The Hi-Fi Comebacks of Advance Paris, Vienna Acoustics, TEAC, & Velodyne

On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider Podcast, Lenny Florentine sits down with Rob Standley, the founder of Playback Distribution—a company that's rapidly become a driving force behind some of the most talked-about hi-fi brands today. Rob shares how growing up on a ranch in Montana led to a lifelong love of music, a deep dive into audio retail, and eventually launching Playback Distribution. Learn how he built a distribution powerhouse in just two years, representing iconic and rising brands like Esoteric, TEAC, Advanced Paris, PMC, Velodyne, Vienna Acoustics, Java Hi-Fi, Quadraspire, and more. We talk shop about the resurgence of CDs and cassettes, the cult status of Advanced Paris, why customization is the future of hi-fi, and what makes Velodyne's return so exciting. Rob also gives a sneak peek at new brands in the Playback portfolio and how they're supporting the next wave of music lovers—without the audiophile price tag. If you've ever wondered what it takes to bring hi-fi brands to life in the U.S. market, this episode is a must-watch.