Hi-Fi engineer Darren Myers (Parasound) and marketing guy Duncan Taylor (YG Acoustics) discuss all things HiFi audio, covering such audiophile topics as speakers, amplifiers, DACs, preamplifiers, vinyl, cables, music, stereo soundstages, tweaks, adjustments and a whole lot more.
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Preamplifier Podcasts
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.
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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. The Audiophile’s Guide publishes daily. Want to learn more or join the HiFi Family? Visit PS Audio. To get your own copy of Paul McGowan’s The Audiophil…
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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. The Audiophile’s Guide publishes daily. Want to learn more or join the HiFi Family? Visit PS Audio. To get your own copy of Paul McGowan’s The Audiophile’s Guide, get it on …
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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. The Audiophile’s Guide publishes daily. Want to learn more or join the HiFi Family? Visit PS Audio. To get your own copy of Paul…
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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. The Audiophile’s Guide publishes daily. Want to learn more or join the HiFi Family? Visit PS Audio. To get your own copy of Paul McGowan’s The Audiophile’s Guide, get it o…
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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? The Audiophile’s Guide publishes daily. Want to learn more or join the HiFi Family? Visit PS Audio. To get your own copy of Paul McGowan’s The Audiophile’s Guide, get it on Amazon.…
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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. The Audiophile’s Guide publishes daily. Want to learn more or join the HiFi Family? Visit PS Audio. To get your own copy of Paul McGowan’s The Audiophile’s Guide, get it on Amazon.…
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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. The Audiophile’s Guide publishes daily. Want to learn more or join the HiFi Family? Visit PS Audio. To get your own c…
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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. The Audiophile’s Guide publishes daily. Want to learn more or join the HiFi Family? Visit PS Audio. To get your o…
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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. The Audiophile’s Guide publishes daily. Want to learn more or join the HiFi Family? Visit PS Audio. To get your own copy of Paul McGowan’s The Audiophile’s Guide, get i…
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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. The Audiophile’s Guide publishes daily. Want to learn more or join the HiFi Family? Visit PS Audio. To get your own copy of Paul…
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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. The Audiophile’s Guide publishes daily. Want to learn more or join the HiFi Family? Visit PS Audio. To get your own copy of Paul McGowan’s The Audiophile’s Guide, get it…
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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. The Audiophile’s Guide publishes daily. Want to learn more or join the HiFi Family? Visit PS Audio. To get your own copy of Paul McGowan’s The Audiophile’s Gu…
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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. The Audiophile’s Guide publishes daily. Want to learn more or join the HiFi Family? Visit PS Audio. To get your own copy of Paul McGowan’s The Audiophile’s Guide, get it on Amazon.…
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What are the synergistic elements important to high end audio systems? The Audiophile’s Guide publishes daily. Want to learn more or join the HiFi Family? Visit PS Audio. To get your own copy of Paul McGowan’s The Audiophile’s Guide, get it on Amazon.By Paul McGowan
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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 damping, driver alignment, and crossover tuning work together—or against each other—to deliver musical truth. When…
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The critical role of the digital audio cable
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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 difference. Whether it’s USB, coax, AES/EBU, or optical, the cable’s job isn’t just delivery—it’s delivery with pr…
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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 upsampling and EQ, DSP can shape the sound in ways analog never could. But is it always a good thing? When does it help—a…
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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 clean power and timing. From choosing lossless formats to optimizing your signal chain, it’s about more than convenienc…
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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 they shape what we hear, and why it matters for both streaming and physical media. From classic Red Book CDs to hig…
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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 how system design changes the outcome. Is vinyl really warmer? Is digital truly more accurate? And which one brings…
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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 control, every detail matters when you're dragging a diamond through a groove. Whether you're chasing warmth, texture, or…
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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 you do with it. From speaker toe-in to seat position to finding that magical center image, proper setup can transf…
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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 room. Standing waves are pressure zones caused by your room’s dimensions, and they’re the enemy of accurate bass. But …
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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 that exaggerate or cancel bass, and they’re baked into your space whether you like it or not. But with smart placeme…
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Sonic holography, the power of the diffuser
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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 room, diffusers scatter reflections without killing energy—unlocking depth, width, and a soundstage that hangs in …
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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 with an all-in-one unit? From performance and flexibility to cost and space, the discussion covers what matters—and …
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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 so much—amplifying fragile signals, applying RIAA EQ, and shaping the character of what you hear. Whether you’re new…
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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 placement that unlocks realism, depth, and musicality. From toe-in to spacing to that elusive sweet spot, small changes ma…
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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 you listen this way, and what do you lose? From soundstage and imaging to emotional connection, it’s a deep dive int…
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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 specs—it’s about creating a space where the speakers vanish and the sound takes over. Whether you’re starting fresh…
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Music or Equipment: which is more important?
