Q & A with Leo Ayzenshtat

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.

Tom: What first sparked your interest in audio and electronics as a kid? Was there a formative experience in your childhood that set you on this path?

Leo: I knew pretty early on that I wanted to be an engineer. As a child, I was always taking things apart and experimenting. By the time I got to college I had decided that I wanted to design circuit boards, which is how I ended up double majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Audio was not on my radar until later in my career. I decided to improve upon my home audio system, and the results were such a marked improvement that I knew I had found my passion project.

Tom: You built a career designing electronics for organizations like NASA, Lockheed Martin, and L3. How did working on such high-stakes engineering projects influence your approach to audio equipment design?

Leo: Working on projects for organizations like NASA and Lockheed Martin meant operating in environments where precision was non-negotiable. Every component had to meet rigorous performance standards, with no room for error. I carried that mindset into my audio designs—striving for the highest possible fidelity, minimizing distortion, and ensuring that every product performs at its absolute best. Whether designing space-grade electronics or high-end audio equipment, the core philosophy remains the same: excellence in engineering.

High-stakes engineering forces you to think outside the box and solve complex problems efficiently. In aerospace and defense applications, innovation isn't optional—it's essential. That mentality followed me into audio design, where I focus on pushing boundaries with cutting-edge circuit designs, improving efficiency, and maximizing performance. I look at every new product as an opportunity to rethink what’s possible in sound reproduction.

One of the takeaways from my work in aerospace and defense is the importance of reliability. Equipment in those industries must withstand extreme conditions and operate flawlessly. That same attention to robustness is baked into my audio designs—I don’t just aim for exceptional sound, but also for long-term reliability and durability. I want my customers to experience high-quality audio for years without worrying about performance degradation or failures.

Tom:After years in aerospace and tech engineering, what motivated you to start your own audio company? Can you describe the moment or decision process when you realized you wanted to launch Orchard Audio and bring your home-grown designs to market?

Leo: My first job out of college was with Siemens, where I designed an amplifier for a fire alarm system—my first real-world application of engineering. While it was a rewarding challenge, I soon wanted to create something for myself. That led me to design an amplifier and DAC for my own home, purely for my own enjoyment. As friends and family visited, they kept commenting on the great sound, and that planted the seed for something bigger.

Over time, I realized that audio design wasn’t just a hobby—it was something I could turn into a full-fledged company. The driving force behind Orchard Audio was the desire for freedom to innovate on my terms, focusing on high-quality, performance-driven designs with fewer corporate limitations.

By 2024, I leaped, leaving my corporate job to fully dedicate myself to Orchard Audio. The goal was simple: to create the best possible audio experience and bring my passion for high-fidelity sound to a broader audience. That decision—fueled by a mix of engineering enthusiasm and entrepreneurial ambition—has been one of the most rewarding moves I’ve ever made.

Tom: Your first product, the CRISPIN amplifier, was launched via crowdfunding in 2017. What lessons did you learn from the development and Kickstarter experience of the CRISPIN?

Leo: My first product was the PecanPi DAC. Kickstarter was both exciting and a tough learning experience. While I had confidence in the product’s engineering, I quickly realized that manufacturing, logistics, and customer fulfillment present their own challenges. Navigating unexpected delays and ensuring quality control were lessons I had to learn on the fly. That experience taught me to plan ahead, anticipate roadblocks, and always communicate openly when things don’t go exactly as expected.

Tom: You’ve cited the DaVinci phrase “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” in regards to your designs. How did you develop this minimalist design philosophy, and how does it manifest in the day-to-day engineering decisions you make for Orchard Audio products?

Leo: My background in aerospace engineering reinforced the importance of efficiency—every component in a spacecraft or defense system must serve a purpose without excess. I carried that mindset into audio, focusing on creating streamlined designs that eliminate noise and interference. Simplicity isn’t about making things basic; it’s about crafting solutions that are highly effective while remaining elegant. For Orchard Audio, that means ensuring every circuit is optimized for performance without unnecessary complexity—minimalist design that maximizes sonic impact.

