Factory Tour: PS Audio | Stereophile

Paul McGowan, the CEO of PS Audio, gives John Atkinson (Editor, Stereophile) a tour of PS Audio's factory. Filmed in Boulder, CO January 2018.
Read the written blog post: po.st/jHbxUK
Binaural recordings of PS Audio's Reference System: • Listening to PS Audio'...
Paul McGowan on DACs and loudspeakers: • PS Audio's Paul McGowa...
Watch more factory tours: • Factory Tours
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[@Audiogeek-kf2ez]

Two legends of the modern audio community . An impressive show and tell about PS audio.

[@TruthPoliceLegend]

For good reason, Pauls' sincere attention to actual sound quality, measurements, and complex designs ,I offer my sincere appreciation of his taking time to explain them in an understandable manner . I worked for 20 years in the GM Milford Mich. noise and vibration simulation test lab until retiring in 1999 as a servohydraulic tech. Worked with 500 lb and larger testing purpose shakers, a six degree of freedom shaker table, accelerometers, about every kind of transducer (many of them specially designed and built in house.) Most of the time using 3000psi hydraulic oil power supplies. As then, I still have a heart for learning so I thank you Mr. McGowan. I just turned 76 and endeavor to learn new tech every day. Lyle

[@WarinPartita6]

Paul, you​ are​ very​ knowledge​able, sincere, optimistic and​ humble.​ Thanks​ for​sharing​ all​ your​ wonderful​ idea​s​ here​ and​ in​ the​ other​ video​s​.​ God​ bless​ you​ and​ the​ family.​

[@kenmunozatmmrrailroad6853]

I really appreciate how Paul doesn’t “market-speak”; candidly admitting that mistakes get made. I would buy his product solely on this kind of transparency.

[@emo65170.]

What an experience. I'm glad to have been a fly on the wall listenening to these two.

[@fireflamezdjflamez2966]

This is the most finest tour of a company i have ever seen ,thanks pual your amazing.

[@timeltdme4355]

you should check Focal and HEDD factory tours then

[@erniebrown3187]

This was a really cool video to watch. To still see an American audiophile company thriving. Even though I cant afford the amps listening to the history and struggles and growth is freakin cool! Im now a PS Audio fan! Thank you and Semper Fi!

[@chenguefer156]

Fantastic video, really appreciate John Atkinson and Paul McGowan for sharing this: very interesting to watch the very heart of such a wonderful high end audio company. Best wishes to all the people at PS Audio.

[@zoltangz]

I just got to see this video (after many PS ones) .. amazingly beautiful products. And of course now you are in the new building .. it would be nice to go through the new facility like this also. Great video ... Paul you have a gem of place.

[@sidvicious3129]

Paul McGowan is an incredible man, he literally does answer his emails under ask Paul, they don't always make the You Tube Channel, but answers them. He just reminds me so much of Dan Laufman of Emotiva and John if you get the chance, please do this create a video like this at Emotiva. Both Dan and Paul both take time out and do tours.

[@gotham61]

The problem with that is that Emotiva builds most of their products in China..

[@sidvicious3129]

gotham61 It is my understanding that the company moved its production to the United States at least two years ago. Dan Laufman talked about this in a podcast on Emotiva's website and the prices of his products went up because of this. I have met Dan in person and he is a very nice man and he does the tours just like Paul. Unless you know something different that is my understanding. Paul said during this video that he gets some of his products like that Mdf board from China because it is too expensive here and there are probably other small items that Paul gets as well and I won't take that away from him or Dan. Emotiva's builds great products, I know because I have owned them and I believe Paul stated that he owns Emotiva products as well for his personal home theater. I am not brand loyal to any company and I currently own Audio Research, VPI, Simaudio and Vandersteen products and I'm looking to buy some Zesto products. If I switch an amp again, I just might be buying a PS Audio BHK. I believe in buying good products at good prices and I have owned many products from many companies over the years. I know you stated originally that the problem with Emotiva is they build their stuff in China, but that still doesn't take away from Dan Laufman being a good man and as approachable as Paul as I said I have met him. Remember if most Americans were as pro America as they think, we wouldn't have Walmart here or support it. Walmart is a larger company than practically all of the audio companies combined and they never have a shortage of loyal US customers and Walmarts products come from what ever country makes them the cheapest and can fill a production order consistently.

[@gotham61]

sid vicious I guess I didn’t know they had moved production. Thanks for the correction

[@Oneness100]

Most "affordable" brands have to do that. It's very rare that they don't and are still in the "affordable" price range. NAD does it too. Even some of the speaker mfg. are doing it with some of their products. Sonus Faber has their "lower end" speakers mfg. in China. I know China used to be known for cheaply made products, but they've been improving greatly and it just depends on the product design first and what components they are choosing. China is capable of making high quality products, just as they are capable of making cheaply made products. They just have much lower labor rates, etc. But it depends largely on the product design, selection of components and then build quality.

[@gotham61]

Oneness100 Schiit Audio makes some of the most affordable gear out there, 100% USA made

[@Unavintage]

Paul is a gentleman. I´m sure I can take several hours listening his stories. Greetings from Brazil.

[@SrDelbioLima]

Bom ver uma audiência brasileira nesse mundo audiófilo. Gosto bastante do canal do Paul, acompanho com frequência.

[@duantorruellas716]

I really enjoyed the story about the tubes versus the mosfet , you heard it hear first folks , at PS audio it's all about the best sound. And this is how it is with all these audiophile amp companies , they have a passion for the end result which is audio purity. Wishing you guys all the best.

[@davidtomsett]

Great video Paul. Two great gentlemen of high-end audio who really enjoy their industry. Thanks so much, this is a delightful video!

[@OrganNLou]

Paul is a special man! Very unpretentious, and down to earth. Few like him in the industry!

[@brngsh5549]

Not really into 'stereophiling', but this joy for quality is infectious. Watched the whole thing

[@travis4619]

I appreciate the transparency with this video- great job on both sides!!

[@AntPDC]

I'm very impressed by Paul's knowledge, candour, and thoughtfulness. He makes me confident about investing in his products.

[@freepress8451]

Paul McGowan is a such a warm and humble man

[@bonesdt4]

I loved this video! working in a small loudspeaker factory, its interesting to see the quirks of another factory.

[@RadioReciver101]

Paul is such a kool guy! Love his channel, what a legend!

[@niksdniksd7532]

I look daily at Paul short videos on PS Audio channel, he is one of the best. Congratulations! I liked very much this video, they are also funny and familiar! Great job!

[@MeshackRakumakoe]

Paul McGowan clearly loves his job, its his way of life. He is inspiring.

[@janpedersen8376]

Very interesting interview. Nice to see and hear Paul admit to using tubes if found better than what PS Audio has been using since the beginning. Nice guy!

[@bujoun76]

I'm a theaterphile guy so this isn't exactly my speed here but I have learned a lot. It's nice to see that there are still a few companies that believe in making uncompromising quality products.

[@rolandherrera506]

What a treat this tour !

[@emptywig]

This was fabulous. Thank you!

[@dennisraymond4339]

That was pretty cool I could watch this a billion time and still learn how this is all done. Awesome!.

[@davidvansickle5850]

PS Audio touring John Atdkinson. Awesome.

[@quagmyer7230]

Nice tour video, thanks for making it.

[@philipgardiner2003]

28:39. “...that’s just not the way it works.” Says everything you need to know about PS Audio, their business model and their success. Nippper says Bravo!

[@kennymchardy]

Excellent vlog 👍Paul as charming and enthusiastic as ever

[@BTom16]

I really enjoyed this tour. Thank you.

[@jkilbey1]

Cluttered is the precise sign of a genius. Gotta say though...that doesn’t look that cramped to me at all. “Nerds” in this field are so gifted that they cannot live a life outside of truth. Great men. Love it!

[@barryemmerton4087]

Love Paul McGowan, such a great guy

[@roadhorse21]

This is great. Keep up the good work team PS Audio.

[@Audfile]

roadhorse21 I wasn't impressed at first in PS Audio but now intrigued to add power regeneration as a final piece.

[@norizelianaie]

i like Paul honest, dedicated and true man! from philippines watchin!

[@christhefou]

Paul Mc Gowan is such a nice guy . I would listen to him for hours.

[@HiFiInsider]

great video. Paul is a very nice guy. I would love to hear the system one day. #bucketlist

[@ranbymonkeys2384]

Try dealing with his sales dept. It turned me off to PS Audio for life!

[@ranbymonkeys2384]

@@Silentt29 If you call for advice and mention you have a, wait for it, wait for it....."ONKYO" they really don't want anything to do with ya. Not high enough on the proverbial shit tower.

[@cardo1111]

The owner displays true passion for his craft, out of my league however I appreciate his dedication to building a world class product that seems to be worth every penny.

