[JWahl]

I actually did not buy that one, I did the mod myself testing a couple other caps as well. Mine appears to be decently forgiving, using a Bifrost 2 as source.

That might explain it. I almost got the Bifrost 2 since I've owned the Gungnir MB and Yggdrasil in the past, but I ended up going for an RME ADI-2 DAC instead. The RME leans a little analytical, but it's features make it very flexible and tweakable. The mod just made me wonder if the stock cap choice was chosen to placate people who thought GS-X Mk. 2 was too aggressive. I'm really impressed of the micro-detail the Elna caps bringing out, though. Even more than the Liquid Platinum run fully balanced.

Running the HD-650 balanced out of the LP is still edging it out for me with it's silky midrange and sense of space, but only in balanced. The Irony is I've long been a balanced naysayer because I've always thought the improvements would be minor relative to the cost of a properly implemented balanced design. It makes me want to hear the HD-650 out of the GS-X Mini now. It's still more than I'm comfortable spending on a single amp, so I'm hoping maybe once the dedicated power supply is released for the GLite Mk. 2, it may improve it similarly. As the GLite Mk. 2 is with the mod now though, it's just super clean and detailed without getting into fatigue. When I say "less forgiving", I just mean it exposes poor recordings a little more.

 

[Voxata]

Cavalli stuff has been notorious (at least the LCX) about benefits from BAL since it doesn't use the phase splitter. Pay close attention to the linear PSUs voltage, if you are using 16V ELNA caps and he ends up going 18V you'll have yourself a bad time.

That said, for the money the MKii is absolutely solid. I've got the 650, 600 & 660S (as well as other sets) and with it I've got a strong preference for the 660S pairing on this amp.

When compared to something like a THX amp it isn't quite as fast, which can be a good thing. It's not as even, also, a good thing. It's just a fantastic sounding amp. I can also heavily recommend the Bifrost 2 pairing with it. I thought it sounded more natural than with some Topping gear I also have.

 

[justin w.]

I'm curious, does anyone have a later revision Gilmore Lite MKii? With the switching PSU? I'd be curious to see the internal PCB if you are comfortable removing the top lid. It's simple, just remove the upper 2 screws from both back and front to remove the top half of the case. If it is tight still then use an allen wrench to gently loosen the volume knob and a socket to loosen the pot mount screw itself then just gently lift on the upper part of the case and it should lift right off.

Later versions of the MKii I've heard may have a switching PSU, while earlier ones have a linear brick. I wonder if the switcher MKii's will see a more significant benefit from going LPS.

That is correct - The linear supplies were actually purchased back in 2010 when we were first planning a new Gilmore Lite. We had to get separate 115V, 230V, and custom order a 100V version for Japan. Those power supplies are no longer made, there just isn't enough demand in the world anymore for linear supplies. There's pros and cons to linear vs switcher but with the switchers getting better, they're reasonable options now.

The current plan is for the DPS to be a hybrid; switching supply input followed by linear regulation. I ordered the prototype PCBs to assemble and they will be here soon. An interesting thing is that circuit board orders now include free KN95 masks.

 

[LeMoviedave]

That is correct - The linear supplies were actually purchased back in 2010 when we were first planning a new Gilmore Lite. We had to get separate 115V, 230V, and custom order a 100V version for Japan. Those power supplies are no longer made, there just isn't enough demand in the world anymore for linear supplies. There's pros and cons to linear vs switcher but with the switchers getting better, they're reasonable options now.

The current plan is for the DPS to be a hybrid; switching supply input followed by linear regulation. I ordered the prototype PCBs to assemble and they will be here soon. An interesting thing is that circuit board orders now include free KN95 masks.

As a bit of a newbie on the topic, what practical advantages will a DPS bring to the sound of the mk2?

 

[Voxata]

interesting thing is that circuit board orders now include free KN95 masks.

Hah, that's wild. I hope you are able to keep it 16v and I look forward to how things progress. Why not build a full linear unit instead of a switcher that's regulated? I'm guessing the performance difference is negligible but, the prior requiring more space?

Thanks again, this amp is amazing

 

[justin w.]

the transformer would be larger, also much larger filter caps would be needed to filter the lower frequency, and the 60hz magnetic fields would have to be shielded as the aluminum enclosure does nothing.

16V or 16.4V is the plan (16.4V happens to be the original spec from Kevin Gilmore's amp design and is what the GS-X mini runs on)

18V would take it to the absolute max of some of the internal components, and amp could run too warm. So +/-20V like the GS-X mk2 would also not be possible.

But on the bigger unit I want to do that will have ~3 outputs + possibly the 5V USB, i think i will consider something like internal jumpers to change the voltage. But all outputs would have to be at the same level.

 

[Voxata]

Aah, more costly as well. I look forward to how things unfold, thanks for the response and the info too.

 

[LeMoviedave]

the transformer would be larger, also much larger filter caps would be needed to filter the lower frequency, and the 60hz magnetic fields would have to be shielded as the aluminum enclosure does nothing.

16V or 16.4V is the plan (16.4V happens to be the original spec from Kevin Gilmore's amp design and is what the GS-X mini runs on)

18V would take it to the absolute max of some of the internal components, and amp could run too warm. So +/-20V like the GS-X mk2 would also not be possible.

But on the bigger unit I want to do that will have ~3 outputs + possibly the 5V USB, i think i will consider something like internal jumpers to change the voltage. But all outputs would have to be at the same level.

Is there a shot in the dark guess as to when the power supply will be released?

 

[bochawa]

I would love to see the 5V USB output if it could be used to power a raspberry pi based source. (Allo Digione Player in my case)

I just recently received the Gilmore Lite mk2 and I am enjoying it very much with HD600. I am noticing more depth and clarity in the music.

 

[justin w.]

Some progress on the Dedicated Power Supply -- got the prototype board. Now have to build it.

 

[LeMoviedave]

Some progress on the Dedicated Power Supply -- got the prototype board. Now have to build it.

I volunteer to test your prototype when you finish.

 

[Charente]

Some progress on the Dedicated Power Supply -- got the prototype board. Now have to build it.

The update posts are great !

 

[LeMoviedave]

Plus, a subtle shoutout to Dan Clark audio.

 

[Voxata]

Plus, a subtle shoutout to Dan Clark audio.

Oooh I see it now.

 

[LeMoviedave]

Like I said, subtle.