Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
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Listen to this podcast here: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/871dcf0d-99ce-4af2-b798-022a52726a0e/ or search for The Groove Pod in your favourite podcast app.
This podcast episode delves into the complexities of selecting audio formats for music, a topic that resonates deeply with music enthusiasts and collectors alike. Our discussion is spurred by the recent collaboration between Nine Inch Nails and Boys Noise, which raises pertinent questions about the significance of vinyl versus digital formats. We explore the nostalgic allure of physical media and the emotional connections that accompany the act of collecting music, contrasting it with the convenience of streaming services. Additionally, we reflect on how the abundance of choices available today diminishes the immersive experience of fully engaging with an album. Ultimately, this conversation seeks to illuminate the intricate relationship between music formats and the way we connect with artists and their works over time. As the conversation evolves, Lachlan and Adam delve into the philosophical considerations surrounding music formats and their impact on artistic expression. They contemplate how the shift towards streaming platforms has influenced the creative processes of musicians, with particular reference to the band Tool and their reluctance to embrace digital distribution. Adam posits that the ease of accessing individual tracks may undermine the integrity of an album as a cohesive artistic statement, suggesting that the ability to cherry-pick songs can dilute the overall experience. This segment of the discussion serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of context in music appreciation, urging listeners to engage with albums in their entirety rather than in fragmented form. Their exchange culminates in a broader dialogue about the relationship between technology, artistry, and the evolving expectations of contemporary audiences, ultimately reinforcing the notion that meaningful engagement with music requires a deliberate approach.
Takeaways:
The podcast episode discusses the various technical issues encountered during recording sessions, emphasizing the challenges faced by Adam.
There is a significant focus on the nostalgia and emotional connections associated with music formats, particularly vinyl and CDs.
Lachlan and Adam reflect on the convenience of streaming music versus the tangible experience of owning physical media, such as records or CDs.
A conversation emerges regarding the evolution of music consumption, highlighting the impact of technology on how audiences engage with music.
Lachlan and Adam share their personal preferences and experiences with music formats, showcasing the balance between practicality and sentimental value in music collection.
The episode concludes with an invitation for listener engagement, encouraging feedback and discussions about music formats and personal experiences.
askthegroove@podgmail.com
Need help? Message me on Minnect: bit.ly/HiFiHelp
Get MERCH! bit.ly/PFSMerch
technical issues, podcast recording, Riverside platform, audio quality, vinyl records, music collection, Nine Inch Nails, CD versus vinyl, nostalgia in music, physical media, album listening experience, audio streaming, music formats, turntable setup, music and technology, album art, Discogs, collecting music, audio equipment, artist evolution
Join my channel to chat with me: bit.ly/PFSMember
Listen to this podcast here: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/871dcf0d-99ce-4af2-b798-022a52726a0e/ or search for The Groove Pod in your favourite podcast app.
This podcast episode delves into the complexities of selecting audio formats for music, a topic that resonates deeply with music enthusiasts and collectors alike. Our discussion is spurred by the recent collaboration between Nine Inch Nails and Boys Noise, which raises pertinent questions about the significance of vinyl versus digital formats. We explore the nostalgic allure of physical media and the emotional connections that accompany the act of collecting music, contrasting it with the convenience of streaming services. Additionally, we reflect on how the abundance of choices available today diminishes the immersive experience of fully engaging with an album. Ultimately, this conversation seeks to illuminate the intricate relationship between music formats and the way we connect with artists and their works over time. As the conversation evolves, Lachlan and Adam delve into the philosophical considerations surrounding music formats and their impact on artistic expression. They contemplate how the shift towards streaming platforms has influenced the creative processes of musicians, with particular reference to the band Tool and their reluctance to embrace digital distribution. Adam posits that the ease of accessing individual tracks may undermine the integrity of an album as a cohesive artistic statement, suggesting that the ability to cherry-pick songs can dilute the overall experience. This segment of the discussion serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of context in music appreciation, urging listeners to engage with albums in their entirety rather than in fragmented form. Their exchange culminates in a broader dialogue about the relationship between technology, artistry, and the evolving expectations of contemporary audiences, ultimately reinforcing the notion that meaningful engagement with music requires a deliberate approach.
