[Articnoise]

  I owned a BHSE and SR-007 MK1, MK2, and 009 for quite a while.   I sold everything for a M9 and LCD-3 and I am looking into the LA900 as well.
 
After having lived with the BHSE system for many years and after having this new M9 system for about a month I can tell you that to my tastes the M9 system is more to my liking.   The BHSE system is SLIGHTLY more transparent, detailed, fast, and effortless.  However- in exchange for this minor downgrade in these four areas, the sound is much fuller, better  impact, much better bass response, and tonally so so much more beautiful to my ears.  I feel I gave in 5%-10% in technical abilities and gained 15%-20% in areas much more important to me.  To me- the M9 is a much more balanced system and much more convincing and pleasant to my ears.  I still believe the BHSE system is better for jazz, and symphony, however the M9 system is superior for everything else; and I listen 95% of the time to modern genres of music. 
 
Unless you are a symphony and jazz listener- don't buy the BHSE/007/009 system.  It is a downgrade and a waste of money.

I agree with you that tonally the LCD3 and M9 is so rich, full and beautiful sounding.
 
Very interesting comparing to the BHSE and SR-007 MK1, MK2, and 009. I love the LCD3 and M9 for jazz, but haven’t heard the Stax on BHSE and can’t comment on that. Are all the Stax with BHSE clearly better on jazz in your opinion?
 

 

[rsbrsvp]

 
I agree with you that tonally the LCD3 and M9 is so rich, full and beautiful sounding.
 
Very interesting comparing to the BHSE and SR-007 MK1, MK2, and 009. I love the LCD3 and M9 for jazz, but haven’t heard the Stax on BHSE and can’t comment on that. Are all the Stax with BHSE clearly better on jazz in your opinion?
 

Something about the nature of electrostats in general lends itself to symphony and jazz.  Yes- they are better ONLY for jazz/symphony. The difference however is not huge. Also- no matter how clear things are on the Stax (and again the difference in clarity is very small compared to the 007, bigger compared to the 009), I hate thin sound.  I just don't connect to it.  I find it lacks feeling and emotion.  The 009 is the clearest sounding headphone I ever heard- but it is emotion-less and the base is totally out of whack.  Besides- it hurts my ears.  All the technical superiority in the world is wothrth-less if it hurts my ears.  
 
From what I understand, the HE-6 with a felt mod. and some LCD vegan pads presents a very similar presentation to the electrostats and may be more suitable for these types of music than the LCD's and may be just as good as the Stax for Symphony/Jazz.
 
By the way- I wanted to share an incredible find with everyone.   I purchased a passive pre-amp from Tortuga Audio called the LDR1.   Using it for the volume control instead of the Master 9 volume control delivers a fuller bodied more analogue presentation without giving up one iota of detail and transparency.  I believe they have a 30 day money back guarantee no questions asked.   I like what it does very very much.  Others may not agree- but all you loose is shipping if you don't like it.  Sorry to sound like a salesman- I am not getting a commission from them- just want to help head-fiers.

 

[undersys]

My Master 9 just keeps sounding better, it really opens up after some burn in!
The level of detail that comes out after more burn in is just amazing .. doing the whole lets re-listen to ALL THE THINGS, its that good
 
I find it also pairs well with this :  (very recommend )
 

 

[rsbrsvp]

I wanted to clarify my opinion on the LDR1 passive preamplifier from Tortuga Audio so I don't mislead anyone.   It provides a clearly rounder, fuller, weightier sound signature than using the M9 volume control- to My ears.  For those that like crisper sound- you may not like the LDR1.  

 

[samsie]

  My Master 9 just keeps sounding better, it really opens up after some burn in!
The level of detail that comes out after more burn in is just amazing .. doing the whole lets re-listen to ALL THE THINGS, its that good
 
I find it also pairs well with this :  (very recommend )
 

 I know how to get the Master 9 but this Whisky might be a problem.......

