Audio user interface (UI) for previewing and selecting audio streams using 3D positional audio techniques

An audio user interface (UI) for comparing and selecting audio streams is presented. In general, the present invention allows a user to preview and navigate among multiple audio streams (audio sources) using three dimensional ( 3 D) positional audio techniques to position the various sources in an audio field programmatically in such a way as to fool the brain into thinking the sound is located at a particular location in the space surrounding the user. When the user selects a preview mode, the various streams are placed in the space in a carousel-like manner. The user can move the sources forward or backward. As this is done, other audio streams can be added and dropped. Selecting a sound source will cause it to fill the audio field and the other sources will then cease to play.