Crutchfield: The Podcast

Crutchfield: The Podcast
  • 4.8 (20)
  • Technology
  • Updated Semimonthly

Crutchfield has been selling awesome gear for enjoying audio, video, and more since 1974. In our first-ever podcast, co-hosts JR and Eric chat about the gear that makes life fun, sharing shopping and installation advice along the way.

  1. May 27

    First look: Sony's new True RGB TVs are here — and they're a big deal

    We are so excited to finally be able to talk about Sony's new True RGB TVs, the Bravia 7 Mark II and Bravia 9 Mark II. JR and Huffy have had both TVs set up in the studio, and they've been sitting on their reactions ever since. The big news: Sony's True RGB backlight technology puts individual red, green, and blue diodes inside each LED. The difference in color accuracy, contrast, and light control compared to traditional LCD TVs is genuinely hard to overstate. JR and Huffy put these TVs through a gauntlet: live sports, Top Gun Maverick on 4K Blu-ray, Encanto, Game of Thrones, YouTube torture tests, and Tiny World on Apple TV+ — and came away impressed across the board. JR and Huffy also break down the key differences between the two models (spoiler: more backlights, anti-glare screen, up to 115 inches) and share thoughts on the pedestal design, the surprisingly capable built-in speakers, and why Sony's processor is still the thing that quietly makes everything work. If you've been waiting to upgrade your TV — especially if your room gets a lot of natural light — this episode is worth a listen before you buy. Everything discussed, including links and photos, lives at crutchfield.com/podcast. Sony RGB at Crutchfield | Find the Right Gear for YouSony True RGB TVsVideo: Sony True RGB TVsCrutchfield: The Podcast

    37 min

  2. May 18

    New Stinger MFDs are not just for Jeeps with Matt Palumbo, plus AudioControl's new EPICENTER bass restorers and EPIC Series products

    Matt Palumbo from Stinger and AudioControl returns to the studio fresh off a vendor training with Crutchfield's sales advisors — and he brought a lot of new stuff to talk about. JR and Huffy get the full update on the Stinger HORIZON12 multifunction displays (MFD), including new direct-fit kits for GM trucks (2014–2018 and 2019+) that bring the same clean, factory-look integration that made Jeep owners love these units. Matt also discusses the new EPICENTER PRO and EPICENTER Micro PRO from AudioControl— same beloved bass-restoration tech, now with user-friendly controls on top and some fun new flexibility for the more adventurous installer. From there, the guys dig into AudioControl's brand-new EPIC Series amps, speakers, and subwoofers built to pair perfectly with the EPICENTER experience. The EPICX subwoofers in particular got a serious workout during development — including a nightly drive-home stress test the manufacturer may or may not have survived — and the results speak for themselves. Plus, the loaded EPICX V-Series enclosures feature a surprisingly clever customizable panel that Matt actually wrapped in his hotel room the night before we recorded. Enjoy the episode.      Stinger at Crutchfield | Find the Right Gear for You AudioControl: Car audio equalizers, crossovers, and sound processors - Crutchfield·    Crutchfield: The Podcast

    46 min

  3. Apr 27

    How to get the most out of your home speakers: Placement, acoustics, and pro tips

    JR and Huffy are joined by Mulligan — Crutchfield advisor,AV design specialist, and all-around full-service operation — to talk about all the inexpensive (and sometimes free) things you can do to make your home speakers sound as good as they possibly can. The conversation covers where to put your speakers and why pulling them off the wall matters more than you might think, how to treat your room's acoustics without going overboard, why you should decouple your speakers from the floor, and how to use your receiver's room calibration to take the room itself out of the equation.   Mulligan also brings a few bonus tips, including one surprisingly simple digital trick that costs absolutely nothing and can immediately improve your sound quality — no new gear required. Whether you've got a modest bookshelf setup or a serious multi-room system, this episode gives you practical, real-world ways to get more out of speakers you already own. Got questions? Reach the team at podcast@crutchfield.com.   Acoustic Panels & Treatments | Crutchfield   Vibration Isolators | Crutchfield   Crutchfield: The Podcast home page

    52 min

  4. Mar 23

    How to get the most out of your new car speakers: Baffles, sound deadening, and installation tips

    You bought new car speakers — now what? JR and Huffy welcome Peter, a Crutchfield merchandising veteran and former sales trainer, to talk about getting your speakers to live up to their potential. The guys tackle one of car audio's most misunderstood products — speaker baffles — and set the record straight on what they actually do, when you need them, and when you might want to grab a knife to make a small modification. From there, it's on to Fast Rings, sound deadening (Dynamat, Hushmat, SoundSkins — a little goes a long way), and installation tips that apply whether  you're swapping a blown factory speaker or building a seriousupgrade.  Think of it as all the stuff nobody tells you the first timeyou tackle a car speaker install — but absolutely should. Gotquestions about baffles, sound deadening, or anything car speaker related? Email the team at podcast@crutchfield.com.And if you want to get ahead of next month's episode — all about making your home speakers sound their best — sendthose questions in too.  Click here for all things Crutchfield: The Podcast related

    39 min

  5. Feb 23

    Ultra-Short Throw Projector vs. TV: Which Big-Screen Experience is Right for You?

