Crutchfield: The Podcast

Why we started a podcast

At Crutchfield, we have access to tens of thousands of products designed to enhance music, movies, and more. Plus, popular brands like Sonos, Klipsch, and Kicker regularly visit our headquarters to update us on essential information about their latest gear.

So, with all that knowledge and hands-on experience, we're constantly looking for new ways to share what we've learned with our customers. Join hosts J.R. and Eric as they do what we all do here at Crutchfield: chat about the gear that makes life fun. If you're contemplating a big A/V purchase but don't know where to start, check out what our experts have to say.

Podcast Ep 75: First look: Sony's new True RGB TVs

We are so excited to finally be able to talk about Sony's new True RGB TVs, the Bravia 7 Mark II and Bravia 9 Mark II. JR and Huffy have had both TVs set up in the studio, and they've been sitting on their reactions ever since. The big news: Sony's True RGB backlight technology puts individual red, green, and blue diodes inside each LED. The difference in color accuracy, contrast, and light control compared to traditional LCD TVs is genuinely hard to overstate. JR and Huffy put these TVs through a gauntlet: live sports, Top Gun Maverick on 4K Blu-ray, Encanto, Game of Thrones, YouTube torture tests, and Tiny World on Apple TV+ — and came away impressed across the board.

JR and Huffy also break down the key differences between the two models (spoiler: more backlights, anti-glare screen, up to 115 inches) and share thoughts on the pedestal design, the surprisingly capable built-in speakers, and why Sony's processor is still the thing that quietly makes everything work. If you've been waiting to upgrade your TV — especially if your room gets a lot of natural light — this episode is worth a listen before you buy. Everything discussed, including links and photos, lives at crutchfield.com/podcast.

• Sony True RGB TVs
• Sony RGB at Crutchfield | Find the Right Gear for You

Read episode transcript

New Stinger MFDs are not just for Jeeps with Matt Palumbo, plus AudioControl's new EPICENTER bass restorers and EPIC Series products

Matt Palumbo from Stinger and AudioControl returns to the studio fresh off a vendor training with Crutchfield's sales advisors — and he brought a lot of new stuff to talk about. JR and Huffy get the full update on the Stinger HORIZON12 multifunction displays (MFD), including new direct-fit kits for GM trucks (2014–2018 and 2019+) that bring the same clean, factory-look integration that made Jeep owners love these units. Matt also discusses the new EPICENTER PRO and EPICENTER Micro PRO from AudioControl— same beloved bass-restoration tech, now with user-friendly controls on top and some fun new flexibility for the more adventurous installer.

From there, the guys dig into AudioControl's brand-new EPIC Series amps, speakers, and subwoofers built to pair perfectly with the EPICENTER experience. The EPICX subwoofers in particular got a serious workout during development — including a nightly drive-home stress test the manufacturer may or may not have survived — and the results speak for themselves. Plus, the loaded EPICX V-Series enclosures feature a surprisingly clever customizable panel that Matt actually wrapped in his hotel room the night before we recorded. Enjoy the episode.

• Stinger at Crutchfield | Find the Right Gear for You
• AudioControl: Car audio equalizers, crossovers, and sound processors - Crutchfield
• Crutchfield: The Podcast

Read episode transcript

How to get the most out of your home speakers: Placement, acoustics, and pro tips

JR and Huffy are joined by Mulligan — Crutchfield advisor, AV design specialist, and all-around full-service operation — to talk about all the inexpensive (and sometimes free) things you can do to make your home speakers sound as good as they possibly can. The conversation covers where to put your speakers and why pulling them off the wall matters more than you might think, how to treat your room's acoustics without going overboard, why you should decouple your speakers from the floor, and how to use your receiver's room calibration to take the room itself out of the equation.

Mulligan also brings a few bonus tips, including one surprisingly simple digital trick that costs absolutely nothing and can immediately improve your sound quality — no new gear required. Whether you've got a modest bookshelf setup or a serious multi-room system, this episode gives you practical, real-world ways to get more out of speakers you already own. Got questions? Reach the team at [email protected]

• Acoustic Panels & Treatments | Crutchfield

• Vibration Isolators | Crutchfield

Read episode transcript

How to get the most out of your new car speakers: Baffles, sound deadening, and installation tips

You bought new car speakers — now what? JR and Huffy welcome Peter, a Crutchfield merchandising veteran and former sales trainer, to talk about getting your speakers to live up to their potential. The guys tackle one of car audio's most misunderstood products — speaker baffles — and set the record straight on what they actually do, when you need them, and when you might want to grab a knife to make a small modification.

From there, it's on to Fast Rings, sound deadening (Dynamat, Hushmat, SoundSkins — a little goes a long way), and installation tips that apply whether you're swapping a blown factory speaker or building a serious upgrade.

