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.
Easy to subscribe and even easier to unsubscribe if you wish. Wake up each day with a short tip to help bring the magic of high-end audio into your home.
The Daily Tip
Tip Number 29: Diffusion Isn’t Decoration
You’ve treated the room. Sidewall panels dialed in. Absorption behind the seat. Bass feels taut, highs are clean, decay is under control. But the space around the notes? Maybe it’s...
Tip Number 28: Don’t Bi-Wire Blindly
Like most modern high-end designs—including the Aspen series—your speakers likely arrived with dual terminals and a set of jumpers bridging the posts. You probably started the standard way: single-wired, jumpers...
Tip Number 27: Don’t Let DSP Undo Your Setup
Perhaps you’re using room correction. Dirac, ARC, REW—maybe even your receiver’s auto-EQ. And in many ways, it’s working. The bass firms up. Peaks smooth out. But somehow, the music starts...
Tip Number 26: Check the Terminals—Tight Isn’t ...
You’ve taken care with connections. Bananas seated. Spades tightened. The system’s been sounding good—until recently. Bass that once landed with purpose might feel softened. Midrange presence seems to wander. You...
Tip Number 25: Only Filter Rumble When You’ve D...
You’re spinning vinyl. Everything feels right—organic, dimensional, alive. But during quiet moments, you notice it: your woofers are pulsing, visibly flapping in and out as if responding to something you...
Tip Number 24: That Port Plug Might Be a Lifesaver
You’ve probably got it dialed. Rear-ported speakers, carefully placed. They’re expressive, balanced, even moving. But positioning’s always been the dance. Too close to the wall, and the bass seems swollen—clouding...