Before Leo Ayzenshtat ever designed an amp, he was specializing in high-stakes engineering for NASA, Lockheed Martin, and Siemens, where failure wasn't an option and every component had to earn its place. But in pursuit of better sound at home, he started applying that same rigor to a new frontier: audio. In this conversation, Leo walks us through the origin of Orchard Audio: from designing a DAC for his own living room to launching a company known for minimalist, high-performance gear. We talk about the lessons he brought from aerospace, the challenges of running a lean business without compromising on sound, and why accessibility, simplicity, and sonic excellence don’t have to be at odds.

Hi everyone, I want to take this opportunity to give a quick update to the community on how tariffs might impact Apos’ operations. This is ...

James Alvarado didn’t set out to start an audio company. He just wanted his headphones to work without spending a fortune or waiting three weeks for a cable to ship. So he dusted off his soldering skills, made a few cables, and ended up launching one of the most beloved names in the DIY audio scene. In this conversation, James walks us through the origin of Hart Audio Cables—from late-night builds in a Texas garage to managing a growing team. We talk about what it means to build a business with purpose, how music always comes first, and why sometimes the best way forward is just figuring it out as you go.