SoundStage! Audiophile Podcast

When the world was turning away from vinyl, Heinz Lichtenegger saw an opportunity. He founded Pro-Ject Audio Systems at a time when the future of the turntable looked uncertain—and helped build a company that would eventually ride the vinyl revival to worldwide success. This week on the SoundStage! Audiophile Podcast, host Jorden Guth talks with Lichtenegger, owner of Audio Tuning Vertriebs GmbH, about his personal journey into hi-fi, the circumstances that led to Pro-Ject's founding, and how the company navigated the decline and resurgence of vinyl. They also explore why Pro-Ject resists the temptation to load its turntables with unnecessary features, the importance of the physical and tactile experience of listening to music, the challenges of an increasingly competitive analog market, and why Lichtenegger believes a good hi-fi system should be a lifetime investment. Sources: “High End 2026: The White Whale Resurfaces—Heinz Lichtenegger Brings Back Platine Verdier” by Jason Thorpe: https://www.soundstageglobal.com/index.php/shows-events/high-end-2026-vienna-austria/1276-he-2026-the-white-whale-resurfaces-heinz-lichtenegger-brings-back-platine-verdier Pro-Ject Audio Systems Debut Reference 10 turntable and Pick it Pro balanced cartridge by Al Griffin: https://www.soundstageaccess.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/1390-pro-ject-audio-systems-debut-reference-10-turntable-and-pick-it-pro-balanced-cartridge Chapters: 00:00:00 Announcement 00:00:36 Introductions 00:05:42 The features war 00:15:10 Funding a crazy enterprise 00:18:48 A lifetime investment 00:21:51 The analog avalanche 00:26:50 The importance of touch and feel 00:29:05 A more competitive market 00:32:01 The matter of education 00:42:21 Outro music: “SG” by Fryderyk HD

What does the future hold for KEF—and for loudspeaker design in general? This week, host Jorden Guth sits down with Jack Oclee-Brown, KEF’s VP of Technology, at SoundStage!’s 2026 yet-unnamed audio camp, an annual gathering of leading hi-fi designers in Port Cunnington, Ontario, Canada. Their conversation begins with the retreat itself and the profound influence of legendary acoustics researcher Dr. Floyd Toole on KEF’s approach to loudspeaker engineering. From there, they explore KEF’s VECO technology, the importance of a holistic approach to loudspeaker design, and the surprisingly capable new LS Luxe. What makes this speaker so special, and what might it reveal about where KEF—and the wider hi-fi industry—is headed? Sources: KEF’s Jack Oclee-Brown - Tangerine Waveguide: https://www.soundstage.life/e/kef-jack-oclee-brown-the-tangerine-waveguide-blade-loudspeakers-aspirational-hi-fi/ Inside VECO: https://www.soundstage.life/e/inside-veco-kefs-breakthrough-active-speaker-technology/ The Science and Precision Behind KEF's Speaker Production: https://www.soundstage.life/e/the-science-and-precision-behind-kefs-speaker-production/ Chapters: 00:00:00 Announcement 00:00:36 Introduction to the SoundStage! audio camp 00:03:35 All roads lead to Floyd Toole 00:12:51 How’s VECO doing? 00:15:51 A holistic design approach 00:23:26 The delightful, surprising LS Luxe 00:29:59 Outro music: “imok” by Folly Tree

This week, host Jorden Guth is joined by SoundStageXperience.com editor Joseph Taylor and SoundStageAccess.com editor Dennis Burger for a wide-ranging debate about AI-generated music—and what happens when machines can make music without musicians. Is AI music actually art? Does it matter whether a human being created what we’re listening to? Are record companies helping accelerate their own obsolescence? And could the renewed popularity of vinyl, CDs, and other physical media become a form of resistance to a future flooded with synthetic music? Joseph and Dennis approach the subject from very different perspectives, leading to a discussion that ranges from creativity and artistic intent to streaming economics, record conglomerates, science fiction, bots, and the increasingly blurry line between human- and machine-made culture. And somehow, amid all of that, there’s still time to discover just how badly Jorden can pronounce “Angine de Poitrine.” Sources: “Artificial Intelligence and Unintelligent Music” by Joseph Taylor: https://www.soundstagexperience.com/index.php/features-menu/pulse-menu/1213 “Can Kids Save Us from the Existential Threat of AI Music?” by Dennis Burger: https://www.soundstageaccess.com/index.php/feature-articles/1400 Man crashed out #drummer #jokerchallenge #redrumclub: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/98hCBawtI3M “What Makes a Good Reference Recording?” by Dennis Burger: https://www.soundstageaccess.com/index.php/feature-articles/1219 Rationality: From AI to Zombies by Eliezer Yudkowsky: https://www.readthesequences.com/ Chapters: 00:00:00 Announcement 00:00:36 Introductions 00:10:35 Isn’t it ironic? 00:20:22 Rage against the machines 00:29:13 The complicity of record conglomerates 00:34:31 Physical media as rebellion? 00:37:40 I have no mouth and I must scream 00:47:26 Who’s listening? 00:49:34 The bots ain’t trying to get laid 00:52:16 Technological Stockholm Syndrome? 00:59:04 The ghosts are becoming machines 01:04:33 Outro music: "I as a Black Hole" by BΔΔ RΔΔ