Think of it as all the stuff nobody tells you the first time you tackle a car speaker install — but absolutely should. Got questions about baffles, sound deadening, or anything car speaker related? Email the team at [email protected]. And if you want to get ahead of next month's episode — all about making your?home?speakers sound their best — send those questions in too.

Read episode transcript

Ultra-Short Throw Projector vs. TV: Which Big-Screen Experience is Right for You?

JR and Huffy go head-to-head in a debate to answer one of the biggest questions in home entertainment: should you buy an ultra-short throw projector or a large TV? Spoiler alert: there's no loser here, only the right choice for your room, your budget, and how big you want to go.

They examine the 98-to-120-inch sweet spot where these two technologies collide, covering everything from installation complexity and sound system placement to screen selection, ambient light performance, and real-world 4K considerations. JR brings the customer reviews; Huffy brings the firsthand experience. Together they'll help you figure out which big-screen setup belongs in your living room.

Want more info to help you decide between a projector and a TV? Check out our How to choose a home theater projector article.

TVs 80” and up

Ultra Short Throw Projectors

Screens for UST projectors

Read episode transcript

The Best of CES 2026: Micro RGB TVs, Dolby Atmos in the car, new Klipsch and SVS, and more

JR and Huffy may not have been in Las Vegas for CES 2026, but that isn’t going to stop them from talking about all the new gear from many Crutchfield brands. We discuss Samsung's Micro RGB televisions, LG’s newest OLED screens, wireless TVs, Klipsch Reference Signature home theater speakers, and new powered speakers. SVS debuts a soundbar that’s sure to be loud and proud, and Samsung takes Q-symphony to the next level with their Music Studio 5 and 7 speakers.

In the world of car audio, Pioneer makes a splash with their new Sphera 10.1" floating touchscreen stereo with Dolby Atmos® that’s sure to enliven your commute. All this, plus much more in our January podcast episode. Please keep in mind, we are talking about products that may or may not get released in 2026; we don’t have any of this confirmed for availability or pricing at the time of this recording.

• Pioneer SPHERA | Spatial Audio for All
• Samsung's Serious Studio 5 & 7 Speakers. Listen UP!
• Klipsch Goes All In with Next Gen of Powered Speakers at CES 2026 | Klipsch
• LG OLED evo W6: 9mm Wallpaper TV with True Wireless Tech | LG USA

Read episode transcript

You asked and we answered. Plus: Happy New Year!

JR and Huffy wrap up 2025 and the fifth season of Crutchfield: The Podcast by taking questions from our fans and providing helpful answers. Things vary from simple compliments to deep inquiries about the quality of vintage home audio gear in comparison to newer products. One savvy fan asked about a new Pioneer retro-style car stereo that’s only available in Europe (for now).

As one final gift to our listeners, JR, Zak, and Ned read and responded to some of the comments left by viewers of our YouTube channel. The comments were very observant, creative, and mostly respectful. Think Mean Tweets, but nicer!

Links to products discussed in this episode:

• The Pioneer SXT-C10PS, currently only available in Europe (Pioneer's EU site)
• Onkyo Home Theater Receivers (Crutchfield.com)
• Analog only Integrated Amps (Crutchfield.com)

Read episode transcript

Crutchfield recommends: A holiday gift guide for the electronics fans on your wish list

This week Huffy and JR take turns sharing some amazing gift ideas available at Crutchfield. Car stereos, subwoofers, cameras, record players, and some surprise picks! And remember: if you're buying something for yourself, we won't know the difference.

Note: pricing and availability are subject to change. We’d love to answer your questions in our December episode; please email [email protected] with any queries about consumer electronics gear. If you don’t make it in time for our December recording, maybe we’ll address your question in a subsequent episode. Either way, we’d love to hear from you!

As promised, here are links to all the gift ideas we shared in this episode:

• Belkin Stage PowerGrip Camera grip
• Belkin UltraCharge Qi2-compatible, 3-in-1 foldable magnetic charger
• LG OLED65C5PUA (65") OLED evo AI C5 Smart 4K TV
• Sony BRAVIA 7 (65") Smart Mini LED 4K UHD TV with HDR
• Squier Sonic® Stratocaster® Pack
• SVS 3000 Micro Ultra-compact powered subwoofer
• Alpine prismalink subwoofers
• Sennheiser HDB 630 Over-ear wireless Bluetooth® noise-canceling headphones
• Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A digital camera
• Sony Alpha ZV-E10 OSS II Zoom Lens Kit mirrorless camera kit
• DJI mic 3
• DJI RS 4 MINI
• JVC KW-M590BT Digital multimedia receiver
• Keep Car Alarm Connected video security - mounts in cupholder
• Soundburger Portable Record Player
• JBL Grip Waterproof portable Bluetooth® speaker with ambient light
• Kala Red Light Face Mask

Read episode transcript

Fender guitars, basses, amps, and more - now at Crutchfield

Fender, the iconic brand of guitars, basses, and amps, is now available at Crutchfield. To celebrate this momentous occasion JR and Huffy (not guitar players) invite some of Crutchfield’s most experienced guitarists to talk about the instruments they love so much. Ned and Charlie have been very busy writing about all the new Fender products but were able to take some time away from their keyboards to join JR and chat Fender gear.

