The HiFi Five Podcast

In Episode 13 we discuss:When is high pricing actually too much? Is $151,000 for speaker cables just absurd? How can the absolute sound and Stereophile remain truthful while still making money? Should the magazines help whitewash and cover up component defects?Is the traditional Harry Pearson-style comparative review dead? What is a review today?  Are today's reviews any different than a long-form product brochure?Do you really need multiple sources -- vinyl/streaming/disc/tape? Or is this just audiophilia nervosa?

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 11 we discuss:— How did audio get so combative? Is it typical internet keyboard warrioring, or are audiophiles exceptionally s#itty?— In the same seat in the concert hall we all hear substantially the same thing.  So why do our stereos end up sounding so different? Danny, Elliot and Jay say it is just personal  preferences or lack of listening education. Ron explains his hypothesis about “sonic cues.” — What does "Best of Show" really mean? Is “pay to play” involved? Should reviewers be required to disclose the rooms they did not visit?— One set-up trick from each of us.

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 charge for in-home demos?Yes - the best money an audiophile can spend!

In Episode 9 we discuss:— If you could listen to music with one audio reviewer/influencer who would you select, and why?Three of us selected Michael Fremer!— Do uber-expensive flagship components make marketing strategy sense to sell mid-range components?We discuss the marketing hype around claimed innovations, and why dealers really are the main clients of many manufacturers.— Vintage components:  better sound than today’s contemporary high-end dealer sound or nostalgia and false memories of greatness?— What do the terms "sound-stage" and "imaging" and "depth" mean?