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The HeadAmp GS-X and GS-X MK2 Thread
Jun 24, 2014 at 1:37 PM Post #3,121 of 6,326
rico613 said:
  ^ This would seem to be about the right time and place to insert this:
 
Here is a link to my method of equalizing the signal between the DAC and amplifier.  I've used this for a couple years now, and the improved sound quality is simply amazing.  My EQ is easily the most important component in my system.  I simply don't have issues with lack of bass response, high frequency brightness, etc. using HD 800s  Of course equalization can't produce frequencies that aren't there, but it does a better job of 'managing' the ones that are there.  Hope you all find this helpful.
Click to expand...

 
After Justin's reply it makes more sense to me now why you may like the hardware EQ in the chain.  For the most part I go "naked" with the cleanest signal I can get.  You ever go software route?
 
Jun 24, 2014 at 1:58 PM Post #3,122 of 6,326
mr.sneis said:
  After Justin's reply it makes more sense to me now why you may like the hardware EQ in the chain.  For the most part I go "naked" with the cleanest signal I can get.  You ever go software route?
Click to expand...

 
I used Ozone 5 from izotope.  I ran this app under Audirvana on my Mac.  It has more features than I needed, but the two equalizers and the Dynamics component were useful.  It was a lot of fun once I got he hang of it.  There are lots of videos and tutorials on Youtube.   It can be downloaded and tried for free, but I'd make sure you have a host program that will run it.
 
Jun 24, 2014 at 3:15 PM Post #3,124 of 6,326
mr.sneis said:
  Thanks Rich, I've heard of that will give it a try
 
FWIW Instead of HD800's I use my GS-X exclusively with HD600 with a balanced stock HD650 cable and find the combo very enjoyable.
Click to expand...

 
Yep, I'm looking forward to comparing the 650s versus the LCD-Xs (both balanced). I've heard numerous times that the 650s scale extremely well ... see how close they get to the Xs.
 
Jun 24, 2014 at 3:39 PM Post #3,125 of 6,326
tvolpe1600 said:
mr.sneis said:
 
Thanks Rich, I've heard of that will give it a try

FWIW Instead of HD800's I use my GS-X exclusively with HD600 with a balanced stock HD650 cable and find the combo very enjoyable.
Click to expand...


Yep, I'm looking forward to comparing the 650s versus the LCD-Xs (both balanced). I've heard numerous times that the 650s scale extremely well ... see how close they get to the Xs.
Click to expand...


I love my hd650s but I have to admit I love it on wa6se more than balanced on the gsx-mkII balanced

My lcd3 not even close, gsx-mkII all the way esp when balanced.
 
Jun 25, 2014 at 9:59 AM Post #3,127 of 6,326
mr.sneis said:
  Are my ears broken?  I feel like the only guy willing to say he finds the HD800 and GS-X a boring combination.  Bear in mind, I've hit it with great sources like the PWD2 or super colored sources like vintage balanced dacs and everytime come away saying I'd rather listen to something else.  I'm not trying to hate on the GS-X, I'm a big fan, just not of the hd800 combo.
Click to expand...


mr.sneis said:
  My main problem is that the HD800's tend to sound a bit sterile and super flat.  The soundstage IS great, the texture of what little bass is there is pretty good as well.  It's just not exciting or flattering to listen to and I can still spot the brightness.  I don't listen at crazy volumes though and maybe this type of setup is better suited for that??  I tend to really like OTL amps with the HD800, even an old relic like the mpx3 was a better pairing to these ears.
Click to expand...

 
I haven't heard the HeadAmp GS-X, but this reminds me of my experience with Sennheiser HD 800. I listen at (very) moderate loudness levels which may very well be significant.
 
To me Sennheiser HD 800 isn't engaging and lacks emotional communication skills, foot tapping and goosebumps factor when used with some headphone amplifiers. My beloved Grace Design m903 is one of them, Benchmark DAC1 Pre or HDR is another.
 