Cory and Rodell then take to the mic to discuss how Fender and Crutchfield are working together to provide the legendary Crutchfield experience for anybody looking for Fender gear. What type of training are we doing? Do we have special Advisors to help our Fender shoppers? What are we carrying and how do we support it all? All those questions (and more) are answered in this episode of Crutchfield The Podcast.

Shop Fender at Crutchfield

Read episode transcript

Our favorite podcasts, YouTube channels, and websites

JR and Huffy share the online resources they use to stay up to date on the latest in audio, video, sound, car stereo installation, and more. The Crutchfield website is a great place to educate yourself about the gear so you can shop intelligently for TVs, home theater, car stereo, speakers, amps, subs, cameras, drones, and more!

We use these resources to do our jobs more effectively at Crutchfield, and we're happy to share some favorites with our listeners. There are plenty of other great resources out there — hopefully this episode will help you start your next project or make your next gear purchase.

Here's a list of the resources we covered in this month's episode:

• www.rtings.com
• www.20k.org
• cheapaudioman - YouTube
• Car Audio Fabrication - Custom Techniques , Video Tutorials Car Audio
• Andrew Robinson Reviews
• Digital Trends - YouTube
• CalebRated - YouTube

Read episode transcript

Top TV picks for 2025 with Emily S.

Emily, a Crutchfield editor and one of our TV writers, joins JR and Huffy to talk about her picks for the top TVs for 2025. She explains the reasoning behind her picks and provides some updates that weren’t in the original article.

If you are interested in televisions or are just wondering which one might be best for your TV watching situation, this episode is a must-listen! You can also check out the Best TVs for 2025 article that we used as the basis for this discussion.

Shop TVs

Read episode transcript

Jeep and other vehicle-specific infotainment solutions from Stinger with Matt Palumbo

JR and Huffy/Eric invite Matt Palumbo to discuss the new Stinger HORIZON10 10" floating-screen infotainment center, along with where car stereo is headed. The HORIZON10 is a feature-packed digital multimedia receiver that integrates capably with Jeeps and other vehicles. It also plays well with AudioControl DSP devices and other peripherals. It’s another example of the future of car stereo. If you have a Jeep, you need to hear this!

In this episode we discuss the Stinger HORIZON10 as well as AudioControl DSPs. You’ll definitely want to enter your car in to the website to see if we have any vehicle-specific solutions for you.

Read episode transcript

The future of car stereo is now: Direct Replacement from JVC/Kenwood and ADS

Factory car stereos have become so much harder to replace in the last few years. The radio in the dash is so integrated with the vehicle systems and features that it can be almost impossible to replace. Now, JVC/Kenwood have teamed up with ADS (the makers of the iDatalink Maestro OEM interface), and the result is Direct Replacement. Finally, we can offer radio replacement solutions for millions of cars that were previously difficult or impossible to upgrade.

In this episode JR and Huffy (aka Eric) interview Kelvin Riviera from JVC/Kenwood to discuss how this all came about, get into some specifics about Direct Replacement, and have some fun talking about the future of car stereo. If you want to see the Kenwood Direct Replacement stereos, here’s our YouTube video. To find out if there’s a Direct Replacement option for your car, enter your vehicle and then go to Direct Replacement

Read episode transcript

Tom Cruise says we need to go to the theater, is he right?

In this special bonus episode Eric and JR explore the question, “Do you need to go to the theater to enjoy movies, or can they be just as good on a home theater?” To get to the bottom of this, the guys brought in some experts and did some of their own research. First they talked with Bryan Loy from Alamo Drafthouse Cinema about why people go to movies, especially at his theaters, as well as how he watches movies.

Then Eric brings his 10-year-old son Porter into the studio to share his thoughts on movies, Dolby Atmos, Minecraft, books, WWII, and more. Porter also schools JR on the lingo the kids are using these days. He’s got plenty of rizz, that’s for sure.

Eric and JR go see a movie!

Thinking about making your home theater feel more like a movie theater? Here are some articles you might find helpful:

• TV Buying Guide
• How to choose a home theater projector
• Home theater receivers: The complete beginner's guide
• Intro to home theater speakers
• Small home theater ideas
• Best Dolby Atmos sound bars for 2025

Read episode transcript

Mother's Day Special - Mom installs her own car speakers

JR’s mother is pretty cool. So cool that she recently bought new speakers and installed them in her 2008 Ford Escape. JR interviewed her after she finished the installation to see how it went, and to show the world how much he loves his mom.

