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
77 episodes
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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...
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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