On this episode of the Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny Florentine sits down with Dave Nauber of T + A to explore his journey from teenage hi‑fi enthusiast to industry leader, and to uncover what makes T + A’s gear so uniquely captivating. Dave shares how a chance summer job working at a local audio shop led him through engineering studies, roles at Madrigal Audio Labs and Classé, and ultimately to spearheading T + A’s North American launch. Along the way you’ll learn about the power of design in hi‑fi, the company’s focus on symmetric directivity for true musicality, and why their new Symphonia streaming integrated amplifier is turning heads with its blend of vintage‑inspired meters, high‑voltage circuitry, and full‑featured digital suite. Tune in to discover why audiophiles around the world are falling in love with T + A’s German‑engineered precision and to get an exclusive look at the gear that’s raising the bar for modern listening.

This week on the Audio Insider Podcast, Steve from 16Wurkz discusses his groundbreaking subwoofer wall-mount system that transforms bass by addressing room acoustics in three dimensions. Steve explains how gravity grip rails and red cedar mounting boards work together to elevate your subwoofer at shoulder height or near the ceiling without harming your walls. You’ll learn the simple tic-tac-toe placement algorithm for an asymmetrical multi-sub setup that delivers deeper, more coherent low frequencies, plus the minimal hardware and easy installation process that make it accessible for any music lover.

Note: Audio quality alert – Due to some recording limitations, the vocal clarity in this episode isn’t up to our usual standard. But trust us—the insights are worth it!

On this episode of the Axpona Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny sits down with EveAnna Manley of Manley Labs, one of the most respected names in high-end American audio. EveAnna shares how she got started in the industry, how her first solo design—the Stingray—helped define the Manley sound, and why building powerful, honest-sounding tube gear in California remains at the heart of what they do. From 100-watt Snappers to 500-watt monoblocks, she explains how Manley delivers serious performance without the inflated price tags seen elsewhere in the market. The conversation also touches on pairing amps with speakers like Klipsch Heritage, navigating global tube supply issues, and why mastering studios became her reference point for sound. EveAnna opens up about her passion for American manufacturing, the team that builds every piece in Chino, and even shares a bit about her life outside audio as a longtime motorcyclist. It’s an inside look at a company that’s built its reputation on performance, integrity, and a whole lot of tubes.

In this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny Florentine is joined by Harley Lovegrove from Pearl Acoustics. Broadcasting from Belgium, Harley shares the fascinating story behind the Model One loudspeaker, a single-driver, crossover-free design built from solid French oak. It’s a minimalist speaker with a massive following, known for its lifelike sound and handcrafted quality. Harley talks about building his first speakers at age nine, his deep roots in classical music, and how Pearl Acoustics became a global company with a focus on purity, simplicity, and sustainability. He also introduces the company’s new amplifier designs, including a tube amp and a class D model that features a unique relax mode for more laid-back listening. We also explore Harley’s YouTube journey, his favorite videos, and his approach to reviewing both gear and music. From Sibelius to Billie Eilish, Harley brings the same passion to everything he does.

What does isolation actually do for your system? In this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny sits down with Dave from IsoAcoustics to break down the science and the emotion behind proper isolation. From speakers to turntables, Dave shares how their new Gaia NEO series unlocks detail, lowers noise floors, and brings out the space in your music like never before. We also talk about why most musicians don’t even own HiFi systems, how pro and home audio markets differ, and why 70+ manufacturers are now building IsoAcoustics products directly into their gear. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, this is the conversation that might change how you listen.

On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny Florentine sits down with Rob Standley, the founder of Playback Distribution—a company that’s rapidly become a driving force behind some of the most talked-about hi-fi brands today. Rob shares how growing up on a ranch in Montana led to a lifelong love of music, a deep dive into audio retail, and eventually launching Playback Distribution. Learn how he built a distribution powerhouse in just two years, representing iconic and rising brands like Esoteric, TEAC, Advanced Paris, PMC, Velodyne, Vienna Acoustics, Java Hi-Fi, Quadraspire, and more. We talk shop about the resurgence of CDs and cassettes, the cult status of Advanced Paris, why customization is the future of hi-fi, and what makes Velodyne’s return so exciting. Rob also gives a sneak peek at new brands in the Playback portfolio and how they’re supporting the next wave of music lovers—without the audiophile price tag. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to bring hi-fi brands to life in the U.S. market, this episode is a must-watch.

On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny Florentine sits down with the OG JZ—not the rapper, but Jay Zidle from DALI Speakers. From his early days cutting speaker wire in Montreal to helping grow one of Denmark’s biggest audio exports, Jay shares his journey into high-end hi-fi. Learn how DALI (Danish Audiophile Loudspeaker Industries) became a global powerhouse with its groundbreaking SMC magnet system and wood fiber cone drivers that offer ultra-low distortion and wide dispersion—technology that even trickles down to their most affordable speakers. We also dive into DALI’s newest RubiKore and EpiKore lines, the flagship Kore, and how their gear performs even in the most challenging listening conditions. Plus, we talk music: Bob Dylan, The Police, Eminem, Bruce Springsteen, and even Bossa Nova Guns N' Roses. If you're into two-channel, CI, or just want to hear what the OG JZ listens to at 2am after a UFC fight—this episode is a must.

On this episode of the Axpona Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny Florentine sits down with David Solomon from Qobuz to talk about why this high-res streaming platform is making serious waves in the audiophile world.

From the origin of its name - yes, it’s based on an ancient instrument played by shamans - to why it’s the only major service that still uses human-curated playlists instead of AI. David shares stories from the road, talks about healing from a rotator cuff injury, and breaks down how Qobuz became the first to publish what it pays artists per stream—spoiler alert: it’s about four times higher than anyone else.

We also dive into how Qobuz helps you discover new music, why owning your music still matters, and how even a phone and a simple DAC can open the door to better sound. Whether you’re streaming on a $150 entry-level unit or a six-figure reference rig, this episode is packed with insights on where streaming is headed and why Qobuz might just be the upgrade you didn’t know you needed.

On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny sits down with Peter Comeau, the legendary designer behind iconic speakers from Mission, Wharfedale, Leak, and more. With over 45 years in the industry, Peter shares his journey from hi-fi retail on London’s Tottenham Court Road to shaping the sound of generations of loudspeakers. They dive deep into the stories behind the Linton, Super Linton, Dovedale, and Mission 770—exploring how vintage inspiration meets modern design. Peter explains what makes each brand’s sound unique, how listener preferences shape his approach, and why the emotional connection to music drives every product he designs. Whether you're a longtime audiophile or just discovering heritage hi-fi, this conversation is packed with insights, history, and passion for great sound.

Andrew Jones joins us on the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast for a deep dive into his legendary career in speaker design—from his early days at KEF to the debut of the all-new SourcePoint V10. We talk about his obsession with concentric drivers, the evolution from the 888 to the V10, and the emotional power of music that makes him—and his listeners—tear up during demos. He shares never-heard stories about working with Richard Small, his time at Infinity and TAD, and what drives him to keep pushing the limits of loudspeaker engineering. If you're into hi-fi, this is one you don't want to miss.