If you are considering your own car audio installation, we are here to help. We offer plenty of insightful articles to get you going, tons of information on the products, expert Advisors for assistance in finding the right products, tech support for your new gear, and 60 days to make sure you love it.

• Car stereo buying guide
• Car speakers buying guide
• Car subwoofer buying guide
• Car amplifier buying guide

Read episode transcript

What can be done to improve the stereo in electric vehicles and hybrids?

JR and Eric invite Tech Support Supervisor Cris Baker into the new podcast studio at Crutchfield HQ to discuss the latest developments in EVs and hybrids and what can be done to improve their sound systems. We know a lot more about these vehicles today than we did just a few years ago, as Cris explains. Cris is also working hard to fill in the information gaps so we can be even smarter about how you can put a new system in your EV or hybrid more safely.

The guys also have some fun talking about their favorite EVs and which ones they would take home today, if money were no object. There are also some new EVs on the horizon that have piqued our interest. Alpine has developed some impressive systems specifically for Tesla Model 3 and Model Y cars, and even made a thorough installation video so you can see what’s involved before you buy. We are pretty excited about the future of audio in EVs, and you’ll know why as you listen to this episode.

Additionally, Cris and JR answer pertinent questions from the owner of a 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E about adding a powered subwoofer to his system.

We have custom audio packages for more than just Teslas, Go here, enter your car in to the site and see what we have for your ride: Custom-fit Audio Packages at Crutchfield

Check out Alpine’s Tesla installation video here.

Read episode transcript

How do we know what fits your car? Crutchfield's Vehicle Research Team

We’ve been researching cars since the early days of Crutchfield. It’s how we know what stereos, speakers, amps, subs, and more fit your vehicle. How do we do it? Who takes apart dashes and measures speaker locations? Where do we get the cars? And maybe most importantly: How can you help? This episode is a deep dive into the world of Crutchfield Vehicle Research.

As you listen to this episode, you can play along as JR quizzes his co-host Eric about all things Vehicle Research. The answers can be found in these articles:

• The history of Crutchfield's car audio DIY support
• Who was the Crutchfield Installation Doctor?
• The Crutchfield Vehicle Research Team
• Research your car the Crutchfield way

Read episode transcript

Stories from Crutchfield Tech Support

Bill Crutchfield opened our tech support department in 1979; before that, Bill was the tech support department. Now it’s a group of around 70 people helping our customer get their shiny new toys up and running. J.R. asked our technicians if they had any interesting stories from their experiences working with customers, and it turns out they do!

This episode features several of our techs sharing their stories. And along the way we find out about them as people, what makes them tick, what the enjoy most about helping our customers. It’s a fascinating look into the world of tech support done right.

And remember you get free tech support for life with every Crutchfield purchase.

Tech Support - Crutchfield - Audio, video, and more. Since 1974.

What you need to know about HDMI ARC and eARC (crutchfield.com)

Revive the Drive

Read episode transcript

Season 5 premiere! The guys answer your questions

We put out a call for questions on Facebook and Instagram: Things you, our fans, would like us to discuss on the podcast. You gave us plenty to talk about, and talk about it we did! We couldn't think of a better way to start our fifth season of the show than interacting with our listeners. We discuss tweeter styles, amplifier power, and how to replace the radio in Chevy Suburbans.

Also: Valentine's Day is coming up, so we thought of some Valentine's Day gift ideas for your sweetie that might be better than traditional chocolates and flowers. Give the gifts of energy, music, and togetherness instead.

• mophie phone chargers: mophie at Crutchfield
• Sony WH-1000XM5 (Black) Over-ear Bluetooth® wireless noise-canceling headphones at Crutchfield
• Apple AirPods: Bluetooth Headphones: Wireless, Noise-Canceling & more - Crutchfield.com

Read episode transcript

How to make your TV sound great part 4: Headphones

We get a lot of people interested in using headphones with their TV. Some want to listen on just headphones, while others need the headphones to work at the same time as the TV sound is on for others. In this episode we dive in to how to use headphones with your TV the way that works for your household. This is also our season 4 finale, and we brought in a special guest. Eric and J.R. welcome Mullins, one of our excellent Training Managers, to the show.

If you want more info, check out our top recommendations for TV headphones or begin with our headphone buying guide. Our headphone glossary will help you understand all the headphone-specific terminology, so you can shop smarter.

All wireless headphones

Read episode transcript

How to make your TV sound great part 3: Home Theater

We are excited to be talking about home theater in this third episode of our four-part series on TV sound. J.R. and Eric dive into the speakers needed for surround sound and the home theater receivers that power those speakers. If you are considering whether home theater is the thing for you, this episode should give you the guidance you need.

