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

Model:	GCC-100
Category:	Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$2795
Description:	100 watt control amp
Manufacturer URL:	PS Audio
Model Picture:	View

Review by jonbee ( A ) on March 22, 2007 at 16:08:11
IP Address: 146.129.249.194

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for the GCC-100

For the last 2 + years, I've enjoyed my PS Audio PCA-2/HCA-2 stack, driving Thiel 3.6s and now VMPS RM30s. Their effortless control, smooth and detailed sound are much in line with my tastes in sound reproduction. The low power consumption is a plus.
I've followed the reviews on the nwew Gain Cell integrateds from PS Audio, and I liked what I read. I also like the extra simplicity of the integrated, and the reduced space requirement. (I live in a condo, so space is always at a premium).
I got a good used unit about a week ago, and I must say that for my tastes the amp is a real winner.
It has a strong resemblance sonically to the earlier stack, but the improvement in inner clarity, definition and focus across the spectrum is very noteworthy. The dynamic speed is also improved, and is downright scary at times. On movies, transients such as gunfire and cannon shots are immediate to a degree I've never heard before anywhere. Tympany have just the right balance of impact and trailing rolloff. Very cool indeed.
The amp has a much higher damping factor than the predecessor, and this is one of the areas that may not play well in all systems. The midbass is leaner and tighter, while the lower bass is definitely tighter and faster, but no less powerful. With lean sounding speakers, this may not play out well. In my case, I have adjusted my subs and the damping on the passive radiators on the RM30s, and I really love the bottom end now. I'd call it the best I've personally owned.
The other end of the spectrum is also changed- the top end is better defined, but it also seems to have a bit more top end energy. Once again, I adjusted my speakers a bit to work better with the mix.
For me, I'm very glad to have made the switch. The extra definiton and speed is very cool.
The leaner overall balance of the amp must be considered carefully when considering matchups. But for systems that are well balanced, this amp is an ear opener, at a bargain price, IMO

Product Weakness: A somewhat lean overall balance. No warmth or euphonic tailoring that I can hear.
Product Strengths: Speed, clarity, definition, dynamics. Great bass power and definition. Low power useage. Compact and well made, with great features and remote. Ability to drive difficult loads.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	review
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Maxed out Modwright/Sony 999 SACD/dvd/cdp
Speakers:	VMPS RM30C, 2 Carver subs
Cables/Interconnects:	Goertz TriodeQuartz Sivler, braided.99999 silver for speakers
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	all types
Room Size (LxWxH):	19 x 16 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	No room tratement. Doesn't support great imaging
Time Period/Length of Audition:	1.5 weeks
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	A somewhat lean overall balance. No warmth or euphonic tailoring that I can hear.
Product Strengths:	Speed, clarity, definition, dynamics. Great bass power and definition. Low power useage. Compact and well made, with great features and remote. Ability to drive difficult loads.