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99% True: Almost a National Bestseller
Paul McGowan tells all (and then some) in this riotous tale of misbegotten success that’s 99% true in all the best ways. From his not-so-innocent youth growing up in the shadow of Disneyland and summer evenings in the innocent 1950s, to his dope-smoking, snake-eating, draft-dodging, loony-bin misadventure through Europe, to his struggles to build a thriving enterprise from a stack of dusty albums—see how the CEO of a worldwide company took fifty years to become an overnight success. Unlike Paul, you may never get picked up by the Secret Service or carry the shame of bankruptcy, but you just might see yourself in his repeated failures or in his refusal to let life keep him down. You’ll laugh and you’ll cry as Paul describes the struggle of finding his place in a community you never knew existed. Through it all, you’ll discover what Paul life’s detours offer the best opportunities to find your way.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2019
54 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 17, 2021
I picked this book up at my library because it sounded interesting. However I didn't know anything about Paul McGowan before this, haven't seen his YouTube or listened to his podcast. So maybe that's why I found myself not quote enjoying it fully. It wasn't a bad book by any means but I think the book goes better for those who already know who Paul McGowan is
January 4, 2024
I’ve recently jumped on the PS Audio bandwagon after stumbling onto Paul McGowan’s YouTube videos. High end audio can be a terrifying hobby - the dollar amounts can get pretty silly the more serious you get. I’ve probably spent enough to qualify as an aspiring “audiophile”, but I still have more questions than answers. I have no idea which pieces go together; whether to prioritize good speakers or electronics; or how to upgrade my cables. It can be a very opaque industry. Where does one go to get answers? You could read Hifi magazines; but with advertising being the magazines’ main source of revenue, the trustworthiness of their reviews is questionable. You could also form a relationship with your local purveyor of audio goods, but like going to a barber and asking whether you need a haircut, it isn’t always obvious that your interests and their interests are aligned.
This is where Paul McGowan comes in - here’s a guy with forty plus years of experience building audio equipment. Wouldn’t it be great if you could pick his brain? Thanks to the power of the internet, you can. Paul’s been answering questions on high end audio and posting them online every day for the past three years. Each video is six to eight minutes of folksy charm, tangential asides, opinions, and most importantly, a lesson in hifi audio basics. I realize his advice is not completely impartial - after all he does run PS Audio - and while he does occasionally mention PS Audio products, you don’t get the feeling of being constantly pitched to.
It was through one of his videos that I learned that he had written a book - 99% True (an ominously named title for someone who has positioned himself as his industry’s straight-talker). I figured that since his videos were useful, a full book of Paul’s thoughts, with hundreds of empty pages to fill, would be super-useful. Well I was wrong, but I was not disappointed. This is a memoir, not a guide, so you get McGowan’s life story and the long and winding road he took to get into high end audio, and some of the interesting places his profession has taken him to since. McGowan is a natural-born story teller, and he has quite the story to tell. After stints as a draft dodger, dope fiend, and a DJ for the Armed Forces Network in Germany, he returns to California where he attempts to restart his career as a radio DJ, while trying (and failing) to reinvent the synthesizer. Out of necessity McGowan builds a phono preamp for the cash-strapped radio station he then works for. The final product is shown to local audio guru Stan Warren, who offers to go into business with McGowan, to help bring the amplifier to market. They form PS audio, but lacking business acumen, the endeavour fails. McGowan then meets Arne Nudell, the man behind Infinity loudspeakers. Together they start Genesis Audio, which opens a few more doors for McGowan. Eventually McGowan reacquires control of PS Audio, develops the power regenerator and the rest, as they say, is history.
Tribute his long suffering wife, Terri, who accompanies and supports him every step of the way. It’s an entertaining read, and surprisingly well written, although I struggle to reconcile McGowan’s wild man past with the charming old coot I watch on my iPad. Apparently McGowan is now working on an Audiophile guide, which I look forward to, but in the meantime, it’s back to the videos. Ironically I’ve learned so much from watching Paul’s clips I ended up upgrading my sound system with a piece from... PS Audio. Talk about effective marketing.