Takeaways:
The podcast episode discusses the various technical issues encountered during recording sessions, emphasizing the challenges faced by Adam.
There is a significant focus on the nostalgia and emotional connections associated with music formats, particularly vinyl and CDs.
Lachlan and Adam reflect on the convenience of streaming music versus the tangible experience of owning physical media, such as records or CDs.
A conversation emerges regarding the evolution of music consumption, highlighting the impact of technology on how audiences engage with music.
Lachlan and Adam share their personal preferences and experiences with music formats, showcasing the balance between practicality and sentimental value in music collection.
The episode concludes with an invitation for listener engagement, encouraging feedback and discussions about music formats and personal experiences.
askthegroove@podgmail.com
Need help? Message me on Minnect: bit.ly/HiFiHelp
Get MERCH! bit.ly/PFSMerch
technical issues, podcast recording, Riverside platform, audio quality, vinyl records, music collection, Nine Inch Nails, CD versus vinyl, nostalgia in music, physical media, album listening experience, audio streaming, music formats, turntable setup, music and technology, album art, Discogs, collecting music, audio equipment, artist evolution









![Schiit Vestri Review: I Didnt Believe It Either—Until I Heard It
The Schiit Audio Vestri is a $99 portable DAC and headphone amplifier with a secret weapon — Schiits proprietary Mesh DAC filter technology. By bypassing the ESS chips internal processing and applying their own precision digital filter instead, Schiit has extracted a soundstage from this tiny dongle that beats gear costing twice as much. Powered by an ES9018 DAC, OPA1656 op-amp chips, and 400mW into 32 ohms, the Vestri delivers natural tonality, strong resolution, and a lifelike, three-dimensional presentation that most portable audio at this price simply cant match. In this review I compare it head-to-head against the FiiO KA15, FiiO QX13, iFi Hip DAC 3, and xDuoo XA-02 — and the results might surprise you.
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Products in the video
🔹 Schiit Audio Vestri DAC & Headphone Amp → https://www.schiit.com/products/vestri
🔹 FiiO KA15* → https://amzn.to/4aqSsPM (review - https://youtu.be/haqwzectEmI)
🔹 FiiO QX13* → https://amzn.to/4hyQZdF (review - https://youtu.be/Mpr7AEnTDk8)
🔹 iFi Hip DAC 3 → https://amzn.to/4nERZzm (review - https://youtu.be/iryzUoLeVx0)
🔹 xDuoo XA-02 — $199 → [ADD AFFILIATE LINK]
* affiliate links support the channel - thank you!
I earn nothing from Schiit Audio purchases — I just like the product.
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⏱ CHAPTERS
00:00 Schiit Vestri review
00:46 Design & features
03:47 Sound quality
08:34 Final thoughts
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About this review
The Vestri is genuinely one of those rare audio products where the engineering story matters as much as the listening experience. Schiits Mesh DAC technology doesnt just tweak the ESS chip — it bypasses the chips internal filtering entirely, using it only for basic digital-to-analog conversion, then applies Schiits own filters to achieve what they claim is outstanding frequency and timing accuracy. Whether or not you care about the engineering, youll likely hear the result: a soundstage that sounds live rather than reproduced.
Key takeaways:
✔ Soundstage and imaging are the Vestris headline strengths — wide, deep, and three-dimensional
✔ Natural, musical tonality that outpoints more analytical-sounding competitors at 2× the price
✔ Beats the FiiO KA15 convincingly on spaciousness; competes with and often edges the $199 iFi Hip DAC 3
✔ Holds its own against a $199 mains-powered desktop unit on staging — while remaining pocket-sized
✔ One minor gripe: volume steps can occasionally be a touch too large for fine-grained control
✔ Winner of the Passion for Sound Recommended award
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❤️ SUPPORT THE CHANNEL
YouTube Members: http://youtube.com/@PassionforSound/join
Super Thanks: right here on this video — thank you!
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#SchiitAudio #DACReview #PortableAudio #HeadphoneAmp #BudgetAudio #HiFi #AudiophileGear #DAC #MeshDAC #PassionForSound Schiit Vestri Review: I Didnt Believe It Either—Until I Heard It](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/r-47e_vwyLg/mqdefault.jpg)
