The Occasional Podcast

A verbal get-together with John Klima of the Post And Beam podcast. In this episode we run down the top 10 best party speakers as recommended by the pt.AUDIO staff. John co-hosts the show and gives us his impressions of the brand new Wharfedale Denton 1S bookshelf speakers. What speakers are known for getting the party to rock? What transducers will impress most at your next wine and cheese party? All this and a pre-review of the latest from Wharfedale in the Denton line. Bonus: Are cassettes having a comeback? Post And Beam Podcast S14E11 Sponsors: PTdotAUDIO - Great Sounds Meet Good Times JMF-AUDIOdotCOM - Intstruments For The Music AUDIOQUESTdotCOM — High-Performance Cables & Power Products — Made for You

An interview with Director Of Engineering of Benchmark Media Systems, John Siau. The brains behind much of Benchmark's gear in recent years can be credited to John. Between pro and consumer DACs, analog to digital converters and a wide array of HiFi gear, Benchmark has been on quite a run the past 10 years in terms of product development. In this episode, John offers up some really sound advice and information. We tackle some talk about design elements, feedback error correction and help shed light on questions like - have we been slowly losing fidelity over the years? S14E10 Sponsors: PTdotAUDIO - Great Sounds Meet Good Times AUDIOQUESTdotCOM — High-Performance Cables & Power Products — Made for You

Our picks for the top 10 best sounding speakers from 2026. Marc and Brian rundown their favorite loudspeakers from cheapest to most expensive. Fresh back from a run across the country listening to the world's hottest hifi gear, pt.AUDIO's Editor-In-Chief Marc Phillips joins host Brian Hunter for a full breakdown of the best sounding bookshelf and floor-standers in the known universe. S14E9 Sponsors: VAC-AMPSdotCOM - When Music Matters PTdotAUDIO - Great Sounds Meet Good Times JMF-AUDIOdotCOM - Intstruments For The Music AUDIOQUESTdotCOM — High-Performance Cables & Power Products — Made for You

Marc is back from his travels abroad and he returns with all the good news, highlights and best sound from the HIGH END Vienna show. Hosted for the first time at its new location in Austria, HIGH END 2026 found a new home for one of the biggest international audio shows on the planet. Marc and Brian dive deep into the best parts of the Hifi event, with all the audio goodies and tasty sounds from the massive high end convention. S14E8 Sponsors: VAC-AMPSdotCOM - When Music Matters PTdotAUDIO - Great Sounds Meet Good Times JMF-AUDIOdotCOM - Intstruments For The Music AUDIOQUESTdotCOM — High-Performance Cables & Power Products — Made for You BORDERPATROLdotNET - For Music Lovers, Not Scope Jockeys

An interview with Julie Mullins of Stereophile Magazine, Analog Planet and many more endeavors. This week we chat with Julie about her long history in audio (which includes all the major HiFi publications) and her epic history as a freelance writer for the arts. From audiophile roots growing up to her high-paced journalism, Mullins has been both listening and writing for most of her life. We discuss music, the arts, AI and writing in this episode - along with some interesting conversations about listening and some of the unique hurdles HiFi faces as a community. S14E7 Sponsors: VAC-AMPSdotCOM - When Music Matters PTdotAUDIO - Great Sounds Meet Good Times JMF-AUDIOdotCOM - At Hi-Fi Deluxe Show In Vienna, June 5-7 AUDIOQUESTdotCOM — High-Performance Cables & Power Products — Made for You

A very special interview with Bill Low of AudioQuest. This week's episode is a much more cerebral experience, and one of our favorites to tackle. Joined by AudioQuest founder William Low, we talk about some great topics for anyone interested in high fidelity, critical listening and all the possibilities around hearing. What is realism in audio? Why does our hearing focus on certain things and not others? How have we evolved as a species to hear things a certain way? Bill and host Brian Hunter jump in to the fray with these and plenty of other audio tips, tricks and passing thoughts for this mid point of Season 14. A real highlight for the season so far. S14E6 Sponsors: VAC-AMPSdotCOM - When Music Matters PTdotAUDIO - Great Sounds Meet Good Times BORDERPATROLdotNET - For Music Lovers, Not Scope Jockeys WOOAUDIOdotCOM - The New WA300-BAL Speaker Amp

