Paul McGowan: I am often asked why power supplies make a difference in audio electronics. For, after all, it’s the power supply and it is not in the signal path. Being outside the signal path suggests that a well designed power supply should be sonically invisible, as if it were not even there, yet the […]
Month: January 2020
Found 69 results
Paul McGowan My recent post suggested the perceived shift away from high-end audio was not what it appears. That, in fact, it is a shift away from spending family resources on isolating the audio system – not the lack of desire for high-performance. We now have entire generations of music lovers who want music throughout […]
Paul McGowan writes: I was in the process of posting today’s Ask Paul video on the difficulty of designing power amplifiers when I was reminded of the lengths some speaker designers were willing to go for bass. I was thinking of Arnie Nudell’s Infinity Kappa series, the terror of solid state amplifier manufacturers the world […]
Paul McGowan: My friend Doug keeps on me about getting involved with digital EQ. I keep resisting. I am really not sure why. I think I have a stubborn streak in me. Or maybe I am just scared. I do know that once I latch onto something I can’t let it go. So often times […]
Paul McGowan writes: For those of you following the trail of the Music Room construction and the installation of the Infinity Reference Standard loudspeakers, the latest chapter, part 6 is up and ready for viewing. Part 7 will probably follow quickly as the IRS system is, as of this morning, setup in the room! Yesterday’s […]
The thread starts: Before I write this I know exactly what the responses are going to be but to be honest I couldn’t give a toss but after feeling brainwashed by some on this site my sanity has finally been resumed, thank the lord. Around 2 months ago I felt compelled to try what most […]
So I think I’ve got to the end of the line with my Raspberry Pi HAT DAC project and fancy having a go at a DAC build of some sort. I’ve been following the Twisted Pear Buffalo stuff for years, but never go around to dipping my toe in the water. What else is there […]
Paul McGowan: A fellow manufacturer dropped me a note recently in response to one of my posts regarding the declining acceptance of high-end audio in the home. He writes: “Audio-as-a-destination-activity is the enemy of the rest of the household. It takes both money and the listener away from the family. Home Theater is a friend […]
Will Hifi die out? Without young blood keen on listening to HiFi it most surely will. So what is to become of HiFi once we are all geriatric? Will the manufacturers devise lots of devices to enable the old and infirm to enjoy their hobby ? My first product will be the LP stacker […]
Paul McGowan: When I audition a stereo system using popular music I seem to focus most on imaging. Does it feel like I am in the space it was recorded in? When I audition using classical music the space becomes less important and what I seem to focus on is the sound of the instruments. […]
Ribbon transducer manufacturing has traditionally been a specialized craft, even when part of a larger speaker manufacturing operation. The wisdom and perception for permanent installations was that the expense and temperamental aspects of ribbon diaphragm assemblies, their limited dynamic range, and the larger surface radiating area required for adequate low-end response limited their market acceptance. […]
Paul McGowan: I know this story of my first sale of a stereo product is taking a number of twists and turns and please forgive me, today’s will be even a bigger turn. Perhaps it will be the size of a U turn today. But in the end it all pans out and makes sense. […]
Paul McGowan writes: If I had to think of the worst thing I might add to a power amplifier, an output transformer would be right up there – yet the vast majority of tube power amplifiers sport them. Tube amps interface their output stage with your loudspeakers through a matching transformer, not because it sounds […]
A little advice from you guys please. I used to be happy with the set up I had, which consisted of Micromega CD player, Micromega A60 amplifier, Project Debut Mk3 turntable, Canton LE207 floorstanders and Chord cables. This was all linked into a moderate surround-sound set up for my DVDs including Monitor Audio Radius rears and […]
OK, so I’ve replaced the CD player with a PS audio DAC and using the Pioneer Blu-ray as a transport and the improvement in sound is a lot better than expected, my attention is now drawn to the sound quality from my PC. It’s generally very good but the Pioneer/PS audio combo leaves it behind. […]
Hello. In summary, should the tonal characteristics of an amp be consistent across at least 80 percent of its volume control range? Let me explain if I may. I’ve heard tell of a person – and he might not be the only one – who while using a sophisticated integrated amp (the brand is irrelevant […]
Paul McGowan writes: Let me set the scene for you. You’re at a dinner party, the folks that invited you have worked their hearts out to make a lovely meal, but it’s not to your liking. And then your worst fears come true. “How was your food?” She asks so nicely, filled with expectations (and hope). […]
I recently found out something about myself, and I think it informs some of the questions and debates that audiophiles have. When I started down this path some years ago, I thought I was a “they are here” music lover; that is, I was seeking to bring, say, the Berlin Philharmonic into my listening room. […]
All the boxes, all the cables, all the crap… So all I have is up for sale, and is already replaced with bluetooth, active speaker, idevice and, for old times sake, an LP12 running a bluetooth preamp. Yes, that is speaker singular, an omnidirectional beoplay device. Yes, I have a suddenly busy life, and yes, […]
There are fantastic pre-owned bargains out there. We all know this. That said, many budget-end enthusiasts just don’t know to what extent the system components work well together – if at all! In short – is there system synergy? Who knows? I do! Hi. I’m Neil McCauley – Editor in chief. Truthfully … I get […]
“I’ve got the world on a string, sitting on the rainbow Got the string around my finger, what a life, Mama, I’m in love. Life’s a beautiful thing, as long as I hold the string I’d be a silly so-and-so if I should ever let you go.”—Ted Koehler To Continue Reading Please Click Here
Paul McGowan writes: Most of us have an idea how our ear works. We have an eardrum, which is a diaphragm or membrane, and sound pressure moves this membrane back and forth stimulating nerves and generating electrical signals the brain can recognize as sound. Our brains act as recorders storing the sounds we hear for […]
Just wondering, with this audio merry-go-round of buying and selling, if anyone has an amp that will be a keeper for life. I haven’t yet but came verrrry close once… MORE