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Artwork for The Occasional Podcast

The Occasional Podcast

Brian Hunter
High-Fidelity Audio
Devore Fidelity
Harman Curve
Audio Equipment
Digital Audio
Speakers
Pacific Audiofest
O-Reference
Turntables
Audio Note
Audiophile Myths
Sound Quality
Transducer Variation
SVS
Sourcepoint 888
YG Acoustics Sonya 3.2
Class D Amplifiers
Purist Audio Design
Hifi
Speaker Design

Join us in an audio-centric exploration of high fidelity listening. Gear talk, recommendations, interviews and plenty of interesting insights into high-end and personal audio, manufacturing and the people that make up the pastime. Our discussions primarily focus on music, music production, HiFi, audiophile speakers, headphones, amplifiers, turntables (record players), tubes, CD players, digital st... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes138Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
MusicTechnology

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Artwork for The Occasional Podcast

Latest Episodes

An interview with Peter Ledermann of Soundsmith. Peter has a very long history of research and development in audio. From his time at IBM to amps to turntable cartridges, Peter has long sought to educate and enlighten the twisting technicalities of H... more

This episode is a collection of interviews that help explore the idea of measurements as they relate to high fidelity audio reproduction from an audio product designer's perspective. Some of the most predominant makers of HiFi gear share their though... more

Our recommendations for the top 10 best sounding Turntable Carts from the past 12 months. Marc and Brian run down their best turntable cartridges for record players available to buy today. Released in conjunction with the pt.AUDIO Buyer's Guide Summe... more

Our recommendations for the top 10 best sounding turntables from the past 12 months. Marc and Brian run down their best turntable picks from 2025. Released in conjunction with the pt.AUDIO Summer Buyer's Guide. You can check out all the "best of" gea... more

Key Facts

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Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Peter Ledermann
A recognized figure in the audio industry and founder of Soundsmith, known for his innovative phonograph cartridges.
Soundsmith
Episode: Is Analog Better Than Digital? An Interview With Peter Ledermann Of Soundsmith Plus The Status Of HiFi Design In Education
Vince Bruzzese
Founder and designer at Totem Acoustics
Totem Acoustics
Episode: Vince Bruzzese Of Totem Acoustic
Kevin Hayes
Founder of VAC, an audio manufacturer specializing in high-end tube amplifiers
VAC
Episode: KT88 Vs. 300b Tube - Kevin Hayes Of VAC Educates!
Zach Mehrbach
Co-founder of ZMF Headphones
ZMF Headphones
Episode: How To Start A Headphone Company
David Chesky
Co-founder of Chesky Records, musician and audiophile enthusiast
Chesky Records
Episode: David Chesky Of Chesky Records And The Audiophile Society
Drew Baird
Online retailer and audio expert
moonaudio.com, audiohead.com
Episode: The State Of CD, Physical Media And The Tyranny Of Wanting What You Can No Longer Have
Jason Stoddard
Co-founder of Schiit Audio
Schiit Audio
Episode: Jason Stoddard Of Schiit Audio Dives Even Deeper Into 2-Channel - Updates, BTS and New Products
Marc Phillips
Editor-in-chief from PT.Audio PTA Productions
PT.Audio PTA Productions
Episode: Best HiFi Products Of The Year (So Far) Plus! Pacific Audiofest 2024 Highlights And Best Of Show
Dr. Vinyl
Audio enthusiast and expert in turntables
Episode: Don’t Make These Mistakes With Your Turntable! Analog Life Lessions With Dr. Vinyl

Host

Brian Hunter
Produced and hosted by Brian Hunter, who is experienced in discussing high-fidelity audio and engaging with both industry professionals and enthusiasts.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 123 ratings
  • I enjoy all the OP podcasts and this is one of the best! An incredible story presented in great detail. This would make a great movie. Nice job!!

    Podcast Addict
    RP99
    3 years ago
  • I enjoy all the OP podcasts and this is one of the best! An incredible story presented in great detail. This would make a great movie. Nice job!!