If you want more, check out our beginner’s guide to home theater receivers and our introduction to home theater speakers. For info on where to place your speakers, our article on speaker placement for home theater has you covered.

Home theater receivers

Home speakers

Read episode transcript

How to make your TV sound great part 2: Powered Stereo Speakers

In part two of this four-part series on TV sound solutions, J.R. and Eric dive deep on the idea of just using a stereo, 2-channel speaker set up to enhance your TV's sound. This can be done with powered stereo speakers, or with passive speakers and a receiver. The guys go in to the connections needed to make this work. Are you more in to music, but also want your TV to sound bigger and better than the TV's built-in speakers? This is the episode for you.

If this episode is of interest to you, here's some articles you might find helpful in your stereo system journey. This article explains the finer points of stereo speaker placement. And we put together a list of our favorite powered stereo speakers with full explanations as to why we love them.

You'll find all our powered stereo speakers that are ideal for use with a TV right here: Powered Stereo Speakers at Crutchfield

Read episode transcript

How to make your TV sound great: Everything you need to know about sound bars

J.R. and Eric dive into the world of TV sound. In this first episode of a four-part series, the guys focus on the easiest and most popular way of making your TV sound awesome, sound bars. They talk about the various types of sound bars, how to hook them up properly, and help you determine which soundbar is right for you.

In addition to this podcast, we have several helpful articles to make picking out a sound bar as easy as you pleasey. Check out our sound bar buying guide, And if you are looking to do surround sound from just a sound bar, our best Dolby Atmos sound bars article is a good read, and lastly, if you want to know more about how to connect and set up your sound bar, we’ve got you covered.

Read episode transcript

How to choose the best car amp: Our expert tips on adding power to your system

It has arrived — the final episode of our series on how to build the perfect car audio system. Hosts J.R. and Eric have a powerful conversation about amplifiers, shedding light on industry jargon and offering shopping tips to find the best amp for your system. Choosing the right amp for your car stereo system can be crucial to achieving optimal sound quality and listening enjoyment.

Your hosts explain the role amplifiers play in enhancing sound quality, increasing volume, and providing headroom. They discuss different types of amplifiers as well as the role of channels and RMS power.

Need more details on the topics discussed? Check out our helpful car amplifier buying guide. And if you'd like to see if there's a vehicle-specific solution that helps your next amp installation go a little smoother, be sure to enter your vehicle information here.

Read episode transcript

How to choose the best subwoofer: Our expert tips for adding serious bass

J.R. and Eric are all about bass in Part 3 of our series on how to build the perfect car audio system. Throw out your preconceived notions of subwoofers! You don't need to crave window-rattling bass to benefit from a sub. Your hosts outline every type of solution and promise that even if you're into subtlety, there's a sub for you.

Find out more about all-in-one solutions, matching subs and amps, and choosing the perfect sub size. After you listen to the episode, essential reading includes our subwoofer wiring guide, buying guide, and instructions on how to build your own enclosure.

Read episode transcript

How to choose the best car speakers: Our expert tips for improving your sound

J.R. and Eric return for Part 2 of our series on how to build the perfect car audio system for your needs.

Once again, your hosts explain the jargon and answer essential questions like, "What is RMS wattage?" and "Do I need to think about 'sensitivity'?" Find out more about speaker sizes, the importance of speaker materials, and all the good reasons to upgrade the factory speakers in your older vehicle.

Ready to find out which speakers fit your vehicle? Start with our vehicle selector tool.

And for a recap of everything in this episode, check out our car speakers buying guide.

Read episode transcript

How to choose the best car stereo: Our expert tips for the perfect fit

Hosts J.R. and Eric kick off Season 4 with a nod to our 50th anniversary and an introduction to the show's new format. This episode kicks off our four-part series all about car audio and how to choose the right gear for you and your vehicle.

Your hosts dive into the car stereo category to explain the jargon, a little of the history, the main types of radios, and lots of favorite features. If you're unafraid of a little DIY and looking to refresh your audio experience in the car, add some safety features, or finally step up to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, this is the perfect listen. Plus, J.R. and Eric explain why integration gear is essential to getting the most from your new stereo.

Ready to find out what fits your vehicle? Start with our vehicle selector tool.

And for a recap of everything in this episode, check out our car stereo buying guide.

Read episode transcript

The art of the home theater demo

Cohosts J.R. and Eric are joined by Crutchfield's in-house A/V demo expert, Dave. The trio talk about what makes a great demo as well as their favorite (and least favorite) demos that they've experienced during their time at Crutchfield. Then, J.R. reveals results from a company-wide poll of Crutchfield employees' favorite scenes to throw on and put their home theater system to the test.