    JR and Huffy go head-to-head in a debate to answer one of the biggest questions in home entertainment: should you buy an ultra-short throw projector or a large TV? Spoiler alert: there's no loser here, only the right choice for your room, your budget, and how big you want to go. They examine the 98-to-120-inch sweet spot where these two technologies collide, covering everything from installation complexity and sound system placement to screen selection, ambient light performance, and real-world 4K considerations. JR brings the customer reviews; Huffy brings the firsthand experience. Together they'll help you figure out which big-screen setup belongs in your living room. Want more info to help you decide between a projector and a TV? Check out our How to choose a home theater projector article:https://www.crutchfield.com/learn/home-theater-projector-buying-guide.html TVs 80” and uphttps://www.crutchfield.com/g_146350/All-TVs.html?fa=1#&nvpair=FFScreen_Size|[rank7]80%22%20and%20up Ultra Short Throw Projectorshttps://www.crutchfield.com/g_160150/Projectors.html?fa=1#&nvpair=AG_Mounting%20Options|YCUltra_Short_Throw Screens for UST projectorshttps://www.crutchfield.com/g_160250/Projector-Screens.html?fa=1#&nvpair=AG_Features|FFUltra_short_throw

    31 min

  6. Jan 18

    The Best of CES 2026: Micro RGB TVs, Dolby Atmos in the car, new Klipsch and SVS, and more

    JR and Huffy may not have been in Las Vegas for CES 2026, but that isn’t going to stop them from talking about all the new gear from many Crutchfield brands. We discuss Samsung's Micro RGB televisions, LG’s newest OLED screens, wireless TVs, Klipsch Reference Signature home theater speakers, and new powered speakers. SVS debuts asoundbar that’s sure to be loud and proud, and Samsung takes Q-symphony to the next level with their Music Studio 5 and 7 speakers.   In the world of car audio, Pioneer makes a splash with their new Sphera 10.1" floating touchscreen stereo with Dolby Atmos® that’s sure to enliven your commute. All this, plus much more in our January podcast episode. Please keep in mind, we are talking about products that may or may not get released in 2026; we don’t have any of this confirmed for availability or pricing at the time of this recording. Pioneer SPHERA | Spatial Audio for All Samsung’s Serious Studio 5 & 7 Speakers. Listen UP!   Klipsch Goes All In with Next Gen of Powered Speakers at… | Klipsch   LG OLED evo W6: 9mm Wallpaper TV with True Wireless Tech | LG USA

    41 min

  7. 12/21/2025

    You asked and we answered. Plus: Happy New Year!

    JR and Huffy wrap up 2025 and the fifth season of Crutchfield: The Podcast by taking questions from our fans and providinghelpful answers. Things vary from simple compliments to deep inquiries about the quality of vintage home audio gear in comparison to newer products. One savvy fan asked about a new Pioneer retro-style car stereo that’s only available in Europe (for now).   As one final gift to our listeners, JR, Zak, and Ned read and responded to some of the comments left by viewers of our YouTube channel. The comments were very observant, creative, and mostly respectful. Think Mean Tweets, but nicer!    Links to products discussed in this episode: The Pioneer SXT-C10PS, currently only available in Europe (Pioneer's EU site) Onkyo Home Theater Receivers (Crutchfield.com) Analog only Integrated Amps (Crutchfield.com)

    59 min

  8. 11/24/2025

    Crutchfield recommends: A holiday gift guide for the electronics fans on your wish list

    This week Huffy and JR take turns sharing some amazing giftideas available at Crutchfield. Car stereos, subwoofers, cameras, record players, and some surprise picks! And remember: if you're buying something for yourself, we won't know the difference. Note: pricing and availability are subject to change. We’dlove to answer your questions in our December episode; please email podcast@crutchfield.com with any queries about consumer electronics gear. If you don’t make it in time for our December recording, maybe we’ll address your question in a subsequent episode. Either way, we’d love to hear from you! As promised, here are links to all the gift ideas we sharedin this episode: Belkin Stage PowerGrip Camera grip Belkin UltraCharge Qi2-compatible, 3-in-1 foldable magnetic charger LG OLED65C5PUA (65") OLED evo AI C5 Smart 4K TV Sony BRAVIA 7 (65") Smart Mini LED 4K UHD TV with HDR Squier Sonic® Stratocaster® Pack SVS 3000 Micro Ultra-compact powered subwoofer Alpine prismalink subwoofers Sennheiser HDB 630 Over-ear wireless Bluetooth® noise-canceling headphones Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A digital camera Sony Alpha ZV-E10 OSS II Zoom Lens Kit mirrorless camera kit DJI mic 3 DJI rs 4 MINI JVC KW-M590BT Digital multimedia receiver Keep Car Alarm Connected video security — mounts in cupholder Soundburger Portable Record Player JBL Grip Waterproof portable Bluetooth® speaker with ambient light Kala Red Light Face Mask

    34 min
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4.8
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Crutchfield has been selling awesome gear for enjoying audio, video, and more since 1974. In our first-ever podcast, co-hosts JR and Eric chat about the gear that makes life fun, sharing shopping and installation advice along the way.

Information

  • Creator
    Crutchfield: The Podcast
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    75
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Crutchfield: The Podcast
  • Show Website
    Crutchfield: The Podcast

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