PS Audio GCPH mod vs. Heed Quasar

Yes you can save money by not buying a preamp - but most importantly it gives a huge boost to the sound quality by cutting out a preamp stage in any system. The difference is immense.

Thank you all for responding with great information. It sounds like both phono preamps are terrific. I do like a lot the fact that you can feed the GCPH directly into the power amp; you can actually save money on forgetting a preamp if you only listen to vinyl.

I second the modded PS Audio GCPH with the caveat you "burn" it in for 72 hours to get a proper first impression. I used a Granite Audio Model #CD101.1 Phone Burn-In & RIAA Test CD from Musicdirect.com. Otherwise, I was ready to send the unit back as it sounded very "harsh" and metallic even after the suggested "burn in" of regular playing time. However, I decided to give the unit one more chance with the phono burn-in disc. Afterward, I found satisfaction with my purchase and finally heard what reviews raved about. At first I thought I get a tube phono preamp as I love the qualities tube provides but this unit fit well with my Grado .5v Reference Cartridge/Scoutmaster, ARC LS 16 preamp, ASL Hurricane monoblocks, and Cardas Golden Cross XLR and RCA ICs configuration. In reflection, a tube phono preamp might have overdone the coveted "warm/tube sound" with my particular set up, so adding a good complimentary solid state piece worked in my mix of gear. The sound staging, sonic details, and coherency from the top to bottom, is all nicely balanced. Since I have no interest in going further up the food chain in amps or preamps, my modded GCPH is just fine. If I was to move up it'd be to the $5 K ARC Phono Preamp, necessitating an amp upgrade but I have no interest in going there because of diminishing returns. I don't know about the Heed Quasar but my experience with the modded GCPH with proper burn-in is very satisfying as it meets my sonic and equipment needs. Good luck to you and always remember to enjoy the music.

I have the modded PS Audio and it is absolutely stellar. I bought it as a stop gap while I tested some tube phono preamps, but after getting the PS Audio modded unit I decided to keep it. In fact as it breaks in the PS Audio sounds better and better, it's the best phono preamp I have used period. Check out the online reviews of the modded unit.

I have not tried the PS Audio unit, but I have the Quasar and not once have I had the desire to upgrade to anything else. I love the Quasar. I would like to audition some of Heed's other gear, but there's nobody close to me that sells it. I do highly recommend the Quasar though.