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 35: Record Clamps Are Tracking Tools
Your setup seems solid. The platter’s likely level. The arm probably tracks with confidence. Vertical tracking force appears dialed in. Still, a slightly warped LP lands on the mat—and suddenly,...
Tip Number 34: Your Breaker Box Might Be a Bott...
Your system might sound clean, clear, even well-balanced. But every so often, it just feels a little… restrained. Like the dynamics don’t quite open up, or the transients feel a...
Tip Number 33: Use a Strobe to Check Turntable ...
Your vinyl rig likely sounds fantastic—organic, textured, alive. The stylus traces beautifully, instruments have weight. But every so often, piano notes could feel like they swell or sag. Sustained violins...
Tip Number 32: Turn Off the Lights—Literally
You’ve likely landed in that sweet spot. The system appears to be humming along—tonally balanced, harmonically rich. Bass may feel grounded. Treble could be extended without glare. Still, the image...
Tip Number 31: Stop Stacking Your Gear
Your components are likely first-rate. DAC, preamp, power amp—maybe even from the same house, a trusted name like PS Audio or Pass or Luxman. The sound probably leans toward the...
Tip Number 30: Trust Your Ears at Low Volume
You’ve likely settled into the chair. Familiar album, trusted track. The imaging probably lands where it should—left to right feels intact, center image may seem stable. Still, something in the...