This week, host Jorden Guth is joined by SoundStage! Ultra senior editor Jason Thorpe to talk about My Audiophile Neighborhood, his ongoing SoundStage! Global series chronicling what happens when he introduces friends and neighbors to better sound. But the conversation quickly becomes about something bigger: If we want hi-fi to thrive, how do we actually create new enthusiasts? Jorden and Jason discuss why good communication matters, why the hobby’s obsession with constant upgrading can work against it, the realities of the generation gap, and why advocacy has to extend beyond preaching to people who are already converted. Most importantly, they explore why praxis—putting ideas into action—is every bit as important as theory when it comes to bringing new people into hi-fi. Sources: Jason’s blog posts on SoundStage! Global: https://www.soundstageglobal.com/index.php/blogging-on-audio/181-jason-thorpe Chapters: 00:00:00 Announcement 00:00:36 Introduction to Jason’s audiophile neighbors 00:09:35 Wanting something but not knowing what 00:15:09 The importance of Orwell and engaging prose 00:20:04 The compulsion to upgrade is optional 00:25:35 The generation thing 00:30:02 The importance of advocacy 00:36:15 The importance of praxis 00:39:22 The importance of incentive structures 00:43:40 Outro music: "Kumare Brothers" by Dialgo

This week, host Jorden Guth is joined by Michael Johnson, Global Marketing Director for Monitor Audio Group, to discuss the Monitor Audio Experience Centre, creating gateways to audiophilia, and the company’s ten-year roadmap. They also explore whether vinyl represents hi-fi’s past or future, the role active speakers might play at Monitor Audio, and why video games could be an important way to introduce a new generation to better sound. Sources: “Monitor Audio: From Concept 50 to Hyphn and Beyond” on the SoundStage! Audiophile Podcast: https://www.soundstage.life/e/monitor-audio-from-concept-50-to-hyphn-and-beyond-into-hi-fi-making-monitor-audio-speakers-the-response/ Chapters: 00:00:00 Announcement 00:00:36 Introductions 00:02:32 The Experience Centre 00:07:46 Sound and the tech that creates it 00:11:19 Conveying experiences 00:15:25 A gateway to hi-fi? 00:19:44 The ten-year roadmap 00:21:53 Is vinyl the past or the future? 00:28:39 What about active speakers? 00:36:12 Audio for video games 00:41:23 Outro music: “Let the Road Begin” by Ziv Moran

This week, host Jorden Guth is joined by Dominique Lingruen, vice president of sales for Linkplay Technology Inc., parent company of WiiM—a fast-growing hi-fi brand whose expanding lineup includes streamers, amplifiers, wireless speakers, subwoofers, and other products designed for the modern connected audio system. Topics of conversation include Dominique’s personal history in hi-fi, WiiM’s meteoric rise, the importance of personalization, how the company is reaching a younger and more female audience, what happened with AirPlay, and—perhaps most importantly—the best recipe for banana pancakes. Plus, what does WiiM even mean? Jorden finds out. Sources: WiiM Amp Ultra Streaming Integrated Amplifier review by Dennis Burger: https://www.soundstageaccess.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/1358-wiim-amp-ultra-streaming-integrated-amplifier “The WiiM Amp Ultra—What’s Happened to Me?” by Jason Thorpe: https://www.soundstageultra.com/index.php/features-menu/opinion-menu/1297-the-wiim-amp-ultra-whats-happened-to-me Chapters: 00:00:00 Announcement 00:00:36 Introductions 00:03:22 Manifesting Beckham 00:06:23 It’s pronounced “WiiM” 00:08:20 The pieces of the Linkplay puzzle 00:13:56 Taking a big bet 00:18:31 Appealing to different demographics 00:21:28 From hi-fi to home theater 00:24:32 What happened with AirPlay 00:28:30 The future 00:30:47 The headphone hook and the vinyl fad 00:35:39 My-fi? 00:40:14 What would a WiiM AVR look like? 00:41:23 Outro music: “Four Leaf Clover” by Louis Island

