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Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: PS Audio GCP-200 Preamplifier (SS) by lunaticfringe@woh.rr.com

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REVIEW: PS Audio GCP-200 Preamplifier (SS)

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Model: GCP-200
Category: Preamplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price: $2195
Description: Gain Cell Pre-amp
Manufacturer URL: PS Audio
Model Picture: View

Review by lunaticfringe@woh.rr.com on May 31, 2008 at 20:50:19
IP Address: 65.31.58.233
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for the GCP-200


About three months ago my Rogue Audio 66 Magnum blew a tube. After diligently searching the net for new tubes I decided to put my old Adcom GTP-400 back in the system. Although I remember it sounding pretty good back in its day, this is a new age. I reconsidered buying new tubes for the Rogue, but after hearing solid state again I was not in the mood for tube hiss anymore. What's an audiophile to do? Well, instead of spending around $100 for new tubes why not spend over two grand for a new pre-amp? Gosh, this hobby is SO much fun.
Let me preface the review portion with a disclaimer. I am not what you would call "golden eared" by any stretch. At 58 years young, my hearing is not up to par with younger folk who can hear many differences in equipment. But I remember aspects of the recordings such as cymbal crashes, timbers and such. What Sam Tellig used to call palpable presence and things like the rub of the bow on the strings of a violin. (Or something like that) That being said,I am amazed that almost every one of my favorite recordings have revealed layers left previously unrevealed to me. I won't go into a littany of these occurances, but in a nutshell there are small nuances in the background that I never caught before. And this little (well, not so little) pre-amp has the deepest soundstage I have ever experienced.
When I first inserted the unit into my system, I was underwhelmed by its sound. It was a little bright and also a little muddy. I know this sounds contradictory, but that was the impression I got. I have no idea whether the gain cell technology benefits from burn-in or not, but I left the unit on for 5 days, all the while listening to various sources during waking hours. I did start hearing improvements in soundstage and clarity, but I'm not going to say it wasn't psychologically wanting to. One of the banes of this hobby to me is knowing whether I hear a difference or just WANT to hear a difference. Tonight, listening to Bonnie Raitt, Marti Jones, Linda Thompson and others, I don't remember ever being so satisfied with the musicality of my system. As I said before, I am not golden eared, but in comparison to past pre-amps, I have hit my own personal "Holy Grail" of sound.
On to its features. I really like that you can name your inputs on this unit. You can also adjust the gain of individual inputs to match the number on the volume control. The unit has balanced and RCA outputs and one balanced and five RCA inputs. Much more than I will ever need. The weak point of the unit, in my opinion, is the remote. If you don't have it aimed at the receiver, you don't change a thing. It is the fussiest remote I have ever used. The remote has all the usual features plus, there is a phase button to reverse the polarity. I have yet you hear a difference with any input for this feature. Maybe that is a casualty of my un-golden ears. Don't know, don't care. I love the hell out of this pre-amp.
If you are in the market for a new pre-, do yourself a favor and audition this one. I know my "review" didn't touch on much of anything, but this is the first time I have ever felt the need to post my thought on any kind of electronic equipment.


Product Weakness: The Remote
Product Strengths: Deep, spacious soundstage, ability to name inputs


Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: PS Audio HCA-2
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): GCP-200
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Rega Planet 2000 Rega P3
Speakers: Paradigm Studio 60
Cables/Interconnects: See system
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Various
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): PS Audio P500 Power Plant
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: PS Audio GCP-200 Preamplifier (SS) - lunaticfringe@woh.rr.com 20:50:19 05/31/08 ( 6)