Crutchfield: The Podcast

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 98-to-120-inch sweet spot where these two technologies collide, covering everything from installation complexity and sound system placement to screen selection, ambient light performance, and real-world 4K considerations. JR brings the customer reviews; Huffy brings the firsthand experience. Together they'll help you figure out which big-screen setup belongs in your living room.Want more info to help you decide between a projector and a TV? Check out our How to choose a home theater projector article:https://www.crutchfield.com/learn/home-theater-projector-buying-guide.htmlTVs 80” and uphttps://www.crutchfield.com/g_146350/All-TVs.html?fa=1#&nvpair=FFScreen_Size|[rank7]80%22%20and%20upUltra Short Throw Projectorshttps://www.crutchfield.com/g_160150/Projectors.html?fa=1#&nvpair=AG_Mounting%20Options|YCUltra_Short_ThrowScreens for UST projectorshttps://www.crutchfield.com/g_160250/Projector-Screens.html?fa=1#&nvpair=AG_Features|FFUltra_short_throw

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 new powered speakers. SVS debuts asoundbar that’s sure to be loud and proud, and Samsung takes Q-symphony to the next level with their Music Studio 5 and 7 speakers. In the world of car audio, Pioneer makes a splash with their new Sphera 10.1" floating touchscreen stereo with Dolby Atmos® that’s sure to enliven your commute. All this, plus much more in our January podcast episode. Please keep in mind, we are talking about products that may or may not get released in 2026; we don’t have any of this confirmed for availability or pricing at the time of this recording.Pioneer SPHERA | Spatial Audio for AllSamsung’s Serious Studio 5 & 7 Speakers. Listen UP! Klipsch Goes All In with Next Gen of Powered Speakers at… | Klipsch LG OLED evo W6: 9mm Wallpaper TV with True Wireless Tech | LG USA

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 a new Pioneer retro-style car stereo that’s only available in Europe (for now). As one final gift to our listeners, JR, Zak, and Ned read and responded to some of the comments left by viewers of our YouTube channel. The comments were very observant, creative, and mostly respectful. Think Mean Tweets, but nicer!  Links to products discussed in this episode:The Pioneer SXT-C10PS, currently only available in Europe (Pioneer's EU site)Onkyo Home Theater Receivers (Crutchfield.com)Analog only Integrated Amps (Crutchfield.com)

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 change. We’dlove to answer your questions in our December episode; please email podcast@crutchfield.com with any queries about consumer electronics gear. If you don’t make it in time for our December recording, maybe we’ll address your question in a subsequent episode. Either way, we’d love to hear from you!As promised, here are links to all the gift ideas we sharedin this episode:Belkin Stage PowerGrip Camera gripBelkin UltraCharge Qi2-compatible, 3-in-1 foldable magnetic chargerLG OLED65C5PUA (65") OLED evo AI C5 Smart 4K TVSony BRAVIA 7 (65") Smart Mini LED 4K UHD TV with HDRSquier Sonic® Stratocaster® Pack SVS 3000 Micro Ultra-compact powered subwooferAlpine prismalink subwoofersSennheiser HDB 630 Over-ear wireless Bluetooth® noise-canceling headphonesCanon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A digital cameraSony Alpha ZV-E10 OSS II Zoom Lens Kit mirrorless camera kitDJI mic 3DJI rs 4 MINIJVC KW-M590BT Digital multimedia receiverKeep Car Alarm Connected video security — mounts in cupholderSoundburger Portable Record PlayerJBL Grip Waterproof portable Bluetooth® speaker with ambient lightKala Red Light Face Mask

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 busy writing about all the new Fender products but were able to take some time away from their keyboards to join JR and chat Fender gear. Cory and Rodell then take to the mic to discuss how Fenderand Crutchfield are working together to provide the legendary Crutchfield experience for anybody looking for Fender gear. What type of training are we doing? Do we have special Advisors to help our Fender shoppers? What are wecarrying and how do we support it all? All those questions (and more) are answered in this episode of Crutchfield The Podcast.Shop Fender at Crutchfield