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I've been loving my GCC-100 for a few weeks now. It has everything I was hoping to get in the switch from the PCA-2/HCA-2 which I enjoyed for 3 years (a long time in my system!). Better dynamics (micro and macro), quieter, better detail, definition and depth from top to bottom. Power is rated less, but still will drive my rig as loud as I ever need without strain (I'm not a headbanger, though). A leaner overall sound as well, which is not an issue in my system, as the VMPS RM30s and my subs provide lots of tuning possiblities.
I am curious about any comparisons between the GC amps and the CIA amps. Anyone have any experience with both?
Follow Ups:
I had an PCA-2/HCA-2 biamp setup for a few years until last winter and enjoyed it thoroughly. I listened to the CI D-200 and D-100 and the Nuforce 9s and personally did not feel that any of them was a huge step up from the HCA-2. I eventually settled on the Edge G.5, which really impressed me. I meant to try the PSA GCA-100, but after I heard the Edge I did not feel I needed to go any further without doubling my budget. If you are interested in reading more about my impressions, a link to my review of the Edge G.5 is below.FWIW, I continue to believe that the HCA-2 is one of the great bargains of the decade on the used market. If you are patient you can get one for <$700, and I would put it up against any solid state amp up to $2500.
. . . in theory, practice and theory are the same; in practice, they are different . . .
proposition of the PCA-2/HCA-2- at the market price they are amazingly close to the real cream of the amp market. The GCC integrateds are an even better deal used, as they trump the sound of the older stack, at least to my ears.
Your impressions of the CIA amps is interesting. I haven't heard your amp, but it does sound very interesting. The PS Audio GCC is very tight and clean sounding; it sounds like the Edge is warmer, probably a good thing in a lean sounding system. I'd like to hear it.
I agree that the HCA-2 is a great value but the Nuforce monoblocks are much better to my ears. (The CIA were not that great in my opinion and not even in the same class as the Nuforce).
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