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How do you know when it’s right?

Paul's Posts — 23 November 2011

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How do you know when it’s right?

You’ve just finished polishing your system and settling down to enjoy it.  But how do you know it’s right?

The short answer is: when it’s real.

Imaging, tonal balance, toe in, toe out all matter to achieve only one thing: reality in your living room.

Does that singer sound like she is in the room with you?  Does the orchestra sound like it’s live, right there, right now when you close your eyes?

If yes then you know it’s right.  If no, then you need more work or different combinations of equipment.

And to those who get it right but then make it better, I’ll answer the age old question: if it sounds real, how can it get better than real?

The answer is that “real” is an illusion and we are so far away from fooling people that musicians are actually in the room that “real” is relative and “right” is temporary.

But if you can relax and believe it’s close to real, then it’s right.

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About Author

Paul McGowan

Paul McGowan is the CEO and co-founder of PS Audio Inc. a Boulder Colorado design and manufacturing company of high-end audio products and services. McGowan has been designing and building high-end products for nearly 40 years. Hobbies include skiing, music, hiking, artisan bread baking, kick boxing and cooking. He lives in Boulder Colorado with his wife Terri and his 4 sons.

(2) Readers Comments

  1. Frank LaFond

    November 23, 2011 at 4:35 pm

    For myself and the audiophiles I know, “real” is a quest for the Holy Grail – a relentless pursuit of a most elusive goal. It is about the journey, not the destination. I’ve had systems that were “real” and yet changed things that were best left alone because I was restless and imagined something new would be one step closer to “real”. Sometimes my motives are even less pure. Sometimes I have no illusion the new piece(s) will be better – merely different. Either way I think it is this unrest that separates an audiophile from someone who just wants a vehicle by which to enjoy their music.

    I compare this to my relationship with my car. Many audiophiles I know are also car enthusiasts. I am not. I put a lot of research and effort into choosing a car I’d enjoy and that would meet my needs. I think it is the “best” car for me. However I no longer buy car magazines or stop by the dealership to check on parts upgrades or cruise lots to see if there might be a second or third car I want “just because”. My audio system is a journey. My car was a destination.

  2. November 30, 2011 at 7:16 am

    Frank. Well said!

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