Lenny Florentine welcomes Bill Low, founder of AudioQuest, to the AXPONA Audio Insider podcast for a deep, thought-provoking conversation about music, emotion, and what truly makes us listen. Far beyond cables and components, Bill shares his philosophy that music is the world’s most popular recreational drug — a force that changes brain chemistry, mood, and human connection. He explains how hi-fi isn’t just about sound accuracy but about emotional immersion, vulnerability, and the ability to lose yourself in the moment. From the golden age of radio to today’s streaming culture, Bill reflects on how generations fall in love with music, why audiophiles chase the frontier of better sound, and how meaningful listening begins with empathy and intent, not specs or status. This one is part philosophy, part hi-fi wisdom, and fully human.

In this episode, Lenny Florentine sits down with Justin Weber, founder of Ampsandsound, to explore the craftsmanship and philosophy behind one of the most respected American tube amplifier companies. From Justin’s early fascination with hi-fi and his journey from hobbyist to builder, to the creation of beautifully hand-wired amplifiers made entirely in Southern California. This conversation digs deep into what makes tube amplifiers so uniquely human and musically engaging. Justin explains why tube gear still matters, what makes the legendary 300B tube so special, and how Ampsandsound designs amplifiers to last for generations with a lifetime transferable warranty. You’ll also learn about the company’s lineup From the approachable Kenzie Integrated for newcomers to tubes, to the massive Red October XLS for serious enthusiasts.

On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny Florentine sits down with Franz Ammann from Gotham Audio. Founded in New York City in 1958 and now based in Switzerland, Gotham Audio has built its reputation on precision, consistency, and signal purity. Franz shares the story behind Gotham’s evolution from distributing Neumann microphones and EMT turntables to manufacturing its own double-shielded cables used in studios and hi-fi systems across the world. He explains the company’s philosophy of maintaining absolute transparency in the audio chain, the science behind their signature shielding technology, and how their long-term partnerships ensure lasting quality. The conversation also includes an exclusive preview of Gotham’s upcoming magnetically shielded cable, a groundbreaking design set to launch at AXPONA 2026. From studio engineering to home listening, this discussion offers rare insight into the craft and integrity behind every Gotham product.

In this episode, Lenny Florentine is joined by Eric Smith from Fidelity Imports to explore one of the most exciting new names in streaming: Matrix Audio. Born from three high school audiophiles with a passion for great sound and great design, Matrix has grown into one of the most complete digital audio manufacturers in the world. They design everything in-house—from the hardware and software to the app and operating system—making their products stand apart from the crowd. We dive deep into the new TS1, a $2,500 all-in-one streamer/DAC/preamp/headphone amp that’s turning heads with its build quality, intuitive UX, and AKM-based design. You’ll also hear about Matrix’s full range of products, from dedicated streaming transports and DACs to their reference separates, and how features like internal SSD storage, CD ripping, ARC support, and even external clock integration make them serious contenders in the audiophile streaming space. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your streamer or exploring Matrix Audio for your hi-fi system, this episode is a must-listen.

A new name in high-end audio has arrived — and it’s anything but ordinary. In this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, host Lenny Florentine sits down once again with Jeff Coats from Harmonia Distribution to introduce Ø Audio, a bold Norwegian loudspeaker brand making its U.S. debut. Founded by Sveinung Mala and Jonathan Cook, Ø Audio blends Scandinavian craftsmanship with raw sonic power, working closely with SEAS to create proprietary driver technology that delivers explosive dynamics and live-performance realism. From the Frigg 02 to the commanding Icon 12 and the flagship Verdande, these speakers aren’t just designed to impress — they’re built to make you feel every note. Hear how this “Business Viking” brand is taking audio shows by storm, why their jump factor is unlike anything else, and what makes them one of the most exciting new names in the audiophile world.

Analog lovers, you’re going to enjoy this one. In this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, host Lenny Florentine sits down with Greg Beron of United Home Audio, the man keeping reel-to-reel tape alive in the modern hi-fi world. Greg shares how he went from being laughed at during the rise of digital audio to becoming one of the most respected builders of audiophile-grade tape decks. He explains why tape remains the most authentic way to hear music recorded on analog masters, how his hand-built machines are engineered for reliability and performance, and what makes the Super Deck one of the most advanced analog sources in existence. You’ll also hear stories from decades of audio shows, learn how master tape copies are produced, and understand why reel-to-reel delivers something that streaming and vinyl can’t — the complete musical picture.

In this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny sits down with Tom and Monica from Cymatix—a father-daughter team bringing groundbreaking speaker design to the hi-fi world. Tom shares his journey from building speakers in Poland over 40 years ago to creating some of the most ambitious compound planar drivers available today. Monica opens up about leaving a corporate career to embrace the healing and transformative power of sound, and together they reveal what makes Cymatix speakers unique: emotional clarity, fatigue-free listening, and fully customizable designs built in-house. From massive 750-pound floorstanders to in-wall speakers that disappear into the room, Cymatix is redefining what’s possible in high-end audio.

On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny Florentine sits down with Chris from Focal and Naim to talk about the evolution of hi-fi, from car audio beginnings to groundbreaking headphone technology and now to the all-new Diva Utopia and Diva Mezza Utopia wireless speakers. These models combine Focal’s decades of loudspeaker innovation with Naim’s legendary amplification, bringing true audiophile performance into a modern, lifestyle-friendly design. From luxury finishes and advanced room correction to the seamless integration of wireless streaming and powerful Class AB amplification, Chris shares how these speakers are changing perceptions of what wireless hi-fi can deliver.

On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny Florentine sits down with Jean-Loup from Devialet to explore how the French company blends cutting-edge technology with bold design. From the breakthrough ADH hybrid amplification and the original Expert amplifiers to the iconic Phantom speakers, Devialet has redefined what high-end audio can look and sound like. We also dive into their latest innovations — the new Astra amplifier and the upcoming Phantom Ultimate series — showcasing upgraded performance, improved DSP, and sleek finishes. If you’re curious about how Devialet continues to push boundaries in hi-fi, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.