Our picks for the top 10 best sounding speakers from the past 12 months. Marc and Brian rundown their best speaker picks from cheapest to most expensive. In preparation for the upcoming AXPONA show in Chicago, the pt.AUDIO staff presents some of the best speaker listens since the last show. Much has been updated, revealed and redeemed. Also don't forget to check out the show sponsor of this episode: Tidal Audio and The Voice That Is along with Audio Ultra and Artisan Fidelity will be at the Chicago Marriott Schaumburg April 11th and 12th from 10am to 5pm where they will feature three big rooms and the world premier of the new AP1 speaker. Also available for a listen will be the Contriva G3 and Piano G3 speakers, the new Ferios G2 mono amplifiers, the Contros Digital Music Converter, the Prisma preamplifier, TIDAL x Bugatti MP1 and MC1 electronics, Turnbull Audio Cables and more. Season 12 Merch is now available! The pt.AUDIO Record Weight In Walnut : 230 Gram S12E3 Sponsors: NORDOSTdotCOM - A Clear Choice For The Best Connection SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in Texas, Starting At $49 AXPONAdotCOM - North America’s Audio Expo ZMFHEADPHONESdotCOM - Traditional Craft, Modern Acoustics
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29:22
How To Start A Headphone Company
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 ZMF headphones 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 : 230 Gram S12E2 Sponsors: NORDOSTdotCOM - A Clear Choice For The Best Connection SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in Texas, Starting At $49 AXPONAdotCOM - North America’s Audio Expo PTdotAUDIO - Great Sounds Meet Good Times
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34:45
David Chesky Of Chesky Records And The Audiophile Society
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: The Audiophile Society | Music Season 12 Merch is now available! The pt.AUDIO Record Weight In Walnut : 230 Gram | 300 Gram AXPONA 2025 Golden Pass Giveaway link (submit before March 30th) S12E1 Sponsors: NORDOSTdotCOM - A Clear Choice For The Best Connection SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in Texas, Starting At $49 FOCALNAIMAMERICAdotCOM – High-End Hi-Fi Excellence AXPONAdotCOM - North America’s Audio Expo
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38:25
The State Of CD, Physical Media And The Tyranny Of Wanting What You Can No Longer Have
An interview with Drew Baird Of Moon-Audio.com. 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 Moon-Audio and has an absolutely massive cache of product knowledge including sales trends and behind-the-scenes insights into the industry. A must listen for newcomers, experienced audiophiles looking for the next thing and anyone with a large collection of CDs on their shelf (or in a flip binder). Don’t forget to check out our merch for Season 11. The 800g Record Weight in Copper, plus the new GOLD! pt.AUDIO Record Weight In Copper pt.AUDIO Record Weight In Gold S11E11 Sponsors: DRVINYLdotNET - Hearing Is Believing FERNANDROBYdotCOM - Expert Craftmanship for Elevated Sound Systems AXPONAdotCOM - North America’s Audio Expo NAIMAMERICAdotCOM – High-End Hi-Fi Excellence
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50:56
Is The Term "Yacht Rock" Reductive? A Subtle Insult? Pejorative!? An Interview With Nick Niespodziani Of Yacht Rock Revue
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 groundswell of their own, Nick and the YRR crew have not only collaborated with the artists they cover, but have even opened up for Kenny Loggins on tour. Now a music force in their own right, YRR has released two original albums "Hot Dads In Tight Jeans" and the recent "Escape Artist". In this episode we discuss whether the term "Yacht Rock" is offensive, a mild slight, or downright condescending. Nick offers a unique perspective from someone on the front lines, and shares stories from his experience leading arguably one of the most successful cover bands of all time. https://www.yachtrockrevue.com | Qobuz | Apple Music Don’t forget to check out our merch for Season 11. The 800g Record Weight in Copper, plus the new GOLD! pt.AUDIO Record Weight In Copper pt.AUDIO Record Weight In Gold S11E10 Sponsors: DRVINYLdotNET - Hearing Is Believing FERNANDROBYdotCOM - Expert Craftmanship for Elevated Sound Systems AXPONAdotCOM - North America’s Audio Expo NAIMAMERICAdotCOM – High-End Hi-Fi Excellence
Join us in an audio-centric exploration of high fidelity listening. Gear talk, recommendations, interviews and plenty of interesting insights into high-end and personal audio, manufacturing and the people that make up the pastime. Our discussions primarily focus on music, music production, HiFi, audiophile speakers, headphones, amplifiers, turntables (record players), tubes, CD players, digital streaming, DAC and other digital sources.
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