The Audiophiles Guide
The Audiophile's Guide podcast is your invitation into the world of high-end audio, and connecting with me, Paul McGowan—a 50-year veteran in the art and science of sound and the co-founder and CEO of PS Audio. We do kind of a mind meld between me and our technologically connected hosts. Each episode is a fresh, no-nonsense exploration of how to bring music to life in your home, drawn from my decades of hands-on experience designing the gear that makes it happen.
Episodes
66 episodes
Vinyl Playback secrets
Vinyl can be magical—but only if it’s set up right. This episode uncovers the secrets of great vinyl playback, with guidance from The Audiophile’s Guide. From cartridge alignment and tracking force to phono preamps and vibration contro...
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22:06
Setup, the unsung hero
Great gear gets the glory, but setup is what makes it sing. In this episode, The Audiophile’s Guide sheds light on the unsung hero of every high-end system: placement, tuning, and room interaction. It’s not about what you own—it’s what...
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18:11
The standing wave battle
Bass that booms, bass that disappears—welcome to the standing wave battle. This episode dives into the physics of low-frequency chaos, drawing on The Audiophile’s Guide to explain why certain notes vanish while others overwhelm the roo...
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9:48
Conquering room modes
Boomy bass, vanished kick drums, that one note that rattles the walls—blame room modes. In this episode, we tackle how to conquer these invisible troublemakers using insights from The Audiophile’s Guide. Room modes are standing waves t...
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14:41
Sonic holography, the power of the diffuser
When a system images well, it’s not just sound—it’s sculpture. This episode explores sonic holography and the powerful role diffusers play in creating it, guided by concepts from The Audiophile’s Guide. Unlike absorbers that deaden the...
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11:00
Separates vs. Integrateds
More boxes or one and done? This episode breaks down the pros and cons of separates vs. integrateds, based on insights from The Audiophile’s Guide. Is it better to build your system with dedicated components for each job, or simplify w...
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17:29
The phono preamplifier
Small signal, big impact. This episode digs into the fundamentals of the phono preamplifier, the unsung hero of any vinyl-based system. Pulling from The Audiophile’s Guide, the conversation breaks down why this tiny component matters s...
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14:48
Working with loudspeakers
Loudspeakers don’t just make sound—they shape it. In this episode, drawn from The Audiophile’s Guide, the focus is on working with speakers during system setup. It’s not about gear swapping or specs, but about finding the exact placeme...
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16:27
Getting intimate with headphones
Headphones strip away the room, the system, and the setup—leaving just you and the music. This episode explores the uniquely intimate experience of headphone listening through the lens of The Audiophile’s Guide. What do you gain when y...
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16:11
Building sonic bliss
What does it take to build a system that makes the music feel real? This episode unpacks the journey to sonic bliss, using The Audiophile’s Guide as a blueprint. From choosing the right gear to placing it just so, it’s about more than ...
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23:10
Music or Equipment: which is more important?
Ok, classic question. In this episode, the focus turns to a classic audiophile question: what matters more—the music or the equipment? Based on insights from The Audiophile’s Guide, the discussion explores where passion meets performan...
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20:06
Analog vs. Digital
In this episode, it’s analog vs. digital. Drawing from The Audiophile’s Guide, the conversation dives into the strengths and trade-offs of both formats—from the tactile magic of vinyl to the precision and convenience of streaming. What...
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12:56
Using your ears to tune
In this episode, discover how to tune a high-end stereo system using only your ears. Drawing from The Audiophile’s Guide, the conversation explores how careful speaker placement and listening-based adjustments can unlock a three-dimens...
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12:50
Want some controversy? Let's talk cables
Cables—essential component or snake oil? In this episode, our hosts wade into one of high-end audio’s most hotly debated topics: do cables really matter? From interconnects to speaker wires to power cords, we separate the engineering from the a...
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23:48
Tune your system with the best tools on the planet, your ears
You don’t need fancy gear to get your system dialed in—just your ears. On today’s episode, we explore how to tune your system using the best tools on the planet: your own hearing and a little focused listening. From imaging and tonal balance to...
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23:14
Two ways to setup your subwoofer for killer bass
Getting great bass isn’t just about having a subwoofer—it’s about setting it up right. On today’s episode, we explore two proven methods for dialing in your sub: the classic corner-placement technique and the more precise crawl-and-measure appr...
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13:22
Tilting the speakers for better imaging
Tilting your speakers—just a few degrees—can sharpen imaging, improve clarity, and bring your soundstage into better focus. On today’s episode, we explore how small changes to speaker angle, or rake, affect how sound reaches your ears. You’ll l...
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11:30
Some easy setup tweaks for your system
Have a free Saturday afternoon? Join our hosts as they walk you through a handful of easy setup tweaks that can make a real difference in your system’s sound. From speaker toe-in to listening position, cable dressing to component placement, the...
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14:05
How the tiny drivers in headphones make bass
How do those tiny headphone drivers manage to create deep, powerful bass? On today’s episode, hosts Robert and Sarah explore the science behind low-frequency reproduction in miniature. From driver design and enclosure tricks to the role your ea...
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15:12
The mighty vinyl stylus
It’s one of the smallest parts in your system—but the most important. On today’s episode, hosts Robert and Sarah take a close look at the mighty vinyl stylus. This microscopic diamond traces the grooves of your records with astonishing precisio...
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28:40
How to maximize the Vertical Tracking Angle of your table
Getting your turntable’s vertical tracking angle (VTA) right can unlock a new level of clarity, depth, and realism in your vinyl playback. On today’s episode, we’ll look at what VTA actually is, why it matters, and how small adjustments can hav...
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19:08
The Direct to Disc era
In the 1970s, a radical idea shook up recording: skip the tape. On this episode, we explore the era of direct-to-disc—the high-wire act of capturing music straight to vinyl in real time. No edits. No safety net. Just pure, uncompressed sound wi...
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19:03
How lossless manages to squeeze file size without losing bits
How can a “lossless” audio file be smaller than the original—and still sound exactly the same? Today we’re diving into the magic of lossless compression. Unlike MP3s, which toss out information, lossless formats like FLAC and ALAC use clever ma...
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15:06