This week's topic comes straight from a listener question, asking about the mechanics of listening. And specifically, how hosts Darren and Duncan go about comparing equipment and cables. Is it a quick, or a slow process? What are our checklists? Tune in to find out.

On the show, the guys talk a lot about tweaks, subtle differences, the brilliance of power cables and some of the more "snake-oily" parts of the hobby (according to some people). But even for two guys grounded in science yet open to possibilities, some parts of the audiophile hobby are a little too out there. In this episode, the guys look at some interesting approaches that fall into this category for them.

NOTE: It's come to our attention that our uploading service initially uploaded only a partial file. Subsequently, 9 minutes of the end of this podcast was cut off of the first upload. Because of the way apps cache data, if you started the podcast on an app like Apple Podcasts, you'll need to visit a web-based podcast player to hear end of the show. Head to the 'Episodes' page of our website to find the web players, or click the alternate episode link below.

In this episode, the hosts look back on the last year of podcasts, as this week's marks a year of recording for Darren and Duncan. Listen on to find out why this isn't the 53rd episode, and hear about how the idea for this show came about. From inventing new circuits while hiking in the woods to red lights and ribbon mics in the back yard, it's been an exhilarating and rewarding journey.

We talk a lot about where to be -- where to place your listening chair or couch and how that relates to the speakers and the room. But when was the last time you took time to focus on those first couple of feet around you? In this episode, hosts Darren and Duncan talk about how the makeup of that sweet spot zone can have a profound effect on how you hear.

In this episode of The Hifi Podcast, hosts Darren and Duncan discuss their favorites -- favorite big speakers, favorite low efficiency tube amps, favorite DACs, etc. It's a look back for each as they describe what constitutes the top of their audiophile experiences, and though each choice may be tough, these intrepid lads find a way to get it done. Also, this week's album is a stunning recording, and you don't want to miss it.

The design & dimensions of a listening room can make or break a good audiophile setup. Sure, careful positioning and months of inching speakers can create gold from coal, but when a listening room has "it" going on, buckle in and hang on for the ride. In this Hifi Podcast, Darren and Duncan talk about the deciding factors when picking a room, whether in Texas or Tokyo.

There's a lot of speculation in the hifi audio world, and a lot of hearsay. A lot of, "Well he said this sounded great" and "Oh, I wouldn't. It didn't work out for him," type of thing. In a world where it's hard to know what's what, Darren and Duncan offer a reliable trick to help you know whether you're on the right track regarding hifi stereo setup or system changes. This week's album is yet another timeless string legend bringing yet another new joint.

New products and fresh ideas are lots of fun, but the used hifi audio market is absolutely thriving these days. There's just so much to explore from years past, and so many interesting approaches and designs to check out, there seem to be more reasons than ever to buy used. But hang on a second. Hifi gear has some of the oddest materials and weight distribution, making the delicate bits much more prone to damage in the mail. In this episode, Darren and Duncan talk about used audio shipping nightmares, and how to avoid them.

As audiophiles, we are a varied bunch. Some guys like thunderous bass, some like shimmering treble and detail, some like a thick midrange and some like a scoop. Yes, we're all fond of fidelity, which takes much of that subjectivity out of the mix, but make no mistake - we clearly have our preferences. In this episode of The Hifi Podcast, hosts Darren and Duncan explain what they like in a hifi presentation, and what elements or factors in the system help create or prevent it.