Ok, classic question. In this episode, the focus turns to a classic audiophile question: what matters more—the music or the equipment? Based on insights from The Audiophile’s Guide, the discussion explores where passion meets performance. Is it enough to love the music, or does gear elevate the experience? Can high-end components distract from the emotional core of a song? Whether you build your system around your favorite albums or the other way around, this episode cuts to the heart of the hobby.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.
--------
20:06
--------
20:06
Analog vs. Digital
In this episode, it’s analog vs. digital. Drawing from The Audiophile’s Guide, the conversation dives into the strengths and trade-offs of both formats—from the tactile magic of vinyl to the precision and convenience of streaming. What makes one sound more “real” than the other? How do system choices shape what you hear? Whether you’re loyal to the stylus or deep into DACs, this is a clear-eyed look at two very different paths to great sound.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.
--------
12:56
--------
12:56
Using your ears to tune
In this episode, discover how to tune a high-end stereo system using only your ears. Drawing from The Audiophile’s Guide, the conversation explores how careful speaker placement and listening-based adjustments can unlock a three-dimensional soundstage, make speakers vanish, and bring music vividly to life. No apps, no meters—just your ears, a system, and the right techniques to get the most out of your setup.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.
--------
12:50
--------
12:50
Want some controversy? Let's talk cables
Cables—essential component or snake oil? In this episode, our hosts wade into one of high-end audio’s most hotly debated topics: do cables really matter? From interconnects to speaker wires to power cords, we separate the engineering from the audiophile lore and share what we’ve actually heard in the listening room. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, this is a conversation that might change the way you think about what connects your system together.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.
--------
23:48
--------
23:48
Tune your system with the best tools on the planet, your ears
You don’t need fancy gear to get your system dialed in—just your ears. On today’s episode, we explore how to tune your system using the best tools on the planet: your own hearing and a little focused listening. From imaging and tonal balance to depth and soundstage, we’ll walk through what to listen for, how to trust your instincts, and why your ears know more than any measurement ever could. Sometimes, better sound is just a listen away.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.
UK