[@KlipschHead281]

Same here.

[@ianpickering5193]

Wow I just saw my old power plant p300 I think, their first one which I bought in England 1997. Still have it- well my exwife has, but transformed my system. Great tour thanks.

[@Ididntaskforahandleyoutube]

I'll steal then back for $50. 😉

[@Engineer9736]

It’s interesting to listen to Paul’s stories. I’ll probably never spend multiple thousands on their products - it’s out of scale to my and most peoples income, but it’s interesting to listen to his statements to see what’s snakeoil in these matters and what is correct. The story about the oversized transformers was interesting for example. It may be true.

[@stephencosta6814]

Great video I felt like I was on a personal tour of the factory call one of the nicest men on KZbin and that guy John extremely fascinating man a lot of knowledge of audio equipment and physics of sound

[@johnanderson8096]

OUTSTANDING!!!!

[@CharlesSelva]

Great video! Paul! You are excellent host!

[@MrMarantzman]

Outstanding video guy's, I loved it MORE PLEASE.....

[@guitarfoundry]

i love esoteric companies like PS audio that are one man's vision.Although, I'm not familiar with their products, i am an audiophile. I use Naim kit.They used to be like PS audio..Sadly they have joined forces with Focal..I think that is the beginning of the end..PS Audio still has it's 'innocence'.

[@ChannelyMcChannelChan]

Paul is a great guy. PS Audio looks like a wonderful place to work. I wish I'll be able to visit them one day. Great video guys!!

[@MrDami123]

Could watch that for hours

[@dipsyfriday]

I'm surprised at how 'live' the listening room sounds on this video. There's quite a bit of audible reverberation. I would have expected that room to be a lot dryer. Great video - thanks!

[@guitarfoundry]

*drier (a dryer is a dehumidifier..ie a tumble dryer).. You're welcome.

[@coreyfellows9420]

Ive talked to Paul on KZbin several times . super guy!

[@johnsmith-qz4bv]

great tour....keep up the great work...hello from canada..

[@zogzog1063]

Like from me. I love listening to the exchanges between experts - audio, backgammon, trial lawyers etc.

[@zachariahadams]

I'm blown away I found a phono preamp II.

[@freekwo7772]

Two Americans that remind why USA used to be a dream and roll model for the rest of the world. It is pure joy to watch this video. I'm glad that Paul is think about his legacy.

[@MRKeema-vc6lv]

I still own a couple of classic pieces of PS Audio gear HCA & PCA. Never got around to getting the external power supply they were no longer in production.

[@1999Valkyrie]

Hi Paul! I really enjoy your videos, your honest, no-nonsense approach to everything "audio". You are doing what you love, making you the envy of every stereo junkie (myself included) in the world. Then there are those IRSVs...

[@renevw5812]

Fantastic

[@aabuahro]

“The product amount we release are not insignificant” priceless what salesman!

[@SamuelBarrPhotography]

Thank you for the tour, seems like PS Audio makes really solid products and are a nice company to deal with.

[@prashanthb6521]

Very very nice video. Thanks.

[@linandy1]

great video

[@thefloop2813]

I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation about transformers. There is genuine bewilderment in both of your faces. You speak of something you know is true, but dont know why. What you know is that it shouldn't be true, and why. I just bumped a preamp i was working on from a 1.5a to 6a transformer. And i too, am now bewildered. Big one sounds better, and when you put the little one back, it goes back to the way it was. And better in the obvious yet clich'e audio-guy hard to describe without buzz words way. There is just something more pleasant about the delivery of the sound. I run it into my interface and it measures exactly the same with either transformer, even thd measurements within margin of error. But i can go back and forth between the two and i agree, the oversized transformer sounds better. And my preamp is a single ended class A pre running from a full wave bridge unregulated. The only thing between transformer and the Plates, are a few diodes and some filter caps. I definitely didnt implement the regulator, that i didnt use, poorly.

[@mrrpepsi24]

Amazing !

[@BoHolbo]

Although it's nothing like my own electronics workbench, (my clutter is MUCH worse) I love the "clutter" you have! DON'T CHANGE A THING!!! 😂

[@Sams911]

the only DAC I will mate to my McIntosh MA9000 is the DirectStream by PS Audio!

[@guitarman13021]

That new fangled SMT

[@royrogers7644]

If a tiny 5VA transformers is too small you can put in a 25VA instead of a 100VA :) also important is the caps type and rectifier.

[@gryphongryph]

Love this, a fantastic company and owner.

