the ecoustics podcast

Black Circle Studios
  • 4.5 (14)
  • Technology
  • Updated Biweekly

Passionate about music, movies, HiFi audio, headphones and home theater, eCoustics has been covering the A/V industry since 1999. Join our diverse cast of journalists, audiophiles, industry experts and special guests for always spirited, sometimes controversial discussions about the latest news, happenings and trends in the audio, video and music industries. Whether you're listening through stereo loudspeakers with a vintage tube amp, rocking a multi-channel home theater, on-the-go with wireless speakers or headphones, streaming music or spinning vinyl, the experienced team at ecoustics breaks down what you need to know to really enjoy music and movies at home and on the road. https://www.ecoustics.com

  1. Oct 20

    Paul Hales Challenges the Audio Industry: Have We Forgotten What Good Sound Sounds Like?

    Have audiophiles become so accustomed to compromised sound that we've forgotten what great loudspeakers should sound like? Paul Hales, the designer behind PRO Audio Technology, Theory Audio Design, and Theory Professional, joins us to challenge some of the audio industry's most sacred cows. From loudspeaker measurements and room correction to digital signal processing and conventional design wisdom, Hales explains why much of what audiophiles believe deserves closer scrutiny. With decades of experience designing speakers for everything from living rooms and private screening rooms to outdoor installations and live venues, he makes a compelling case for rethinking how we judge sound quality. Are we listening critically, or have we simply gotten used to bad sound? Thank you to SVS for their continued support of our programming! For more information, please visit: http://www.svsound.com Panel Brian Mitchell - eCoustics CEO/Founder Paul Hales - Theory Audio/Pro Audio Technology CEO/Founder • Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com • Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com • Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://mixcloud.com/blackcircleradio Keep up-to-date with all the latest news and product reviews on hi-fi, headphones, home theater, music and more.  https://www.ecoustics.com

  2. Oct 13

    Nobody Told the CD It Was Dead: Physical Media Is Surging Again and Streaming Can’t Kill It

    CDs were supposed to be finished, vinyl was supposed to be a fad, and streaming was supposed to make owning music unnecessary. The latest RIAA numbers tell a very different story. In this episode, eCoustics Editor-in-Chief Ian White joins Podcast Editor and Producer Mitch Anderson to unpack why U.S. CD revenue surged 58.6% in the first half of 2026, vinyl revenue climbed another 17.7%, and physical music revenue overall jumped 25.9%. They also dig into why Gen Z is buying physical media, rising vinyl prices, the resurgence of used CDs, collectibility, ownership, and why listeners are still spending money on records and discs when nearly everything is available to stream. Thank you to this episodes sponsor, SVS! For more information please visit: http://www.svsound.com • Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com • Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com • Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://mixcloud.com/blackcircleradio Keep up-to-date with all the latest news and product reviews on hi-fi, headphones, home theater, music and more.  https://www.ecoustics.com

  3. Sep 11

    CEDIA Expo 2026 Gets CalebRated: The State of the Custom A/V Market

    Upon returning from CEDIA Expo, held September 1-4, 2026 at the Denver Convention Center, we sit down with experienced A/V journalist, Caleb Denison who runs the very popular YouTube channel CalebRated to discuss the trade show, products that stood out, and the general state of the custom A/V market. Please join us as we take a deep dive into the latest in big screen and big sound showcased at CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association), with eCoustics Editor-at-Large, Chris Boylan and eCoustics Founder, Brian Mitchell. Panel: Chris Boylan, eCoustics Editor-at-Large Brian Mitchell, eCoustics Founder and Host Caleb Denison, Calebrated Thank you to SVS for their support of our programming! www.svsound.com #cedia2026 #ecoustics #hifi #audiophile #hometheater #avtech #custominstall #bestof2026tech #musicindustry #projectors #dolbyatmos #bestsoundbar #besttv #beststereo • Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com • Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com • Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://mixcloud.com/blackcircleradio Keep up-to-date with all the latest news and product reviews on hi-fi, headphones, home theater, music and more.  https://www.ecoustics.com

  4. Aug 13

    Best TVs of 2026: Editors’ Choice

    RGB backlighting and Super Quantum Dot (SQD) technology are mounting the strongest challenge yet to OLED’s dominance in 2026. After testing and reviewing the year’s major contenders, we are ready to reveal our picks for the best TVs of 2026 so far. Join Senior Reviewer Al Griffin, and Editor-at-Large Chris Boylan as they break down their favorite models, explain what sets each one apart, and debate whether OLED still deserves the crown. • Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com • Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com • Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://mixcloud.com/blackcircleradio Keep up-to-date with all the latest news and product reviews on hi-fi, headphones, home theater, music and more.  https://www.ecoustics.com

  5. Aug 6

    Dolby Vision 2 is Coming to 2026 Hisense TVs: Will Movies Look Better?