This is where Paul McGowan comes in - here’s a guy with forty plus years of experience building audio equipment. Wouldn’t it be great if you could pick his brain? Thanks to the power of the internet, you can. Paul’s been answering questions on high end audio and posting them online every day for the past three years. Each video is six to eight minutes of folksy charm, tangential asides, opinions, and most importantly, a lesson in hifi audio basics. I realize his advice is not completely impartial - after all he does run PS Audio - and while he does occasionally mention PS Audio products, you don’t get the feeling of being constantly pitched to.
It was through one of his videos that I learned that he had written a book - 99% True (an ominously named title for someone who has positioned himself as his industry’s straight-talker). I figured that since his videos were useful, a full book of Paul’s thoughts, with hundreds of empty pages to fill, would be super-useful. Well I was wrong, but I was not disappointed. This is a memoir, not a guide, so you get McGowan’s life story and the long and winding road he took to get into high end audio, and some of the interesting places his profession has taken him to since. McGowan is a natural-born story teller, and he has quite the story to tell. After stints as a draft dodger, dope fiend, and a DJ for the Armed Forces Network in Germany, he returns to California where he attempts to restart his career as a radio DJ, while trying (and failing) to reinvent the synthesizer. Out of necessity McGowan builds a phono preamp for the cash-strapped radio station he then works for. The final product is shown to local audio guru Stan Warren, who offers to go into business with McGowan, to help bring the amplifier to market. They form PS audio, but lacking business acumen, the endeavour fails. McGowan then meets Arne Nudell, the man behind Infinity loudspeakers. Together they start Genesis Audio, which opens a few more doors for McGowan. Eventually McGowan reacquires control of PS Audio, develops the power regenerator and the rest, as they say, is history.
Tribute his long suffering wife, Terri, who accompanies and supports him every step of the way. It’s an entertaining read, and surprisingly well written, although I struggle to reconcile McGowan’s wild man past with the charming old coot I watch on my iPad. Apparently McGowan is now working on an Audiophile guide, which I look forward to, but in the meantime, it’s back to the videos. Ironically I’ve learned so much from watching Paul’s clips I ended up upgrading my sound system with a piece from... PS Audio. Talk about effective marketing.
August 8, 2019
Paul McGowan is the CEO of PS Audio, designers of high end audio equipment. He also has a podcast, newsletter, and YouTube channel. It was the latter that introduced me to McGowan. He posts a video everyday where he answers questions sent to him, mostly about audio and equipment. It's a bit of a niche thing but the videos, even when I don't understand all the technical details, are watchable and entertaining. He has a very down-to-earth demeanor and for meandering off the specific questions on tangents that could take you anywhere. He knows his audio stuff as he has been designing audio products for many years, and has worked with some of the top people in the audio business.
I was interested in reading the book because I knew he'd had a pretty interesting life. In his videos, he sometimes touches on the things in his past: escapades as a child growing up in California, some pretty heavy drug use as a young adult, and a number of stops and starts on the way to the company he heads now. I was hoping for the same sort of intimate, just-you-and-me chatting sort of style that comes across so well in the videos.
Unfortunately, that's not what I found. I found the book to be a bit dry and lifeless in spots. I just couldn't quite hear his voice in the same way while reading. Oh, his life was certainly interesting. As kid growing up in the southern California suburbs, he was in and out of trouble most of the time. His Army years were mostly spent trying to get around the strict regulations and trying to avoid being sent to Vietnam (at which he succeeded). And on the way to the respected company that PS Audio is now, there were many times his entrepreneur spirit was all that kept him going as one venture after another sputtered and failed. I just didn't get the sense that this was the same guy talking in the book. At times, it was a bit of a struggle to keep reading.
The book should appeal to anyone who has an interest in audio and especially high end equipment, or those who like learning about the past lives of successful people. It's not all fun, and it's not at all instant success. I do wish more of the video Paul McGowan was apparent in the written version.
I was interested in reading the book because I knew he'd had a pretty interesting life. In his videos, he sometimes touches on the things in his past: escapades as a child growing up in California, some pretty heavy drug use as a young adult, and a number of stops and starts on the way to the company he heads now. I was hoping for the same sort of intimate, just-you-and-me chatting sort of style that comes across so well in the videos.
Unfortunately, that's not what I found. I found the book to be a bit dry and lifeless in spots. I just couldn't quite hear his voice in the same way while reading. Oh, his life was certainly interesting. As kid growing up in the southern California suburbs, he was in and out of trouble most of the time. His Army years were mostly spent trying to get around the strict regulations and trying to avoid being sent to Vietnam (at which he succeeded). And on the way to the respected company that PS Audio is now, there were many times his entrepreneur spirit was all that kept him going as one venture after another sputtered and failed. I just didn't get the sense that this was the same guy talking in the book. At times, it was a bit of a struggle to keep reading.