    Podcast Addict
    5
    RP99
    3 years ago
  • Dave McNair interview deserves 5 stars, by itself

    The October 13, 2021, interview with mastering engineer and Part Time Audiophile writer Dave McNair is the most eye-opening audiophile interview I've heard. To those who heard this interview, the 2022 MoFi revelations would not have been surprising. Despite being a mastering engineer who appreciates vinyl sound, McNair is open about the the compromises inherent to vinyl mastering, from de-essing (contributing to "warm" sound because high frequencies limited) to the RIAA curve. It's an educat... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    DCNYer
    United States3 years ago
  • Great Podcast… topical, varied, expert, revealing

    I’ve listened to several of the podcasts and they’ve all been useful and worthwhile. But the podcast about how records are made gobsmacked me with so much reveal and info I would never have known or suspected. Probably because I’m new to this audiophile shtick. In the first 5 minutes of the pod, I learned that most records are made from digital masters or maybe even not that!😱🤯😤😩🤬 Hold on, you just blew away my preconceived bias pro vinyl and anti digital. That’s harsh, but true! I love it.... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    kshkval
    United States4 years ago
  • Get a new host

    I love listening to hi-fi talk and really enjoy the people that he has interviewed. I just barely can’t stand listening to it because of the host, he sounds like he’s half buzzed and just has some of the stupidest, repetitive questions that get asked in all these interviews. Have some fresh ideas and mix it up a bit.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Sampras270
    United States4 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some criticism exists regarding the host's presentation style, with suggestions for fresh approaches in questioning.
Listeners appreciate the informative and engaging content, especially regarding high-end audio technology and musical insights.
There is a strong desire for more episodes, reflecting an engaged and eager audience.
Overall feedback highlights a blend of technical expertise and entertaining discussions, making it suitable for audio enthusiasts.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#42
Argentina/Technology
Apple Podcasts
#216
Ireland/Technology
Apple Podcasts
#222
Hong Kong/Technology
Apple Podcasts
#242
Chile/Technology

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Is Analog Better Than Digital? An Interview With Peter Ledermann Of Soundsmith Plus The Status Of HiFi Design In Education
Q: Based on your work experience, is there anything that you felt like maybe you did miss out on education-wise?
Peter expresses that traditional college education often falls short of providing practical skills necessary for engineering roles, arguing for mentorship and practical experience instead.
Top 10 Turntable Carts Of 2025 - The Best Cartridges Available For Your Turntable/Record Player
Q: Would you think that there's a reasonable expectation that if you spend X amount on a turntable, it's a good idea to cut a section out of that for the cart?
It's not cut and dried, but generally, it's suggested to buy the best turntable you can afford then any cartridge you can upgrade later.
Top 10 Turntable Carts Of 2025 - The Best Cartridges Available For Your Turntable/Record Player
Q: Is it possible that Moving Magnet cartridges could appear on the top turntables in the world?
Generally speaking, a Moving Coil is going to offer better sound quality. However, there are some really good Moving Magnets out there, and the Ortofon 2M would be a good example of this.
Top 10 Turntables Of 2025
Q: Is there any specific tweak or tip that you think stands out when you're dealing with a lot of these turntables when setting up?
Using a good record clamp or weight can significantly enhance sound quality by reducing vibrations.
Top 10 Turntables Of 2025
Q: Are there any specific features that you look for when you're looking at a really high-end turntable?
Stability and a detachable head shell are crucial features, ensuring ease of use and optimal sound production.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Interests
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Occasional Podcast

What is The Occasional Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focused on high-fidelity audio, the content provides an in-depth exploration of topics around music production, audio equipment, and industry insights. The discussions often feature interviews with industry experts, showcasing the intricacies of high-end audio equipment such as speakers, turntables, headphones, and amplifiers, along with emerging trends in the audio space. Insights into manufacturing processes and the experiences of founding figures in the audio world add a personal touch, making the exploration more relatable and engaging for audiophiles and audio enthusiasts alike. This podcast stands out for its combination of technical knowledge and personal anecdotes, appealing to both seasoned audiophiles and newcomers interested in h... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Occasional Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Occasional Podcast:

1. Darko.Audio podcast
2. SoundStage! Audiophile Podcast
3. Not An Audiophile
4. the ecoustics podcast
5. Audio Unleashed

How many episodes of The Occasional Podcast are there?

The Occasional Podcast launched 8 years ago and published 138 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Occasional Podcast?

Recent guests on The Occasional Podcast include:

1. Peter Ledermann
2. Vince Bruzzese
3. Kevin Hayes
4. Zach Mehrbach
5. David Chesky
6. Drew Baird
7. Jason Stoddard
8. Marc Phillips

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