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
86 episodes
The preamplifier: a critical component
The preamplifier is the component in the system that controls the volume level and selects the input you listen to. Its role is simple and straightforward, yet its importance cannot be understated.
•
23:35
Dialing in the bass
Getting the bass right in your room can be one of the more challenging aspects of high-end audio. But here's a step-by-step guide to help you get through this maze of problems.
•
45:19
How to find the perfect volume level
You might have the best high-end 2-channel audio system on the planet but without hitting the right volume level for every single track, you'll never get to enjoy all that is possible. Paul and friends will teach you how.
•
18:52
From mono to stereo, a brief history
Ever wonder how we went from the original standard of monophonic sound to stereo and what it involved? Today's podcast is a brief history that you'll find absolutely fascinating.
•
15:21
Loudspeakers versus heaphones
The two main ways of enjoying high-end audio is through either a pair of loudspeakers or a set of headphones. What's the main difference between the two?
•
20:33
Square waves and high-end audio
We don't listen to square waves as they have no musical value, yet they are one of the most important tools we designers have in our arsenals. Learn about square waves.
•
13:05
How to build an affordable system
We often talk about spending a great deal of money on our systems, but what about the affordable version? Paul and the team walk you through this great subject and help you understand how to produce audio magic at affordable prices.
•
15:24
Early reflections in the room
Rooms are the proverbial double-edged sword. Without them, we can't build our dream 2-channel system. With them, we're dealing with all sorts of problems. Here's an inside look at how to work with one of the bigger issues rooms present.
•
13:08
Getting comfortable with dynamic range
We hear about dynamic range as if it is just another term in the arsenal of audiophile terms, but it's a critical component and one that's going to be important to truly understand.
•
13:27
The power of quiet
SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) and all measures of noise recognition, from placing your ear next to the tweeter to immersing yourself in the blackness of the music, sometimes it's what we don't hear that really matters most.
•
13:46
Diving deep into the audio soundstage
We've talked about the audio soundstage at length before, but now it's time to dive in even deeper and understand not just the intricacies, but the real value of it to audiophiles.
•
14:21
The audio traffic cop
This week, we're going to learn all about audio's traffic cop, the crossover network in your loudspeaker. Learn how it works, what its role is, and its importance to the system and the music.
•
7:12
The loudspeaker's role
It's important to think about the high-end audio system as a chain and every link in that chain makes for the whole. But one component stands out over every other one.
•
17:03
All about box speakers
Not all loudspeakers are created equal—and box speakers prove it. In this episode of The Audiophile’s Guide, the spotlight turns to the classic enclosure design that dominates the high-end landscape. Explore how cabinet shape, internal...
•
12:55
The critical role of the digital audio cable
A digital cable just passes ones and zeros… right? Not so fast. In this episode, we explore the critical role of the digital audio cable, drawing from The Audiophile’s Guide to unpack why timing, noise, and construction can make a real...
•
24:31
Understanding DSP in the audio chain
It’s invisible, powerful, and everywhere: DSP. In this episode, we explore digital signal processing and its growing role in high-end audio, with guidance from The Audiophile’s Guide. From room correction and crossover tuning to upsamp...
•
15:43
Building a high-end digital audio system
What does it take to build a digital system that doesn’t sound digital? This episode explores the path to high-end digital audio, drawing from The Audiophile’s Guide to break down sources, DACs, streamers, and the critical role of clea...
•
24:16
PCM audio vs. PDM and DSD
Pulse code or pulse density? In this episode, we dig into PCM, PDM, and DSD—three very different ways of turning digital bits into sound. Based on insights from The Audiophile’s Guide, the discussion unpacks how each format works, how ...
•
16:10
Analog vs. digital: the fight is on
Needle or network? Groove or gigabyte? In this episode, it’s analog vs. digital—and the fight is on. Pulled from the pages of The Audiophile’s Guide, the conversation breaks down what each format gets right, where they fall short, and ...
•
3:32
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...
•
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...
•
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...
•
9:48