 

[FredrikT92]

I'm sort off interested in this amp.
Anyone compared it to Schiit Mjolnir?
Does it have that powerful awesome sound that Mjolnir has?

 

[philo50]

Have been a lurker on this thread for a time. Placed my order on Friday so am hoping to receive my unit in the next 10 days or so....even old guys get excited about new toys.....

 

[preproman]

  Have been a lurker on this thread for a time. Placed my order on Friday so am hoping to receive my unit in the next 10 days or so....even old guys get excited about new toys.....

 
Ha ha..  Good for you man..   Congrats..  Would like to hear how it compares to the BHA-1.
 
To many amps coming out.  I'm guessing there will be a large Schiit following as well.
 
Waiting on Greed..
 

 

 

[bigfatpaulie]

   
Waiting on Greed..
 

 

 
I know...  I have been harassing him for his thoughts, but he's holding tight and not leaking anything.  

 

[Greed]

Disclaimer:
 
I’m somewhat of an enthusiast at this point in the game. I don’t consider myself an audiophile yet by any means. I feel someone that is a true audiophile seeks the purist, most untainted reproduction of sound and is always tweaking and striving to better their gear. Because I don’t have the ultimate means or the hardily trained ears to be an audiophile, I’ll leave that title to others better and more experienced than I. What I do believe is that music is the #1 priority always and forever. As an enthusiast, my goal is to find gear that is enjoyable to me regardless of how accurate and/or well measured it is. Measurements are incredibly useful for both assessment and for purchasing, but I let me ears and brain decide if I like what I’m hearing or not.
 
With that said, my preferences have changed over time as my ears “mature”. I used to love strong, emphasized bass (not basshead bass) with a strong mid presence that is lush and warm. Detail retrieval, imaging, soundstage, dynamics… all of those things were like foreign language to me. They weren’t very important. As I’ve climbed the ranks, upgraded my gear, and started to critically listen to my music, my appreciation for the technical aspects of music reproduction have blossomed. I now have a need for excellence in all of those aforementioned areas. I’ve since partially grown out of that phase and into what I feel is my preferred sound. I enjoy something that is natural and realistic. I still love hard-hitting, accurate bass but not overly so. I know those are subjective terms, but as a closet musician, I feel I have a firm grasp on what Piano, Drums, Bass, and Guitar sound like in real life. Those sounds need to be as real as if I were playing them in order for me to want to keep something.  Overall I prefer a neutral tonality, with slight warmth. A sound that is non-fatiguing, with plenty of air and space between instruments - deep and appropriately wide soundstage, with excellent spatial cues and imaging. Last but not least, a large dynamic range. Those factors and criteria are tested every time I evaluate my gear. If they pass most or all of those subjective tests – they stay, if not they go (most of the time). 
 
Test Equipment:
 

1. Source: C.A.P.S. Carbon v3 (w/ Paul Hynes PSU)
2. Software: JRiver 19 (ASIO)
3. DACs: MSB The Analog DAC / AMR DP-777
4. Amplification: Audio GD Master 9 / HeadAmp GS-X mk2 / Rogue Audio Apollo Monoblocks (for Preamp testing)
5. Headphones: HD800 / LCD-X / HE-6 / Mad Dog / TH-600 / TH-900’
6. Speakers: Tekton Designs Pendragon

 
Technical Specifications:
 