Tune in to hear if any of your favorite scenes are included in the conversation. If they aren't, be sure to let us know in the comments below.

Looking for some great music to test an audio system? Check out our Spotify profile! And if you want to get a sense of what new speakers can do before you buy them, try out our SpeakerCompare tool.

Read episode transcript

Andrew Jones & MoFi Electronics

Acclaimed speaker designer Andrew Jones returns to the podcast... er, Crutchfield LIVE... to discuss his latest creation, MoFi's SourcePoint 10 bookshelf speakers. He discusses an assortment of topics with J.R., from his decision to join MoFi's team to his thinking behind his newest design to his feelings on car audio. It's a casual and always entertaining conversation. And if video is your preference, check out the interview on our YouTube channel.

Read episode transcript

Norm answers customer questions

When we talk about Legendary Service at Crutchfield, Norm is always top of mind. In this audio version of our live-streamed show, Crutchfield Live, which you can watch on YouTube and Facebook, J.R. chats with Norm about his history as an A/V installer, his expertise, and what he does at Crutchfield these days. Plus, the duo answer customer questions about all kinds of gear.

Read episode transcript

Legendary mixing engineer Manny Marroquin

Our headphone guy Jeff got the rare opportunity to chat with Grammy award-winning mixing engineer Manny Marroquin. A veteran of the music industry for over 30 years, Manny has worked with the best artists in the business, including Alicia Keys, Ed Sheeran, Rihanna, and Kendrick Lamar. Check out his full Spotify playlist here.

Jeff talks with him about his history in the business, his studio (shown above), his groundbreaking restaurant and live venue, and his recent work with Audeze designing the Audeze MM-500 open-back planar magnetic studio headphones.

Before, after, and at spots in between the interview, J.R., Eric, and Jeff provide the "Crutchfield take" on Manny's philosophy and work. Before all is said and done, J.R. breaks out the new Audeze MM-500 headphones for Eric and J.R. to try out for themselves!

Read episode transcript

Charlie and his ever-expanding home audio system

J.R. and Eric are back for Season 3! This time, J.R. interviews Crutchfield legend, Charlie Pastorfield, who helps craft our online experience for mobile electronics shoppers. Charlie is also a well-respected musician with decades of experience in the music industry. He chats with J.R. about writing songs during the pandemic, his gear-buying addiction, and the philosophy behind his enviable home audio system.

Meanwhile, Eric grapples with his feelings about Steely Dan, and they guys discuss big questions like, "What makes an audiophile?" and "Does quality speaker wire really matter?" If you're into high-fidelity audio, this is an episode you won't want to skip.

Some of the gear discussed includes:

• Polk floor-standing speakers
• Elac amplifiers and speakers
• NAD amplifiers
• McIntosh amplifiers and more
• Panasonic DP-UB9000P1K 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player

You can see some Charlie talks about in his home studio, including his Linn Sondek turntable and his guitar collection, in this video.

Read episode transcript

J.R. and Eric answer popular customer questions

It's the end of Season 2, and what better way to celebrate than by answering real questions from real customers. J.R. and Eric cover a range of topics from car and home audio to vehicle warranties to whether you should buy or rent a modem.

Here's a full episode breakdown:

• Why do your holiday shopping now?
• What's a good way to compare speakers when shopping online?
• Will buying a router improve home internet speed?
• What's the best way to build a home audio system around one component you love?
• What's the best way to wire a sub (for your home and your vehicle)?
• Can you add a new stereo to a '17 Wrangler Unlimited on a budget?
• What should you keep in mind when matching car amps and subs?
• Will upgrading factory audio gear void your vehicle's warranty?
• What should you keep in mind when matching car speakers and stereos?
• Will you lose your factory USB and aux inputs when installing a new car stereo?
• What are J.R.'s and Eric's ideas for outfitting a '94 Ford Probe?

And, of course... the links!

Check out J.R. and guests every other week on Crutchfield Live, streaming on YouTube and Facebook.

Make shopping home and car speakers easier by using SpeakerCompare™.

Read episode transcript

Robin and Crutchfield's ReadyHarness™ service

J.R. interviews Robin, part of the team responsible for our ReadyHarness service. They chat about his work, the gear he loves, and some of his all-time favorite concerts. Plus, J.R. and cohost Eric react to a YouTube video review from Ryan at Silly Reviews — he purchased a car stereo for his Volkswagen Jetta and used a ReadyHarness wired by Robin!

Some of the gear discussed includes:

• Kicker car speakers
• Alpine iLX-W650 digital multimedia receiver
• Nikon DSLR cameras
• JBL Bluetooth speakers

J.R. and Eric also preview the next and final episode of the season. They'll be answering listener questions, so be sure to submit yours — use the Comments below or email the team at [email protected].

