The HiFi Five Podcast

The Hi-Fi Five Episode 32: Getting Kids into Music and Audio Guests: May Anwar -- Scientist, college educator, co-founder of M101 Audio and the creator of “Passport to Sound” Steve Lefkowicz -- Senior Associate Editor at Positive Feedback Joe Pavel -- audiophile hobbyist parent Max Pavel -- audiophile hobbyist kid Topics: • Are headphones and earbuds creating tomorrow’s audiophiles -- or replacing traditional stereo systems? • Could video gaming ultimately do more to create music lo...

What has been your experience on the show so far? Where would you like us to take the show from here? How does the Florida Audio show compare to other shows in the U.S. or Canada? Is it true that Stereophile boycotted the Florida Audio show? Do dealers do a disservice to their customers by telling customers that every new version of a component, every upgrade, every update will get them closer to the sonic Holy Grail? Is streaming audiophile quality? Which do you prefer, Tidal, Qobuz or...

What aspect of vinyl playback do you believe is most misunderstood, and how do different turntable designs try to address it? Do different turntable drive systems have a consistent sonic signature? Do most direct drive turntables sound similar? Do most belt drive turntables sound similar? What is most important to the sound of the system: the turntable, the tonearm or the phono cartridge? How important is speed accuracy (maintaining exactly 33.33) versus speed stability (spe...

How have the scientific studies of hearing and audio at Bell Labs and at Harman impacted your work in audio? Why has the industry not insisted that reviewers, manufacturers, influencers and marketers to publish their ear hearing measurements as evidence of credibility for their audio pronouncements? Are there inherent sonic advantages to: dipole planar speakers, horn speakers, dynamic driver speakers? If a box speaker, to port or not to port? Do exotic materials for driver cones sound b...

In Episode 14 we discuss: If you had to judge a very expensive, high-end stereo system using only one song what track do you choose and why?Why should any audiophile listen to YouTube Influencers? How should influencers deal with the conflicts of interest between what they tell their audiences and what they sell? What brands and components do you not sell but which you like a lot and think sound great. When cable manufacturers test and voice their own designs, how can manufacturers claim grea...

In Episode 12 we discuss: — What was the moment you fell in love with high-end audio? — What was the first system you were wowed by? Elliot tells Harry Pearson stories! — What is your most memorable system of all time? — What audio component would you like to get in the coming year? — Horn loudspeakers? — Audio related New Year’s resolutions?

In Episode 10 we discuss: — How do manufacturers/distributor/dealers get non-audiophile wealthy people to buy expensive systems? We discuss introducing new people into the hobby, Maier Shadi of The Audio Salon and Joe Cali’s Gryphon LA showroom — Which cable in the audio system makes the biggest sonic difference, and why? Jay discusses the main AC distribution cable, and Danny, Elliot and Ron vote for speaker cable — High-end sales in 2025: Up or Down? — Should dealers charg...

In Episode 8 we discuss: — Fragmentation of interests: Is this one hobby focused only on equipment or multiple hobbies? — Is the “deal" (meaning the price and trade-in terms) more important than the sound of the components? — Is there a legitimate concern about undisclosed compensation to audio shills or fanboys? We discuss the pros and cons of long term equipment loans, the practices of Jonathan Valin and Robert Harley, industry ethics, compensation to influencers and accommodation dis...