Tag Archives: Boulder

Stereo Equip Manufacturer Opens Record Studio To Level The Field

It’s been nearly two years since we moved into our new digs in Boulder, Colorado. The most exciting part has been watching our recording/mastering studio, led by engineer Gus Skinas, come to life. Gus is a close friend and one of the nicest and most humble gents around. The world knows Gus from his work on projects for Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Al Kooper, George Harrison, Queen, Joni Mitchell, Chick Corea, Frank Zappa, and The Police (to mention a few). His talent is unmatched, and we’re proud to have him in the hi-fi family.



A few days ago, we made a big step forward. With Gus at the helm, PS Audio has launched our much-anticipated music label: Octave Records.

Almost every time I give a tour at the new facility I get questions about Octave. With hundreds of labels out there, what makes Octave different? You and Paul make components, why the expansion into recording? Are you just doing this because it’s cool?

Guilty as charged!

In truth, we started Octave Records for the same reason we design audio components—because we know we can make a difference. We know we can produce albums with superior sonic quality and we also remain keenly aware of the challenges faced by so many music creators. Labels have been known to sacrifice quality for profits and for mass-market appeal. For albums-sold, most labels compensate artists with pennies on the dollar. Oftentimes, labels insist on owning the artist’s music. We believe the music deserves high-quality presentation and that the artists deserve to be honored for their contributions. It’s the artists, after all, who give rise to our entire industry.

So we decided to build a label the way we think it ought to be. Octave Records uses the finest studio equipment, all centered around the acclaimed Sonoma DSD recording, mixing and mastering system. We asked Gus to personally craft each recording. And to better support musicians, Octave Records covers 100% of the studio, mixing, mastering, production, distribution and marketing costs. We also provide artists with a direct-share of retail revenues, which are ten to twenty times that of other labels. At Octave Records, the artists own their music, and we give them creative control. They’ve earned it…and we get to enjoy the fruits of their labors on our hi-fi systems!

“Along with our dedication to producing the best-sounding recordings available today, Octave Records offers a different kind of business model,” said Paul McGowan, PS Audio CEO. To support musicians, Octave covers 100% of all studio, mixing, mastering, production, distribution and marketing expenses so that artists may directly share in retain sales revenues – while also retaining ownership of their music.”



It’s with great pride that we announce the first album from Octave Records: Out of Thin Air, a solo piano performance from renowned pianist Don Grusin.



Offered in SACD, native DSD (DVD-Audio) and CD formats, you can learn more about Octave Records and listen to samples of Grusin’s new album here https://www.psaudio.com/products/out-of-thin-air/ If you are interested in picking up a copy of this limited edition, they are available with world-wide distribution (direct from us in Boulder), however, this album is not available for digital download at this time.

I hope you enjoy listening to the album as much as we have enjoyed making it. This is the first of many. For the Silo, Scott McGowan.

PS Audio Shipping New Stellar™ M1200 Monoblock Power Amplifier

Boulder, Colorado, May, 2020 – PS Audio recently announced it is shipping its new Stellar M1200 Power Amplifier. Designed to deliver extraordinarily clear, detailed and musically accurate performance, the monoblock M1200 features an all-new hybrid design that combines a tube input stage with a customized ICE Edge output stage and delivers 1200 watts (into 4 ohms, 800 watts into 8 ohms), to effortlessly reproduce the most dynamic musical passages as well as the subtlest musical details.
 
The M1200 was designed by Darren Myers, the engineer who created the acclaimed Stellar Phono stage and other PS Audio products. The M1200 employs a 12AU7 vacuum tube at its input, chosen for its optimum gain and voltage characteristics in the circuit, and for its ability to preserve the most delicate nuances of the amp’s input signals. The 12AU7 is the identical tube used in PS Audio’s flagship BHK Signature amplifiers, chosen after extensive listening and performance tests.
 
The ICE Edge output stage is a new type of high-current Class D design, offering extremely low total harmonic and intermodulation distortion with high headroom and linear performance across the frequency range. As Darren Myers explained, “other output modules can exhibit non-linear phase and impedance issues at the frequency extremes. The ICE Edge design eliminates these problems thanks to patented circuitry and feedback techniques.” Myers continued, “Although it can deliver massive amounts of clean power into even the most demanding loudspeaker loads, the M1200 sounds equally good at lower volumes.”
 
Like every PS Audio product, meticulous attention has been paid to parts quality and construction. The M1200 has a sleek, elegant appearance that matches other Stellar Series components and is available in silver or black.
 
The PS Audio Stellar M1200 Power Amplifier will be available in June 2020 at a US manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $5,998 per pair. Pre-orders are currently being taken.
 
M1200 Features at a Glance: Zero-loss vacuum tube input stage and custom ICE Edge output stage. Fully balanced circuitry, RCA single-ended and XLR balanced inputs. 1200 watts RMS into 8 ohms, 600 watts into 4 ohms, stable to 2 ohms. Greater than >1100 damping factor for exceptional loudspeaker control. High-efficiency operation. Dual, solid copper, plated output binding posts facilitate bi-wiring, 12-volt input trigger, 27 lb. each; 17″ wide by 3.75″ high by 12″ deep (13″ with connectors)

About PS Audio
Founded in 1973, PS Audio has earned a worldwide reputation for excellence in manufacturing innovative, high-value, leading-edge audio products. Located in Boulder, Colorado at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, PS Audio’s staff of talented designers, engineers, production and support people build each product to deliver extraordinary performance and musical satisfaction. The company’s wide range of award-winning products include the all-in-one Sprout100 integrated amplifier, audio components, power regenerators and power conditioners.
 
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