Crutchfield: The Podcast
by Crutchfield: The Podcast
Crutchfield has been selling awesome gear for enjoying audio, video, and more since 1974. In our first-ever podcast, co-hosts JR and Eric chat about the gear that makes life fun, sharing shopping and installation advice along the way.
Episodes
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Thanks, Bill: Celebrating 80 years of Sony with Bill Crutchfield
For years, JR and Huffy have ended episodes by thanking Bill Crutchfield. This time, they get to do it with him in the studio. To celebrate Sony’s 80th anniversary, Bill joins the guys for a conversation about the products, people, and shared values behind a partnership that began in 1975. From…
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Digital audio formats decoded: FLAC, WAV, MP3, DSD, and more
What’s the difference between a FLAC file and a WAV file? Is Apple Lossless really lossless? Does high-resolution audio always sound better? JR and Huffy bring in Zak from Crutchfield’s video team to decode the alphabet soup of digital music formats, including PCM, FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, MP3…
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Where's the DAC? Everything you need to know about digital-to-analog converters
You're probably using a DAC right now — you just don'tknow it. JR and Huffy kick off this episode with a game of "Where's the DAC?", a series of scenarios where you try to identify which device in the audio chain is handling the digital-to-analog conversion. From there, JR walks through the...
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Matching car subwoofers to amplifiers: Impedance, the Rule of Twos, and finding the sweet spot
JR goes full deep-dive this month on a topic that's beenteased on this show more than once — how to match car subwoofers to amplifiers so your bass system performs the way it should. Huffy is here too, playing the role of someone who just wants great low end. The episode has two parts: if you…
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Pioneer SPHERA: Dolby Atmos® music in your car is the real deal
JR and Huffy are joined by Dylan Wold, Pioneer's vendor trainer, fresh off a day of training Crutchfield's sales advisors on the brand-new Pioneer SPHERA — the first aftermarket car stereo with built-in Dolby Atmos®. If you've heard "Dolby Atmos" and pictured helicopter sounds flying over your…
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First look: Sony's new True RGB TVs are here — and they're a big deal
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…
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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 providinghelpful 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…
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Crutchfield recommends: A holiday gift guide for the electronics fans on your wish list
This week Huffy and JR take turns sharing some amazing giftideas 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...
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Fender guitars, basses, amps, and more — now at Crutchfield
Fender, the iconic brand of guitars, basses, and amps, isnow 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 beenvery…
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Our favorite podcasts, YouTube channels, and websites
JR and Huffy share the online resources they use to stay upto 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,...
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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...
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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...
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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),...
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Tom Cruise says we need to go to the theater, is he right?
In this special bonus episode Eric and JR explore thequestion, “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…
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Mother’s Day Special - Mom installs her own car speakers
JR’s mother is pretty cool. So cool that she recently boughtnew 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,...
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What can be done to improve the stereo in electric vehicles and hybrids?
JR and Eric invite Tech Support Supervisor Cris Baker intothe 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...
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How do we know what fits your car? Crutchfield’s Vehicle Research Team
We’ve been researching cars since the early days ofCrutchfield. 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 youhelp? This…
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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. JR asked our technicians if they had any interesting stories from their experiences...
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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...
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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...
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How to make your TV sound great part 3: Home Theater
We are super excited to be talking about Home Theater in this third episode of our four-part series that examines the best ways to make your TV sound as good as it looks. JR and Eric go in to the speakers needed for surround sound, and the home theater receivers that power those speakers. If you...
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How to make your TV sound great, part 2: Powered stereo speakers
In part two of this four-part series on TV sound solutions, JR 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…
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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...
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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...
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How to choose the best car sub: Our expert tips for improving your bass
J.R. and Eric are all about the 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…
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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...
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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...
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The art of the 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...
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Andrew Jones returns to talk MoFi
Acclaimed speaker designer Andrew Jones returns to the podcast... er, Crutchfield LIVE... to discuss his latest creation, MoFi's SourcePoint 10 bookshelf speakers. (https://www.crutchfield.com/r/BEV) He discusses an assortment of topics with J.R., from his decision to join MoFi's team to his...
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Tara and her treehouse A/V system
J.R. and Eric can't resist kicking off the show with a little hard selling in the spirit of Black Friday deals (https://www.crutchfield.com/r/B5F) but then quickly segue into an easygoing interview with Crutchfield employee Tara. Tara leads our video and social media team — she's a self-professed...
