Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: PS Audio PCA-2 Preamplifier (SS) by jonbee

Model:	PCA-2
Category:	Preamplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	2000
Description:	Remote controlled preamp
Manufacturer URL:	PS Audio
Model Picture:	View

Review by jonbee ( A ) on October 31, 2004 at 11:42:25
IP Address: 65.219.140.66

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for the PCA-2

I've happily used my CJ PFR SS pre for 5 years (the longest use of any of my components), and I consider it to be a landmark SS preamp-clean, open, dynamic as hell, with killer bass extension. A year after I traded my CJ 2300A amp for the PS Audio HCA-2 (which I love and much prefer to the CJ) I decided to give the matching PCA2 a try. After breakin, initial reaction was that it was very hard to tell them apart. After listening to a lot of software, it became clear that the CJ had more very deep bass output, notably mostly on special effects in movie soundtracks, not so much in music. I was not too surprised by that as that was one of the CJ's strong points. The PCA2 was by no means lightweight or deficient sounding by itself, but it didn't quite come up to the outstanding CJ in that area. PS Audio has a $1000 add-on power supply for the PCA2, which probably would close the gap.
I also concluded that the PCA2 was a touch sweeter, and had a bit more detail at the back of the soundstage, and was slightly less "hifi-ish". The PFR cost nearly $3k, so I consider the PCA2 a substantial bargain at current prices.
The PCA2 also has a lot of control and adjustment features, which are a bit cumbersome to set up, but allow input matching, output range adjustment, and a whole lot of other features, making it one of the most flexible quality preamps I've seen.
I've sold my CJ; the overall sound of the PCA2 is marginally better, but mostly I wanted to re-start the clock on my preamp and get more flexibility, particularly in the area of volume adjustment, which was a bit sensitive in the PFR.
I've seen that after a year or so, the PCA2 has already been replaced in PS's lineup, and inventory is being sold very cheaply. I don't understand that strategy, as this model is just being established, but at $1200 or so, I don't think there's much competition for this very high level of sound quality.

Product Weakness: Now discontinued; doesn't hold settings whan unplugged. Remote is a bit cheap. Some control functions unavailable without remote.
Product Strengths: Very flexible; smooth, liquid sound; very nice detail and soundstage presentation

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	PS Audio HCA-2 w/ Blackgate coupling caps and bybees on inputs
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	see review
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	ModWright SigTruth/Sony 999 sacd/cd/dvd
Speakers:	Thiel 3.6 w/ bybee filters on drivers
Cables/Interconnects:	.99999 silver/teflon braided
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	lots
Room Size (LxWxH):	16 x 19 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	room has lots of glass; is a bit bright
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Monster cable 2500 on sources/silclear on connectors
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Now discontinued; doesn't hold settings whan unplugged. Remote is a bit cheap. Some control functions unavailable without remote.
Product Strengths:	Very flexible; smooth, liquid sound; very nice detail and soundstage presentation