HeadAmp GS-X mk2: Pure Class A – Solid State Headphone Amplifier / Preamp 
 

1. Frequency Response: 5Hz-50KHz (+/-0.1dB)

1. Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >100dB

1. Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.006%

1. Gain: 1x / 0db, 3x / 9dB, 8x / 18dB

1. Output Impedance: less than 1 ohm

1. Output Power: 1 W (SE), 2 W (Balanced)

1. Inputs: 1 XLR / 1 RCA

1. Outputs: 2 - Combo Jacks (¼” and 3-Pin XLR) / 1 - XLR / 1 - XLR loop-out / 1 RCA loop-out

1. Preamp Outputs: 1 – XLR / 1 – RCA

1. Chassis: 14.5" (length) x 9" (width) x 5" (height)

1. Weight: 12 lb

 
Audio GD Master 9: Pure Class A - Solid State Headphone Amplifier / Preamp
 

1. Frequency Response (XLR): 20Hz – 20KHz (+/- 0dB)
2. Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >130dB (Input short, XLR mode)
3. Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.002%
4. Gain: Low Gain - +14dB (XLR) / High Gain - +20dB (XLR)
5. Output Impedance: 1 ohm
6. Output Power (Balanced): 9 W @ 40 ohm / 3.8 W @ 100 ohm / 1.25 W @ 300 ohm / .63 W @ 600 ohm
7. Output Power (Single-End): 2.5 W @ 40 ohm / 1.05 W @ 100 ohm / .35 W @ 300 ohm / .175 W @ 600 ohm
8. Preamp Output Level (Max): 10V @ RCA / 20V @ XLR / 4.8MA @ ACSS
9. Inputs:  2 – XLR / 2 – RCA / 1 – ACSS
10. Outputs: 1 – 4-Pin XLR / 1 – 3-Pin XLR / 1 – ¼”  
11. Preamp Outputs: 1 – XLR | 1 – RCA
12. Chassis: 17” (length) x 17 (width) x 3.6” (height)
13. Weight: 

 
The Sound:
 
Out of the box, the M9 sounded very good. It seems Kingwa breaks-in each individual product for 300 hours or so before sending it off. I didn’t find my difference in my initial 100 hours, although some treble smoothness – and some effects of definition in the bass were noticeable. Other than that, the M9 is ready to go as soon as you set it up.
 
M9: Overall is slightly warm but not overly so. Initially I thought this amp was going to be brutally honest, being the most neutral amp I’d had ever heard, but I just don’t find that to be the case. It has great non-offensive sound that has excellent synergy with both my HE-6 and HD800. Bass is tight with great texture and weight. Impact and slam could be better, but that could be my DAC, which I find to be slightly rounded in the lower regions. Mids are clean and clear without a hint of grain. A non-fatiguing response that is extremely enjoyable with everything I’ve thrown at it. The treble is definitely my favorite aspect of this amp. It has great extension and clarity while only exhibiting a small bit of sibilance with poor recordings. It has a smoothness that isn’t present in comparison to the GS-X mk2. This could come down to personal preference, but in terms of overall transparency I find the M9 to be more accurate compared to the GS-X mk2. 
 
   
 
GS-X mk2:  In comparison more neutral although with some slight emphasis in the bass region. Bass is extremely tight, controlled and extended. This is where I find the GS-X mk2 to shine - the way it can grab a headphone by its virtual balls and control the hell out of sloppy bass, overly bloomy bass and even refine good bass. It won’t transform overly bassy headphones into well textured and refined beasts, but it will clean up and control bass to a point where you won’t recognize the sound even though you are listening to the same headphone. Mids are crystal clear, clean and up front (not as laid-back as the M9). You could say the GS-X mk2 has a more aggressive tone. Treble is where things get a little hairy. One of my few complaints about the GS-X mk2 is the treble response. I feel there was always something about the treble that was slightly unnatural. It is hard to describe, but I feel there is some etch, glare that I hear with certain tracks. It wasn’t apparent on everything I listen to, but on some tracks it was there – and it could become fatiguing especially with an ultra-revealing phone like the HD800. This is me nit-picking, and I’m sure there are plenty of people that won’t agree, but it was one of the few problems I had with the GS-X mk2. Overall a very small price to pay considering how versatile and well rounded the amp is. 
 
      
 
Imaging on the M9 has good precision. I was able to accurately pin-point instruments and vocals very easily. Soundstage is appropriately deep, but could stand a bit more width. In comparison, the GS-X mk2 has a more expansive, 3D staging giving the impression of more air between instruments. Detail retrieval is also very good, albeit not as good as the GS-X mk2. The GS-X mk2 is faster and more transparent. Everything sounds airier, better separated on the GS-X mk2 regardless of what headphone I used. Dynamics are also better on the GS-X mk2, although this is a closer race, and one could easily prefer the M9 in terms of dynamics over the GS-X mk2. Overall I find the M9 to be slight less proficient in the technical aspects in comparison to the GS-X mk2. Both are very good, and definitely make my top 5 SS amps I’ve ever heard in terms of staging, imaging, separation, and dynamics.
 