On the other side I was very happy when I found out that (at least) AudioQuest DragonFly, Lynx Hilo and EAR Yoshino HP4 works very well with Sennheiser HD 800 which suddenly becomes engaging, convey emotions and has foot tapping and goosebumps factor.
 
I haven't figured out which qualities contribute to/make the difference, but it isn't a question of (more) expensive equipment. All the amplifiers have low output impedance as well.
 
I belive I've written about this before, probably in threads about Lynx Hilo and/or Grace Design m903. Others do at least like Sennheiser HD 800 + Grace Design m903.
 
Jun 25, 2014 at 1:13 PM Post #3,128 of 6,326
Jun 25, 2014 at 8:49 PM Post #3,129 of 6,326
I had a GS1 which I really liked but I wanted to get a balanced amp to mate with my balanced source and stay with solid state. With the long wait on the GS-X MKII I decided to purchase an Auralic Taurus MKII. In many respects the Taurus is a good ampiflier, but after addressing and upgrading my front end and cables I'm still left wondering if I should still move to GS-X MKII. With the large commitment on a GS-X I'm wondering if anyone else in this thread has moved from the Taurus MKII to GS-X MKII and realized an improvement, anyone?
 
Jun 26, 2014 at 6:57 AM Post #3,130 of 6,326
mr.sneis said:
  Are my ears broken?  I feel like the only guy willing to say he finds the HD800 and GS-X a boring combination.  Bear in mind, I've hit it with great sources like the PWD2 or super colored sources like vintage balanced dacs and everytime come away saying I'd rather listen to something else.  I'm not trying to hate on the GS-X, I'm a big fan, just not of the hd800 combo.
Click to expand...

 
Hi Mr. Sneis,
 
I can concur with that. Getting the right solid-state amp to sing with HD800 is really tricky and based on what I've tried so far, only the DIY-only AMB Beta 22 is up to the task. It has a warmer, slightly sweeter tone compared to the GS-X which helps a lot I feel.
 
I've heard that the Krell KSA-5 is another great candidate but it's pretty much unobtanium at this point of time.
frown.gif

 
Cheers,
Jeremiah
 
vangelis said:
I had a GS1 which I really liked but I wanted to get a balanced amp to mate with my balanced source and stay with solid state. With the long wait on the GS-X MKII I decided to purchase an Auralic Taurus MKII. In many respects the Taurus is a good ampiflier, but after addressing and upgrading my front end and cables I'm still left wondering if I should still move to GS-X MKII. With the large commitment on a GS-X I'm wondering if anyone else in this thread has moved from the Taurus MKII to GS-X MKII and realized an improvement, anyone?
Click to expand...

 
Hi Vangelis,
 
They don't sound that much different IMHO. The GS-X is slightly better in the technical department but tonally they are virtually identical.
 
Comparisons done with the HD800.
 
Hope it helps.
 
Cheers,
Jeremiah
 
Jun 26, 2014 at 8:52 AM Post #3,133 of 6,326
The gs-x mk2 with the HD800 is quite impressive especially in the. Balanced mode. The GSX-mk2 is the best solid state I've heard with the HD800 so far.
 
Jun 26, 2014 at 9:48 AM Post #3,135 of 6,326
jeremiahs said:
Hi Mr. Sneis,

I can concur with that. Getting the right solid-state amp to sing with HD800 is really tricky and based on what I've tried so far, only the DIY-only AMB Beta 22 is up to the task. It has a warmer, slightly sweeter tone compared to the GS-X which helps a lot I feel.

 
I've heard that the Krell KSA-5 is another great candidate but it's pretty much unobtanium at this point of time. :frowning2:

Cheers,
Jeremiah


Hi Vangelis,

They don't sound that much different IMHO. The GS-X is slightly better in the technical department but tonally they are virtually identical.

Comparisons done with the HD800.

Hope it helps.

Cheers,
Jeremiah
Click to expand...

Jeremiah, this is music to my ears, and I have other places I can spend the two thousand dollars.
Thanks,
Dave
 
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