from everything else, why most rooms are far from perfect and why that might not matter as much as you think, and what it actually feels like when a speaker just disappears and leaves only the music. Third Ear Speakers is the real deal and this conversation will make you want to hear them for yourself.
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The Wildest Audio Brand on the Planet
04/06/2026
The Wildest Audio Brand on the Planet
On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider podcast, Lenny Florentine sits down with Jeff from Reel Sound Distribution to explore one of the most unique and artist-driven brands in high-end audio—Metaxas & Sins. From groundbreaking reel-to-reel tape machines and jaw-dropping turntables to omnidirectional electrostatic speakers and sculptural headphone amplifiers, this conversation dives into how Kostas Metaxas blends engineering, music, and pure artistic vision to create hi-fi unlike anything else in the world. They discuss the philosophy behind the designs, the pursuit of lifelike sound, and what makes these components as much collectible art as they are serious audio gear. Host: Guest
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The Wildest Audio Brand on the Planet
04/06/2026
The Wildest Audio Brand on the Planet
On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider podcast, Lenny Florentine sits down with Jeff from Reel Sound Distribution to explore one of the most unique and artist-driven brands in high-end audio—Metaxas & Sins. From groundbreaking reel-to-reel tape machines and jaw-dropping turntables to omnidirectional electrostatic speakers and sculptural headphone amplifiers, this conversation dives into how Kostas Metaxas blends engineering, music, and pure artistic vision to create hi-fi unlike anything else in the world. They discuss the philosophy behind the designs, the pursuit of lifelike sound, and what makes these components as much collectible art as they are serious audio gear.
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Every Audiophile Needs to Hear This
04/03/2026
Every Audiophile Needs to Hear This
If you think you know what goes into building a truly world class speaker, this episode will make you think again. TJ from AXISS Audio Distribution takes us deep inside the Franco Serblin factory and what he describes is less like a manufacturing process and more like fine art. We are talking solid walnut cabinets that season for months before a single component is ever installed, matched serial number pairs built simultaneously so you receive a truly identical left and right, and acoustic measurements taken on bare cabinets before assembly even begins. The level of obsession here is rare, and it shows in every single pair that leaves that factory. Franco Serblin speakers are not just built to perform, they are built to last a lifetime. The craftsmen behind these cabinets come from a tradition of exotic furniture making and bring that same reverence for wood and form to every single build. When TJ calls these a forever speaker, he means it in every sense of the word. This is one of those conversations that reminds you why high end audio exists in the first place.
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The "Diamond" Secret to Perfect Audiophile Sound
03/30/2026
The "Diamond" Secret to Perfect Audiophile Sound
In this episode, Lenny Florentine is joined by a powerhouse panel including Randy and Nick from Rhythm Distribution and Martin from Sweden’s premier luxury manufacturer, Marten. Together, they pull back the curtain on a family-run legacy that has spent nearly 30 years perfecting the "DNA" of sound—using exotic materials like diamond mid-ranges and 7-inch beryllium drivers to create a level of realism that can’t be unheard. The conversation moves beyond simple specs to explore the emotional weight of a true luxury system. You’ll learn how these designers use a proprietary "live-to-recording" studio to voice their equipment, ensuring that every note—from a jazz trio to a full symphony—retains the raw energy of a live performance. Whether it's a limited-run extreme system or a handcrafted stand-mount speaker, this episode reveals why the world's most discerning listeners are looking toward Scandinavian engineering to redefine their sonic expectations. It’s an essential deep dive into the craftsmanship, materials, and passion required to build a system that doesn't just play music, but recreates a moment in time.