The book should appeal to anyone who has an interest in audio and especially high end equipment, or those who like learning about the past lives of successful people. It's not all fun, and it's not at all instant success. I do wish more of the video Paul McGowan was apparent in the written version.
December 25, 2024
Paul McGowan is a respected figure in hi-fi equipment design, and owner of the premier audio equipment company PS Audio. He’s also become something of a niche Internet star with his podcast and YouTube channel where he answers questions about audio gear from listeners all over the globe. Paul is known for his relatable, everyman demeanor and rambling tangents, so it seemed a good bet that his memoir would be even moreso and it does not disappoint. Paul grew up in a lower middle class California household in 1950 and showed an aptitude for electronics—and minor law-breaking—during his time in high school, where he also developed an interest in radio. This book details the hilarious experiences of his youth, an almost unbelievable series of stoner adventures in the U. S. military, including smuggling a pound of hash across the Netherlands border, and keeping his long hair hidden from his officers beneath a short-hair wig. These stories sound so bizarre they can only be the truth.
Fortunately, Paul fell in love with what sounds like the world's most patient and understanding lady, got married, and moved back to the United States where the hi-fi history really begins. He discusses the state of the industry and his decision to make an entry into the market with a homebrew phono preamplifier that became a smash hit. For me, this was the best part of the book because it’s all about hi-fi gear and describes the trials and tribulations he and his partners experienced with production, customers, and running a business.
Anyone with even a passing interest in the history of the audio industry will appreciate this book. (By the way, while the book is good in the printed form, where it really shines is on the audio version, narrated by Paul himself.) In the end my only complaint is that it's too short. This is a book that I’ll enjoy coming back to and re-reading next year.
Fortunately, Paul fell in love with what sounds like the world's most patient and understanding lady, got married, and moved back to the United States where the hi-fi history really begins. He discusses the state of the industry and his decision to make an entry into the market with a homebrew phono preamplifier that became a smash hit. For me, this was the best part of the book because it’s all about hi-fi gear and describes the trials and tribulations he and his partners experienced with production, customers, and running a business.
Anyone with even a passing interest in the history of the audio industry will appreciate this book. (By the way, while the book is good in the printed form, where it really shines is on the audio version, narrated by Paul himself.) In the end my only complaint is that it's too short. This is a book that I’ll enjoy coming back to and re-reading next year.
August 25, 2019
Like many others, I have come to know Paul McGowan through his YouTube videos for people interested in learning more about high end audio systems and components. In those videos in which he responds to viewer questions, he has a down-to-earth, avuncular style and frequently sidetracks himself with amusing digressions. His overall approach is both entertaining and informative, and I was happy to see that style carry over to this memoir. The first half of the book covers his youth in Southern California and his years in the military. The second half is focused on his career founding and leading high end audio companies, with many fits and starts along the way. I really enjoyed the whole journey. It’s great to see that his passion and determination ultimately paid off. His best move, though, was marrying Terri, who was amazingly patient and supportive over the years. My only minor complaint was that the book (at least the kindle version) didn’t have any photos of the people I came to care about while reading the book. I subsequently realized that Paul’s got many of those photos at https://www.paulmcgowan.com/ . Definitely recommended.
February 12, 2020
If you're interested in a personal history of the high end audio industry from the owner of a disruptive brand (PS Audio) grab this book. Paul's personality comes through the page. Fun. Interesting. Enjoyable read.
July 4, 2022
Great book. I didn't pick this one myself but read it with a friend. It brought back so many memories of growing up in the 60s and 70s. I could relate to many music events as well. I highly recommend if you love music and grew up from the 50s on.
May 7, 2020
I was most interested in the development of AR's audio business but some of the personal journeys as McGowan remembers are amusing.
May 10, 2024
Solid but tailed off in the end and talked too deeply about his business and love for audio for my liking. Has lived an interesting life none the less.
Prob wouldn't recommend
Prob wouldn't recommend
July 25, 2025
A great read, even if you have no idea who Paul McGowan is. He's had (and continues to have) a colorful life. Great, fun stories.
