Boomy bass, vanished kick drums, that one note that rattles the walls—blame room modes. In this episode, we tackle how to conquer these invisible troublemakers using insights from The Audiophile’s Guide. Room modes are standing waves that exaggerate or cancel bass, and they’re baked into your space whether you like it or not. But with smart placement, tuning, and a little help from subwoofers, they can be tamed. Better bass starts with understanding the room.The Audiophile’s Guide publishes daily. Want to learn more or join the HiFi Family? Visit PS Audio. To get your own copy of Paul McGowan’s The Audiophile’s Guide, get it on Amazon.
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14:41
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14:41
Sonic holography, the power of the diffuser
When a system images well, it’s not just sound—it’s sculpture. This episode explores sonic holography and the powerful role diffusers play in creating it, guided by concepts from The Audiophile’s Guide. Unlike absorbers that deaden the room, diffusers scatter reflections without killing energy—unlocking depth, width, and a soundstage that hangs in midair. If you’ve ever chased that elusive 3D image where the speakers vanish and the performers appear, diffusion might be your missing piece.The Audiophile’s Guide publishes daily. Want to learn more or join the HiFi Family? Visit PS Audio. To get your own copy of Paul McGowan’s The Audiophile’s Guide, get it on Amazon.
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11:00
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11:00
Separates vs. Integrateds
More boxes or one and done? This episode breaks down the pros and cons of separates vs. integrateds, based on insights from The Audiophile’s Guide. Is it better to build your system with dedicated components for each job, or simplify with an all-in-one unit? From performance and flexibility to cost and space, the discussion covers what matters—and what doesn’t—when choosing your system’s core. Whether you're building up or scaling down, this one helps you decide.The Audiophile’s Guide publishes daily. Want to learn more or join the HiFi Family? Visit PS Audio. To get your own copy of Paul McGowan’s The Audiophile’s Guide, get it on Amazon.
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17:29
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17:29
The phono preamplifier
Small signal, big impact. This episode digs into the fundamentals of the phono preamplifier, the unsung hero of any vinyl-based system. Pulling from The Audiophile’s Guide, the conversation breaks down why this tiny component matters so much—amplifying fragile signals, applying RIAA EQ, and shaping the character of what you hear. Whether you’re new to analog or fine-tuning your setup, it’s a reminder that great vinyl playback starts with the right foundation.The Audiophile’s Guide publishes daily. Want to learn more or join the HiFi Family? Visit PS Audio. To get your own copy of Paul McGowan’s The Audiophile’s Guide, get it on Amazon.
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14:48
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14:48
Working with loudspeakers
Loudspeakers don’t just make sound—they shape it. In this episode, drawn from The Audiophile’s Guide, the focus is on working with speakers during system setup. It’s not about gear swapping or specs, but about finding the exact placement that unlocks realism, depth, and musicality. From toe-in to spacing to that elusive sweet spot, small changes make big differences. If you want your speakers to disappear and the soundstage to come alive, start here.The Audiophile’s Guide publishes daily. Want to learn more or join the HiFi Family? Visit PS Audio. To get your own copy of Paul McGowan’s The Audiophile’s Guide, get it on Amazon.
The Audiophile's Guide podcast is your invitation into the world of high-end audio, and connecting with me, Paul McGowan—a 50-year veteran in the art and science of sound and the co-founder and CEO of PS Audio. We do kind of a mind meld between me and our technologically connected hosts. Each episode is a fresh, no-nonsense exploration of how to bring music to life in your home, drawn from my decades of hands-on experience designing the gear that makes it happen.
Italia