A huge show this week with both Steve "The Audiophiliac" Guttenberg and legendary speaker designer Andrew Jones. The Reviewer and the Designer was recorded live at AXPONA 2026 in Chicago this year. In a keynote session on Friday, The Occasional Podcast had a live audience for the first time. The three way banter was a great variation for the format, with some great conversations and educational bits alike. We pulled out some interesting stories from both Steve and Andrew, along with some unique perspectives on both measurements and design philosophy. Andrew's new speaker is the field-coil concentric Jones And Cerreta Troubador. And Steve Guttenberg has a new book coming out titled "The Blind Projectionist" but you can also follow his HiFi commentary on his regular YouTube channel "The Audiophiliac". S14E5 Sponsors: VAC-AMPSdotCOM - When Music Matters AUDIOQUESTdotCOM — High-Performance Cables & Power Products — Made for You PTdotAUDIO - Great Sounds Meet Good Times AUDIOVISIONSFdotCOM - San Francisco May 16th-17th In-Store HiFi Celebration

Live from Chicago, IL - The cast and crew from PartTimeAudiophile's coverage of AXPONA 2026 weigh in. Held April 10-12 in the Schaumburg Convention Center, this episode reports back on all the showroom highlights and the latest hifi product releases from the largest high fidelity audio event in North America. Best of show, standout gear and plenty of weekend observations. Special thanks to Marc Phillips and to all the fans who weighed in on the songs this week! Hear all the AXPONA 2026 songs and see the room-by-room coverage on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePartTimeAudiophile/reels/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PT-Audio Seasonal Merch is now available! The pt.AUDIO Record Weight In Copper S14E4 Sponsors: AUDIOQUESTdotCOM — High-Performance Cables & Power Products — Made for You PTdotAUDIO - Great Sounds Meet Good Times BORDERPATROLdotNET - For Music Lovers, Not Scope Jockeys

In this episode we sit down with Jana Dagdagan from the YouTube channel Jana Loves HiFi. Jana shares her story and gives us her unique perspective on the HiFi industry, having worked with both Stereophile magazine and darko.audio before recently kicking off her own YouTube channel. Jana's videos have a keen eye for angles and a distinctly cinematic feel in a sea of talking head creators. A refreshing talent in the HiFi industry, you can find her YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@janaloveshifi S14E3 Sponsors: AXPONAdotCOM - North America's Audio Expo AUDIOQUESTdotCOM — High-Performance Cables & Power Products — Made for You PTdotAUDIO - Great Sounds Meet Good Times THEVOICETHATISdotCOM - For The Joy Of Music WOOAUDIOdotCOM - The New WA300-BAL Speaker Amp AUDIOVISIONSFdotCOM - San Francisco May 16th-17th In-Store HiFi Celebration

An interview with long time industry writer/editor/PR/guitarist Frank Doris. Frank is an audiophile enthusiast who has written for The Absolute Sound (back in the Harry Pearson days) and now Copper Magazine. He has also worked in PR (and does so currently) with various HiFi brands. This episode contains mostly stories from Frank's history in the hobby, along with a little cosmic wisdom and teachings from a life well lived. S14E2 Sponsors: AXPONAdotCOM - North America's Audio Expo AUDIOQUESTdotCOM — High-Performance Cables & Power Products — Made for You PTdotAUDIO - Great Sounds Meet Good Times THEVOICETHATISdotCOM - For The Joy Of Music WOOAUDIOdotCOM - The New WA300-BAL Speaker Amp

An interview with Robert Harley, Editor-In-Chief of The Absolute Sound. In the Season 14 premier, we enter our 2026 collection of conversations with none other than Robert Harley himself. One of the more prolific reviewers of the hobby, Robert chats about his long tenure in high-end audio, along with his unique perspective (and history) with analog, critical listening, regionalized sounds and just enjoying the music. He also drops in some of his favorite designers and engineers in audio from over the years. A really great interview with a massively influential personality in HiFi. S14E1 Sponsors: AXPONAdotCOM - North America's Audio Expo AUDIOQUESTdotCOM — High-Performance Cables & Power Products — Made for You PTdotAUDIO - Great Sounds Meet Good Times THEVOICETHATISdotCOM - For The Joy Of Music BORDERPATROLdotNET - For Music Lovers, Not Scope Jockeys