June 24, 2020
I knew who Paul McGowan was from PS Audio and selected the book to read based on that. The book is entertaining and interesting to read. The only thing that I was not crazy about is there was too much discussion of his past drug use in his younger days. It was interesting how he tied his Army career into electronics and later PS Audio. During his Army days he would have been the last person you expect that would turn his experience into a multimillion dollar enterprise. However, he did have a lot of struggles along the way.
I listen to the book on Audible and Paul does narrate the book himself. Paul has a kind and gentle voice, so he does keep you engaged. Paul is 70+ today and his life had many twists and turns to get where he is today, so he did have a lot to share. If you are an audiophile I think you will enjoy the book overall.
You can get a daily fix of Paul on his PS Audio YouTube channel, where he does a 5-10 minute question of the day time video.
I listen to the book on Audible and Paul does narrate the book himself. Paul has a kind and gentle voice, so he does keep you engaged. Paul is 70+ today and his life had many twists and turns to get where he is today, so he did have a lot to share. If you are an audiophile I think you will enjoy the book overall.
You can get a daily fix of Paul on his PS Audio YouTube channel, where he does a 5-10 minute question of the day time video.
June 25, 2022
Paul McGowan heads a true success story as the CEO of PS Audio, a company he founded, then lost and then rejoins (like Steve Jobs) to save it from inevitable failure. The stories from his youth dealing with military politics, run-ins with the law and his adventures overseas are such interesting life stories and make the book a joy to read. His early successes with audio LP preamps and were the Genesis of PS Audio. Perhaps the best part of the book is his joint venture with Infinity Speaker founder Arnie Nudell and their creation of the Genysis speaker line which was as expensive as it was large as it was fantastic-sounding. If you love the PS Audio company or Paul's Youtube 'videos of audiophile wisdom' or even just high-end audio at all, you'll love this book.
February 10, 2020
Fascinating while nerve-wracking!
Your memoir was nerve-wracking because — as a 70 year old — I could not get into those predicaments. But as an 18 year old, I did, and as a 40 year old, I did. (And I conveniently forgot my adventures until I got absorbed into your tales!)
Thank you for writing about your experiences, including recollections of Arnie Nudell and all the accomplices in your life!
Your memoir was nerve-wracking because — as a 70 year old — I could not get into those predicaments. But as an 18 year old, I did, and as a 40 year old, I did. (And I conveniently forgot my adventures until I got absorbed into your tales!)
Thank you for writing about your experiences, including recollections of Arnie Nudell and all the accomplices in your life!
June 27, 2019
Fun life, Great audio
Definitely an entertaining trip. I have appreciated his audio commentary for years, and have enjoyed learning the background. I’ve purchased some of his equipment, and am beginning to set it up. I highly recommend his newsletters and podcasts.
Definitely an entertaining trip. I have appreciated his audio commentary for years, and have enjoyed learning the background. I’ve purchased some of his equipment, and am beginning to set it up. I highly recommend his newsletters and podcasts.
September 11, 2019
Great life of an audio-world legend and lovely grandpa!
I have been following up Paul’s clips on YouTube for a couple of years. Had little I known how crazy his life has been!
Great stories. If you are a fan of his vlogs. This is a must.
With great respect from Thailand!
I have been following up Paul’s clips on YouTube for a couple of years. Had little I known how crazy his life has been!
Great stories. If you are a fan of his vlogs. This is a must.
With great respect from Thailand!
January 7, 2020
A Great read I recommend to any aspiring audiophile.
Paul instantly made me feel like family reading through this novel with his funny insights and knowledge of the audio industry. I look forward to following his videos on Paul’s posts and wish he and his family the best.
Paul instantly made me feel like family reading through this novel with his funny insights and knowledge of the audio industry. I look forward to following his videos on Paul’s posts and wish he and his family the best.
June 13, 2019
Reads like a novel.
I loved the way the story grips you. I didn't want to put it down. Makes me happy to know that there are other people who had as wacky a ride and I did.
I loved the way the story grips you. I didn't want to put it down. Makes me happy to know that there are other people who had as wacky a ride and I did.
April 26, 2020
Wonderful book
I don't remember when I started to read a book and just could not stop and was so difficult to put it aside. Thanks Mr Mcgowan.
I don't remember when I started to read a book and just could not stop and was so difficult to put it aside. Thanks Mr Mcgowan.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews