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 17: Ground Loops Start at the Wall
You’ve no doubt heard it before. You turn the volume up—no music playing—and there it is. A low, steady hum, soft but unignorable. It doesn’t change when you switch inputs....
Tip Number 16: Raise Your Stands, Ground Your S...
Let's imagine your bookshelf speakers throw a proper image. The stage may come across as wide, orderly. You can probably point to each instrument—everything appears in its place. But something...
Tip Number 15: The Cable Match That Matters
You may have just swapped in a well-regarded pair of speaker cables. Heavy, solid, likely reviewed to the heavens. But something's shifted—and not in the right direction. The highs might...
Tip Number 14: Short Cables Can Sound Better
The rack looks sharp. Cables neatly fanned, interconnects gracefully arced, not a strand out of place. You’ve likely taken pride in the order. But sometimes, what looks perfect doesn’t quite...
Tip Number 13: Laser Lens, Laser Focus
Your CD or SACD player once sparkled. Transients were sharp. Space felt etched and clean. But lately, something’s dulled. Detail seems softened. The shimmer’s faded. You’ve checked the cables, cycled...
Tip Number 12: Tighten the Bass with Damping Fa...
You’ve hopefully got the right gear. The amp may have plenty of watts, the speakers could be full-range and efficient. There’s presence, slam, extension. But the bass gives the impression...