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This Tube Amp Makes Audiophiles Rethink Everything
03/27/2026
This Tube Amp Makes Audiophiles Rethink Everything
Lenny sits down with TJ from Axiss Audio to dive into Phasemation, a Japanese brand focused on high-end analog playback and tube-based electronics. TJ explains the company’s roots in precision engineering and how that translates into meticulous, in-house manufacturing and long-term reliability. They break down the lineup, starting with phono cartridges that aim for an open, natural, slightly laid-back sound, scaling up in refinement, detail, and realism at higher price points. The conversation moves into phono preamps, highlighting the new EA1500, which combines tube sound with modern flexibility, including support for emerging optical cartridges while reducing noise through a separate power supply. A standout point is Phasemation’s focus on lowering noise across all products, even using passive line-stage preamps that require no power at all. On amplification, TJ explains their tube-based designs, emphasizing a more lifelike, spacious, and “liquid” presentation compared to solid state, while noting system matching is key. They also touch on new tech like optical cartridges, the importance of system synergy, and upcoming product reveals at AXPONA. The episode wraps with a broader discussion on listening habits, demo music, and how different genres can reveal a system’s true capabilities. Host: Guest
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Modern Tech Meets Vintage Speakers
03/23/2026
Modern Tech Meets Vintage Speakers
Don’t settle for a "standard" sound system when the future of high-end audio is arriving in vibrant orange and handcrafted Polish timber. In this episode, Lenny Florentine sits down with Michael from Luxury Hi-Fi Distribution to go behind the curtain of the most talked-back brands heading to AXPONA 2026. Michael shares his lifelong journey from childhood listening sessions with McIntosh and Klipschorns to becoming a powerhouse in North American distribution. The heart of the conversation dives into the arrival of Pylon Audio, a Polish manufacturer offering everything from the "vintage-cool" Jade series to the ultra-modern, time-aligned Jasper speakers—all at price points that actually remain approachable. The "insider" talk doesn't stop at speakers. Michael breaks down the modular magic of Pink Fawn music servers, the low-noise revolution of fiber optic connections, and why you might just fall in love with a high-performance integrated amp from Perreaux—especially if it comes in Aston Martin Gray or eye-popping Orange. Whether you’re a streaming skeptic or a seasoned audiophile, this episode is a deep dive into the gear that is redefining the AXPONA showroom floor. Host: Guest Luxury HiFi Distribution
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The New Way Audiophiles Listen to Music
03/20/2026
The New Way Audiophiles Listen to Music
On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny Florentine sits down with Brad Lunde of Lone Mountain Audio to explore the world of professional studio monitoring and its connection to high end home audio. Brad shares his journey from aspiring musician and hi-fi salesman to becoming the U.S. importer for ATC speakers. The conversation dives into how ATC became one of the most respected studio monitor brands in the world by designing and manufacturing every component in house, focusing on extremely low distortion and true accuracy rather than exaggerated sound. Brad explains why many legendary artists and recording engineers rely on ATC to produce their music, and how audiophiles can hear recordings exactly the way they were intended to sound. They also discuss the surprising connection between audiophiles and recording engineers, famous studios using ATC, and what attendees can expect to hear from the brand at AXPONA.
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Audiophile Amplifiers are on Another Level!
03/13/2026
Audiophile Amplifiers are on Another Level!
On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, host Lenny Florentine sits down with Randy Bingham and Nick Lucini of Rhythm Distribution to explore the extraordinary world of Goldmund and its flagship Telos amplifier lineup. The conversation dives into the full range of Telos amplifiers, from the Telos 800 stereo amplifier with its massive 3200VA transformer all the way up to the statement level Telos 8800, highlighting the engineering philosophy, performance goals, and luxury craftsmanship that define the brand. Randy and Nick share real world listening experiences, including customers comparing the Telos 800 against amplifiers costing several times more and still preferring the Goldmund sound. They also discuss Goldmund’s broader ecosystem, including elegant lifestyle speakers, ultra limited statement designs, and fully integrated cinema systems designed entirely in house. The episode also previews the North American show debut of a Goldmund system at AXPONA, where attendees will be able to experience the Swiss brand’s meticulous approach to high end audio firsthand.
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The Speaker Design Audiophiles Can’t Ignore
03/06/2026
The Speaker Design Audiophiles Can’t Ignore
On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny Florentine sits down with Jeremy Porter of J Porter Studios to explore his lifelong obsession with hi-fi and the engineering philosophy behind his striking, asymmetrical loudspeakers. Jeremy shares how growing up around his father’s hi-fi system led him to study electrical engineering at UT Austin and spend decades refining speaker design. The conversation dives deep into his Baltic birch, multi-angled cabinets built to reduce resonances and diffraction, his folded transmission line architecture that reaches down to 16Hz, and the differences between ceramic and beryllium drivers in the Waterloo and Wellington series. They also discuss active vs. passive designs using Hypex amplification and DSP, the innovative three-way Waterloo Micro with dual opposed subwoofers, and what to expect from the new active Wellington Micro debuting at AXPONA. It’s a technical yet passionate look at modern speaker design from a true audio obsessive.
