Do monoblock or stereo amps image better?
Posted 3 weeks ago
Monoblock amplifiers should image and sound better than conventional stereo amplifiers with the same circuitry, yet that doesn't seem to be the case for this listener. What's going on?
What’s the best way to connect a laptop to an amplifier?
Posted 3 weeks ago
Going from a laptop's headphone jack into a stereo system isn't the best way to get great sound, but this user doesn't think he has much choice in the matter. Paul comes to his rescue.
Should power cables be shielded?
Posted 3 weeks ago
The opinions are flying in all directions. Power cables should and should not be shielded for best sound! What's the truth behind the question?
Combining tubes and op amps
Posted 3 weeks ago
Should systems be built around the same technology or a mix of different types to build synergy? And, Paul explains dry farmed tomatoes in this double header.
How to get meta data on a PC music server
Posted 4 weeks ago
Meta data is critical when building a library of recorded music, but what's the best way to get good and accurate cover art, song titles, and all that meta data can offer?
Bookshelf vs. floor standing loudspeakers
Posted 4 weeks ago
If you're already augmenting your bookshelf speakers with a proper subwoofer, why spend the extra money for a floor standing speaker model instead?
Upgrade power cables or audio cables first?
Posted 1 month ago
If you're on a limited budget what's better to upgrade first? Power or audio cables? And, why?
Using super caps in a power supply
Posted 1 month ago
Most power supplies use off the shelf electrolytic capacitors. This questions asks Paul what would happen if super caps were used instead.
Tubes vs. solid state amplifiers
Posted 1 month ago
What makes a speaker good for a tube amplifier and, as a secondary question, what are the 4Ω and 8Ω settings on the back of tube amplifiers for?
How to get good sound in a crowded place
Posted 1 month ago
If you're trying to get good sound in a crowded cocktail lounge without overpowering everyone, what's the best way to do that?
How to downsample high resolution files
Posted 1 month ago
If your DAC cannot accept higher resolution files, what's the best way to downsample them to something the DAC can play?
What are the best low cost integrated amps?
Posted 1 month ago
There are fewer and fewer integrated amplifiers today. If you're searching for one, is there a best choice in low cost integrated amplifiers?
The truth behind balanced circuits
Posted 1 month ago
Audio buzzwords are everywhere. The person asks what the truth is behind statements like "fully balanced" and "balanced inputs and outputs". Paul gives us the straight scoop on this often misunderstood technology.
Is line level or headphone output the best?
Posted 1 month ago
When connecting your preamp or headphone amplifier to your speakers, which output is best to use from a sonic standpoint? This person hears a difference but cannot decide which is best.
Where do tubes sound their best?
Posted 1 month ago
If you're going to have vacuum tubes in your audio equipment, where's the best place for them? In the power amp or preamp? The phono stage? This often asked question has a lot of people wondering.
How to choose speakers
Posted 1 month ago
Choosing the right speakers for a particular room or set of musical tastes isn't the easiest and this person looks for some expert advice on the subject of which Paul's happy to share.
Can you improve your listening skills?
Posted 1 month ago
How do you learn to relate what you hear in reproduced music into circuit changes like the engineers at PS Audio do? Is it something you're born with or can it be learned?
What happened to FM tuners?
Posted 1 month ago
Most high-end audio products do not have FM tuners. Why is that? Is FM radio a dying art form or is there another reason this questioner hasn't yet thought of?
Why do speakers sound better louder?
Posted 1 month ago
When loudspeakers play at soft levels they sound pretty wimpy. Kind of "meh". Why is that and how loud do they have to get to come alive?
Why do PS Audio Power Plants use MOVs?
Posted 1 month ago
MOVs are designed to protect our systems and homes from surges and spikes down the electrical line. But, they sometimes die. Why then use them in an expensive power regenerator like the PS Audio Power Plant?
How does a speaker coil work?
Posted 1 month ago
We mostly take our stereo systems for granted. Put a CD or vinyl on and bingo, out comes music. But look inside. How do things actually work? Paul shows us how this most basic of devices, the speaker coil, works.
Can you plug a DAC directly into an amp?
Posted 1 month ago
Most people assume you need a preamplifier to control the source and volume feeding a power amplifier. But, can you take the output of a DAC and skip that step?
Windom launches
Posted 1 month ago
It's Audiophile Day today, the 2nd of October. To celebrate, we're launching the single biggest upgrade to our DAC in history, Windom. The upgrade is free to DirectStream owners. Paul tells us about DirectStream and we get treated to a rare mountaintop interview with digital genius, Ted Smith. It's a video worth watching.
What is a DAC?
Posted 1 month ago
One of the most basic building blocks in high end audio is a DAC. But, what exactly is a DAC and why would people want one?
What’s the minimum room size for stereo?
Posted 1 month ago
As the world grows it seems that our living spaces shrink. What's an audiophile to do? If you only have a small amount of real estate in which to build your dream audio system, what's the minimum?