PS Audio GCC-500 User manual

4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 [email protected] www.psaudio.com Introduction i
®Owner’s Reference
©2004 PS Audio International Inc. All rights reserved.
Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier
Instructions for use
GCP Stereo Preamplifier
Document 15-043-11-1

Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier
4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 [email protected] www.psaudio.com Introduction ii
®
©2004 PS Audio International Inc. All rights reserved.
Introduction
Read these instructions
Heed all warnings
Follow all instructions
WARNING. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
Clean only with a dry cloth.
Do not place flammable material on top of or beneath the component.
All PS Audio components require adequate ventilation at all times during operation. Rack
mounting is acceptable where appropriate.
Do not remove or bypass the ground pin on the end of the AC cord unless absolutely necessary
to reduce hum from ground loops of connected equipment. This may cause RFI (radio frequency
interference) to be induced into your playback setup. All PS products ship with a grounding type
plug. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. Unplug this apparatus during
lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
When making connections to this or any other component, make sure all components are off. Turn
off all systems’ power before connecting the PS Audio component to any other component. Make
sure all cable terminations are of the highest quality.
There are no user serviceable fuses inside this product.
THERE ARE NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE ANY PS AUDIO PRODUCT. REFER ALL
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL
Please contact your authorized dealer, distributor, or PS Audio if you have any questions not
addressed in this reference manual.
This product is manufactured in the United States of America. PS Audio® is a registered trademark of PS Audio International Inc., and is
restricted for use by PS Audio International, Inc., its subsidiaries, and authorized agents.
Important Safety
Instructions

4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 [email protected] www.psaudio.com
®Table Of Contents
Table Of Contens iii
©2004 PS Audio International Inc. All rights reserved.
Introduction
Getting Started
Quick Start Guide
Setup Instructions
Operation
Questions and
Answers
Troubleshooting
Specifications
Warranty
Service
Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier
IV
1
4 - 6
7 - 8
11 - 13
15 - 16
17 - 18
2 - 3
14
9 - 10

Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier
4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 [email protected] www.psaudio.com Introduction iv
®
©2004 PS Audio International Inc. All rights reserved.
Introduction
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.
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 user’s front panel or remote commands.
This creates the world’s first 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.
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.
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.
Thank you
Cool and efficient
running
Power ratings
What you can
expect
These are not
integrated
amplifiers

4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 [email protected] www.psaudio.com
®Getting Started
Getting Started 1
©2004 PS Audio International Inc. All rights reserved.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Isolation
Power Cables
Location
Cautions
Conditioners

4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 [email protected] www.psaudio.com Quick Start Guide 2
®Quick Start Guide
©2004 PS Audio International Inc. All rights reserved.
Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier
RCA inputs
Once you have decided on the location and chosen the appropriate power cables, you are ready to
install the GCC Control Amplifier.
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:
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
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 equipment’s 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.
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 equipment’s needs.
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.
Use the Aux Out RCA connectors on the rear of the GCC Control Amplifier to feed your subwoofer’s
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 amp’s 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.
Power down first
Balanced inputs
Connect the
inputs
Subwoofer
connections
Speaker Cables
Check for proper
polarity

4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 [email protected] www.psaudio.com Quick Start Guide 3
®Quick Start Guide
©2004 PS Audio International Inc. All rights reserved.
Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier
If you wish to use a second power amplifier to bi-amp,
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.
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
banana style connectors. You should not attempt
to insert a banana connector into the GCC Control
Amplifier’s 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 Amplifier’s 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.
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.
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.
At this point you should be ready to enjoy the benefits of the GCC Control Amplifier and enjoy!
Locking binding
posts
Connecting a
banana style
Do not ground
the outputs
Plug it into a
power source
Push the front
panel logo to turn
it on
Bi-amping

4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 [email protected] www.psaudio.com Setup Instructions 4
®Setup instructions
©2004 PS Audio International Inc. All rights reserved.
Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier
The Gain Cell Control Amplifier Setup menu allows you to adjust the following controls:
• 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
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
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).
Front panel setup
menu
How to enter into
the setup menu
Press the Mute
button to accept
Press the power
button to exit

4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 [email protected] www.psaudio.com Setup Instructions 5
®Setup instructions
©2004 PS Audio International Inc. All rights reserved.
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.
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 –
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 –
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
Name the inputs
whatever you
want
Home Theater
bypass
Input naming
Adjust the gain of
each input