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Audiophiles Are Rediscovering This Legendary Brand
02/27/2026
Audiophiles Are Rediscovering This Legendary Brand
On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, host Lenny Florentine welcomes Randy and Nick of Rhythm Distribution, the U.S. importers for Luxman, for a deep dive into one of high-end audio’s most iconic brands. Randy shares his decades-long journey through hi-fi retail and manufacturing, while Nick details his path from pro audio and recording into the high-end two-channel world. The conversation explores Luxman’s 100-year legacy, its meticulous Japanese build quality, and the intentional design philosophy behind its celebrated integrated amplifiers—from the 505 and 507 to the flagship 509—as well as the leap into separates like the M10X and C10X. They also break down new product releases including the D-03R CD player/DAC, P-100 headphone amplifier, and E-07 phono stage, highlighting Luxman’s signature balance of honesty, musicality, and emotional connection. Plus, the team teases major upcoming debuts at AXPONA and what the next century holds for the legendary brand.
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How to Achieve an Audiophile Streaming Experience
02/20/2026
How to Achieve an Audiophile Streaming Experience
On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, host Lenny Florentine sits down with Stephen Healey of Innuos to trace both a personal and technical journey into high-end streaming audio. Stephen shares how a childhood surrounded by vinyl and classic hi-fi sparked a lifelong passion for music that eventually led him into the industry, before diving deep into the origins and philosophy of Innuos — from its early experiments with music servers in 2009 to becoming one of the most respected names in digital audio. The conversation explores Innuos’ full-stack approach to streaming, why software, power supply design, and system efficiency matter just as much as hardware, and how modular streamers, dedicated network switches, and separates can dramatically impact sound quality. They also break down Innuos’ current product lineup, explain digital connections and DAC options, and preview the U.S. debut of the flagship Nazare system at AXPONA, offering a clear look at how far high-end streaming has evolved — and where it’s headed next.
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You NEED To Know THIS About The Future of the HiFi Industry
02/13/2026
You NEED To Know THIS About The Future of the HiFi Industry
On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, host Lenny Florentine sits down with Lucca Chesky of Chesky Audio, one of the youngest and most compelling new voices in hi-fi today. Lucca shares how growing up surrounded by music and reference-level sound led him to start a loudspeaker company while still in high school, and how that early exposure shaped his design philosophy. The conversation dives deep into Chesky Audio’s fully 3D-printed speaker cabinets, why traditional MDF construction limits performance, and how monocoque printing allows for greater control, rigidity, and value at accessible price points. They discuss the rapid success of the LC1, the evolution to the reference-focused LC2, breakout moments at AXPONA, and why thoughtful design, aesthetics, and affordability are key to bringing a new generation into hi-fi. From speaker engineering and manufacturing to the future of 3D printing, home theater, and entry-level audio, this episode explores where high-end sound is headed—and why the future of hi-fi may be younger than anyone expects.
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Why Audiophiles Chase ANALOG Sound
02/06/2026
Why Audiophiles Chase ANALOG Sound
On this episode of the Audio Insider Podcast from AXPONA, host Lenny Florentine sits down with Mike Fajen of Sierra Sound to trace his journey from lifelong musician to one of the most respected voices in high-end analog audio. The conversation dives into Mike’s early experiences with vinyl, tape, and recording, why analog listening still matters, and how those values shaped Sierra Sound’s mission. They explore reference-level turntable design, tonearm engineering, and what separates truly great analog playback from the rest, with a deep look at AMG turntables and Sierra Sound’s growing roster of premium brands. The episode also previews Sierra Sound’s AXPONA presence, including multi-turntable all-analog systems, a hands-on “tonearm garden,” and the now-legendary Metal Night sessions that challenge what hi-fi demos can be — all centered around one goal: putting music first.
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SVS Built Something BIG That Audiophiles Didn't Expect!
01/23/2026
SVS Built Something BIG That Audiophiles Didn't Expect!
On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, host Lenny Florentine is joined by returning guest Nick Brown from SVS to talk about the changing landscape of hi-fi, the importance of hands-on audio experiences, and SVS’s biggest new product launches. The conversation covers SVS’s new 3000 Revolution subwoofer series with flagship-level DSP, increased amplifier power, and upcoming auto-EQ features, as well as a redesigned 3000 Micro that now reaches down to 20 Hz. Nick also reveals SVS’s move into the soundbar category with a high-performance, subwoofer-driven system built to deliver true home theater dynamics, immersive sound, and modern connectivity. Beyond products, they dive into why AXPONA matters more than ever, how to bridge the gap between audiophiles and mainstream listeners, the future of intentional listening, and why fun, accessible demos are key to growing the hobby.
