Strong recommend: The HiFi Podcast with Darren & Duncan


I strongly recommend this podcast; the latest episode is a keeper.

The HiFi Podcast with Darren & Duncan

https://www.thehifipodcast.net/episodes/episode-36-when-to-throw-in-towel-piece-hifi-gear

Here’s why I like it: their tone is conversational, constructive, and friendly. They get deeper in the weeds than most podcasts while always remaining mindful of the various levels of their audience. They’re like great college lecturers who know their stuff but also know they need to reach the first year students.

In the episode referenced above, they touch on a familiar phenomenon but also get into a long and detailed description of what is often necessary to audition a piece of gear, including breaking/burning in cables, units, etc. The speak with a lot of authority and experience. They’re worth listening to.

The HiFi Podcast with Darren & Duncan

"Darren is the designer of many products for Boulder’s PS Audio brand, most recently known for Stereophile’s choice as the 2020 “Analog Component of the Year,” the PS Audio Stellar Phono preamplifier, and the incredibly well-reviewed new Stellar M1200 tube hybrid mono amplifiers.

With a career as an analog and digital circuit designer spanning two countries and several of the most well-known brands, Darren brings much experience to the table. He earned his EE and worked for both Bowers & Wilkins and Classe Audio before coming to Colorado, and also, before turning 30.

Duncan has recorded 150+ bands, has published 450+ articles, columns and blogs and is an experienced DIYer when it comes to audio equipment and speakers. He met Darren when working as the Retail Sales Manager of Boulder’s PS Audio, and the two collaborated on an audiophile recording and concert series called “Invisible Audience,” not to mention the weekly hikes in the mountains. He is a mastering engineer, cable designer and musician, avid fly fisherman, bike polo enthusiast, husband and dad in his “free time.”

But what truly gives him a useful perspective for the podcast is his day job as a testing technician for the world’s largest online re-seller of high end audio, The Music Room. Over years in this role, he has listened to and evaluated thousands of the finest products from all over the industry and throughout high end audio’s extensive history."

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I second your recommendation! Somehow I stumbled on this a few months ago and it quickly became a favorite of mine. The guys have had so many experiences at an early age but their isn’t a touch of arrogance to be found. Rather, there is a comfortable, friendly vibe which makes you feel like you are sitting around with good friends. I hear a few cans being opened from time to time so that probably helps grease the wheels a little, but it’s not cheating, lol.

In addition to the discussions about gear, they make an album recommendation at the end of each show which has yielded some enjoyable (and great sounding) discoveries. Perhaps the best compliment I can give them is this - I’ve had a couple of occasions where I was in a bit of a funk during a commute and put an episode on and shortly was in a better place. Sitting around with friends and hearing some good audio stories will do that. Recommended.
Agreed! Their openness and enthusiasm are real breaths of fresh air. We need more of that kind of energy. 
+1
I’m about halfway through their episodes. Very entertaining and informative. Smart guys without ego. Not a complaint, but from what I’ve heard so far, I wish they’d spend a little more time on vinyl!
I’ve enjoyed this show a great deal, although Duncan tends to interrupt Darren quite a bit which gets annoying after a while.  
What I appreciate is that they combine deep knowledge about the engineering principles behind audio equipment with a curiosity for listening to equipment to explain why it sounds that way.