Marc and Brian take on pt.AUDIO's coverage of the Florida Audio Expo in Tampa, held February 20-22. 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 proper room etiquette to stranded HiFi writers, this episode tells you everything you need to know about the first big audio event of 2026. S13E11 Sponsors: AUDIOQUESTdotCOM — High-Performance Cables & Power Products — Made for You PTdotAUDIO - Great Sounds Meet Good Times PASSLABSdotCOM - Rediscover Your Music Like Never Before WHARFEDALEUSAdotCOM - Legendary British Sound – Elevated SVSOUNDdotCOM – Join the Sound R|Evolution AXPONAdotCOM - North America's Audio Expo

A full breakdown of the history and ongoing legacy of one of, if not THE most iconic and legendary speaker of all time, the Quad ESL 57 Electrostatic Loudspeaker. In this informative and educational episode, we provide some context, impressions and observations about one of the most-longstanding reference HiFi speakers ever. What makes the ESL 57 so special? How did it earn its title in the pantheon of audiophile history books? Brian Hunter lays it all out in simple terms. Special thanks to pt.AUDIO Editor-In-Chief Marc Phillips for his help with the episode! S13E10 Sponsors: AUDIOQUESTdotCOM — High-Performance Cables & Power Products — Made for You PTdotAUDIO - Great Sounds Meet Good Times PASSLABSdotCOM - Rediscover Your Music Like Never Before WHARFEDALEUSAdotCOM - Legendary British Sound – Elevated SVSOUNDdotCOM – Join the Sound R|Evolution AXPONAdotCOM - North America's Audio Expo

An Interview With Brad Lunde, President of Lone Mountain Audio. This episode is packed with tons of amazing stories, tips, and advice - from both sides of the musical coin - Pro Audio and HiFi. Plenty of ink has been spilled on the differences between utilizing HiFi as a way to consume music, and the techniques for producing music using speakers and other production gear as "tools". However, the two are not as dissimilar as one might initially expect considering all this. Brad helps break down some of differences, but he really brings together a ton of common themes that exist for both goals. His commentary provides powerful insights on setting up systems, defining "perfection" and room acoustics. He even gives us a fantastic list of music from his favorite sound engineers to follow. S13E9 Sponsors: AUDIOQUESTdotCOM — High-Performance Cables & Power Products — Made for You PTdotAUDIO - Great Sounds Meet Good Times PASSLABSdotCOM - Rediscover Your Music Like Never Before WHARFEDALEUSAdotCOM - Legendary British Sound – Elevated SVSOUNDdotCOM – Join the Sound R|Evolution AXPONAdotCOM - North America's Audio Expo

19-year-old Lucca Chesky already has few speaker designs under his belt. The LC1 and LC2 Bookshelves have been touring the HiFi audio show circuit and earning some well-deserved accolades in the process. Implementing both 3D printing and a sub-$2k budget invites not only a younger crowd with more entry-level spending habits, but also some real HiFi intentions to a entirely new crowd of much-needed audiophiles. S13E8 also includes pt.AUDIO Editor-In-Chief Marc Phillips following up on the 2025 Buyer's Guide with a continuation of the pt.AWARDS season and the recipients of Product of the Year , Best Value of the Year and Best Bookshelf Speaker of the Year . See the full 2025 Buyers Guide in written form at PT.Audio . Video coverage: https://www.youtube.com/@PT-Audio pt.AUDIO Record Weight In Copper pt.AUDIO Record Weight In Gold S13E8 Sponsors: AUDIOQUESTdotCOM — High-Performance Cables & Power Products — Made for You PTdotAUDIO - Great Sounds Meet Good Times PASSLABSdotCOM - Rediscover Your Music Like Never Before WHARFEDALEUSAdotCOM - Legendary British Sound – Elevated SVSOUNDdotCOM – Join the Sound R|Evolution

Our 2026 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 PT.Audio . Video coverage: https://www.youtube.com/@PT-Audio pt.AUDIO Record Weight In Copper pt.AUDIO Record Weight In Gold S13E7 Sponsors: AUDIOQUESTdotCOM — High-Performance Cables & Power Products — Made for You PTdotAUDIO - Great Sounds Meet Good Times PASSLABSdotCOM - Rediscover Your Music Like Never Before WHARFEDALEUSAdotCOM - Legendary British Sound – Elevated SVSOUNDdotCOM – Join the Sound R|Evolution