Read episode transcript

Aaron, his McIntosh amp, his MoFi turntable, and more

J.R. catches up with Aaron Cochran of Balaton Marketing about the mountain of gear he owns and the select pieces he allows to take permanent residence in his home. A manufacturer's representative for companies like Yamaha, Klipsch, and Sennheiser, he's a familiar face in the halls of Crutchfield, thanks to his popular training sessions on the latest and greatest gear.

J.R. and Aaron talk about his history in the industry, the pleasures of listening to vinyl, some awesome benefits of streaming high-res content, and audio gear that's made in the U.S.A.

Some of the gear discussed includes:

• McIntosh ampifiers
• Klipsch Heritage Forte speakers
• MoFi turntables and accessories
• Qobuz and Tidal high-res streaming
• Sennheiser Ambeo sound bar

Read episode transcript

Michael from Klipsch talks speakers, the Klipsch sound, and their 75th anniversary

J.R. interviews Michael Buratto, a musician and Senior Product Manager at Klipsch, about his history with the company, the gear he uses to make and enjoy music, and what has made Klipsch an enduring brand for 75 years. Michael also hints at some fun speaker projects in the works. After the interview, J.R. and cohost Eric explore wireless home theater solutions when they answer a customer comment on our small home theater ideas article.

Some of the gear discussed includes:

• Klipsch headphones
• Klipsch The Three II powered speaker
• Klipsch The Fives powered speakers
• Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F floor-standing speakers
• Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-504C center channel speaker
• Klipsch SPL-150 powered subwoofer

For more on Klipsch, check out J.R.'s recent Facebook Live overview. Thanks to Michael for letting us use his song "Rule The World" in the episode outro. Find more of his music on Spotify.

Read episode transcript

Sujan from Qobuz talks high-res streaming, music history, and her home audio gear

J.R. introduces a Crutchfield exclusive — an interview with Sujan Hong, Head of US Music Content for Qobuz. Our headphone and high-res streaming expert Jeff caught up with Sujan to talk about all sorts of music-related topics, including music curation at Qobuz, Sujan's indie music credentials, and her favorite recent albums, available in high resolution. For video extras and photos, check out Jeff's full review of Qobuz.

Some of the gear discussed includes:

• SVS Prime Wireless SoundBase
• Audio-Technica turntables
• AudioQuest Dragonfly USB DAC
• Bowers and Wilkins headphones
• Audio-Technica headphones

Read episode transcript

Ziggy and the new system on his pontoon boat

J.R. leaves shore for a lake tour on Advisor Ziggy's Bentley Cruise pontoon boat. Naturally, that boat had a rockin' audio system on board, and Ziggy got to show it off at (almost) full volume. If you'd like to follow along and see the boat, check out our full article about the installation.

Some of the gear discussed includes:

• Rockford Fosgate PMX-5CAN marine digital media receiver
• Rockford Fosgate marine amp
• Rockford Fosgate M2 Series Color-Optix™ marine speakers with LED illumination
• Rockford Fosgate PMX-RGB lighting controller for Color-Optix™ speaker systems
• Kicker marine-grade amp wiring kit
• Kicker 46CWTB102 weather-proof tube enclosure with 10" sub
• SoundSkins Pro sound damping material

Also, J.R. and cohost Eric answer a customer question about wakeboard tower speakers and their recommendations include Kicker's 46KMC4 marine digital receiver and JL Audio's M3 Series wakeboard tower speakers.

Read episode transcript

J.R., Eric, and Francis talk smart home gear

Co-hosts J.R. and Eric catch up with Francis, who works on our Crutchfield Business team, to take a deep dive on smart home gear and smart assistants. Eric, a big fan of Amazon Alexa, and Francis, who's all in with Google Assistant, discuss their home setups and how they made their choices.

Some of the gear discussed includes:

• Amazon Echo Dot products
• Google Nest products
• Brilliant Smart Home Control
• Bluesound Node 2i
• Denon products with HEOS

Also, the gang answers a few customer questions about integrating smart controls with existing audio gear. If you'd like more info on integrating smart home products into your home, check out our smart home buying guide. Some other great resources are our wireless router buying guide, our guide to Alexa in the car, and our guide to Brilliant smart home control.

Read episode transcript

Carlos and his drones

J.R. talks to Carlos, one of our in-house drone experts, about growing up in Puerto Rico, his drone-racing experience, and what brought him to Crutchfield. From great starter drones for kids to professional-grade drones, Carlos also shares some of his favorite picks.

For more drone recommendations, check out this year's buying guide which also includes tips related to drone safety, laws, and regulations.

Read episode transcript

J.R. upgrades the audio in his 2020 Subaru Crosstrek

Season 2 of the podcast kicks off with a new formula — host J.R. is the interview subject this time. Co-host Eric digs in on the what, why, and how of J.R.'s recent 2020 Subaru Crosstrek audio upgrade. If you'd like to follow along, check out our full article about the installation.