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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 performance. Is it enough to love the music, or does gear elevate the experience? Can high-end components distract from the …
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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 makes one sound more “real” than the other? How do system choices shape what you hear? Whether you’re loyal to the…
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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-dimensional soundstage, make speakers vanish, and bring music vividly to life. No apps, no meters—just your ears, a syste…
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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 audiophile lore and share what we’ve actually heard in the listening room. Whether you're a skeptic or a be…
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Tune your system with the best tools on the planet, your ears
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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 depth and soundstage, we’ll walk through what to listen for, how to trust your instincts, and why your ea…
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Two ways to setup your subwoofer for killer bass
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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 approach. Each has its strengths, depending on your room, gear, and goals. We’ll break down how they work, wha…
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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 learn when to try it, what to listen for, and how to dial in the tilt for your room and seating height. It’…
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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, these small changes take just minutes—but can unlock better imaging, clarity, and musical flow. No new gear n…
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How the tiny drivers in headphones make bass
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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 ear canal plays, they’ll break down how headphones pull off the illusion of full-range sound. It’s not just …
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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 precision, converting physical motion into music. They’ll explore how stylus shape, size, and alignment affect sou…
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How to maximize the Vertical Tracking Angle of your table
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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 have a big sonic payoff. Whether your tonearm is adjustable or fixed, we’ll walk through simple ways to get t…
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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 with jaw-dropping dynamics. We’ll look at the challenges, the gear, the pioneers like Doug Sax and Lincoln M…
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How lossless manages to squeeze file size without losing bits
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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 math to shrink files without losing a single bit. It’s like zipping a folder—you get smaller size, perfect r…
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Digital audio promises perfect sound—but timing is everything. Today we’re talking about jitter: the microscopic timing errors that blur imaging, flatten soundstage, and drain the life from music. Where does jitter come from? And more importantly, how do we fix it? Enter the reclocker. These unsung heroes of digital playback clean up jittered signa…
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In the early 1980s, a shimmering silver disc promised perfect sound forever—and changed music forever. On today’s episode, we’re diving into the origin story of the compact disc: the technology, the engineering, and the industry shakeup it caused. From vinyl’s crackle to digital’s clarity, we’ll explore what we gained, what we lost, and why some of…
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A word about Paul McGowan and his stereo philosophies
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Paul McGowan has spent a lifetime chasing the magic of music in the home. As the co-founder of PS Audio and the voice behind The Audiophile’s Guide, Paul’s approach to high-end sound is clear, practical, and always centered on one thing: emotional connection. In this episode, we explore Paul’s stereo philosophy—why speakers come first, what makes a…
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The word audiophile gets thrown around a lot—sometimes with pride, sometimes with a raised eyebrow. But what does it really mean to be one? It’s not about how expensive your gear is, or how many specs you can rattle off. Being an audiophile is about loving music enough to chase its truth. In today’s episode, we’ll explore the mindset, the passion, …
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For most people, the AV receiver is the heart of their home theater—a one-box solution that powers speakers, switches inputs, and decodes surround formats. But for audiophiles, it’s often a compromise. So what exactly is an AV receiver, how does it work, and where does it fall short when it comes to music? Today, we’ll take a closer look at these a…
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For vinyl lovers, the cartridge is where it all starts. And one of the biggest choices you’ll make is between moving magnet and moving coil. They both have their strengths—and their tradeoffs. Today, we’ll break down how they work, why they sound different, and what to expect when you switch. Whether you’re spinning a $20 thrift store find or a min…
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It’s one of the oldest debates in high-end audio: tubes or solid-state? Some swear by the warmth and romance of glowing glass, others want the grip and precision of transistors. But what’s really going on under the hood—and how does it shape what we hear? Today, we’ll dig into the sound, the science, and why both camps have loyal followers. Because…
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