Tom: One of your goals has been to make high-end audio more accessible to enthusiasts who don’t have unlimited budgets. How do you balance affordability with performance in your designs? What guiding values ensure that each Orchard Audio product delivers top-tier sound quality at a reasonable price point?

Leo: I started Orchard Audio because I wanted to bring high-fidelity sound to more people—not just those with the largest budgets. That means making smart trade-offs without sacrificing quality. I carefully select components, optimize circuitry for efficiency, and avoid unnecessary premium branding costs that don't contribute to actual performance. My goal is simple: whether you're a seasoned audiophile or just starting your journey, you should be able to experience outstanding audio without feeling priced out of the market.

Tom: Looking back, what have been the defining moments of your engineering and entrepreneurial journey? For example, is there a particular project, award, or milestone – either during your time in the aerospace/tech industry or since founding Orchard Audio – that you are especially proud of or that significantly shaped who you are today?

Leo: Receiving the Product of the Year award in 2021 for the Starkrimson Mono amplifiers was a defining milestone in my journey. This honor from The Absolute Sound, a prestigious publication in the industry, signified more than just an award—it confirmed that my approach to amplifier design was truly making an impact. The recognition reinforced my belief that cutting-edge technology, when applied thoughtfully, could elevate the listening experience to new heights.

Winning this award was a moment of immense pride, not only because it acknowledged the engineering behind Starkrimson but because it reflected the dedication and innovation that had gone into building Orchard Audio. The amplifiers embodied my vision—high-performance, state-of-the-art audio gear designed for not only audiophiles, but music lovers as well. This validation from The Absolute Sound encouraged me to continue pushing boundaries, refining my designs, and ensuring that every product I release meets the highest standards of excellence.

Looking back, this achievement stands as a turning point—one that strengthened my commitment to creating exceptional audio experiences and reminded me why I leaped into entrepreneurship in the first place.

Tom: As both an engineer and a business owner, what drives you on a personal level? What keeps you motivated and inspired in your work when you face obstacles or tough challenges, and how do you maintain your passion for audio after turning your hobby into your profession?

Leo: One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is seeing how Orchard Audio products transform the way people experience music. Knowing that my amplifiers bring joy, enhance immersion, and help audiophiles rediscover their favorite tracks fuels my motivation every day. When challenges arise, I remind myself of the impact these products have on listeners—and that’s what keeps me inspired. It’s not just about designing cutting-edge audio equipment; it’s about delivering something meaningful that connects people to the music they love.

Beyond the business, I am constantly focused on self-improvement—not just as an engineer or entrepreneur but as an individual. My philosophy is simple: always aim to be better than yesterday. Whether it's refining my technical skills, learning from past experiences, or finding new ways to optimize performance, I approach each day with a growth mindset. This drive for continuous improvement keeps my passion alive and ensures that Orchard Audio stays at the forefront of innovation.

Even after turning my hobby into a profession, the excitement never fades because it’s more than just work—it’s a mission to create something exceptional. The combination of impacting others through audio and bettering myself every day fuels my motivation and pushes me to overcome obstacles with resilience and determination.

Tom: What’s next for you and Orchard Audio? Can you share any upcoming projects or innovations you’re working on or what your long-term vision is for the company and the future of audio technology?

Leo: The future of Orchard Audio is all about pushing the boundaries of high-fidelity sound while cementing a lasting legacy in the industry. From the beginning, my goal has been to redefine what’s possible in amplifier design, and that commitment continues to drive every new innovation. Right now, we’re developing next-generation amplification technology, integrating advancements in GaN-based power stages to achieve even greater efficiency and sonic purity.

Beyond technological breakthroughs, my long-term vision is to ensure that Orchard Audio becomes synonymous with audio excellence—not just through superior products but through a deeper connection with the audiophile community. This means expanding the lineup to include fully optimized, high-performance solutions, collaborating with industry experts, and continuing to educate and engage enthusiasts who share the same passion for sound.

Looking ahead, my mission is clear: to elevate the listening experience, challenge conventional limits, and craft a lasting impact on the world of high-end audio. Innovation is at the heart of everything I do, and I’m excited to keep redefining what’s possible—one breakthrough at a time.