the ecoustics podcast

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

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

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

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

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