PSA Stereo Amplifier GCC 100 User Manual

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Owner’s Reference  
Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier  
Instructions for use  
GCP Stereo Preamplifier  
Document 15-043-11-1  
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Introduction i  
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Table Of Contents  
Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier  
IV  
Introduction  
1
Getting Started  
Quick Start Guide  
Setup Instructions  
Operation  
2 - 3  
4 - 6  
7 - 8  
9 - 10  
Questions and  
Answers  
11 - 13  
14  
Troubleshooting  
Specifications  
Warranty  
15 - 16  
17 - 18  
Service  
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Table Of Contens iii  
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Introduction  
Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier  
Thank you  
Thank you for your purchase of the GCC series Control Amplifier. This document covers the three  
stereo Control Amplifier models, GCC-100, GCC-250, GCC-500.  
Control Amplifiers are actually Variable Gain Power Amplifiers™ with multiple inputs. Users can select  
any one of 5 input sources and control the gain of the power amplifier via the front panel control or  
through the supplied remote control, which results in the volume to the speakers being controlled.  
These are not  
integrated  
amplifiers  
Control Amplifiers are unique in the world of audio and are the shortest and purest audio path of any  
product on the market. While Control Amplifiers resemble an integrated amplifier in their operation,  
they are not integrateds.  
Integrated amplifiers are a marriage of a preamplifier, or input volume attenuator and a power amplifier.  
Because of the PS Audio Gain Cell™, the GCC Series of products do not attenuate the input signal  
and do not “throw away” the unwanted signal. Instead, the GCC Control Amplifiers vary their gain in  
response to the users front panel or remote commands.  
This creates the worlds rst Variable Gain Power Amplifier™, or the GCC Control Amplifier.  
Each of the three Control Amplifier models is a dual mono Control amplifier, capable of driving nearly  
every loudspeaker load with ease and beauty.  
GCC power amplifiers are based on our unique and proprietary Gain Cell technology for the input  
electronics and SDAT Class D switching power amplification for the output.  
The GCC series have high efficiency digital amplification stages that allow them to run cool to the  
touch even while driving demanding loads and should offer years of trouble free performance of the  
highest standards.  
Cool and efficient  
running  
Power ratings for each model are designated by their naming scheme into an 8 Ohm load. The GCC-  
100 provides up to 100 watts per channel, both channels driven, into an 8 Ohm load and doubles its  
power rating into a 4 Ohm load. The GCC-250 provides up to 250 watts per channel, both channels  
driven, into an 8 Ohm load and doubles its power rating into a 4 Ohm load. The GCC-500 provides  
up to 500 watts per channel, both channels driven, into an 8 Ohm load and doubles its power rating  
into a 4 Ohm load.  
Power ratings  
You should expect state of the art performance and sonics from any of the GCC Series Control  
Amplifiers. These Control Amplifiers are unmatched by any other power amplifier/preamplifier  
combination on the market in terms of performance within their rated power levels and will provide  
excellent performance in either a two channel or multi-channel environment.  
What you can  
expect  
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Introduction iv  
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Getting Started  
Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier  
Once your new GCC Series Control Amplifier is unpacked, you’ll need to find a convenient place to set  
it. Placing the Control Amp nearest to your source equipment is probably the best idea since you will  
want to have as short an interconnect between the source and the Control Amplifier as you can.  
Location  
There are several ways to mount the GCC Series Control Amplifier: on a rack shelf or on a shelf near  
your sources.  
If the GCC Series Control Amplifier is to be placed on the floor or carpet, make sure the unit is not  
going to come in contact with water or cleaning solvents. Make sure the carpet does not interfere  
with airflow to the amp.  
Cautions  
Isolation  
The GCC Series Control Amplifier can benefit from aftermarket isolation devices such as cones, spikes  
and Sorbothane pads.  
Once you have chosen the location for the GCC Series Control Amplifier you can use the supplied  
AC power cord to connect it to the AC wall receptacle or you can use an aftermarket power cord and  
receptacle.  
Power Cables  
We strongly recommend the use of a PS Audio xStream Power™ AC cable and a PS Power Port™  
AC receptacle to feed the GCC Control Amplifier power. While the supplied power cable is adequate  
for the task it is not going to provide the best performance. Choosing any xStream Power cable will  
make a significant performance improvement over the stock power cable.  
We recommend the use of power conditioning equipment, such as a PS Audio Power Plant, UPC-  
200 or any of the Ultimate Outlet or Power Director series from PS. We do not recommend the use of  
simple AC filter power conditioners, not made by PS Audio, as most of these will ”bleach” the sound  
and rob the music or video soundtrack of some measure of life and dynamics. If you do not use PS  
Audio power conditioning equipment, you would be advised to plug the GCC Control Amplifier directly  
into the AC wall receptacle.  
Conditioners  
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Getting Started 1  
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Quick Start Guide  
Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier  
Once you have decided on the location and chosen the appropriate power cables, you are ready to  
install the GCC Control Amplifier.  
Power down first  
We recommend that you power the entire system down before installing the GCC Control Amplifier.  
Insert the GCC Control Amplifier into the system.  
Connect the inputs of the GCC Control Amplifier to the output of your source equipment such as  
CD players, phono preamplifiers, tuner,  
etc. There are two choices of inputs:  
Connect the  
inputs  
balanced or single ended. There is one  
balanced input and four single ended  
RCA inputs.  
Balanced inputs require a source that  
has a balanced output. These outputs  
are the preferred method of connection  
as a balanced XLR type of output allows  
Balanced inputs  
the lowest noise connection, and allow  
owners to take advantage of the high  
common mode rejection characteristics  
found in the Gain Cell of the GCC  
Control Amplifier. Be sure to use a high quality well shielded and well regarded interconnect for this  
critical link. PS Audio makes an entire line of excellent choices for interconnects, perfectly matched  
to your equipments needs.  
RCA or single ended inputs will be the typical inputs as many sources have only this standard type of  
input. Be sure to use a high quality well shielded and well regarded interconnect for this critical link.  
RCA inputs  
Speaker cables are a critical link between your loudspeakers and your new GCC Control Amplifier.  
Make sure you use only the highest quality such as a PS Audio speaker cable that will be perfectly  
matched to your equipments needs.  
Speaker Cables  
Pay close attention to the polarity on the rear panel binding posts. It is critically important that you  
match plus and minus (red and black) of the GCC Control Amplifier to the plus and minus of your  
speaker. Carefully observe the polarity. The plus or red terminal of the GCC Control Amplifier must  
eventually be tied to the plus or red terminal of your loudspeaker. The GCC Control Amplifier is a non-  
inverting amplifier design meaning it is in phase with the input signal.  
Check for proper  
polarity  
Subwoofer  
connections  
Use the Aux Out RCA connectors on the rear of the GCC Control Amplifier to feed your subwoofers  
low level inputs. Some subwoofers have high level inputs where the output of the amplifier can be  
connected as an input to the subwoofer. Generally there is no problem. In a few rare instances there  
may be a problem, which will show itself as problematic if the amps protection comes on after hooking  
up the sub. REL subwoofers and some Sunfire subwoofers can be problematic. Please check with  
the factory or your dealer if you encounter these subwoofers or any problems.  
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Quick Start Guide 2  
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Quick Start Guide  
Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier  
If you wish to use a second power amplifier to bi-amp,  
Bi-amping  
you can use the GCC as either the top end amplifier  
or the bottom end amplifier for the bass. If you have  
a GCC-100 we would recommend this be used on  
the top end (tweeter) of the bi-amp speaker. Use the  
largest amplifier for the bass frequencies. Connect  
the second amplifier to the Aux Out RCA connectors  
on the rear of the GCC Series Power Amplifier.  
These binding posts, on the rear panel of the GCC  
Control Amplifier, will accept either spade or banana  
type connectors. To use a spade or forked connector,  
simply unscrew the binding post, place the tongs of  
the spade over the threaded binding post and tighten  
the outer barrel of the binding post. It is permissible  
to us a wrench to tighten the binding post down.  
Locking binding  
posts  
The banana style connectors should be inserted into  
the center hole on the rear of the binding post. The  
PS Audio binding post is a unique locking design for  
Connecting a  
banana style  
banana style connectors. You should not attempt  
to insert a banana connector into the GCC Control  
Amplifiers binding post while the binding post is locked closed. To insert a banana style speaker  
cable connector, loosen the outer barrel of the GCC Control Amplifiers binding post, insert the banana  
connector and then tighten. Note that once this has been tightened, the banana connector is locked  
securely in place. Do not attempt to remove the banana connector without first loosening the outer  
barrel of the binding post.  
Make sure that neither the + nor the – terminals of the amplifier come in contact with each other, or  
ground, or anything other than the speaker terminals when the amplifier is on. This will shut the amp  
off and place it in a protection mode.  
Do not ground  
the outputs  
Plug the GCC Control Amplifier into the power source using the AC power cable you selected. It  
is advisable to use as short a power cable as possible to the GCC Control Amplifier. We do not  
recommend plugging the GCC Control Amplifier into an extension strip or plug extender unless it is  
of the highest quality and heavy duty design, such as the PS Audio Juice Bar or device with similar  
properties.  
Plug it into a  
power source  
Make sure the source equipment, like a CD player or tuner, are turned on. Then, press the front panel  
PS logo on the GCC Control Amplifier to power up the GCC Control Amplifier. There is a normal 2  
second delay for the amplifier once powered up.  
Push the front  
panel logo to turn  
it on  
At this point you should be ready to enjoy the benefits of the GCC Control Amplifier and enjoy!  
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Quick Start Guide 3  
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Setup instructions  
Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier  
The Gain Cell Control Amplifier Setup menu allows you to adjust the following controls:  
Front panel setup  
menu  
• Input Name  
• Input Gain  
• Home Theater Bypass Input  
The setup menu allows  
you to view the following  
information:  
• Software  
Version  
To enter the setup menu,  
turn the GCC off from  
the front panel power  
How to enter into  
the setup menu  
button. Then, hold down  
the Input Up and Input  
Down buttons and press  
the Power Button while  
holding the other buttons.  
The display will then read:  
(Setup) Input 1 Name  
To scroll through the  
options, use the Input Up  
or Input Down buttons.  
The list of options are:  
Input 1 Name  
Input 1 Gain  
Input 2 Name  
Input 2 Gain  
Input 3 Name  
Input 3 Gain  
Input 4 Name  
Input 4 Gain  
Input 5 Name  
Input 5 Gain  
nput 6 Name  
Input 6 Gain  
Home Theater Bypass  
Software Version  
Press the Mute  
button to accept  
Press the power  
button to exit  
Once you have selected the option that you want, press the Mute button to enter that mode. You  
should see the current setting on the 2nd line of the display (below the option name).  
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Setup instructions  
Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier  
At any time, you may press the Power button to exit to Setup Menu.  
Input Name Editing:  
This mode allows you to edit the name of the Input on the Display.  
Input naming  
The character with an underscore is the character that you are currently editing.  
To edit the Input Name, you will use the following controls:  
Mute Button –  
Name the inputs  
whatever you  
want  
This button allows you to move to the next character. When you press it, you will see the  
underscore move to the next character. When you reach the end of the line, the underscore will start  
again at the beginning of the line.  
Volume Control Knob –  
Turn the volume control knob to edit the current character. For your reference, here is a list of the  
possible characters:  
0123456789:-#. ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ  
When you are finished editing the name, hit either Input Up or Input Down to go to the next option,  
or hit the Power button to exit the Setup Menu.  
Input Gain Editing:  
This mode allows you to adjust the gain of each individual input relative to the other inputs. You can  
use this control to Gain match each of your components so that they are all at the same level on the  
volume control.  
To edit the Input Gain, you will use the following controls:  
Volume Control Knob –  
Adjust the gain of  
each input  
Turn the volume control knob to edit the gain. You can go down to a minimum of -5dB or up to a  
maximum of +5dB in 0.1dB steps.  
When you are finished editing the gain, hit either Input Up or Input Down to go to the next option, or  
hit the Power button to exit the Setup Menu.  
Home Theater Bypass Mode:  
This mode allows you to assign one of the Inputs as a Home Theater Bypass. This allows you to  
use your 2-channel preamp in your multichannel home theater system. Normally, your Surround  
Home Theater  
bypass  
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Setup instructions  
Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier  
Sound Processor or Receiver would be plugged into this input.  
To edit the Home Theater Bypass Input, you will use the following controls:  
Volume Control Knob –  
Turn the volume control knob to edit the theater bypass input. Turn the knob until it reaches the  
desired Input. You may also turn the knob all the way down to turn this feature off.  
When you are finished editing the home theater bypass input, hit either Input Up or Input Down to go  
to the next option, or hit the Power button to exit the Setup Menu.  
Software Version:  
This mode allows you to view the current software version.  
Software version  
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Operating Guide  
Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier  
Operating the GCC Control Amplifier is a fairly straightforward procedure.  
From the front panel there are five controls:  
• Volume control  
• Mute control  
• Up selector  
• Down selector  
• Power button  
Volume control  
The volume control is a rotary knob that the user can turn up and down to control the gain of the  
Gain Cell and the loudness of the amplifier. While this is not an ordinary attenuator, its function of  
turning the volume up and down is the same.  
This control has been ergonomically designed with the best human interface we could devise. Its  
step size varies depending on where you are in the range: lower ranges have larger steps and higher  
ranges have finer steps. Above a certain point, the volume will increase in 1/10th dB steps if you  
turn the control slowly.  
The Mute control on the front panel or the remote will mute the GCCs audio when pressed and will  
be automatically deactivated and return to  
Mute control  
the original volume setting if the user turns  
the volume control up or down or if you  
press the mute button again.  
Balance functions are only available  
through the remote control. The blanace  
function is clearly marked on the remote  
control.  
Balance control  
Up Selector and Down Selector buttons  
toggle through the inputs (and toggle  
through the setup choices while in the  
setup mode), which are displayed on the  
front panel. The remote control allows you  
to select individual inputs without toggling  
through the choices.  
Up/Down selector  
As you toggle through the input choices,  
the volume will automatically ramp up and  
down quickly so theres no loud “pop”  
noise between inputs.  
Power Button  
The power button is cleverly disguised as the PS logo (or vice versa depending on your point of  
view). Press the logo and the unit will toggle on or off. Pressing the front panel power button does  
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Operating Guide  
Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier  
not remove power from the GCC Control Amplifier. Rather, it places the amplifier in the standby  
mode. This is the recommended procedure.  
Pressing the HT button will switch to the designated Home Theater Bypass input. The designated  
input can be specified in the setup mode.  
HT Bypass  
By default it is not pre-assigned to any of the inputs, and pressing the HT button does not activate  
any function. The HT function disables the GCCs front panel volume control as well as the remote  
volume control access. In this mode, the volume is handled through your surround processor and  
the GCC acts like a traditional fixed gain power amplifier for the front two channels.  
The balance controls are also bypassed in this mode. For more information on setting up a system  
to use the Home Theater bypass function, see the section on Home Theater Bypass in the Setup  
Instructions.  
CAUTION: Engaging the HT input without using a separate HT controller to control the volume may  
result in damage to your speakers.  
Caution!  
Phase Control  
The phase control or, more properly stated; polarity control that is available through the remote  
control of the GCC Control Amplifier, permits the user to place the signal 180 degrees out of phase.  
This is the same as if you were to reverse the speaker leads from the amplifier to the loudspeaker:  
plus to minus, minus to plus.  
Some sources reverse phase, but in general most sources do not.  
The phase control is important for proper sonics. Not all recordings have the proper phase and  
many Audiophile take the time to experiment with each CD or DVD, determine the proper phase for  
that CD, vinyl disc or DVD and note the results on the album or CD liner.  
It is relatively easy to determine: simply try one phase or the other as you are listening and determine  
which sounds best to your ears.  
Dim control. From the remote it is possible to dim the front panel display. It is not possible to dim  
the blue light on the front panel from the remote control. If you wish to dim the blue light, that  
control is found in a three position switch on the rear of the GCC Control amplifier.  
Dim Control  
To dim the front panel display from the remote control, press the “Dim” button on the remote. If you  
press the Dim button again, the display will blank out completely. Pressing the Dim command again  
will bring the display back to its full brightness.  
Activating any functions on the GCC Control Amplifier will also activate the display to full brightness,  
but if the dim command had been pressed, the display will return to its assigned dim setting after a  
few seconds of making an adjustment to the GCC.  
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Operating Guide  
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Questions And Answers  
Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier  
The GCC Control Amplifier is best left powered on at all times. The current draw is negligible and  
keeping it powered on will make sure the internal AC capacitors stay working properly.  
Should the unit  
be on all the  
time?  
There is no harm in leaving the unit on at all times as the lifespan of the GCC Control Amplifier will be  
unaffected by leaving it on. We recommend placing the amplifier in its standby mode via the front  
panel logo/standby button when the amp is not in use. We further recommend leaving power to the  
GCC Control Amplifier at all times.  
There are no user replaceable internal fuses inside the GCC Control Amplifier. There is an internal fuse  
that should only be replaced by an authorized service center if needed. The components inside the  
GCC Control Amplifier have lethal voltages when powered and even when un-powered. Capacitors  
inside the GCC Control Amplifier can retain an electrical charge after the unit has been powered down.  
Do not attempt to get inside the unit for any reason unless instructed to do so by your dealer or an  
authorized service representative. Should the GCC Control Amplifier cease to function, contact your  
dealer or PS Audios service center for help.  
Are there any  
internal fuses?  
Placement of the GCC Control Amplifier is not critical. Placement with respect to other equipment  
can be important. In general, place the GCC Control Amplifier as close to the source equipment  
as possible. It is always preferable to have long speaker cables and short interconnects if there is  
a distance problem. Long interconnect cables will degrade the performance of most preamplifiers,  
surround processors or integrated amplifiers and receiver preamp outputs. The outputs on  
Placement?  
Isolation?  
Isolation through the use of spikes, cones or Sorbothane feet is recommended for the GCC Control  
Amplifier if space and budget allows. Isolation of any piece of high-end stereo and theater equipment  
is always recommended wherever practical.  
The brightness of the blue light on the front of the GCC Control Amplifier can be adjusted via the rear  
panel three position switch. The switch is located on the upper left hand corner of the GCC Control  
Amplifier as you face the rear panel. When the switch is in the upper most position, the front panel  
light will be the brightest. The middle position of the switch provides medium brightness, the lower  
position shuts the light off.  
Front panel blue  
light  
The front panel PS logo is the power button. Press the blue PS logo on the GCC Control Amplifiers  
front panel to turn the amplifier on or off. We recommend keeping the rear mounted switch for the  
blue light brightness at one of the two visible levels so you can tell if the GCC Control Amplifier is on  
or off.  
Front panel power  
button  
Yes, cables make a difference. It is important to use the best power cables, interconnects and speaker  
cables when operating the GCC Control Amplifier.  
Do cables make a  
difference?  
You can power nearly every loudspeaker made with a GCC Control Amplifier. It is relatively tolerant  
of most loudspeakers loads and will not be damaged by attempting to power heavy loads. If, while  
playing music, the GCC Control Amplifier continues to go into a protection mode when the music gets  
loud, it means that the speaker load is probably too difficult for the GCC Control Amplifier and the next  
What speakers  
can I use?  
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Questions And Answers  
Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier  
higher wattage model should be considered.  
The GCC Control Amplifier is specific to your countrys voltage. Do not use the GCC Control Amplifier  
on a voltage higher than it is rated for. For instance, do not take a 120 volt rated GCC Control Amplifier  
and attempt to use it in a 230 volt country. Failure to observe this cautionary note will void your  
warranty and may damage the amplifier. If you need to operate the GCC Control Amplifier at a voltage  
other than the voltage it was designed for, contact your dealer, distributor or the factory.  
What voltages  
can the amp run  
on?  
If the GCC Control Amplifier protection circuitry is activated, the amplifier will immediately shut off and  
the fault will be indicated on the front panel display. Check for the source of the problem, then use the  
front panel logo switch to restart the amp.  
Protection circuitry  
The GCC Control Amplifier produces little heat under normal operation. There are vent holes at the  
rear of the chassis, both top and bottom and you should be careful not to obstruct these vents if  
possible.  
Does the amp  
require ventilation?  
The GCC Control Amplifier can remotely activate another piece of equipment, such as a second power  
amplifier, by a DC control voltage. Using a small mini jack, you can use the GCC Control Amplifier to  
turn on and off another piece of equipment with a 12 volt trigger. When connected to a GCA Control  
Amplifier trigger input jack, located on the lower left hand corner of the GCA amplifiers rear panel (as  
you face the panel), the GCC Control Amplifier will now turn the second amplifier on and off with a  
push of the GCCs front panel power button.  
How does the DC  
trigger work?  
How do I dim the  
display?  
To dim the front panel display, you must use the remote control. On the control is a dim button.  
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Troubleshooting  
Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier  
If no sound comes out of the GCC Control Amplifier there are several areas to check:  
No sound comes  
out of the amp  
You are not getting an audio signal into the Control Amplifier  
You are not properly connected to the loudspeakers  
• There is no power from the AC socket  
You have the DC trigger jack connected without an appropriate voltage to turn it on  
It is obviously important that the GCC Control Amplifier receive a high level signal from the source (CD,  
DVD, tuner, etc.) or whatever you are feeding it. One way to determine if this is the case, would be  
to first go to your loudspeaker. Place your ear very near the tweeter and listen for a very slight hiss.  
If you hear one, chances are good the amp is working fine, connected properly at the speakers and  
you have an input problem. If you  
Check the input  
suspect an input problem, there are  
several possibilities:  
You have not selected to  
correct input. Check and  
make sure the input you  
selected is the correct  
input.  
Try another  
source  
• The volume control is too  
low or the mute is on.  
• The source is not playing.  
Check another source.  
• Theconnectingcablesare  
defective. Use another  
set.  
If you suspect an output problem,  
use the same technique of placing  
your ear very close to the speakers tweeter while the GCC Control Amplifier is turned on. You should  
hear a very slight amount of hiss from the tweeter. If you do not, check the speaker cable/amp  
connection. Make sure the amps front panel light is on, indicating proper performance.  
If you suspect an  
output problem  
If there is no sound and you are convinced the GCC Control Amplifier has power and its front panel  
light is lit, contact your dealer, distributor or PS Audio for further assistance.  
If there is a lot  
of hiss in your  
speaker  
If there is an excessive amount of hiss or noise from the loudspeaker, it is probably not from the GCC  
Control Amplifier as this amp has extremely low self noise. Turn the amp off, remove the interconnect  
cables from the GCC Control Amplifier and then turn the amplifier back on. Listen once again to see  
if the noise has been diminished. If it has, chances are good you either need to replace your source  
with a quieter one or you may need to experiment with better shielded interconnect cables.  
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Troubleshooting  
Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier  
If you experience a hum through the speakers this can be caused by several things. The first is the  
source. If there is an excessive amount of buzz or noise from the loudspeaker, it may be caused by a  
ground loop, a light dimmer in the home, poor AC power, or any number of causes. The quickest way  
to determine where to start your search is to simply turn the amp off, disconnect the cables feeding  
its input, and see if the hum goes away when you turn it back on. If it does, its most likely a ground  
loop or buzz from a dimmer.  
If you have hum  
or buzz  
The easiest way to figure out where ground loop problems lie is by the process of elimination. You  
need to determine where the hum or buzz is coming from within your system.  
If the hum/buzz goes away when you remove the inputs to the GCC Control Amp, your next step will  
be to reconnect the sources, one at a time, listening for the return of the hum. After each connection,  
check for hum until you discover  
the humming culprit.  
Finding a ground  
loop  
VCRs, surround processors, and  
any device that is connected to  
a television cable or satellite dish  
can cause a loud buzz and should  
alwaysbesuspect.If,bytheprocess  
of elimination described above, you  
determine it is a component like a  
Process of  
elimination  
VCR that is causing the hum/buzz  
to occur, and using a cheater plug  
Try a cheater plug  
or removing the ground pin on a PS  
xStream Power Cable doesn’t help  
matters, it may be necessary to  
isolate the cable connection (CATV)  
with an isolation transformer. This  
It could be the  
cable TV  
inexpensive device is available at  
most Wal Mart, Radio Shack or  
department store type outlets and is sometimes called a ‘matching transformer’. If you have problems  
finding one, call your local cable TV company for advice. The matching transformer will be placed  
between the cable TV cord and the VCR, TV or processor.  
Just remember, take the system down to its simplest level of connection. Find a way to hook the  
system up with as many pieces of the system missing or not connected. Keep it simple and get it  
to the point where the hums gone. Then start adding back components one at a time until the hum  
returns.  
Finding the problem is 9/10th of the work of finding a solution.  
If the blue light is too bright, or if it is not lit but the amplifier plays, check the rear panel of the GCC  
Series Power Amplifier for the three position dimmer switch. The switch is located on the rear panel,  
upper left hand side as you face the rear of the unit.  
Blue light is too  
bright  
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Troubleshooting 12  
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Troubleshooting  
Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier  
If you have a problem connecting a subwoofer, please refer to the quick start guide in the front of this  
manual. We do not recommend connecting the high level inputs of a self powered subwoofer to the  
outputs of the GCC Series Power Amplifier for some subwoofers. For many subwoofers it will be fine.  
Some, like the REL subwoofers and the Carver and Sunfire type of subwoofers, may not work properly  
when connected to the GCC Series Power Amplifiers outputs. This is because the GCC Series Power  
Amplifier is a balanced type of output with a DC voltage as referenced to ground.  
Problems with  
subwoofers  
If the GCC Power Amplifier shuts off when playing music, there are several possibilities. If the music  
plays quite loudly but shuts off on the most explosive parts of the music or video soundtrack, then the  
GCC Power Amplifier is probably underrated for the type of speaker you are using. See your dealer or  
call PS Audio for advice on going to the next size GCC Series Power Amplifier in the series.  
If the amp shuts  
down while  
playing music  
If the amplifier shuts down with very little volume, then check the speaker cable connections. The  
GCC Power Amplifier is so powerful that it can actually play music at low levels even into a near short  
on its outputs. Chances are good that you have a shorted connector (plus touching the minus) and  
you should simply check carefully on the back of the speaker and the back of the amplifier.  
If you can’t dim the front panel display, its probably because you are not using the remote control.  
The only way to dim the front panel display is to press the Dim button on the remote. As soon as you  
change volume or inputs, the display will automatically brighten and then dim back to its preset level.  
If you need to dim the blue light on the front panel below the display, there is a switch located on the  
rear of the GCC that has three brightness settings.  
If you cannot dim  
the display  
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Troubleshooting 13  
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Specifications  
Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier  
Configuration Dual Mono  
Class of Operation D  
Single-ended Inputs RCA - 5 pair  
Balanced Inputs XLR - 1 pair  
Input Device Type PS Audio Gain Cell  
Input Impedance 47.5 kohms  
Input Sensitivity 8.5V  
Pre-Out RCA - 1 Pair  
Output Binding Posts PS Audio w/ Locking Banana Jacks  
Output Power @ 8 ohms (GCC-100) 100 Watts  
Output Power @ 4 ohms (GCC-100) 200 Watts  
Output Power @ 8 ohms (GCC-250) 250 Watts  
Output Power @ 4 ohms (GCC-250) 500 Watts  
Output Power @ 8 ohms (GCC-500) 500 Watts  
Output Power @ 4 ohms (GCC-500) 1000 Watts  
Gain (RCA) 31 to 41dB (Adjustable)  
Gain (XLR) 37 to 47dB (Adjustable)  
Frequency Response (GCC-100) 10Hz - 20kHz  
(+0.1/-0.1dB)  
Frequency Response (GCC-250) 10Hz - 20kHz  
(+0.1/-0.2dB)  
Frequency Response (GCC-500) 10Hz - 20kHz  
(+0.1/-1.0dB)  
THD (GCC-100 @ 1W) < 0.02%  
THD (GCC-100 @ 100W) < 0.03%  
THD (GCC-250 @ 1W) < 0.02%  
THD (GCC-250 @ 250W) < 0.08%  
THD (GCC-500 @ 1W) < 0.02%  
THD (GCC-500 @ 500W) < 0.05%  
Power Consumption @ idle < 40 Watts  
Weight (GCC-100) 26.0 lbs.  
Weight (GCC-250) 27.5 lbs.  
Weight (GCC-500) 29.5 lbs.  
Dimensions (W x H x D) 17.25 x 4.00 x 14.00 in.  
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Specifications 12  
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Warranty  
Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier  
PS Audio warrants the product designated herein to be free of manufacturing defects in material  
and workmanship, subject to the following conditions, for a period of three (3) years from the  
date of purchase by the original purchaser or date of shipment to the authorized PS Audio dealer,  
whichever comes first.  
TERMS AND  
CONDITIONS  
This Warranty is subject to the following conditions and limitations: the Warranty is void and  
inapplicable if the product has been used or handled other than in accordance with the instructions  
in the owner’s manual, abused, or misused, damaged by accident or neglect or in being transported,  
or the defect is due to the product being repaired or tampered with by anyone other than PS Audio  
or an authorized PS Audio repair center.  
Conditions  
a. The product must be packaged and returned to PS Audio or an authorized PS Audio  
repair center by the customer at his or her sole expense in the original packing material.  
PS Audio will pay return freight of its choice for original purchasers.  
b. Return Authorization Number (RA Number) is required before any product is returned to  
our factory for any reason. This number must be visible on the exterior of the shipping  
container for PS Audio to accept the return. Units shipped to us without a Return  
Authorization Number or without a visible RA Number on the exterior of the shipping  
container will be returned to the sender, freight collect.  
c. RETURNED PRODUCT MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A WRITTEN DESCRIPTION OF  
THE DEFECT.  
PS Audio reserves the right to modify the design of any product without obligation to purchasers  
of previously manufactured products and to change the prices or specifications of any product  
without notice or obligation to any person.  
In the event the product fails to meet this Warranty and the above conditions have been met, the  
purchaser’s sole remedy under this Limited Warranty shall be to return the product to PS Audio  
or an authorized PS Audio repair center where the defect will be repaired without charge for parts  
or labor.  
Remedy  
This Warranty is for the benefit of the original purchaser of the covered product if the product has  
been purchased through an authorized PS Audio dealer, distributor or agent. PS Audio will not  
honor this warranty without valid proof of purchase from an authorized PS Audio dealer, distributor  
or agent and or a valid serial number as proof the product is a valid PS Audio product manufactured  
by PS Audio International.  
This warranty does not cover the cost of custom installation, customer instruction, setup  
adjustments or signal reception problems.  
This warranty does not cover cosmetic damage or any damage due to accident, misuse, abuse,  
negligence or modification of, or to any part of the Product, without initial express consent from  
PS Audio. This warranty does not cover damage due to improper operation or maintenance,  
Miscellaneous  
connection to improper voltage supply, or attempted repair by anyone other than  
authorized by PS Audio to service the Product.  
a
facility  
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Warranty 15  
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Warranty  
Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier  
This warranty is invalid if the factory applied serial number has been altered or removed from the  
Product.  
This warranty is invalid if proof of manufacture by PS Audio International cannot be determined to  
the satisfaction of the company either by verification of a valid serial number and or a valid receipt  
that includes the serial number from an authorized PS Audio dealer, distributor or agent.  
To locate the servicer or dealer nearest you, or for service assistance or resolution of a service  
problem, or for product information or operation, call or email PS Audio.  
ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES RELATING TO THE ABOVE PRODUCT SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE  
DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY. THE WARRANTY DOES NOT EXTEND TO ANY INCIDENTAL  
OR CONSEQUENTIAL COSTS OR DAMAGES TO THE PURCHASER. Some states do not allow  
limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or an exclusion or limitation of incidental or  
consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This Warranty  
gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state.  
Inquiries regarding the above Limited Warranty may be sent to the following address: PS Audio  
International, Inc., 4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, Colorado 80301 ATTN: Customer Service; Email:  
[email protected]; Voice 720-406-8946; FAX: 720-406-8967.  
PS Audio has authorized distribution in many countries of the world. In each country, the authorized  
importing retailer or distributor has accepted the responsibility for warranty of products sold  
by that retailer or distributor. Warranty service should normally be obtained from the importing  
retailer or distributor from whom you purchased your product. In the unlikely event of service  
required beyond the capability of the importer, PS Audio will fulfill the conditions of the warranty.  
Such product must be returned at the owner’s expense to the PS Audio factory, together with  
a photocopy of the bill of sale for that product, a detailed description of the problem, and any  
information necessary for return shipment.  
Outside the US  
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Warranty 16  
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Service  
Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier  
In the unlikely event there is a problem with your PS Audio component, please contact your dealer,  
distributor, or the PS Audio corporate research center to discuss the problem before you return the  
component to our California manufacturing facilities for repair. Products shipped to either the factory  
or the corporate research facilities will be refused and returned freight collect if not accompanied by a  
PS Audio Service Department issued return authorization number (RA Number).  
If you require  
service in North  
America  
Return authorization numbers must be prominently displayed on the outside of the box and an  
accompanying letter describing the problem and re-listing the RA number must be inside the box to  
qualify for service.  
Obtain an RA  
number  
To contact the PS Audio Service Department:  
Contact  
information  
TELEPHONE  
HOURS M/F  
FAX  
720-406-8946  
9:00 am to 5:00 pm MST  
720-406-8967  
E-MAIL  
WEBSITE  
If you are in the United States or Canada use the following procedure:  
If you are in the  
United States or  
Canada  
1. Obtain a Return Authorization Number (R/A number) and shipping address from the PS Audio  
Service Department.  
2. Insure and accept all liability for loss or damage to the product during shipment to the PS Audio  
factory and ensure all freight (shipping) charges are prepaid.  
The product may also be hand delivered to the California or Colorado facilities if arrangements with  
the Service Department have been made in advance. Proof of purchase from an authorized PS Audio  
dealer, distributor or agent will be required for warranty validation at the time of hand delivery.  
Use the original packaging to ensure the safe transit of the product to the factory, dealer, or distributor.  
PS Audio may, at its discretion, return a product in new packaging and bill the owner for such packaging  
if the product received by PS Audio was boxed in nonstandard packaging or if the original packaging  
was so damaged to the point it was unusable. If PS Audio determines that new packaging is required,  
the owner will be notified before the product is returned.  
Use original  
packing  
To purchase additional packaging, please contact your authorized PS Audio dealer, distributor, or the  
PS Audio Service Department for assistance.  
If you are outside  
the US or Canada  
If you are outside the United States or Canada and require service you must contact your countrys  
dealer or distributor for instructions. PS Audio warranties its products (see warranty section) worldwide.  
Service for PS Audio products outside the United States and Canada is handled through your countrys  
distributor or dealer.  
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Service 17  
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Service  
Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier  
1. Obtain a Return Authorization Number (R/A number) and shipping address from your dealer or  
distributors Service Department.  
2. Insure and accept all liability for loss or damage to the product during shipment to the dealer or  
distributors Service Department and ensure all freight (shipping) charges are prepaid.  
If you feel your countrys authorized dealer or distributor is either unwilling or unable to service your  
PS Audio products, please contact our service department at [email protected] or at the above  
contact numbers to discuss the situation.  
If you have  
problems  
Voltage changes to match your countrys voltage and frequency requirements to your PS Audio  
product are possible only at the time of purchase. The GCA amplifier series is set to a fixed voltage to  
match your countrys requirements and may not be changed.  
Voltage changes  
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Service 18  
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Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier  
Notes  
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Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier  
Your PS Audio product serial number is:  
Your serial  
number  
Please fill in the original purchasers name, address and information.  
Your purchase  
information  
Please fill in the dealer or distributors information from where you originally purchased the unit.  
Your dealer or  
distributor’s  
information  
Date of purchase  
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