[gimmeheadroom]

Thanks I only do it overnight as the electricity is cheaper. LOL!

Don't forget, you need to play music through it. So don't leave it on, just listen to it!

 

[Pygmalion]

Hello fellow audiophiles!
This is my first post on the forum!
I've recently purchased the Audio-gd R2R-11 mk2 (Full upgrade version) based on positive reviews on this forum, and I like it a lot!
I need to upgrade the preamp on my main system, and I am very tempted by the Audio-gd HE-1 LE preamp.

I had the chance to borrow a PS Audio BHK preamp for an extended audition at home, and it sounds very good indeed but is somewhat out of my price range.
Has anyone had the opportunity to compare the Audio-gd HE-1 LE (or the HE-9 LE) against the like of PS Audio BHK, Holo Audio Serene or Denafrips Athena ?
Thanks for your help!

 

[gimmeheadroom]

A good middle ground might be the Master 19. It's smaller and cheaper than the HE-9LE.

I think you will find that most or all of the guys posting in the Audio-gd threads stopped looking at other brands

What are your heaphones?

 

[Pygmalion]

Thanks Gimmeheadroom!
I am using Sennheiser 660s with my Audio-gd R2R-11 mk2.

I don't really need another HP amplifier, just a preamp to feed my PS Audio M1200 monoblocks.
I contacted Kingwa, and he said that the HE-9 LE and HE-1 LE are very close in terms of preamp sound quality, the HE-1 being slightly better.

 

[FredA]

Thanks Gimmeheadroom!
I am using Sennheiser 660s with my Audio-gd R2R-11 mk2.

I don't really need another HP amplifier, just a preamp to feed my PS Audio M1200 monoblocks.
I contacted Kingwa, and he said that the HE-9 LE and HE-1 LE are very close in terms of preamp sound quality, the HE-1 being slightly better.

Go read the review on the HE1(link on audio-gd). This is a great pre. The he9 mkii is also a great pre, but the he1 le should beat it as such. What is your dac?

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Thanks Gimmeheadroom!
I am using Sennheiser 660s with my Audio-gd R2R-11 mk2.

I don't really need another HP amplifier, just a preamp to feed my PS Audio M1200 monoblocks.
I contacted Kingwa, and he said that the HE-9 LE and HE-1 LE are very close in terms of preamp sound quality, the HE-1 being slightly better.

660S are easy to drive. I am sure anything Kingwa has will work perfectly. I would go with @FredA 's recommendation.

 

[Pygmalion]

Go read the review on the HE1(link on audio-gd). This is a great pre. The he9 mkii is also a great pre, but the he1 le should beat it as such. What is your dac?

Thanks Fred ! Yes, I've read that review, and the HE-1 LE is even better!
I am using a Gustard X18 dac.
Kingwa also said that since I am using a PS Audio P3 regenerator, I didn't really need the regenerative version (mk2).

 

[FredA]

Thanks Fred ! Yes, I've read that review, and the HE-1 LE is even better!
I am using a Gustard X18 dac.
Kingwa also said that since I am using a PS Audio P3 regenerator, I didn't really need the regenerative version (mk2).

I think the dac is not of the same class. But you should get a nice upgrade anyway.

 

[Pygmalion]

I think the dac is not of the same class. But you should get a nice upgrade anyway.

Yes, that 's the next component to improve after the preamp. The Audio-gd R-8 MK2 is very tempting!

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Yes, that 's the next component to improve after the preamp. The Audio-gd R-8 MK2 is very tempting!

It's killer. But since you just got the R2R-11 Mk2 just enjoy that for a while

 

[FredA]

Yes, that 's the next component to improve after the preamp. The Audio-gd R-8 MK2 is very tempting!

I guess so.

 

[rsbrsvp]

WHy cant the new output buffers used in the preamp outs be placed in the headphone outs as well to improve headphone sound?

 

[FredA]

WHy cant the new output buffers used in the preamp outs be placed in the headphone outs as well to improve headphone sound?

Output transistors for a pre are smaller (less current capacity) but can reproduce the low amplitude signal better. Transistors for a headphone out are larger, can output more current but are less able with small amplitude signal. Different components for different applications, each optimal for its job. Using hp amp transistors for signal level out is not optimal. That said, the old he9 is no slouch as a pre.

 

[rsbrsvp]

I wish I saw more reviews of the MK2 as a headphone amplifier. I have a CFA-3 which gets a lot of attention lately and wonder how they compare?

 

[FredA]

I wish I saw more reviews of the MK2 as a headphone amplifier. I have a CFA-3 which gets a lot of attention lately and wonder how they compare?

No idea. All i know is i am 100% satisfied with it.