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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…
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Legendary mixing engineer Manny Marroquin
Our headphone guy Jeff (https://www.crutchfield.com/r/B0Q) got the rare opportunity to chat with Grammy award-winning mixing engineer Manny Marroquin (http://www.mannymarroquin.com/). A veteran of the music industry for over 30 years, Manny has worked with the best artists in the business,...
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Mark from Car Audio Fabrication
J.R. introduces this audio version of our live-streamed show, Crutchfield Live, which you can watch on YouTube and Facebook. He talks with Mark of Car Audio Fabrications (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4FiN46mPTtkJxzRXJY21lQ), a YouTube channel devoted to making the car audio gear we sell look...
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Dolly and her home entertainment system
Eric H. returns as co-host, and J.R. interviews Dolly in our corporate sales department. In this episode they discuss building a home entertainment system over time, musical tastes, and Dolly's work designing A/V systems for retail clients. Plus, J.R. decides he might have a future as a music...
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Chris Stringer and Chris Kyriakakis discuss their Syng Cell Alpha powered speaker
J.R. and Crutchfield staff writer Eric A. (not to be confused with regular cohost Eric H.) chat with Chris Stringer (Syng CEO/Chief Design Officer) and Chris Kyriakakis (Syng Chief Audio Scientist) about Syng's Cell Alpha powered speaker. (https://www.crutchfield.com/r/ATQ) They discuss balancing...
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Installing new audio gear in Tony's Mazda 3
J.R. welcomes Advisor Tony to the show in this mash-up of two episodes of Crutchfield Live, which you can catch every other Thursday on YouTube and Facebook. The duo walk us through the process of qualifying Tony's 2010 Mazda 3 using our vehicle selector tool (https://www.crutchfield.com/r/9X9)…
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Rodell, his wireless gear, and how not to "reject the projector"
Cohosts J.R. and Eric are back in the studio to discuss a recent interview with Advisor Rodell, who's really into wireless gear (https://www.crutchfield.com/r/9T1). They chat about all kinds of topics, from similarities between Crutchfield and a fine dining experience, specialized short throw...
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The "ported vs. sealed" sub game, AXPONA recap, and an interview with Andrew Jones of MoFi
In this episode we have something very special — Jeff, our resident headphones pro, conducts an exclusive interview with speaker visionary, Andrew Jones. Andrew shares his philosophy behind speaker design, his reasons for joining the team at MoFi, and what's next for him....
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Wendy and her upgraded Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
J.R. and Eric are joined by Chris, Crutchfield trainer and resident Jeep pro, to discuss the ups and downs of owning a Wrangler, as well as ideas for customization. J.R. also interviews Crutchfield employee, Wendy, about her Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, all the upgrades she's made since buying it, her...
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Getting hands-on with audiophile headphone picks, Sony Mobile ES, and more
Who doesn't love free stuff? J.R. delivers the details on our regular gear giveaways (https://www.crutchfield.com/r/9MP) which we announce on our live-streamed video show, Crutchfield Live. You can catch it every other Thursday on YouTube (www.youtube.com/c/crutchfield/videos) and Facebook...
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Streaming high-res audio, Crutchfield online shopping tools, and tinned wire
J.R. and Eric introduce this audio version of our live-streamed show, Crutchfield Live, which you can watch on YouTube (www.youtube.com/c/crutchfield/videos) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/crutchfield/live_videos/). First, J.R. talks with Peter, one of our in-house marine audio experts, about the...
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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...
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CES 2022 recap, what's new with TVs, a Klipsch visit, and more
It's our final bonus episode before Season 3 arrives in March. Check out this audio version of our live-streamed show, Crutchfield Live, which you can watch on YouTube (www.youtube.com/c/crutchfield/videos) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/crutchfield/live_videos/). J.R. and Eric review news from...
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OLED vs. LED, upgrading car audio gear in EVs, and more
It's yet another special audio version of our live-streamed show, Crutchfield Live, which you can watch on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/crutchfield/videos) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/crutchfield/live_videos/). First, J.R. talks with Advisor Francis about the differences between...
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Bonus Episode: IMAX theater vs. home theater comparison, a visit from Tech Support, and more
Check out another special audio version of our live-streamed show, Crutchfield Live, which you can watch on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/crutchfield/videos) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/crutchfield/live_videos/). After watching Dune in both an IMAX theater and Eric's home theater...
About this show
Crutchfield has been selling awesome gear for enjoying audio, video, and more since 1974. In our first-ever podcast, co-hosts JR and Eric chat about the gear that makes life fun, sharing shopping and installation advice along the way.
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Crutchfield: The Podcast
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