Coverage and impressions from Captial Audiofest 2025. Marc, Brian and Scot broadcast live from the big DC audio event. This show includes full impressions and observations on trends. What rooms sounded like perfection? What new products really impressed? All the details on a ton of new gear get annouced at this East Coast show and we have them all to share with you in this robust, boots-on-the-ground episode. This episode's event sponsor is Doug White and The Voice That Is . Doug was showcasing the Tidal Piano G3 Loudpeaker, TIDAL Ferios G2 amplifier, Turnbull Audio Prestige Audio Cables and new Power Distributor, REL Carbon Special Black Label, and Equitech Model 2RQ at Capital Audiofest 2025. CAF 2025 Video coverage: https://www.youtube.com/@PT-Audio Season 12 Merch is now available! The pt.AUDIO Record Weight In Walnut : 230 Gram

Marc And Brian from pt.AUDIO run down all the latest gear hitting the HiFi and Audiophile market for the holiday season. From premium speaker products to headphones, IEMs and amplifiers, this episode discusses and dissects all the new product announcements for 4th quarter and beyond. If you are attending Capital Audiofest next weekend, please swing by the Wilson Room and see our CAF 2025 sponsor, Doug White and The Voice That Is . Doug will showcasing his fine selection of brands including Tidal Audio, Turnbull Cables, Equitech, REL Subwoofers and more. Video coverage: https://www.youtube.com/@PT-Audio The pt.AUDIO Record Weight In Walnut : 230 Gram S13E5 Sponsors: AUDIOQUESTdotCOM — High-Performance Cables & Power Products — Made for You SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in Texas, Starting At $49 PTdotAUDIO - Great Sounds Meet Good Times PASSLABSdotCOM - Rediscover Your Music Like Never Before WHARFEDALEUSAdotCOM - Legendary British Sound – Elevated THEVOICETHATISdotCOM - The Wilson Room At Captial Audiofest 2025

An interview with Ed Mullen and Nick Brown of SVS . In this detailed educational discussion, we explore all the things that you can do to improve the sound of your stereo through adjusting your listening room. An often overlooked, essential part of HiFi performance is condition of the ceiling, walls and floor of the room your rig is located in. Technical expert Ed Mullen joins us to dissect the subject including room treatments, standing/null waves, room gain, controlling floor boom, bass bleed, isolation and more. Video coverage: https://www.youtube.com/@PT-Audio The pt.AUDIO Record Weight In Walnut : 230 Gram S13E4 Sponsors: AUDIOQUESTdotCOM — High-Performance Cables & Power Products — Made for You SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in Texas, Starting At $49 PTdotAUDIO - Great Sounds Meet Good Times PASSLABSdotCOM - Rediscover Your Music Like Never Before WHARFEDALEUSAdotCOM - Legendary British Sound – Elevated THEVOICETHATISdotCOM - The Wilson Room At Captial Audiofest 2025

An interview with Peter Ledermann of Soundsmith. Peter has a very long history of research and development in audio. From his time at IBM to amps to turntable cartridges, Peter has long sought to educate and enlighten the twisting technicalities of HiFi. In this interview we chat about why audio is sometimes pros, cons and compromise. It is an evolution that attempts to help to solve a host of problems, while sometimes creating new ones. But most importantly, it's weeding out things that break over time so consumers have a lifelong product. We also chat about turntables and is analog better than digital? Do Turntables have sample rates? Measurements, cantilever material, why mono karts might be better, cable burn in and how "getting used to something" really effects how we can form preferences. Video coverage: https://www.youtube.com/@PT-Audio The pt.AUDIO Record Weight In Walnut : 230 Gram S13E3 Sponsors: AUDIOVISIONSFdotCOM - San Francisco Oct 18-19 In-Store HiFi Celebration AUDIOQUESTdotCOM — High-Performance Cables & Power Products — Made for You MUSICHALLAUDIOdotCOM - No Nonsense, Just Great Sound SCHIITdotCOM - Audio Components Designed & Built in Texas, Starting At $49 PTdotAUDIO - Great Sounds Meet Good Times PASSLABSdotCOM - Rediscover Your Music Like Never Before