PS Audio GCPH Owner's Reference Manual - page 11
4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
Troubleshooting
PH: 720.406.8946 support@psaudio.com www.psaudio.com
15-044-11-1
Rev B
®
Troubleshooting
©2005 PS Audio Inc. All rights reserved.
Owner’s Reference
GCPH Phono Preamplifier
AÊÊUÊÊDÊÊIÊÊO
PÊS
If the GCPH Phono Preamplifier does not power up it is likely the unit is not getting AC power or the
front panel Gain Control is set to off. Turn it clockwise to engage the on/off switch.
If you suspect the unit is not getting power, test the receptacle feeding the GCPH power to see if
there is power. The easiest way to do this is by using a lamp that you have previously verified works.
Regardless of the receptacle’s type, that of a wall receptacle, a power conditioner, Power Plant or AC
source of any kind, plug the lamp into the receptacle and verify there is AC power.
Another possibility is the line cord. Swap line cords and make sure the unit has power. Sometimes
the line cord feeding the GCPH is not functioning properly or not seated properly in the unit’s IEC
connector.
If the GCPH loses power mysteriously, chances are
pretty good that you have the GCPH connected
to a switched receptacle on the wall or the back
of a receiver or a power conditioner. Switched AC
receptacles are those receptacles that are controlled
by a wall mounted power switch and are typically
intended to be used to power on/off a lamp in the
room. Most times these receptacles are unmarked
and inadvertent switching on or off of the power
switch can cause a lot of headaches trying to track
down the reason your new equipment does not
power up. Most switched receptacles are on the
top AC receptacle in a two gang box. Always use
the lower receptacle on the wall port if you are unsure.
If you have determined the GCPH does power on, after performing the above tests, turn to the service
section of this manual for details on receiving service.
If the sound is occasionally strained or distorted on loud peaks, it is likely you have selected too much
gain for the input gain block. Choose a lower gain setting on the rear panel gain selector and use the
front panel gain selector to return to the same gain you had. Then repeat the passage that formerly
distorted to verify the distortion is gone. Because the GCPH has so many gain possibilities it is
relatively easy to get it wrong. A good rule of thumb would be to always have the lowest gain setting
in the rear that allows the front panel gain setting to be in the ½ or ¾ position. Keep in mind that the
rear panel gain setting control the input gain block of the GCPH and the front panel gain setting adjusts
the output gain block (after the passive RIAA curve) of the GCPH.
If the noise or hiss level of the GCPH is excessive, try raising the gain of the input gain block via the rear
panel gain selectors. Do this incrementally, striving to keep the lowest gain setting possible without
overloading or distorting the input gain stage. The self noise of the input gain block is dramatically
reduced by the passive RIAA curve that feeds the output gain block of the GCPH. By adjusting the
The GCPH Will
Not Power Up
No AC In
Check the Line
Cord
Switched Outlets
Refer to the
Service Section
Strained or
Distorted Sound
Too Much Hiss
6