Some of the gear discussed includes:

• Kicker KS Series car speakers
• Kicker 47TRTP122 downward-firing loaded sub enclosure
• Kicker KX Series 5-channel amplifier
• AudioControl LC7i line output converter
• AudioControl load generating device
• Focal vehicle-specific car speakers

Also, J.R. and Eric answer a customer question about options for upgrading the audio gear in a leased vehicle.

Read episode transcript

Dan from Bose^® reveals the history of noise-cancelling headphones

Co-hosts J.R. and Eric (safely) reunite in person to present a very cool Crutchfield exclusive — an interview with Bose Distinguished Engineer Dan Gauger. Our headphone expert Jeff chats with Dan about the origins of noise-cancelling headphones, his involvement in 1986's Rutan Voyager flight, what Bose fans can look forward to next, and more. For video extras and photos, check out Jeff's full article.

Also, J.R. shares his experience as the proud owner of Bose QuietComfort® Earbuds. And for more on the headphone comfort ratings test Eric references in the episode, check out our Top 5 most comfortable over-ear headphones.

Read episode transcript

Emily auditions Arc from Sonos

Emily writes articles and product copy on a wide range of home electronics including TVs and smart home gear. She's also clocked a lot of critical listening time, putting sound bars to the test. Her Best Sound Bars for 2020 article is among our most popular and is a great companion to this bonus episode, in which she and J.R. share their experiences with Sonos' latest sound bar, Arc. Check out Emily's full review.

Some of the gear discussed in this episode includes:

• Sonos products
• Klipsch subwoofers
• Turntables
• Devices with Amazon Alexa
• Audioengine powered speakers
• Marantz stereo receivers
• Martin Logan bookshelf speakers

After the interview, J.R. catches up with Chris from Sonos (check out Ep. 6!) to answer a customer question about Arc. Plus, Chris offers some pro tips on working from home.

Read episode transcript

The gang talks podcasting gear

The gang's (virtually) back together for the finale of Season 1. J.R. and Eric catch up on their work-from-home lifestyle and chat with Lex (aka Alexander H.), Crutchfield: The Podcast producer. They talk about the origin of the podcast, what they've learned along the way, some of their favorite podcasting gear, and what to look forward to in Season 2. For more info on how to start your own podcast, check out this article referenced in episode.

Some of the gear discussed includes:

• USB interfaces
• Dynamic microphones
• Condenser microphones
• USB microphones
• Shure microphone
• Blue Yeticaster microphone
• Studio headphones
• Microphone stands
• Podcasting bundles

J.R. also answers a customer comment about replacing a Dynaudio speaker in his home theater system. If you have a question for J.R. and Eric, post it in the comments below, and they'll get back to you as soon as they can!

Read episode transcript

Marisa and her DSLR camera

Marisa, a Crutchfield Advisor who decided to revisit her love of her photography, discusses the fun of her DSLR camera and the challenges of using manual mode. Here's some of her work, spotlighting the wildlife around her new home...

Marisa and J.R. also talk about the importance of a solid home audio system. Some of the gear discussed includes:

• Nikon DSLR camera and lens kit
• Mirrorless cameras
• Harman Kardon Bluetooth® adapter
• Harmon Kardon stereo receiver
• Polk Audio TSi400 floor-standing speakers
• Polk Audio TSi CS10 center channel speaker
• Polk Audio TSi200 bookshelf speakers

For more info on DSLR cameras for beginners, check out our shopping guide.

Read episode transcript

Darren and his VW Golf Alltrack audio system

Darren, a Crutchfield employee and car audio integration guru, walks J.R. through the "head unit back" audio upgrade he installed in his '17 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack. Check out these articles to follow along with Darren's installation and his custom fiberglass work.

Some of the gear discussed includes:

• Hertz Mille ML Power 5-channel amplifier
• Rockford Fosgate DSR-1 digital sound processor
• Hertz MP 250 D4.3 10” subwoofer
• Hertz Mille Pro component speaker system
• Hertz Mille Pro coaxial speakers
• Dynamat sound deadening
• Stinger Roadkill FAST Rings

After the interview, J.R. and Eric answer a question from the customer comments on our "What are line output converters?" article about where to tap into audio signal when keeping a factory radio in an audio upgrade.

Read episode transcript

Have a question for the podcast?

Puzzling over a new purchase or old gear? Got a question about a category? Tell us what's on your mind in the comments below or email us at podcast[at]crutchfield.com, and we'll do our best to follow up in an upcoming episode. If you'd prefer to have an answer right now, reach out to an Advisor at the top of the page.

(Note: Some of the gear above may be discontinued. Reach out to us if you have questions about recommendations for similar gear.)

Some music provided by BIG!