 
Headphone Pairings:
 
I wanted to include this section because I’ve been asked several times whether or not the M9 has the grunt and finesse to power the HE-6. I’ve also been asked if the HD800 has good synergy as well. There is always a reluctancy in the back of mind when I order something new with very little information in form of reviews, impressions, etc. on how it does with the wide range of headphones that pass through my house. I’m always trying new headphones, typically not with the idea to keep but just out of curiosity - how it sounds and how it compares. I’ve finally found my trifecta with the HD800, LCD-3, and HE-6. Owning these three headphones give me the range and covers all my bases. I can switch headphones depending on mood and have the versatility to compare new gear when I’m not feeling lazy. The problem becomes amp synergy and requirements. I feel all three of these headphones have different requirements when it comes to amplification. Buying something that pairs well with all three is a difficult task. I was hoping the M9 was able to at least sound decent with all three and to my surprise it does and then some.
 
HE-6: This pairing was the most important, and the largest risk to me. We all know the myths and exatrations that pass through these forums regarding the HE-6 - they NEED 100wpc to sound their best – blah blah. Well I don’t buy into that crap, but I do believe the HE-6 are power hungry and need lots of grunt. At the same time they need clean power that packs a ton of punch but has the finesse to soften the semi-hard treble and get rid of the etch. Well, the M9 definitely delivers. Sound signatures match up very well having good synergy, and there is plenty of headroom on the volume pot. Out of the 100 steps – I’m at 60. Over the years, I’ve come to find out that I listen to music relatively loud. Any sane person shouldn’t listen at 60 unless they want to jam all day err day like I do. The M9 DRIVES the HE-6 with authority, and I can’t say it gets a lot better. For a headphone amp, the M9 does a surprisingly good job.
 

 
HD800: Even after hearing the GS-X mk2 and M9 with the HD800, I still feel the HD800 belongs with tubes. I can’t get over the bright treble and the artificial staging the HD800 has without the realism tubes bring along. There aren’t very many SS amps/HD800 combos that my ears agree with but the M9 comes really close to be the best. It does smooth out the treble, and give me the warmth I need for the HD800 to sound somewhat natural, but there are still some missing pieces that I have yet to find in any SS combination. The upside is you get a very nice bass response with the HD800, adding a bit longer decay which in turn makes the sound more engaging. The HD800 is an uptight prude, but with the M9 – it shows some skin. Overall I like the pairing. I could definitely live with it, tweaking other things in my chain like full copper interconnects, and a warm/slightly laid-back DAC.
 
      
 
LCD-3: TBD – My LCD-3 are out right now, only had a few days (few hours really) with it before they were sent out, but will update this post when I get them back.
 
Alpha Dog: TBD – Waiting patiently on the upgrade list!
 
      
 
Mad Dog: The MD pairing was not to my liking. This was the only headphone that I’ve tried so far with the M9 that I feel sounded better with other amps, even from my DAP (Sony NW-ZX1). After sometime with the MD, I appreciate how good the headphone sounds for the money – but after you hear headphones like the HE-6 etc. the pairing just didn’t jive. Mids were too upfront resulting in shouty vocals, too much mid-bass emphasis clouding lower-end definition and detail, and treble was not crisp and clean. This could very well be the headphone alone, but I just didn’t enjoy the glossy sound between the M9+MD.  
 

 
LCD-X: This pairing was extremely enjoyable, second only to the HE-6 pairing. Sound was very musical and top-tapping with excellent tightness in the bass and crystal clear treble. Mids were accurate and silky smooth. Soundstage did deepen and separation did become more distinguishable. Overall very nice, non-fatiguing sound.
 
