Explain a 2.5 way audio system
Posted 3 weeks ago
What is a two and a half way system where there are two or more identical drivers on the speaker? How do they connect and why multiple drivers?
Why is HiFi exclusively a male hobby?
Posted 3 weeks ago
For some reason HiFi seems a male dominated endeavor and yet women certainly love music as much, and perhaps more, than men. So what's the disconnect?
Do bi-amplified systems need the same wattage?
Posted 3 weeks ago
Can you use different wattage amplifiers on a bi-amped system or do they all need to be the same?
Are horn speakers really more efficient?
Posted 4 weeks ago
Horn loudspeakers are considered the most efficient loudspeakers but, they don't have horns on their woofers. So, how does that work? How can the horn loaded midrange and tweeter ever match the non-horn loaded woofer?
Why is Van Halen’s guitar so far forward?
Posted 4 weeks ago
When this viewer listens to Van Halen's guitar on his stereo system the sound is so far forward he's questioning what happened. The others in the group seem normal: behind and to the side of the speakers, but not Eddie.
What is the future of wireless speakers?
Posted 1 month ago
With B and W's introduction of their Foundation series this viewer believes the world's turning wireless when it comes to audio. Does Paul agree?
Is point to point wiring better than PCB?
Posted 1 month ago
Years ago there was no such thing as a printed circuit board and everything was wired with what's known as point-to-point. Today it's unheard of but this viewer wants to know if perhaps we've lost something.
How to fix turntable hum
Posted 1 month ago
If you're experiencing turntable hum what are the reasons for it and what can you do to fix it?
Why do we listen in stereo?
Posted 1 month ago
When we go to a concert or live event it's pretty much in mono yet when we reproduce it on our home audio system it's always in stereo. Would we not be better served to have a mono presentation rather than stereo?
Are dual speaker binding posts a gimmick?
Posted 1 month ago
Plenty of speakers, from the lowest cost to the highest, have dual sets of binding posts on them to facilitate bi-amping. Is this just a gimmick or is it valuable?
What’s the benefit of a highly resolving system?
Posted 1 month ago
PS Audio engineers worked what seems nearly a lifetime of endlessly tweaking and polishing their products to the highest standards of resolution only to have them perform on unresolving systems of customers. What's the point?
The diminishing returns of high end audio
Posted 1 month ago
Is an audio product costing 4 to 5 times more than another worth the extra money? Are there 4 to 5 times the benefits to be enjoyed for that extra money?
What’s the best source for audio?
Posted 1 month ago
When computer audio is the subject is a laptop adequate for the task or do you need a big high priced computer instead?
How to get started in high end audio
Posted 1 month ago
If you've just discovered the joys of high end audio where do you start? How do you decide what equipment to get and what are your goals for this sometimes lifetime passion of ours?
How do we know when we’ve found what we’re searching for?
Posted 1 month ago
High end audio can sometimes feel as if it is part of an endless search for audio perfection. When does it end if ever? And, how would you know if you've found nirvana?
Are audiophiles narcissistic?
Posted 1 month ago
Audiophiles see so self absorbed in their hobby/passion as to make this viewer question whether or not they are narcissistic.
What the hell happened to high end audio?
Posted 1 month ago
It seems like back in the day high end audio manufacturers were more concerned with sound quality than making money. Today that role seems reversed. Is it true and, if so, why?
How do watts work?
Posted 1 month ago
Amps and watts are associated with each other but how do they work together to power loudspeakers? This very basic question gets a good overview by Paul.
Getting bass from a bookshelf speaker
Posted 1 month ago
If your bookshelf speakers aren't delivering the expected amount of punch and bass is it the fault of the amp driving them or does this person need to add a subwoofer?
Will a 50Hz component work at 60Hz?
Posted 1 month ago
230 volt capable electronics are typically also rated for 50Hz operation. But, what happens when that same unit is powered by a 60Hz power? Will the unit be damaged?
Dividing power for bi-amping
Posted 1 month ago
How does someone determine the appropriate wattage for the tweeter section of a speaker as well as its woofer?
Are heavier speakers better?
Posted 1 month ago
It's sometimes known as audio by the pound: a measurement of audio quality by its weight. Does this apply to speakers as well as electronics and if so, why?
Using a Mac Mini for high end audio
Posted 1 month ago
PS Audio, through it's Infinity IRS V speakers as well as its own AN Series of reference loudspeaker, enjoy some of the best sound in the world. Surprisingly, a Mac Mini is at the heart of this exotic system.
Active vs. passive crossovers
Posted 1 month ago
Wouldn't a speaker pair sound better without a passive crossover inside and will PS Audio ever consider going with an active loudspeaker?
Why place power amplifiers on the floor?
Posted 1 month ago
Expensive high end audio systems inevitably seem to place their big power amplifier on or near the floor behind the speakers. Why is that and wouldn't they be better protected up higher?