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The Occasional Podcast

Brian Hunter
High-Fidelity Audio
Audio Equipment
High Fidelity Audio
Hifi Audio
Turntables
Audio Engineering
Hifi
Sound Quality
Speakers
Digital Audio
ZMF Headphones
Devore Fidelity
Turntable Cartridges
Measurements
High-End Audio
Yacht Rock
Quad ESL 57
Music Production
Harman Curve
SVS

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 monthlyEpisodes157Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
TechnologyMusic

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Artwork for The Occasional Podcast

Latest Episodes

A verbal get-together with John Klima of the Post And Beam podcast. In this episode we run down the top 10 best party speakers as recommended by the pt.AUDIO staff. John co-hosts the show and gives us his impressions of the brand new Wharfedale Dento... more

YouTube

An interview with Director Of Engineering of Benchmark Media Systems, John Siau. The brains behind much of Benchmark's gear in recent years can be credited to John. Between pro and consumer DACs, analog to digital converters and a wide array of HiFi ... more

YouTube

Our picks for the top 10 best sounding speakers from 2026. Marc and Brian rundown their favorite loudspeakers from cheapest to most expensive. Fresh back from a run across the country listening to the world's hottest hifi gear, pt.AUDIO's Editor-In-C... more

YouTube

Marc is back from his travels abroad and he returns with all the good news, highlights and best sound from the HIGH END Vienna show. Hosted for the first time at its new location in Austria, HIGH END 2026 found a new home for one of the biggest inter... more

YouTube

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
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Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

John Klima
Co-host and guest on the show, audio reviewer and enthusiast
Episode: Top 10 Best Party Speakers Plus Wharfedale Denton 1S Impressions
John Siau
From Benchmark Media Systems, with focus on amplifier and DAC design
Benchmark Media Systems
Episode: John Siau Of Benchmark Media Systems
Julie Mullins
Journalist, Stereophile Magazine
Stereophile Magazine
Episode: Julie Mullins (Stereophile/Analog Planet)
William Low
Executive/engineer at AudioQuest, guest on this episode
AudioQuest
Episode: William Low From AudioQuest
Steve Guttenberg
The Reviewer, widely published writer and YouTube educator in HiFi
CNET, Stereophile, YouTube channel The Audiophiliac
Episode: Steve Guttenberg And Andrew Jones - Live Recording From AXPONA 2026
Jana Dagdagan
Video producer and HiFi educator known for Jana Loves HiFi
Independent creator (Jana Loves HiFi)
Episode: An Interview With Jana Dagdagan (Jana Loves HiFi/Stereophile)
Frank Doris
Editor of Copper Magazine and audio industry veteran
Copper Magazine
Episode: Frank Doris Of Copper Magazine And The Absolute Sound
Robert Harley
Editor at The Absolute Sound, author and audio journalist
The Absolute Sound
Episode: Robert Harley Of The Absolute Sound Magazine
Lucca Chesky
17-year-old speaker designer, passionate about revitalizing music listening experiences for young audiences.
Episode: An Interview With Teenage Speaker Designer Lucca Chesky and 2025 Product Of The Year Awards!

Host

Marc Phillips
Editor/producer and contributor at PT.Audio and related HiFi media; involved in editorial and live show coverage

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 129 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
    4 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
    4 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 States4 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 States5 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 States5 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Consistently useful for audiophile enthusiasts and potential sponsors.
High praise for guest variety but some criticism of host style in past episodes.
Listeners appreciate the depth on gear and measurements, plus show culture.
Compact, insightful interviews with industry insiders.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#136
South Africa/Technology
Apple Podcasts
#212
Austria/Technology
Apple Podcasts
#234
Indonesia/Technology

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Top 10 Best Party Speakers Plus Wharfedale Denton 1S Impressions
Q: Are cassettes making a comeback, and what did you think about that WE-001 Dark Side of the Moon edition as a test case?
The hosts approach the revival topic with curiosity and nostalgia, acknowledging the portability and tactile appeal of cassettes while questioning fidelity compared to digital formats; they view the cassette edition of the Dark Side of the Moon reissue as an interesting novelty that may interest collectors, but remain skeptical about real audio fidelity versus modern digital formats.
Top 10 Best Party Speakers Plus Wharfedale Denton 1S Impressions
Q: So John, what are your thoughts on the Wharfedale Denton 1S compared to other party-oriented speakers we've discussed?
John emphasizes the Denton 1S's strong detail and the smooth integration of looks and sound, noting its unique rounded-convex cabinet and the back-panel brightness switch as practical features for different room setups, while acknowledging it might not be everyone's preferred aesthetic; overall, he sees it as a compelling two-way option with strong midrange clarity and a nuanced bass response when not overwhelmed by subwoofers.
John Siau Of Benchmark Media Systems
Q: What are the top points you think are hot-button issues in audio right now?
There's no consistent correlation between price and performance, and the industry should focus more on design philosophy, room interaction, and practical headroom rather than chasing the most expensive gear.
HIGH END Vienna 2026 - HiFi Highlights and Best Of Show
Q: What stood out as the best-sounding rooms of the show?
Marc highlighted NUAS with the Nazare stack as the standout, followed by strong performances from Idian Audio with Broadman and Wilson Benesch with Ypsilon, illustrating how a combination of high-end components and careful room design can create extraordinary sound in Vienna.
Frank Doris Of Copper Magazine And The Absolute Sound
Q: What happened next with your education and career in audio?
I started as a writer for The Absolute Sound after connecting through a friend in high school; I eventually became the technical director and later moved into PR and copper magazine work, driven by a deep love for music and sound.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Interests
Professions
Age Range
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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?

The show centers on high-fidelity listening, gear talk, and interviews with insiders from the audio industry. Discussions repeatedly surface topics like speaker and turntable design, measurements versus listening, the evolution of audio gear, show reporting from live events, and the changing media landscape around hi-fi journalism. It's notable for a guest roster that blends seasoned designers, journalists, and industry veterans with occasional younger voices pushing for broader accessibility. The format leans into practical gear insights, creative storytelling, and real-world experiences from perceived experts, making it a likely good fit for listeners who want both technical depth and culture surrounding high-end audio. Potential listener... 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 9 years ago and published 157 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. John Klima
2. John Siau
3. Julie Mullins
4. William Low
5. Steve Guttenberg
6. Jana Dagdagan
7. Frank Doris
8. Robert Harley

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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