Drawn from Paul McGowan’s The Audiophile’s Guide series, these daily tips offer concise, expert insight into refining high-end stereo systems. With a half century of experience at PS Audio, McGowan distills complex concepts into practical steps—ideal for us audiophiles seeking to elevate realism, correct system flaws, and make their music come alive.
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The Daily Tip
Tip Number 11: Clean Contacts, Clear Sound
You’ve likely done the upgrades. Better cables. Regenerated power. Carefully chosen gear. The system probably sounds excellent—clean, balanced, refined. And yet, something still feels like it’s holding back. The treble...
Tip Number 10: Get the Listening Triangle Right...
Your measurements hopefully look spot-on. The speakers are equidistant. The triangle probably checks out at 60 degrees. Imaging seems stable. Vocals sit center. Everything appears “right”—but not quite close. You...
Tip Number 9: Subwoofer Phase Isn’t Set-and-Forget
You’ve likely blended your sub with care. Crossover feels smooth. Integration seems natural. But once you sit down, something shifts. The bass might lean to one side. It could feel...
Tip Number 8: Match Your Listening Height to th...
The system hopefully sounds solid. Imaging holds. Transients feel clean. But vocals land too low—just enough to make the stage feel tilted. It may not be distracting, but it never...
Tip Number 7: Remove the Gear Rack Between Your...
The system checks all the boxes. Reference-grade gear. Careful matching. A symmetrical room. You sit down, cue something spatial—and the instruments appear where expected. Left is left, right is right....
Tip Number 6: Rugs Aren’t Optional—They’re Hori...
You’ve done the homework. Your speakers are placed with care. The walls are treated, the subs are tuned. But the sound still has an edge—a brightness that won’t quite settle....