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” involv...
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 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 fal...
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...
In this episode we discuss: -- The influence of magazine reviewers, influencers and audio forums to consumers when buying components. We discuss Jay's business, The Absolute Sound's YouTube Channel and What's Best Forum. -- What role do audiophile consumers play in hiding component problems and helping manufacturers whitewash defective products? We discuss the behind-the-scenes reality of what goes on with hobbyists and manufacturers when components have design defects. -- Is the traditional ...
Welcome to The HiFi Five -- a weekly news and roundtable discussion show about all things high-end audio! Featuring: Jay Caceres - Jay's Audio Lab; pre-owned dealer; audio reviewer Elliot Goldman - Bending Wave USA; high-end audio distributor and retailer Danny Kaey - EMMLabs Advisor Sonic Flare; audio and music reviewer Ron Resnick (moderator) - WhatsBestForum; Clarisys Audio dealer; audio reviewer Our fifth chair will host one-time guests and recurring guests. This show is a can...
Welcome to The HiFi Five -- a weekly news and roundtable discussion show about all things high-end audio! Featuring: Jay Caceres - Jay's Audio Lab; pre-owned dealer; audio reviewer Elliot Goldman - Bending Wave USA; high-end audio distributor and retailer Danny Kaey - EMMLabs Advisor Sonic Flare; audio and music reviewer Ron Resnick (moderator) - WhatsBestForum; Clarisys Audio dealer; audio reviewer Our fifth chair will host one-time guests and recurring guests. This show is a can...
Welcome to The HiFi Five -- a weekly news and roundtable discussion show about all things high-end audio! Featuring: Jay Caceres - Jay's Audio Lab; pre-owned dealer; audio reviewer Elliot Goldman - Bending Wave USA; high-end audio distributor and retailer Danny Kaey - EMMLabs Advisor Sonic Flare; audio and music reviewer Ron Resnick (moderator) - WhatsBestForum; Clarisys Audio dealer; audio reviewer Our fifth chair will host one-time guests and recurring guests. This show i...
Welcome to The HiFi Five -- a weekly news and roundtable discussion show about all things high-end audio! Featuring: Jay Caceres - Jay's Audio Lab; pre-owned dealer; audio reviewer Elliot Goldman - Bending Wave USA; high-end audio distributor and retailer Danny Kaey - EMMLabs Advisor Sonic Flare; audio and music reviewer Ron Resnick (moderator) - WhatsBestForum; Clarisys Audio dealer; audio reviewer Our fifth chair will host one-time guests and recurring guests. This show i...
Welcome to The HiFi Five -- a weekly news and roundtable discussion show about all things high-end audio! Featuring: Jay Caceres - Jay's Audio Lab; pre-owned dealer; audio reviewer Elliot Goldman - Bending Wave USA; high-end audio distributor and retailer Danny Kaey - EMMLabs Advisor Sonic Flare; audio and music reviewer Ron Resnick (moderator) - WhatsBestForum; Clarisys Audio dealer; audio reviewer Our fifth chair will host one-time guests and recurring guests. This show i...
Welcome to the inaugural episode of The HiFi Five -- a weekly news magazine and roundtable discussion show about all things high-end audio! Featuring: Jay Caceres - Jay's Audio Lab; pre-owned dealer, audio reviewer Elliot Goldman - Bending Wave USA; high-end audio distributor and retailer Danny Kaey - Sonic Flare; hi-fi reviewer Ron Resnick (moderator) - WhatsBestForum; Clarisys Audio dealer; audio reviewer Our fifth chair will host one-time guests and recurring guests. Thi...