I tried the GCPH both ways as you describe.... - Ray-o-Stat - Vinyl Asylum

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I tried the GCPH both ways as you describe....

In Reply to: Phono Stage Thru Tube Preamp or Phono Stage Direct to Amp posted by jensen B52 on January 1, 2007 at 08:56:33:

I had high expectations in running it direct. My linestage, a Melos Reference R6, is all tube and has a passive volume circuit.
I found the sound quality of running the GCPH direct vs. through the Melos to be a real eye-opener.
First of all, the GCPH's volume control has horrific tracking. The progression of the dial is far from linear and it is very very difficult to modulate.
The next problem I encountered was that the phase inversion switch on the GCPH as well as the mute switch thump very very loudly. If my Martin Logan subwoofers weren't so robust, I would have been seeing cones flying across the room! My Melos has a phase inversion switch that I use often and is dead silent. I have marked my LP's and cd's over the years to indicate which are recorded in incorrect absolute phase.
The final problem is that PS Audio's response (including a personal conversation with McGowan himself) indicated that the thump was inherent in the design and that all I would have to do is lower the volume when I use those switches! This is a complete disaster because the volume control is difficult to modulate and it doesn't even have any markings on it to at least give a rough guide as to repeating your setting. Also, the lack of a remote, in my case, would just exacerbate the volume-setting situation since my preamp is next to the speakers and not near my listening position.
I sent back the GCPH to PS Audio under their return policy.
I am thankful that this happened because it allowed me to continue my search and eventually discover the ASR Mini Basis. One of the best phono stages I have ever heard.

Me, I'm just a lawnmower, you can tell me by the way I walk....
-Ray

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Phono Stage Thru Tube Preamp or Phono Stage Direct to Amp - jensen B52 08:56:33 01/01/07 (7)

I tried the GCPH both ways as you describe.... - Ray-o-Stat 10:32:39 01/01/07 (2)

Re: I tried the GCPH both ways as you describe.... - bjh 11:32:42 01/01/07 (1)

Re: I tried the GCPH both ways as you describe.... - Ray-o-Stat 13:24:44 01/01/07 (0)

Personally I would try it both ways and let us know which you prefer. - tubesforever 09:07:32 01/01/07 (0)

Try both ways and pick which sounds best to you. /nt\ - HenryH 09:01:57 01/01/07 (2)

Great minds think alike! Happy New Years Henry. - tubesforever 09:35:07 01/01/07 (1)

Same to you, Jim, from rainy Northern VA. /nt\ - HenryH 09:36:49 01/01/07 (0)

Follow Ups

I tried the GCPH both ways as you describe.... - Ray-o-Stat 10:32:39 01/01/07 (2)

Re: I tried the GCPH both ways as you describe.... - bjh 11:32:42 01/01/07 (1)

Re: I tried the GCPH both ways as you describe.... - Ray-o-Stat 13:24:44 01/01/07 (0)

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