Recorded from the show floor at AXPONA 2026, W. Jennings, Personal Audio Reviewer at eCoustics, shares his impressions of the headphone and tube gear landscape at the show, focusing on what stood out in real listening conditions. The conversation highlights key trends in personal audio, the continued role of tube amplification, and the products that earned his Best in Show consideration, offering a clear and practical take on where the category is heading and what is worth paying attention to.
Sponsors: Thank you SVS for sponsoring this episode, along with Audeze for supplying all guests LCD-S20 Headphones, and Loewe and T10 Bespoke for sharing lounge space at AXPONA 2026.
This episode was recorded on April 12, 2026 (the third day of AXPONA 2026).
Where to listen:
- Apple Podcasts
- Amazon Music
- Spotify
- iHeart Radio
- Spreaker
- Deezer
- Castbox
- Podcast Addict
- Pod-chaser
- TuneIn
On the Panel:
- W. Jennings, eCoustics Sr. Personal Audio Reviewer
- Mitch Anderson, Co-host & eCoustics Podcast Producer
- Brian Mitchell, Co-host, eCoustics Founder & CEO
Products Mentioned
- Loewe LEO Wireless Headphones Took On Luxury Rivals At AXPONA 2026 In Bold Blind Listening Test Strategy
- Western Electric Revives U.S. Vacuum Tube Manufacturing, Unveils New Amplifier Designs At AXPONA 2026
- Audio-Technica At AXPONA 2026: Japan’s Quiet Giant Steps Into The Spotlight
- Audeze Brings The SLAM To AXPONA 2026 As Its Signature Tech Spreads Across The Lineup
AXPONA 2026 Podcasts:
- Podcast: Editor-in-Chief, Ian White at AXPONA 2026
- Podcast: QUAD ESL 2912X Electrostatic Speakers at AXPONA 2026
- Podcast: SVS 3000 Micro R|Evolution Subwoofer At AXPONA 2026
- RSD 2026: A Record Store Owner’s 13-Year Perspective
Related Links:
Credits:
- Original intro music by The Arc of All.
- Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited.
- Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios.
