Update: I added a Jeff Rowland Consonance preamp to the PS Audio GCC-250. This has done a lot for me. The soundstage is improved in both width and depth. And the instruments have a lot of air around them and I can hear them distinctly. The midrange is slightly sweeter (similar to tube). And something I am really impressed with, the sonic signature is very minimal which works well with the PS Audio which mercilessly reveals. I still have the accuracy, but have a nice bit of musicality as well. This has given me the best results thus far. I have a good blend here. I will now try some of the suggestions above. Thanks everyone for your input. This Rowland preamp is synergizing really well in my system.
PS Audio GCC-250 - how to take it to "musicality"
I have a PS Audio GCC-250 combined with Anthony Gallo Reference 3.1 speakers. I love so many things about this combination - the GCC-250 is incredibly quiet, and quite neutral. If you have read the Stereophile review of the GCC-100, they talk about "accuracy" versus "musicality" with the GCC-100 being accurate. Having lived with this amp for a while, I tend to agree.
What I would like to do is add a little more "musicality" to my mix. I have tried a few tube amps (like the CJ CAV-50), and liked the improved soundstage, and the way the music sounded like you were there at the performance, BUT at the expense of the accuracy that the PS Audio gives and more background "noise".
I also tried an Audible Illusions 2D preamp - that was interesting. I got a lot of what I was looking for, but felt like quite a bit of the accuracy was veiled.
I am considering a few options:
1. Have this amp Cullen modified to stage 3.
2. Add a preamp that is quiet, yet adds a little musicality.
My goal here - trying to add a little "musicality" to my system, but don't want to lose much of "accuracy" that the PS Audio has.
I would love to get the community's thoughts/advice/suggestions on this.
What I would like to do is add a little more "musicality" to my mix. I have tried a few tube amps (like the CJ CAV-50), and liked the improved soundstage, and the way the music sounded like you were there at the performance, BUT at the expense of the accuracy that the PS Audio gives and more background "noise".
I also tried an Audible Illusions 2D preamp - that was interesting. I got a lot of what I was looking for, but felt like quite a bit of the accuracy was veiled.
I am considering a few options:
1. Have this amp Cullen modified to stage 3.
2. Add a preamp that is quiet, yet adds a little musicality.
My goal here - trying to add a little "musicality" to my system, but don't want to lose much of "accuracy" that the PS Audio has.
I would love to get the community's thoughts/advice/suggestions on this.
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