Host Jorden Guth welcomes Emotiva founder Dan Laufman back to the podcast for a conversation about where hi-fi is headed. From the retro-inspired Nostala line to the need for high-value, long-lasting audio gear, Laufman explains why making great sound more accessible is essential to the industry's future. Sources: “Dan Laufman on the Value of Emotiva”: https://www.soundstage.life/e/dan-laufman-on-the-value-of-emotiva/ Emotiva BasX TA2+ stereo receiver by Dennis Burger: https://www.soundstageaccess.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/1393-emotiva-basx-ta2-stereo-receiver Chapters: 00:00:00 Announcement 00:00:36 Introductions and the origins of Nostala 00:04:34 Listening to the music or the speakers? 00:07:23 Who is this retro-revival supposed to appeal to? 00:10:14 Retro-inspired electronics, too? 00:12:45 Making sense of model names 00:19:42 These young audiophiles are a different breed 00:23:11 Audio isn’t like other electronics 00:30:13 Education is empowerment 00:33:51 The return of Emofest 00:35:21 The soundtrack to Dan’s life 00:37:39 Outro music: “After 2AM” by Ziggy

Host Jorden Guth is joined by Matt Simmonds, Vice President of Product Development at Lenbrook, for a behind-the-scenes look at how modern hi-fi products come to life. Simmonds discusses his family's history in audio, the origins of Bluesound, the importance of industrial design, and how companies weigh innovation, market trends, and emerging technologies like AI when deciding what products to build next. Sources: "Bluesound's High-Style Pulse Sub+ Subwoofer"—SoundStage! Talks (December 2020): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2-ljBZQ4uE Chapters: 00:00:00 Announcement 00:00:36 Introductions and family traditions 00:06:34 Career-type decisions 00:10:19 Why Bluesound? 00:14:00 Design matters 00:20:53 Avoiding cannibalism 00:27:51 Polishing that crystal ball 00:33:51 AI versus the real world 00:43:04 Outro music: "Brother” by Montessori

This week, we pick up the ball from where the previous episode left off. Host Jorden Guth once again moderates a chat between podcast producer Dennis Burger and guest L. Paul Hales about the future of hi-fi and the place room correction has in that future. Topics include how one defines a good speaker, why kick drums can lose their oomph, why you wouldn’t EQ a piano, and a complete break-down of Paul’s five-point problem with room correction. Sources: “Are JL Audio’s Primacy Speakers the Future of Stereo?”: https://www.soundstage.life/e/are-jl-audio-s-primacy-speakers-the-future-of-stereo/ “JL Audio’s Primacy Active Loudspeaker Systems: Charting a New Course Under Garmin” by Roger Kanno: https://www.soundstageglobal.com/index.php/blogging-on-audio/232-roger-kanno/1266-jl-audios-primacy-active-loudspeaker-systems-charting-a-new-course-under-garmin “Are JL Audio’s Primacy Speakers the Future of Stereo?” (S5:E4): https://youtu.be/xdyxqp9kYvE?si=lZwAeCePVYoVOLl6 “Chest-Pounding Bass, Done Smarter 🔊 Theory’s Renegade Approach to LFE”: https://youtu.be/vtOgOT5hsu0?si=0J9qiAfDGGK-8XHR Chapters: 00:00:00 Announcement 00:00:36 Introductions 00:01:59 What makes a speaker good? 00:07:28 A thought experiment 00:15:54 Get that kick drum out of my ass  00:25:07 Paul’s five-point problem with room correction 00:33:31 The question of burn-in 00:37:23 A band of speakers? 00:38:25 Outro music: "Goosefeet” by Javapysch

This week, host Jorden Guth moderates a conversation between podcast producer Dennis Burger and returning guest L. Paul Hales, founder and chief designer of California-based Pro Audio Technology. Together, they explore the future of hi-fi and the role room correction may play in shaping it. This is the first installment of a two-part discussion. Sources: “Are JL Audio’s Primacy Speakers the Future of Stereo?”: https://www.soundstage.life/e/are-jl-audio-s-primacy-speakers-the-future-of-stereo/ “JL Audio’s Primacy Active Loudspeaker Systems: Charting a New Course Under Garmin” by Roger Kanno: https://www.soundstageglobal.com/index.php/blogging-on-audio/232-roger-kanno/1266-jl-audios-primacy-active-loudspeaker-systems-charting-a-new-course-under-garmin “Are JL Audio’s Primacy Speakers the Future of Stereo?” (S5:E4): https://youtu.be/xdyxqp9kYvE?si=lZwAeCePVYoVOLl6 “Chest-Pounding Bass, Done Smarter 🔊 Theory’s Renegade Approach to LFE”: https://youtu.be/vtOgOT5hsu0?si=0J9qiAfDGGK-8XHR Chapters: 00:00:00 Announcement 00:00:36 Introductions 00:09:59 Can bad rooms benefit from room correction? 00:16:43 Dennis enters the chat 00:23:15 The parable of the piano  00:30:12 Direct vs. reverberant sound 00:36:14 Grimes theory of economic unfairness, but speakers instead of boots 00:40:59 Outro music: "Techné” by Art Against Agony