[@danielsh1015]

So interesting the part of the business where profits and cash do not correlate, and success due perhaps to a good review of a product (rapid growth, of > 9%) can be detrimental and the cause for a company to go under. Wild!

[@suzesiviter6083]

That was interesting about heatsinks; engineers are taught about surface area and rarely about mass.

[@guitarman13021]

If you don’t have enough surface area to dissipate heat at at least the rate that it’s being generated, the system will eventually overheat. More mass just makes it take longer to get to whatever threshold is considered too hot.

[@mardoborson7531]

Wow in this video i actually have the opportunity to see the circuit where they test the mosfet vs tube. lol. If you always watch ask paul youtube video you'll know that story.

[@cbcdesign001]

As an industrial power systems design engineer that does my head in, the idea that low power electronic systems require a vastly over speced transformer to function at their best and the reason for it cannot be explained. Electronic engineering is a science, not a black artform and there has to be a logical explanation for this peculiar reality. As long as the PSUs has the ability to respond to normal and peak power demand without compromising regulation, the transformer should not need to be over sized, obviously.

[@Weathership]

Agreed//terrific

[@kalijasin]

Paul is really nice guy. 😀

[@coreyfellows9420]

I want him to do a video about his reel to reel.

[@nicholascremato]

I completely agree with the power transformers sounding better than a switching power supply. I know a company that just discontinued their huge torridal transformers to electronic unites to save weight and shipping costs and the sound quality really suffered.

[@vegaslimoguy2376]

Emotiva anyone???

[@cubinn149]

Your wearhouse sounds like electrical room buzzing my portable power regenerator hums like that too

[@MrSoymilk2]

I respect them for selling Chord level product without the Chord prices though maybe I'm biased since I'm a happy customer :-)

[@Audfile]

Oooh that was a nice takeaway about dacs not needing burn in.

[@RingZero]

Paul does have bigger than average sized ears.. Great video guys! Loved it

[@FungedeBagre]

The listening room seems too small for the speaker size.

[@herrtrigger7220]

That door to the marketing office next to Paul's said John Atkinson. Hmm...

[@mrpositronia]

Paul McGowan: 'The nicest guy on KZbin'. (Can I have a free Sprout now. Hehe!)

[@sbrazenor2]

They have a sale. If you buy one, you get one... Not one free, but the one you paid for. LOL :-D

[@lynnpoole7830]

I fixed it for You. Paul McGowan: 'The the best salesman on KZbin'.

[@mrpositronia]

@@lynnpoole7830 can't be that good. I haven't bought any PS Audio products yet.

[@kalijasin]

LOL

[@deeplyclosetedindividual]

Help me list all the speakers seen in this facility. I spy Harbeth P3esr in the beginning, Wharfedale Diamond 220 / 225 in black, Emotiva B1, unknown trapezoidal speakers (Arion Legacy?), then perhaps Monoprice Monoliths based on another comment, and lastly the Infinity IRS V.

[@kevinbeckenham3872]

Very enjoyable video and a very interesting factory tour. Does PS Audio do any power amplifiers that use a single ended sold state class A output topology's.

[@coreyfellows9420]

I would do anything to work for Ps audio ..

[@roamlikekane]

If I step into the middle of the Infinity IRS5's will I be teleported into another dimension in the space-time continuum?

[@philipw7058]

Goes to show you money is all that counts,ring that bell baby

[@tvicic]

how do you manage power circuits/sockets on your products for overseas (Europe) buyers (i.e. 220V/50Hz mains) and does it affect a product overall quality?

[@Fluterra]

It’s very odd that the “statement” Infiniti speakers in Room 1 are Not time-aligned!!! That’s a massive miss.

[@chrisristau8803]

lmbo...i totally thought that was my air compressor kicking on in the basement

[@ranbymonkeys2384]

Well limiting growth to a max of 9%, that explains why Joey is there.

[@greyfox2347]

Where you sourcing most of the componentry from?

[@gotham61]

@42.10. Two words. Stylus cover.

[@jokatech1]

actually at 7:00 they are not known for tidiness

[@QoraxAudio]

How about ESD @16:25? That really made me cringe.

[@qbitsday3438]

What is the software you use to manage any ERP ?

[@MichelLinschoten]

Paul is the face of PS audio ... that's where it ends really.

[@dhpbear2]

40:14 - Don't you really need one P20 for each channel? :)

[@mrrpepsi24]

What kind of amp powered those speakers in 1985 ?