Two systems, Two rooms

[Spectral Morn]

Hi Mike, I am thinking of going phono direct into power amp. You obviously think it a good way to go. May I ask your opinion about the PS Audio as it is one I am considering along with the Quad which has a volume control. Thanks for help.
John

Hi John

Can you pop into the welcome section and say hello, tell us a bit about yourself, your system and the music you like....thank you in advance


Regards D S D L

[Light Capture]

Hi Mike, I am thinking of going phono direct into power amp. You obviously think it a good way to go. May I ask your opinion about the PS Audio as it is one I am considering along with the Quad which has a volume control. Thanks for help.
John

John,

I haven't used the PS Audio phono to its full capacity, as I'm relatively new to analogue w/ a TT. I bought it because of its incredible versatility. Just look at a photo of the back and the remote controlled volume on the front w/ phase and mute on the remote too. It also uses the same gain cells as their preamps. It seems like a phono pre I can grow with. (Unlike the old photo on the website, the new GCPH has a power switch and different values on the settings on the rear.)

I couldn't find a high caliber preamp w/ phono anywhere near the price of the PS Audio phono so I took the plunge. I have in the past use cdps and dacs w/ internal volume controls and the performance was substantial in every way direct to a power amp vs. running them thru a preamp first, and I had a very good tube pre. So I applied the same thinking to my analogue system.

Being that it is not a stand alone preamp the sweet spot on the volume control is in the 1 o'clock to 3 o'clock position, just as PS Audio states. So you make the rough adjustments on the rear and use the volume in the sweet spot. It's sound is clear and pristine, w/ a full bodied and dynamic presentation, and it has deep tight bass to die for.

And if I choose, I can grow my system to include other sources and take my time to save up for a super preamp to compliment this fantastic phono pre. But for now my system captivates me and I almost never listen to cds on my other system.

[Virkon]

Thanks for that insight Mike. I am running my Advantage S1 cd direct to power with excellent results. The PS Audio seems to be winning for phono direct to power. Thanks again.

John

[Light Capture]

Changed things up a bit. A little bit of vintage in the mix.
Swapped out Technics SL-D2 for an Acoustic Research AR-XB turntable that I restored and refinished black (circa '75).
Swapped out modded Paragon speakers for Dynaco A-25XL (circa '75).
Audio Electronic Super Amp MkII (Cary) remains in system.
PS Audio GCPH remains in system.

[DrMartin]

I like the look of those speakers. I wish the current 'mainstream' manufacturers would go back to making speakers with decent sized woofers.

[Light Capture]

A few manufacturers do just that like Spendor and Harbeth. I'm keepin' my eye open for Spendors at a price I can handle. Harbeth are too pricey for me.

If you want a Dynaco reissue check out this. Uses Seas drivers like the original (updated version), modern aperiodic vented cabinet design w/ flow resistor like original, and a better modern higher quality x-over.
http://annandaleacoustics.com/

[DrMartin]

Thanks for the heads up on that

Many, many years ago I bought a SEAS 3-way kit and it worked really well - even in my ham-fisted attempt at cabinet building.

I'm off to explore Harbeth and Spendor's now ... probably a good job that I'm sitting down.

[DrMartin]

I see what you mean about pricey