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 5: Shorten the Distance Behind You
Perhaps you've done everything right. The triangle measures out. Imaging seems solid. Tonal balance feels smooth. Still, something’s missing. Vocals sit on the speakers, not behind them. The soundstage feels...
Tip Number 4: Treat the Ceiling or Blur the Image
You’ve likely covered the bases. The room seems symmetrical. First reflections on the side walls are probably treated. There’s a thick rug anchoring the floor. Imaging might be decent. The...
Tip Number 3: Kill the Corners Before They Kill...
You’ve got extension. The system likely hits low and hard. But it doesn’t feel right. Certain notes boom or hang in the air, while others seem to fall away. The...
Tip Number 2: Toe-In for a Center That Snaps In...
You’re in the sweet spot. Distance likely measures out. Levels appear matched. Imaging comes across as clear—but not precise. Vocals tend to drift just off-center. Cymbals feel like they wander....
Tip Number 1: Face the Sub or Lose the Stage
You’ve done the setup. Crossover appears dialed. Phase likely adjusted. Levels match. The sub’s not just loud—it’s deep. But somehow, it still feels off. The low end doesn’t anchor the...