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Linearity
The term linearity as it applies to amplification suggests a ruler-flat straight line. That is, for a given input voltage we expect a mathematical relationship with the output voltage that...
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Parallel vs. series
There is a fundamental difference between projects worked in parallel or in series yet both have their merits. In the former, multiple tasks and projects are tackled at the same...
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Capturing vs. permeating
There is a fundamental sonic difference between perfectly capturing the sound of a distorted guitar versus allowing the guitar to distort the recording. Many recording engineers do not understand the...
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Tingle meter
I am convinced that the majority of McIntosh owners were attracted more to the big and cool front panel metering systems than they were sound quality. And, to be clear,...
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Truth or preference?
In our search for sonic truth, there comes a point where the systems get so good their "truth" is more about our personal preference. In fact, personal preferences often trump...
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More than what's obvious
In yesterday's post, I made the point that regardless of the delivery method—transport or streaming—identical digital audio bits received at the DAC should sound the same. They do not. Why?...
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In Rare Form
Astounding finds: a JBL Metregon speaker system alongside a JBL Paragon system. Currently located at Audio Classics, owner Steve Rowell noted, “finding either of these is extremely rare. To have both at one time is unbelievable.” In fact, they’re so rare that we’re devoting all of this month’s column to these incredible examples of audio art. The JBL Metregon. Wow, just…wow. The JBL Paragon. From The JBL Book by John M. Eargle: “the 1957 Paragon was based on a direct-reflecting design by Richard Ranger originally intended for application in...
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Streaming vs. discs
The controversy over streaming vs. physical disc seems endless. On the one hand, we know that all things being equal, there's no difference to the DAC how it gets its...
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Keeping score
Most businesses are profit-centric. Their decision-making process is based on how to best maximize profits. That does not describe PS Audio. PS Audio has always been more about affording all...
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Headphones Vs. Speakers
I’ve never understood the rift between headphone and speaker advocates. Chat rooms, forums, and blog posts by the hundreds are rife with strong opinions why one’s superior to the other....
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A place of honor
If you're an important person invited to dinner, tradition suggests you be given the place of honor, perhaps the seat next to the host. But places of honor aren't reserved...
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Live end dead end
As we move forward building the new Octave Recording studio we're learning a great deal from both Gus Skinas and J.I. Agnew. Most of you know Gus, the mastering engineer...
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Who's on first?
Making a decision as to which model of amplifier, phono stage, or preamplifier can be daunting. There are more brands than one can count and, within those brands, many models....
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Auditioning speakers
If you go to a big box store, or even a medium-sized store, you're likely to encounter a switch box approach to speaker selling. Multiple pairs of speakers are lined...
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External power supplies
On the periphery of exotic upgrades is the external power supply. Sometimes this supply is bigger and more powerful than what's standard inside products, but more often than not it's...
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Syrup on pancakes
In the 1990s, the idea of an AC power conditioner feeding a stereo system was about the same as adding syrup to pancakes: a nice but unnecessary sweetener. Few people...
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Who's it for?
Ok, I'll admit it. I am a Trekkie. My current favorite Star Trek spinoff is Discovery. In second place is Picard (though it started off so slow I had to...
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Temples of sound
For a small handful, it is possible to build temples of sound—a dedicated purpose-built room. They are rare. More of us convert existing space into dedicated listening areas that we...
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Janszen
In yesterday's post, I reminisced about my first experience with a subwoofer. And boy, not just any subwoofer. Lucky for me, I got a taste of the mighty Cerwin-Vega 18s,...
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Subwoofer history
In one of my Ask Paul video questions, I was asked how far back subwoofers go in 2-channel audio. The community member had only become aware of subs as they...
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