[Solude]

I would add that if your profile is up to date, the GS-X is horrible value to move your experience along.  Take the money and up your cans and source before you get an end game amp.

 

[preproman]

Quote:

Let me rephrase the question for anyone to weigh in:
When using a single-ended source for the GS-X, are the balanced outputs not operable or is the quality of the balanced output just less desirable?
 
The thought that a balanced source is required to utilize a large portion of the capabilities of this amp is most distressing.  I was able to convince my wife that the quality and versatility of this amp justifies the investment. However, turning around a few days after the order and saying "Oh, by the way, I now need a new DAC" just kills the whole deal.  I really don't want to cancel my order...please help...

I see you have some Emo gear in your profile.  The XDA-2 would be a good and affordable start for a balanced DAC.

 

[V-Duh]

Quote:

I would add that if your profile is up to date, the GS-X is horrible value to move your experience along.  Take the money and up your cans and source before you get an end game amp.

 
Yeah it's not totally clear from my profile.  I was planning on getting either an LCD-2 or -3 when the GS-X finally arrives; there's far less waiting time for the cans.  Also, the intro price for the GS-X mk2 is now, not later.
 
My confusion stems from researching a number of balanced amps and getting used to seeing single-ended being converted to balanced (e.g. Dark Star, Mjolnir, Cavalii LAu, BUDA, and maybe the Balancing Act).  I see now that the beta22 and maybe the Balancing Act are straight balanced in/out.  Given the SE inputs on the GS-X I didn't think to question it.  I agree, going SE only on the GS-X makes little sense without a source change in the foreseeable future.
 
Ugh.  Have to cogitate on this.
Thanks everyone for the assistance.

 

[Solude]

If it helps, only the first run is $2495.  Reserving a spot on the second run doesn't get you the first run price... I don't think.  Most balanced output amps that take single ended use splitters at the input or output.  Sometimes integrated circuits, sometimes discrete, sometimes transformers.  It's a compromise.

 

[V-Duh]

I was able to reserve for the intro price.
I would except the sonic compromise for the possibility of the other benefits.
...still cogitating...

 

[tme110]

to add to the info above and I could be wrong but you can still use the balanced output with SE inputs but it will be a SE signal and it wont have the extra power that the balanced outs normally have over the SE.  So yes you can still use your phones and the amp but you wont get anything extra from using the balanced connector.
 

 

[Asr]

Quote:

So the new GS-X with the TRS combo jacks lets you use single ended and 3 pin XLR in the one jack?

 
Two TRS combo jacks means one balanced headphone (dual 3-pin) or two 1/4" single-ended headphones.

 

[Maxvla]

To clarify, the combo jack contains one half of the 2x3pin balanced connection and one full stereo unbalanced connection.

It is possible to connect 2 balanced headphones (2x3pin and 4pin) at the same time OR 2 unbalanced and 1 balanced headphone (2 x 1/4" and 4pin) at the same time.

 

[cooperpwc]

Quote:

It is possible to connect 2 balanced headphones (2x3pin and 4pin) at the same time OR 2 unbalanced and 1 balanced headphone (2 x 1/4" and 4pin) at the same time.

 
In much the same way that it is technically possible to sleep with Julia Roberts, Winona Ryder and Carmen Electra all at the same time but in practical terms that isn't going to be a useful possibility.
 
(Yes my examples are all over the hill but so am I.)

 

[Solude]

I believe the question was whether you can use a balanced HD800, cabled with a 4pin XLR with a single ended source, ie no cold channels?  Or more specifically what happens to the negative legs on the XLR connectors when RCA is selected?  If it toggles to ground you're likely fine, if it's hardwired to the other boards... don't know.

 

[longbowbbs]

Quote:

Quote:

It is possible to connect 2 balanced headphones (2x3pin and 4pin) at the same time OR 2 unbalanced and 1 balanced headphone (2 x 1/4" and 4pin) at the same time.

 
In much the same way that it is technically possible to sleep with Julia Roberts, Winona Ryder and Carmen Electra all at the same time but in practical terms that isn't going to be a useful possibility.
 
(Yes my examples are all over the hill but so am I.)

Excellent choices though!

 

[Maxvla]

In much the same way that it is technically possible to sleep with Julia Roberts, Winona Ryder and Carmen Electra all at the same time but in practical terms that isn't going to be a useful possibility.

(Yes my examples are all over the hill but so am I.)

Except the headphones have enough plugs to fill all the sockets.

 

[Andrew_WOT]

Quote:

Balanced in balanced out
Single ended in single ended out
 
Ie the GS-X only amplifies channels that are present  What you want is the GS-1.  But it's discontinued.

With GS-1 being discontinued, what would be a closest solid state contender from current offerings, Burson?

 

[Rico613]

Quote:

Except the headphones have enough plugs to fill all the sockets.

 
 LMAO !!!
 

 

[Solude]

Quote:

With GS-1 being discontinued, what would be a closest solid state contender from current offerings, Burson?

 
Feature wise sure but they sound very different.