PS Audio probably had the busiest room at the AXPONA this year. Every time I passed by, there were lines extending out the doors. Consequently, I just couldn’t get a seat at the sweet spot. Thankfully on Sunday morning, the man himself, Paul McGowan, gave me the golden seat for about 20 minutes!

There weren’t many people in the room and so the noise floor was going to be as low as it was going to get. What’s even crazier is that they accommodated my request to swap between the aspen FR20 ($18,999) and FR30 ($29,999) for a quick A/B comparison. What a treat!

I grabbed the iPad and selected Alice in Chain’s Brother off the MTV Unplugged album and Laufey’s Let You Break My Heart Again. Not a lot of people seem to have heard of this talented Icelandic singer-songwriter and musician, but she’s has an amazing voice – and I have a feeling her music will show up more in these listening rooms.

As I was wandering around the show, I overheard some attendees mention that the new PS Audio speakers had a little too much harshness in the highs. But when I finally got to experience them for myself, I found the opposite to be true. In fact, the highs were ever gently rolled off, resulting in a very comfortable and non-fatiguing listening experience – but still very open and spacious. I even put on a Paramore live track and was pleasantly surprised at how it wasn’t abrasive at all. Maybe system adjustments were made…or people just hear differently.

The overall presentation of the sound was very smooth and sculpted, with performers sounding naturally outlined and placed in a three-dimensional space in the room. It was impressive how every aspect of the music had a strong presence and grounded feel, something usually only achieved with higher end systems. To top it off, the soundstage was large and deep, with perfect localization of performers and their instruments.

PS Audio FR20 vs FR30
What were the subjective differences between the FR20 and FR30? Again – take this with a pound of salt. Although the tonal color of both the FR20 and FR30 were similar (warm/dark-ish gray), I thought the FR30 sounded fuller, more forward, meatier, and also quieter. It just had a more dense, and piston-like, propulsive sound that gave it more of a “wow factor.” Bass was more impactful, cleaner, and had the appropriate mass for the voice or instrument being played. Whereas on the FR20, the variant in density was more uniform and not as distinguished. I also felt the FR30 had better delineation and air around the performers. Granted, the FR30 is $11,000 more moola. However, I suspect most will be more than happy with the FR20.

Now, these speakers weren’t the last word in low-level textures, ultimate transparency, or had the most expressive highs, but it had that very liquid, wholesome, and musical sound that was very enjoyable to listen to. In other words, it’s a sound that doesn’t need your full attention to be fully appreciated. Just kick back and relax with favorite glass of whiskey – and enjoy the music. Which I think aligns perfectly with PS Audio’s goal with the Aspen loudspeakers.

Time and time again, it’s really tough to go wrong with any of PS Audio’s offerings. That’s why they’re one of the most knowledgeable and successful players in the business. I think their “Ask Paul” series is a testament of how much they care about educating everyone in the hobby.

Overall, I thought it was the best this room as ever sounded and had a delightful time listening to the entire PS Audio loom. Thank you again PS Audio for giving me this wonderful opportunity.

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