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Heard the Computer Audio Design GC1

 Ground control unit.  It's a holy cow are you kidding me moment.  I was told bout the unit by a bunch of my computer audio friends.  One of my favorite audio stores, Audio Connection in NJ is one of the few dealers in the US.  Johnny Rutan was telling me about the ground control units when he auditioned them and said they make a big difference in sound and not just a small one.  

All I'm going to say is that it's a must listen to product. I think it comes with a money back guarantee, but I'm not sure if that holds true in the US.  For those who follow the CAD company in the UK, knows how good their products are.  Grounding is so important and I'm going to be getting one of these CG1 units as it's better than what I've heard from Nordost and a couple of other companies.  Yes it's that good in all areas. 

when you lower the noise floor you just get much better sound in any system.  This is one of the best usages of money into most any priced system.  JMHO, but worth checking out.


ctsooner
ctsooner OP
2,480 posts
 
Yes, I use a special deal for that also.
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
Looking forward to your discussion of it when used in your system. :) 

gdnrbob
4,447 posts
 
I was with Peter (CTsooner) at Audioconnection when we had an audition of the GC1.
I can attest to a deeper, more nuanced reproduction. Very subtle information became more apparent. 
I found it hard to believe that such a non-active component could affect sound reproduction- but, Hey, this is high end audio, and there is a lot that seemingly defies reason, but provides better listening.
Bob
ctsooner OP
2,480 posts
 
That really was an eye opener wasn't it?  I'm about to pull the trigger on getting one.  It's been the best under 2k tweak I've ever heard.  You can use one on each server, DAC and preamp.

The recommend using one on the earth to the system/power conditioner if you can afford it.  For me, I'm going with the CG1 on the server/integrated DAC as that most probably will be the biggest sound difference in my system.  I already run fairly clean power from dedicated lines to the system.
jimski
46 posts
 
Not given to overstatement in describing audio gear, I nonetheless have to agree with the OP that this is a must listen product (see below). I came onto it in the ideal way--a friend brought one (the GC1 base model) to my house and I listened to it in my system. Although he was a knowledgeable audiophile and spoke highly of it, I really didn’t expect much. But once it had warmed up (essential), I was amazed at how it improved the sound from my already very high end system. Much deeper, quieter and opened-up soundscape (honestly, made me think of outer space), almost hauntingly so, the sound was cleaner, clearer and the music was just more fully realized. More enchantingly beautiful, I am forced to say. I auditioned it on a Sunday, and ordered one on Monday (also from John Rutan at Audio Connection in NJ). With the two required cables, it comes in at $2,700.  (Pricing structure is $1,995 for the GC1 and $350 each for the two required cables.) Not cheap but in audiophile dollar circles, a very cost effective purchase. Scott (the designer) suggested I hook it up to specific connections on my DAC and preamp (yes, he knew my specific equipment). The GC1 is small enough (sort of a long, rectangular tube shape) to share a shelf on my rack with my server. If you have no dealer nearby, my understanding is that it is 30 day money back, so one can be ordered with no risk. (Note that I have not auditioned similar products to compare.) Also, no deals are allowed--it is only available at retail.
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