Sidebar - Really liked the LCD-X headphone as a whole. I feel the this next gen Audeze line is truly on to something, and I look forward to what the LCD-4 brings. The difference in sound wasn’t enough to justify owning it, or selling my precious LCD-3 off  but I can appreciate good engineering and this is definitely one of the best headphones I’ve heard.
 
TH-600/900: These two headphones need bass control. I don’t feel these headphones sounded their best with the M9 but good enough to still recommend the pairing. The GS-X mk2 is still my reference amp with the TH-900, but this amp doesn’t fall too far behind. Nothing sounded out of place, but the bass could be better controlled and tighter. One of the reasons I have no sold both of these headphones is because the bass can be somewhat overpowering with certain genres. Still feel the treble on the TH-900 is one of best I’ve ever heard, and that wasn’t any different on the M9.
 
      
 
Conclusion:
 
While I find the M9 to be warmer than the GS-X mk2, it still remains quite precise and accurate with great detail and resolution. In comparison the M9 is more full-bodied to the “thinner” sounding GS-X mk2. Depending on the person, these qualities can be seen as coloration and in result a duller sound, but I don’t find that to be the case. The GS-X mk2 is brutally honest, almost to the point of being “raw”. Your audio chain better be up to snuff, from source material to interconnects/power cables. Between the two – I find the overall differences in sound to be more natural and live performance like versus deadly accurate, monitor like sound.  (Natural vs. Neutral?)
 
I don’t want to fill this review with a bunch of superlatives and hype because I’m very much against such writing. What I want to do is convey as accurate as I can what I hear and why I feel this amp is very good in its own way compared to what I’ve heard and specifically the GS-X mk2. The short answer is the Audio GD M9 is the complete package - a very versatile, well rounded headphone amp that can power any and every headphone on the market. The volume control and preamp both are above par, and well implemented.  It has tons of functionality including multiple outs, ins, ACSS, gain settings, and of course a preamp for people wanting their headphone amp to pull down  double-duty.
 
Note: Stratus thoughts coming soon, as well as more pictures and more thoughts.
 
Thanks for reading!

 

[Greed]

Sorry guys it took me awhile to give my thoughts. I've been busy, and frankly really lazy lately. This comparison is a work in progress, so I will be adding more thoughts later. Overall, I'm really happy I ordered M9, and even happier that it performs as well as it does. For the price, you really can't go wrong. 
 
That may not be believable because I'm selling mine, but for my usual crazy reasons take my word for it. You won't be disappointed. 

 

[Viper2005]

Great read Greed!
I strongly considered the merits of both the M9 and the GSXII, but the size of the M9 was just too big to fit in my tiny listening room  
And contrary to what many people think, I don't believe the AudioGD machines look ugly at all.

 

[philo50]

Fantastic read filled with great info.....thank you

 

[SteveM324]

Thanks for the excellent review Greed! Very nice pics too. I have a few questions.

It looks like you received the Alpha Dog. How do you like it?

Even though you liked the LCD-X/M9 a lot, you say it was second to the HE-6/M9. Can you elaborate on that comparison?

 

[Greed]

Thanks guys for the comments. I tried to be as objective as I could, but after reading it another time it seems to be overly positive. Honestly, I didn't have much bad to say about the M9 because I didn't hear much in terms of shortcommings. A seriously nice amp. 
 
Quote:

  Great read Greed!
I strongly considered the merits of both the M9 and the GSXII, but the size of the M9 was just too big to fit in my tiny listening room  
And contrary to what many people think, I don't believe the AudioGD machines look ugly at all.

 
Thanks Viper, yes the M9 is actually not bad looking at all. It does have a utilitarian (diy) type feel and look to it, but that isn't necessarily bad at all. Compared to the GS-X mk2, you are definitely paying for the more refined aesthetics the GS-X mk2 has to offer. I don't find the M9 to be ugly, but I do prefer the look of the GS-X mk2 as well as the size difference.