4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 [email protected] www.psaudio.com Setup Instructions 6
®Setup instructions
©2004 PS Audio International Inc. All rights reserved.
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

4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 [email protected] www.psaudio.com Operating Guide
®Operating Guide
©2004 PS Audio International Inc. All rights reserved.
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
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 GCC’s audio when pressed and will
be automatically deactivated and return to
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.
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.
As you toggle through the input choices,
the volume will automatically ramp up and
down quickly so there’s no loud “pop”
noise between inputs.
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
Volume control
Mute control
Balance control
Up/Down selector
Power Button
7

4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 [email protected] www.psaudio.com Operating Guide
®Operating Guide
©2004 PS Audio International Inc. All rights reserved.
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.
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 GCC’s 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.
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.
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.
HT Bypass
Caution!
8
Phase Control
Dim Control

4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 [email protected] www.psaudio.com Questions and Answers 9
®Questions And Answers
©2004 PS Audio International Inc. All rights reserved.
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.
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 Audio’s service center for help.
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
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.
The front panel PS logo is the power button. Press the blue PS logo on the GCC Control Amplifier’s
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.
Yes, cables make a difference. It is important to use the best power cables, interconnects and speaker
cables when operating the GCC Control Amplifier.
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
Should the unit
be on all the
time?
Are there any
internal fuses?
Placement?
Isolation?
Front panel blue
light
Front panel power
button
Do cables make a
difference?
What speakers
can I use?

4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 [email protected] www.psaudio.com Questions and Answers 10
®Questions And Answers
©2004 PS Audio International Inc. All rights reserved.
Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier
higher wattage model should be considered.
The GCC Control Amplifier is specific to your country’s 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.
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.
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.
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 amplifier’s 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 GCC’s front panel power button.
To dim the front panel display, you must use the remote control. On the control is a dim button.
Protection circuitry
What voltages
can the amp run
on?
Does the amp
require ventilation?
How does the DC
trigger work?
How do I dim the
display?

4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 [email protected] www.psaudio.com Troubleshooting 11
®Troubleshooting
©2004 PS Audio International Inc. All rights reserved.
Owner’s Reference GCP Stereo Preamplifier
If no sound comes out of the GCC Control Amplifier there are several areas to check:
• 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
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.
• The volume control is too
low or the mute is on.
• The source is not playing.
Check another source.
• Theconnecting cablesare
defective. Use another
set.
If you suspect an output problem,
use the same technique of placing
your ear very close to the speaker’s 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 amp’s front panel light is on, indicating proper performance.
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 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.
No sound comes
out of the amp
Check the input
If you suspect an
output problem
If there is a lot
of hiss in your
speaker
Try another
source

4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 [email protected] www.psaudio.com Troubleshooting 12
®Troubleshooting
©2004 PS Audio International Inc. All rights reserved.
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, it’s most likely a ground
loop or buzz from a dimmer.
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.
VCR’s, surround processors, and
any device that is connected to
a television cable or satellite dish
can cause a loud buzz and should
alwaysbe suspect.If,by theprocess
of elimination described above, you
determine it is a component like a
VCR that is causing the hum/buzz
to occur, and using 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
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 hum’s 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.
Finding a ground
loop
Try a cheater plug
Process of
elimination
It could be the
cable TV
Blue light is too
bright
If you have hum
or buzz

4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 [email protected] www.psaudio.com Troubleshooting 13
®Troubleshooting
©2004 PS Audio International Inc. All rights reserved.
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 Amplifier’s outputs. This is because the GCC Series Power
Amplifier is a balanced type of output with a DC voltage as referenced to ground.
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 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, it’s 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 the amp shuts
down while
playing music
Problems with
subwoofers
If you cannot dim
the display

4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 [email protected] www.psaudio.com Specifications 12
®Specifications
©2004 PS Audio International Inc. All rights reserved.
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.

4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 [email protected] www.psaudio.com Warranty 15
®Warranty
©2004 PS Audio International Inc. All rights reserved.
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.
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.
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.
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,
connection to improper voltage supply, or attempted repair by anyone other than a facility
authorized by PS Audio to service the Product.
TERMS AND
CONDITIONS
Conditions
Remedy
Miscellaneous

4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 [email protected] www.psaudio.com Warranty 16
®Warranty
©2004 PS Audio International Inc. All rights reserved.
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: [phone].
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