About Paul McGowan
Paul McGowan is the co-founder of PS Audio (The 'P' ) and has been designing, building and enjoying high end audio since 1974. He lives in Boulder Colorado with his wife Terri and his four sons: Lon, Sean, Scott and Rob. His hobbies include hiking, skiing, cooking, artisan bread baking. His current big project, other than playing with stereos, is writing a book series called the Carbon Chronicles. Book One, the Lost Chronicle, is a work in progress. You can view his efforts at http://www.paulmcgowan.com
Sorry… I have to respond to not a reply to this subject, but …. but a TAS review. First, congrats… In this day and age where to get a piece of audio gear in front of someone while no audio/video shows are going on, PS Audio now has a review of their new M1200 in TAS: The Absolute Sound. I acquired a M700, to do a long personal review against my Krell FPB 250s, VTL MB450s, a Carver Research Lightstar 1, Krell Showcase multi, Yamaha multi… To see if it acceptable to drive a center (Martin Logan Logos), or a mid/tweeter IRS Beta or the sub, or a LAT-2 or a Krell center or … It is more than acceptable for most listening sessions in many environments. Now, the M1200 hybrid tube amp is being reviewed which with some small personal history with PS Audio, I have confidence will be a positive review for PS Audio…. Now, on to the review….
That was a great reply to an interesting question, and quite inspiring.
Now off on a side track; we see Paul sitting at the Studer mixer. He says it sounds good, and we have no reason to disbelieve. The schematic for this series of mixers shows that the signal path through a single input module contains eight NE5534 op amps and three RC4559 op amps. What makes it acceptable to use these devices in the recording process but not in reproduction of the finished recording in the home environment?
Thanks, Mark and it’s a great question. First, if you’re going to use op-amps the NE 5532 is one of the best sounding ever made (and it’s been around forever). Second, who says they’re not used in consumer audio? It’s actually one of the more popular to use. When I built the original Gain Cell that’s what was in there: NE 5532s. Can we do better? Yes. Discrete is better sounding but imagine how much more complex the Studer would be if it had discrete components!
Thanks for the response Paul. I think the NE5534 was introduced about 1975. I remember being excited when I discovered this part in about 1977, so evidently I have been around for (nearly) ever too.
A mixer like your Studer would certainly be a monster if it was based on discrete components.
IMO, motivation usually has a far greater impact than time.