    When Dolby Vision 2 - the latest version of the company's dynamic HDR solution - was first announced in late 2025, there was a lot of uncertainty about how, when and why it was coming. Over the past 10 months, things have become clearer, including its imminent availability on select Hisense TVs. Tune in with eCoustics founder Brian Mitchell, Senior Reviewer Al Griffin and Editor at Large Chris Boylan as we discuss the latest developments with Dolby Vision 2 and Dolby Vision 2 Max and what's coming over the next few weeks and months. Additional details about Dolby Vision 2 and Dolby Vision 2 Max: https://www.ecoustics.com/news/dolby-vision-2/ Thank you to our sponsor of this episode, Shure! www.shure.com • Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com • Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com • Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://mixcloud.com/blackcircleradio Keep up-to-date with all the latest news and product reviews on hi-fi, headphones, home theater, music and more.  https://www.ecoustics.com #dolbyvision2 #dolbyvision2max #dolbyvision #ecoustics #hometheater #hisense • Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com • Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com • Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://mixcloud.com/blackcircleradio Keep up-to-date with all the latest news and product reviews on hi-fi, headphones, home theater, music and more.  https://www.ecoustics.com

  6. Jul 17

    Jacob Wendt, Kevin Gray and the Sound of a Modern Jazz Quintet

    Jacob Wendt leads from behind the drum kit without treating every song like a personal drum clinic. His forthcoming album, The Gallery, arrives in late summer and was recorded by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Recording, aka “Hackensack West,” using an all-valve signal path from microphone to cutter head. In this episode of the eCoustics Podcast, Eric Pye (@audioloveyyc) and Mitch Anderson (@black_circle_radio) join Wendt and Gray to discuss the new album, Wendt’s previous release Silver Street, quintet chemistry, horn arrangements, live versus studio recording, and the difficult art of leading a band without elbowing everyone else out of the spotlight. Thank you to our sponsor of this episode, SVS! www.svsound.com • Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://www.sourceoflightandpower.com • Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com • Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.com Keep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting: https://www.ecoustics.com #hifi #kevingray #cohearentrecords #jacobwendt #musiconvinyl #vinylenthusiast #blackcircleradio #vinylcommunity  #ecoustics #audiophile #homelistening • Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com • Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com • Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://mixcloud.com/blackcircleradio Keep up-to-date with all the latest news and product reviews on hi-fi, headphones, home theater, music and more.  https://www.ecoustics.com

  7. May 24

    IsoAcoustics Explains the Silent Fix: Vibration is the Sound Killer

    Host Mitch Anderson interviews IsoAcoustics’ Sean Morrison and Matt Reilly about hi-fi isolation, vibration control, and why speakers, tube amps, turntables, and audio components may perform better when properly isolated. From floating a CBC Radio studio on 3,000 pucks to becoming an OEM solution for more than 50 hi-fi manufacturers, IsoAcoustics explains why the quietest product in your system might be doing more than you think. Thank you to our sponsor of this episode, SVS! www.svsound.com • Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://www.sourceoflightandpower.com • Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com • Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.com Keep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting: https://www.ecoustics.com #hifi #isoacoustics #soundisolation #proaudiohacks #recordlathe #blackcircleradio #vinylcommunity  #ecoustics #audiophile #homelistening • Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com • Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com • Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://mixcloud.com/blackcircleradio Keep up-to-date with all the latest news and product reviews on hi-fi, headphones, home theater, music and more.  https://www.ecoustics.com

  8. May 8

    Movie Sound Design & Mixing with SVS Subwoofers: Matt Yocum on Bass Clarity and LFE Mastering

    In this episode, Matt Yocum, an SVS artist and working film sound engineer, explains how modern movie soundtracks are built and why low frequency clarity plays a critical role in shaping the final experience. Drawing on his work across major film and television projects, Yocum discusses how much of what audiences hear is created in post production, how he approaches mixing for the LFE channel using SVS subwoofers, including the SB 4000, and why he often relies on dual subwoofer setups instead of one. The conversation also explores why SVS has become part of his workflow and what that says about the demands of contemporary film sound design.  Learn more about Matt and SVS here: https://www.svsound.com/blogs/artist-spotlight/svs-featured-producer-matt-yocum-movie-and-tv-sound-engineer • Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://www.sourceoflightandpower.com • Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com • Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.com Keep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting: https://www.ecoustics.com #svs #hifi #lowendmixing #2026subwoofers #soundforfilm #hometheater #svsspeakers #svssubwoofers #ecoustics #audiophile #homelistening #soundforfilm • Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com • Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com • Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://mixcloud.com/blackcircleradio Keep up-to-date with all the latest news and product reviews on hi-fi, headphones, home theater, music and more.  https://www.ecoustics.com

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4.5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Passionate about music, movies, HiFi audio, headphones and home theater, eCoustics has been covering the A/V industry since 1999. Join our diverse cast of journalists, audiophiles, industry experts and special guests for always spirited, sometimes controversial discussions about the latest news, happenings and trends in the audio, video and music industries. Whether you're listening through stereo loudspeakers with a vintage tube amp, rocking a multi-channel home theater, on-the-go with wireless speakers or headphones, streaming music or spinning vinyl, the experienced team at ecoustics breaks down what you need to know to really enjoy music and movies at home and on the road. https://www.ecoustics.com

Information

  • Creator
    Black Circle Studios
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    134
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Black Circle Studios
  • Show Website
    the ecoustics podcast

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