The HeadAmp GS-X Thread - Page 53

The GS-X mk2 arrived today, therefore some first impressions:

Setup is: jriver or foobar --> Invicta DAC --> Crimson RM Audio balaced --> Headamp GS-X mk2 --> HD800 (single ended standard cable (balanced DHC Molecule SE ordered some weeks ago)).

It's just a comparison between the above setup and what I used during the past months: jriver or foobar --> Invicta DAC --> HD800.

Be aware that the Invicta built-in headphone amp(s) are excellent and better than many (most) standalone desktop headphone amps.

Listened to: Kari Bremnes - Erindring / Jethro Tull - Aqualung (40th anniversary edition, 24/96) / Fotheringay - Banks of the Nile / Gene Clark & Carla Olson - So Rebellious a Lover / Neil Young - Live at Massey Hall (24/192)

The main improvements, which where immediatly evident:

- lower mids and bass

- Authority. I have met this word in other descriptions and reviews. I never really understood what the writers meant with "authority"... until I switched the GS-X mk2 on!

It's a significant step up compared to the previous configuration - and I was not even using the HD800 in balanced mode.

A minor thing, which could be improved is: when the pre-amp is switched on, the headphone outs should be muted. At least I would prefer it.

Excellent work, Justin. Thank you very much!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cante Ista 

I
hear ya but then it would probably be priced out if my reach. I am drooling as I wait for my gsx in early summer

You're only drooling?  I've got Nausea Headache Diarrhea Dry Mouth Constipation Vomiting Dizziness Insomnia Hair Loss . . . . lol . . .

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rico613 

You're only drooling?  I've got Nausea Headache Diarrhea Dry Mouth Constipation Vomiting Dizziness Insomnia Hair Loss . . . . lol . . .

 is right! I feel ya brother! 

Quote:

Originally Posted by justin w. 

the high gain setting of the original GS-X wasn't sufficient to make use of the higher voltage swing of the new modules/power supply on the GS-X mk2, unless you have a very high output source.  

Unless you meant 15dB and not 15x, that would be one weak source.  Standard for home gear is ~2V, usually higher to win the loudness wars, Dynalo+ modules can do ~8Vrms so even 5x caps it out let alone 8x for quieter music, ya?

I am disappointed in the MK2. How come the loop output doesn't work unless the amp is on? I just tested it and the loop output immediately died when I powered the amp off. This is the first time I've had a HeadAmp amp not have passive loop output. Justin, please tell me there's a solution.

Btw I saw this part in the manual since Justin mentioned it earlier:

So there you have it folks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solude 
I get the same hum as Asr but have to use an IEM and have to go well beyond the level I could tolerate on the IEM to hear it.  But it's not power supply related since it's power supply is 4ft below it and everything else is powered off.  To be fair the B22 and Soloist do the same thing.

Not to beat a horse here but I thought I was really clear about what I was hearing earlier. It was a power transformer-like electrical hum, clearly audible at Low gain and zero volume (not that the volume pot did anything though - it stayed the same regardless of volume setting). Mr.Sneis and I are seriously the only people who've heard it so far? It was not the kind of noise that was amplified by the volume pot. It was immediately apparent when I first powered up the amp and didn't go away until I separated the PSU from the amp by about 2'.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asr 

 

 

Not to beat a horse here but I thought I was really clear about what I was hearing earlier. It was a power transformer-like electrical hum, clearly audible at Low gain and zero volume (not that the volume pot did anything though - it stayed the same regardless of volume setting). Mr.Sneis and I are seriously the only people who've heard it so far? It was not the kind of noise that was amplified by the volume pot. It was immediately apparent when I first powered up the amp and didn't go away until I separated the PSU from the amp by about 2'.

Your description is bang-on about what I hear as well.  I'm thinking that they just haven't tried the ad2k as my other headphones are nowhere near as noticeable, RS-1 included.    

SN#10 here .. no hum at all except when stacked. I think this can resolved if the transformer is encapsulated and shielded. Should not cost more then $20-$30.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Sneis 

 

Your description is bang-on about what I hear as well.  I'm thinking that they just haven't tried the ad2k as my other headphones are nowhere near as noticeable, RS-1 included.    

Going to go out on a limb here and guess my Westone UM3X are more sensitive than the AD2K ;)  No constant hum here just the amplified type hum.

And to beat a dead horse one last time.  I wish we would have known about the gain change so we could have talked you out of it or requested custom values.  Too late now :(

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solude 

 

Going to go out on a limb here and guess my Westone UM3X are more sensitive than the AD2K ;)  No constant hum here just the amplified type hum.

 

And to beat a dead horse one last time.  I wish we would have known about the gain change so we could have talked you out of it or requested custom values.  Too late now :(

While the gain setting are cool for the Heaphone outs.  It really is too much for the preamp.  (on High anyway) IMO.  Oh well having the a20 is looking better and better..

True that, I can clip my power amp on low gain /shrug  Anyway I think we've beat it enough.

I'm at work and away from my notes but not surprisingly the GS-X mk2 swept it against the Burson Soloist.  The Soloist did close the gap between the B22 and GS-X mk2 in all areas but tonally was similar to the B22.  So if the GS-X mk2 is 'neutral' the B22 and Soloist are bright and thin/dry or the B22 and Soloist are neutral and the GS-X mk2 is tilted down and full/liquid.

Full review posted tonight.