Who Makes PS Audio?

PS Audio: A Legacy of Innovation in High-Fidelity Audio

PS Audio is a renowned American high-end audio company known for designing and manufacturing audiophile-grade electronics that prioritize sound quality, innovation, and user experience. From power regenerators to DACs, amplifiers, and streamers, PS Audio has established itself as a trusted name among serious music lovers and industry professionals for over four decades.

Who Makes PS Audio?

PS Audio was founded in 1973 by Paul McGowan and Stan Warren, whose initials—P and S—form the brand's name. While Warren eventually left the company in the late 1970s, Paul McGowan has remained the driving creative and executive force behind PS Audio ever since.

Paul’s unique combination of engineering knowledge, musical sensibility, and consumer advocacy has shaped PS Audio’s mission: to bring reference-quality sound into real-world listening rooms—without unnecessary complexity or inflated pricing.

Today, PS Audio is a family-owned company, with Paul McGowan’s son, ScoƩ McGowan, also playing a leadership role. The brand is celebrated not only for its engineering but also for its transparency and customer engagement—often sharing design philosophies and product development insights through blogs, videos, and social media.

Where Is PS Audio Made?

PS Audio designs and manufactures its products in Boulder, Colorado, USA. Their in house manufacturing ensures tight quality control and allows for continuous innovation. Unlike many audio companies that outsource production overseas, PS Audio proudly builds its gear domestically, using local labor and sourcing many of its parts from U.S. suppliers.

This local, hands-on approach enables PS Audio to:

• Prototype quickly

• Respond to customer feedback

• Maintain consistent product quality

• Offer strong after-sales support and warranty service

A Brief History of PS Audio

PS Audio’s journey through the high-end audio landscape has been defined by innovation, risk-taking, and reinvention:

1970s–1980s: The Early Years

• The company began with standalone phono preamps, an unusual move at a time when most preamps were integrated.

• In the early 1980s, PS Audio introduced modular preamps and amplifiers, gaining are putation for excellent sound and value.

1990s: Turbulence and Reinvention

• The company went through ownership changes and eventually went dark.

• Paul McGowan later reacquired the brand and relaunched PS Audio with a renewed vision and a focus on digital innovation.

2000s–Present: Power and Digital Leadership

• PS Audio became a pioneer in power regeneration with the release of its PowerPlant series—products that didn’t just filter power but rebuilt it entirely.

• The company introduced Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs) that set new benchmarks, especially with the DirectStream DAC, which uses FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) technology instead of traditional chipsets, allowing firmware upgrades and future-proofing.

Key Products Over Time

1. Power Plant Series
   • The PerfectWave Power Plant revolutionized how audiophiles manage AC power, offering pure, regenerated sine waves for superior system performance.
2. DirectStream DAC
   • Introduced in the mid-2010s, this DAC uses FPGA processing and converts all incoming signals to DSD (Direct Stream Digital). Continually updated via software, it remains competitive even years after release.
3. Stellar Series
   • Launched as a more affordable line, Stellar includes hybrid Class D amplifiers (like the M700 and M1200), DACs, and integrated amps.
   • It provides outstanding value without compromising performance.
4. AirLens and PerfectWave Transport
   • The AirLens is a high-end streamer designed to isolate and reclock incoming digital audio for ultra-clean playback.
   • The PerfectWave Transport handles optical discs with precision, optimized for connection with PS Audio DACs.
5. Aspen FR Series Loudspeakers
   • A recent and bold expansion into loudspeaker design, the Aspen FR10 andFR30 speakers reflect PS Audio’s commitment to complete system synergy and sonic excellence.

Conclusion

PS Audio stands as one of the most respected and innovative names in American high-end audio. Still led by its original co-founder, Paul McGowan, the company continues to push boundaries while remaining deeply connected to its audiophile roots. With products built in Colorado, a legacy of game-changing technologies, and a customer-first philosophy, PS Audio offers a compelling blend of engineering integrity, musicality, and long-term value.