Send us a textIn this episode of The Audiophile’s Guide, the conversation turns to soundstage—the illusion of a real, three-dimensional space unfolding between and beyond your speakers. Learn what it takes to achieve that magic: the sense of width, depth, and height that lets each instrument live in its own space. When soundstage is done right, the gear disappears and the music takes over.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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10:02
Learn about impedance in HiFi systems
Send us a textWhat is impedance, and why does it matter in a high-end audio system? This episode of The Audiophile’s Guide unpacks how impedance affects amplifier-speaker synergy, tonal balance, and control. It’s not just numbers—it's the hidden handshake that can make or break the musical connection.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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9:07
Passive radiators and ports
Send us a textWelcome back to The Audiophile’s Guide podcast. Today, Sandra and Robert open with a quick question about Paul’s post this morning. Did you read it? It stirred up some interesting thoughts. From there, they dive into a lively discussion about the differences between passive radiators and ports—what they do, how they shape bass response, and why some designers swear by one over the other. It’s all about moving air, tuning enclosures, and chasing that perfect low-end clarity.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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9:51
Loudspeaker Toe In maximization
Send us a textIn this episode of The Audiophile’s Guide, our hosts explore the subtle but powerful art of speaker toe-in. How much is too much? What happens when you aim straight ahead versus crossing in front of the listener? Learn how toe-in affects imaging, tonal balance, and the illusion of space. When properly dialed in, speakers can vanish—leaving behind a soundstage so wide and precise, it feels like the walls fall 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.
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9:37
The Audio DAC
Send us a textIn this episode of The Audiophile’s Guide, hosts Robert and Sandra take a deep dive into the world of DACs—digital-to-analog converters—and why they’re one of the most important links in a modern audio system. From how they translate ones and zeros into lifelike music, to how architecture, filters, and power supply shape their character, they reveal what to listen for—and how the right DAC can breathe life into your digital collection.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.
Ireland