Paul's Posts

Circuits matter
Circuits matter
The illusion of depth, width, height, and separation of players within a soundstage can be a thing of beauty if executed properly. Unfortunately, a proper soundstage image is rare. Part... Read more...
Real or imagined?
Real or imagined?
Stereo systems build illusions. The better the stereo system, the more believable the illusion. It's not something people think about a lot, yet it is one of the foundations of... Read more...
Vision
Vision
Products stem from their designer's vision. What are we trying to achieve and why? What resources do we have to work with? What are our limitations? When engineer Darren Myers... Read more...
The squash blossom conundrum
The squash blossom conundrum
A white table cloth and high prices don't make food any better than a fancy chassis and gold connectors make a product sound good. Yet, we often have little more... Read more...
Commodity brands
Commodity brands
It is truly rare that a brand name can survive an ownership change: Marantz, JBL, Infinity, Harman Kardon, Wharfdale, Klipsch, Krell were all iconic brands when owned by their founders.... Read more...
Personal speakers
Personal speakers
Speakers are far more personal than electronics because they are far more flawed. Where amps, preamps, and DACs stretch the limits of measurement equipment, speakers challenge the credibility of accurate... Read more...
Air gaps
Air gaps
The long-awaited PS Audio music server, Octave, is inching closer to making its debut in late 2019. Since I've not written much about it recently, I thought you'd enjoy an... Read more...
Following suit
Following suit
A few weeks ago I mentioned that one great test recording to measure your sound system's ability to disappear was the Rutter Requiem recorded by Keith Johnson on Reference. Properly... Read more...
Fidelity
Fidelity
The definition of fidelity is faithful. In our field, we promote the idea of a higher sort of faithful called High Fidelity. In audio, we have different levels of fidelity:... Read more...
Getting what you want
Getting what you want
When we set out to prove one thing or another we arrange tests to prove our theory. For example, if you're trying to prove there are no differences between cables... Read more...
Frameworks
Frameworks
We all love to learn but today's education systems are antiquated to the task. Student's heads are crammed full of information that bears little relevance to their lives—information they will... Read more...
Soft underbelly
Soft underbelly
Life and stereo systems are compromises—a fact that causes us to make less than perfect choices. It's helpful to understand the consequences of each choice. Take for example amplifier power.... Read more...
Cord cutting
Cord cutting
I got close. Obsessed with the idea of joining the ranks of the Cord Cutters, I have found myself on the roof pointing antennas, buying boosters, and generally scraping my... Read more...
No surprise
No surprise
The LP was introduced in the year I was born, 1948, but it didn't really get good until the all important tape decks to make the recordings became more readily... Read more...
The value of libraries
The value of libraries
The value of a library can easily be measured with only two metrics: its quality content and easy access. If you have 1,000 treasured record albums but cannot figure out... Read more...
Mood changes standards
Mood changes standards
When I am hungry I order more food than I should. When a track of music floats my boat I often want to turn up the volume level—and when it... Read more...
Audio battlegrounds
Audio battlegrounds
I have never been much of a sports fan. I coached my boys T-Ball team and rooted at their soccer matches. I watch the World Series and if there's nothing... Read more...
Image size
Image size
All stereo systems produce a sonic image—some better than others. But, regardless of the image quality, there's one thing we can say they have in common: a size to that... Read more...
Minimal volume
Minimal volume
I am often asked if there's a minimum volume level for speakers. It's a valid question prompted by observation. If the level of the system is too low the sound... Read more...
Cheating
Cheating
Cheating is something we want to avoid unless the Grim Reaper's involved. We're taught in school to do our own work so we can be judged on our personal merits.... Read more...
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