GCPH Phono Stage

[AFpay]

Hi All,

Just put a new PS Audio GCPH into the system. I had an urge to try a separate phono stage even though I enjoyed the C2200's phono stage. I heard a lot of good things about the GCPH and I was intrigued by it's ability to change load settings and gain. There is also a mono button and absolute phase (polarity) button on the front, 2 more useful features. The package is neat and the price was right. I even have the option to return it in 30 days. Thus far, it is making a great argument to stay. It is nice. Very clear and quiet. I am using a Denon DL 160 cartridge (1.6 mV) and it just sings with this phono stage. Actually the Denon is a good cartridge at a great price so maybe it is just the Denon that's so versatile that it sounds fine with most phono stages. In any event, if the GCPH starts to go south and I start disliking it in a couple weeks, I'll let you know. I really don't anticipate that happening though; right now it rocks!! I like my highs smooth, yet detailed and so far, no listening fatigue. The bass is also very good. Solid piece.

Oh, a couple more things: the GCPH has balanced outputs and it can also stand alone as a preamp, straight to the mono blocks. Haven't tried that yet.


AF

 

[markd51]

Hi All,

Just put a new PS Audio GCPH into the system. I had an urge to try a separate phono stage even though I enjoyed the C2200's phono stage. I heard a lot of good things about the GCPH and I was intrigued by it's ability to change load settings and gain. There is also a mono button and absolute phase (polarity) button on the front, 2 more useful features. The package is neat and the price was right. I even have the option to return it in 30 days. Thus far, it is making a great argument to stay. It is nice. Very clear and quiet. I am using a Denon DL 160 cartridge (1.6 mV) and it just sings with this phono stage. Actually the Denon is a good cartridge at a great price so maybe it is just the Denon that's so versatile that it sounds fine with most phono stages. In any event, if the GCPH starts to go south and I start disliking it in a couple weeks, I'll let you know. I really don't anticipate that happening though; right now it rocks!! I like my highs smooth, yet detailed and so far, no listening fatigue. The bass is also very good. Solid piece.

Oh, a couple more things: the GCPH has balanced outputs and it can also stand alone as a preamp, straight to the mono blocks. Haven't tried that yet.


AF

Hello, I almost bought this Stage myself when it first came out, but went with another. I was a little afraid at the time, as there was nothing known about it's performance in comparison with other Units in this price range.

It does indeed sound like a really nice Unit for the cost, loaded with quite a bit of features, I liked the fact of having virtually infinite adjustable gain, right on the front of Unit.

Although, I believe there are only four loading settings, the values that were chosen sound good to me that they can probably handle a vast array of MC Cartridges.

You would probably squeeze the most performance running direct, but might hinder yourself with pulling your Pre-Amp out of the mix, for use with other source components. Still, it might be interesting to give it a try.

The increase in performance qualities you note are what really good Phono Stages are all about. I won't knock the Denon 160 Cartridge, a lot of folks like this over achiever. I would assume this GCPH shold be able to even do better with a more expensive MC when the time comes for you to get that upgrade bug again.

Just like you noted the improvements with the GCPH Stage, you would note similar improvements with a better Cartridge, and/or other improvements to your Analog front end.

Your GCPH should only get better with time, after it burns in for 50-100, or so hours of play. Even Phono Cables seem to get disrupted when hooking-unhooking, and will settle in again as well, even if they are many years old. Odd I know, but I can hear these things when I toy with my front end.
Enjoy! Mark

 

[AFpay]

Just like you noted the improvements with the GCPH Stage, you would note similar improvements with a better Cartridge, and/or other improvements to your Analog front end.


Enjoy! Mark

Funny that you should mention a cartridge upgrade. I have been thinking about one and I am just about ready...

AF