Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: PS Audio GCC-100 Integrated Amplifier (SS) by Belgarchi

Model:	GCC-100
Category:	Integrated Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$2795.00
Description:	Control Amp
Manufacturer URL:	PS Audio

Review by Belgarchi on May 01, 2010 at 17:04:48
IP Address: 216.80.143.3 Add Your Review
for the GCC-100

Class D, dual-mono 2x100W RMS 8 ohms integrated amplifier with remote control.
What I like: one XLR input, can go straight to the power amp ('Home Theater Bypass'), preamp output, good quality connectors, nice volume control.
What I dislike: no phono input, no phones output, bulky and ugly box.
The sound is difficult to describe, because it is not at all like AB class amplifiers. The bass are a little bit dry and there is a slight lack of low medium, but the bass are well defined. The medium-highs are very well-defined, 'clean' and not aggressive, but neverthless fatiguing (don't ask, I don't know why). The soundstage is good, but nothing special. The sound is very consistent from low-level to very high level.

I cannot explain it, but there is something unnatural in the mupper medium / low highs that I don't like at all, and for the high price of this amp (~$2,800), there are more classic amps that I prefer.

Product Weakness:	No phono in, no phones out, fatiguing sound, expensive
Product Strengths:	Flexibility, 'clean' and detailed sound

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: see review
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Arcam C31
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Classe CDP-10
Speakers: B&W, Dynaudio
Cables/Interconnects: Audioquest Diamondback, Kimber
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Various
Room Size (LxWxH): 30 x 20 x 15
Room Comments/Treatments: Neutral
Time Period/Length of Audition: ~9 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Monster Cable Pro 3500
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	see review
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Arcam C31
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Classe CDP-10
Speakers:	B&W, Dynaudio
Cables/Interconnects:	Audioquest Diamondback, Kimber
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Various
Room Size (LxWxH):	30 x 20 x 15
Room Comments/Treatments:	Neutral
Time Period/Length of Audition:	~9 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Monster Cable Pro 3500
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner