ps audio

[bonethugz]

how's everybody think about this? look real nice. even has a usb port. i assume you can just plug this in with your computer. although i don't have a need for this. it says it can drive any headphone. does it worth the money?

http://www.psaudio.com/products/gcha..._amplifier.asp

 

[sonic32]

Do a search here on the forums, you will find out alot more about this beauty.

 

[EdipisReks]

it's a very nice amp. it's also the tubiest solid state amp i've ever heard (by that i mean the sound profile is similar to a tube amp, not that it's arbitrarily "warm" or "slushy", or any other term often mistakenly associated with all tube gear).

 

[bonethugz]

thanks.
can this one compare to creek obh21? the price difference is about 1/5.

 

[EdipisReks]

i haven't heard the OBH21, but my guess is that the GCHA is probably a lot better.

 

[ken36]

Some head-fiers have spoken highly of this amp.

 

[Anders]

GCHA has a detailed and dynamic sound but without hardness and edgyness, and very liquid sound with natural timing, and excellent bass. It is far better than OBH21 that has typical solid state sound with some harshness and much less refined.
The amp is very detailed and neutral and need a good source to take full advantage of its qualities. Of course, one can use it with an USB connection and the built in DAC. I haven't tested this yet but the DAC is said to be good but not of equally high quality as the headphone amplifier.

 

[Rhydon]

The GCHA is definatly a charm. Its the best solid state headphone amplifier ive ever heard. Signature beats any gilmore design in my books.

You wont be disapointed with the GCHA.

 

[iDesign]

Some time ago I corresponded with Rhydon and based on his similar preferences and comments on various components we have both owned/ tested, I was instantally compelled by his high regard for the PS Audio GCHA. Im grateful for that series of correspondences because it is likely that I would not have discovered this remarkable amplifier. I have commented a great deal in the past about the GCHA and I encourage you to refer to all of the pertinent archived discussions. As an idolator of perfect workmanship, I am continually impressed by the GCHA and it is a rare example of perfect workmanship.

Best,
iDesign

 

[bonethugz]

does anybody have an experience with the cambridge audio amp azur 640a or 840a? how does those two compare with GCHA for headphones?
i just don't know which direction do i want to go. sometimes i think maybe getting a naim cd player with a cheap, cheaper amp(creep obh21) or a ok cd player with an ok amp(azur640c + azur 640a/840a) so that i can connect this later with speakers. i know i mostly will be using headphones for my music. i'm lost

 

[Agogic]

PS Audio GCHA is leading edge in headphone amplification
and one step forward in sound resolution. Real HighEnd! IMHO
Need good source and good power cable.
Fantastic synergy with both - Grado and Sennheiser.
In this price range there's only very few amp's of same quality.
Go for it - if you can afford it.

 

[TheSloth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Agogic PS Audio GCHA is leading edge in headphone amplification and one step forward in sound resolution. Real HighEnd! IMHO Need good source and good power cable. Fantastic synergy with both - Grado and Sennheiser. In this price range there's only very few amp's of same quality. Go for it - if you can afford it.

I take no issue with your assessment of its sound quality, but to call it 'leading edge' is really pushing it. Its technology is hardly cutting edge - do a little behind the scenes reseach on what their 'revolutionary' 'gain cell' actually is. The output stage is also extremely simple (not the good kind of simple). It sounds good for the money, but it isn't state of the art by any means.

 

[Rhydon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by iDesign Some time ago I corresponded with Rhydon ...Im grateful for that series of correspondences because it is likely that I would not have discovered this remarkable amplifier.

iDesign,

I am pleased to hear your findings. I was glad i could be of assistance, and its great to know you appreciate the GCHA as much as i thought you would. It was great talking with you.

Regarding the GCHA's technology and the subject of "bleeding edge", i would have to say in the audio world any idea that has not been done before is considered "bleeding edge". However simple in construction this gain cell technology is, the point remains, PS audio exclusivly developed it and implimented it into a sucessful and absolutly beautiful sounding series of products. So many of us are used to regarding microprocessors, intricate circuits, or even quota of pixels as being bleeding edge; in audio less tends to be more, the design + implementation always prevails.

Compared to most other headphone amplifiers in this price range, the GCHA sets the bar for cutting edge.

 

[TheSloth]

Edit: just not important! Enjoy the amp!