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Audiophile Streaming Secrets You’re Missing
01/16/2026
Audiophile Streaming Secrets You’re Missing
Eelco Grim of Grimm Audio joins host Lenny Florentine on the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast for a focused conversation on high end hi-fi and professional audio. Eelco shares his background in audio engineering, the origins of Grimm Audio, and the philosophy behind their approach to clocking, streamers, active loudspeakers, and system integration. The discussion explores how studio level accuracy translates into home listening and why precision, musicality, and long term upgradability are central to everything Grimm Audio builds.
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Extreme Engineering Is Changing How Audiophiles Listen To Music
01/09/2026
Extreme Engineering Is Changing How Audiophiles Listen To Music
Duncan Taylor, from YG Acoustics, joins host Lenny Florentine on the AXPONA Audio Insider podcast to share his captivating journey into high-end audio—from inheriting the passion through his grandfather's handmade tube amps in the 1940s and early DIY speaker builds, to recording over 150 bands, penning a weekly "Audiophile" column, and immersing himself in thousands of components at PS Audio and The Music Room—culminating in his role at YG for the past three years. He delves into YG's remarkable evolution, highlighting massive investments in precision CNC machining, advanced cloud simulations, and an elite R&D team spearheaded by Dr. Matthew Webster, all dedicated to perfect phase coherence, impeccable power response, and evoking profound emotional responses from music. The conversation spotlights the awe-inspiring Titan flagship from the new Ultimate series—a colossal 1,200-pound-per-side behemoth with symmetrical driver arrays and unmatched engineering prowess—plus valuable tips on room acoustics, the advantages of sealed designs, how accessible models like the Carmel and Cairn encapsulate YG's signature sound, and an enticing preview of their AXPONA showcase featuring SimAudio amplification and top-tier sources. A compelling episode for audiophiles seeking cutting-edge innovation, transparency, and truly immersive listening experiences!
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Vintage Style Speakers Every Audiophile Is Talking About
01/02/2026
Vintage Style Speakers Every Audiophile Is Talking About
Lenny Florentine sits down with Rich Pinto from Treehaus Audio to talk about the rare intersection of industrial design, old school tube knowledge, and modern execution. Rich shares how his background building Heathkit projects and designing cars at General Motors shaped Treehaus, then walks through his obsession with making gear that looks like it belongs in the living room and sounds even better than it looks. This episode gets into the why behind the wood, the open baffle approach, and the design choices that make Treehaus instantly recognizable. They dive into Treehaus tube electronics built in Connecticut, including multiple 300B amplifier variants, a transformer coupled approach that avoids capacitors in the signal path, and a phono stage built around an LCR style correction scheme. Rich breaks down why low wattage can go further than people think, how tube clipping behaves differently, and why he chases realism over accuracy. Plus, there is a detailed look at Treehaus speakers with live edge baffles and field coil drivers rebuilt from vintage telephone designs, and why that mix delivers speed, nuance, and dynamics even at lower volume levels.
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The Headphone Conversation Every Audiophile Should Hear
12/19/2025
The Headphone Conversation Every Audiophile Should Hear
Lenny Florentine sits down with Dan Clark of Dan Clark Audio for a deep dive into the fast growing world of high end headphones. Dan shares his path from childhood hi fi obsession to engineering breakthroughs, explains open back versus closed back designs, and breaks down how science based tuning and acoustic metamaterials are reshaping what headphones can do. If you have ever wondered why some headphones sound natural while others feel boxed in, this conversation makes it click. They also explore flagship models, electrostatic headphones, real world listening habits, and why headphones have become the primary hi fi experience for a younger generation. From gaming and shared living spaces to studio legends hearing serious headphones for the first time, this episode is a clear look at where personal audio is headed and why it matters.
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Inside the Audiophile Lab behind some of the World’s Best Amplifiers
12/12/2025
Inside the Audiophile Lab behind some of the World’s Best Amplifiers
Step inside the legendary Pass Labs garage-lab with Lenny Florentine in this very special episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast. Joined by Nelson Pass and Wayne Colburn, we go behind the scenes of one of high-end audio’s most iconic companies. From Nelson’s DIY roots and RadioShack experiments to the evolution of Threshold, First Watt, and Pass Labs, this episode is a rare deep dive into decades of audio innovation, philosophy, and storytelling.
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A Startup Is Reinventing Audiophile Speakers (here's how)
12/05/2025
A Startup Is Reinventing Audiophile Speakers (here's how)
Welcome to the AXPONA Audio Insider podcast! In this episode, Lenny Florentine sits down with Liam from Western Acoustics - a young, passionate audio startup shaking up the hi-fi world. Liam shares his unexpected journey from software engineering at Berkeley to hand-building speakers inspired by vintage horn-loaded systems. This isn’t your typical audio company story. Western Acoustics blends cutting-edge engineering with music culture, aiming to bridge the gap between audiophiles and a new generation of listeners. Liam talks about designing gear not just for critical listening but for connection. Building systems that make people feel more intimate with their music. Whether you're deep in the hi-fi scene or just discovering it, this episode is full of fresh perspective, creativity, and inspiration from one of the youngest innovators in the game.
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The Real Reason Audiophiles Love Hi-Fi
11/21/2025
The Real Reason Audiophiles Love Hi-Fi
Lenny Florentine welcomes Bill Low, founder of AudioQuest, to the AXPONA Audio Insider podcast for a deep, thought-provoking conversation about music, emotion, and what truly makes us listen. Far beyond cables and components, Bill shares his philosophy that music is the world’s most popular recreational drug — a force that changes brain chemistry, mood, and human connection. He explains how hi-fi isn’t just about sound accuracy but about emotional immersion, vulnerability, and the ability to lose yourself in the moment. From the golden age of radio to today’s streaming culture, Bill reflects on how generations fall in love with music, why audiophiles chase the frontier of better sound, and how meaningful listening begins with empathy and intent, not specs or status. This one is part philosophy, part hi-fi wisdom, and fully human.
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Why Audiophiles Are Finally Changing Their Minds About Subwoofers
11/14/2025
Why Audiophiles Are Finally Changing Their Minds About Subwoofers
Lenny Florentine sits down with Isaac Markowitz from REL Acoustics to talk subs, setup, and the new S Series. Isaac shares his path from music kid to sales leader, why REL focuses on speed, power, and beauty, and how high level analog filtering keeps timing intact. They dig into S 550, S 850, Carbon Special, and S 212, plus the cable tricks and high level connections that make integration easy for modern and vintage systems alike. Then Isaac tours his system with Wilson Alexia V speakers and a six pack REL Reference 32 line array, explaining how stereo pairs and vertical bass restore space, texture, and natural decay.
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Why Tube Amps Might Be the Best Upgrade for Any Audiophile
11/07/2025
Why Tube Amps Might Be the Best Upgrade for Any Audiophile
In this episode, Lenny Florentine sits down with Justin Weber, founder of Ampsandsound, to explore the craftsmanship and philosophy behind one of the most respected American tube amplifier companies. From Justin’s early fascination with hi-fi and his journey from hobbyist to builder, to the creation of beautifully hand-wired amplifiers made entirely in Southern California. This conversation digs deep into what makes tube amplifiers so uniquely human and musically engaging. Justin explains why tube gear still matters, what makes the legendary 300B tube so special, and how Ampsandsound designs amplifiers to last for generations with a lifetime transferable warranty. You’ll also learn about the company’s lineup From the approachable Kenzie Integrated for newcomers to tubes, to the massive Red October XLS for serious enthusiasts.
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This Audiophile Technology Has NEVER Been Done Before
10/31/2025
This Audiophile Technology Has NEVER Been Done Before
On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny Florentine sits down with Franz Ammann from Gotham Audio. Founded in New York City in 1958 and now based in Switzerland, Gotham Audio has built its reputation on precision, consistency, and signal purity. Franz shares the story behind Gotham’s evolution from distributing Neumann microphones and EMT turntables to manufacturing its own double-shielded cables used in studios and hi-fi systems across the world. He explains the company’s philosophy of maintaining absolute transparency in the audio chain, the science behind their signature shielding technology, and how their long-term partnerships ensure lasting quality. The conversation also includes an exclusive preview of Gotham’s upcoming magnetically shielded cable, a groundbreaking design set to launch at AXPONA 2026. From studio engineering to home listening, this discussion offers rare insight into the craft and integrity behind every Gotham product.
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