Gilmore Lite or Portaphile v2?

[Jmmmmm]

I know they are completely different, but sonically, is the gilmore lite worth $100 more than the portaphile? Although 98% of the time it will be used at home (w/325i's and some 595), the portability and small size of the pv2 is alluring. Has anyone heard the two and can compare? Thanks

 

[ichiro]

I'm really interested in a comparison like this too. I already have the portaphile and am considering a gilmore lite or dynalo for home use. Someone with both please let us know how they compare.

 

[Tech2]

I've been having the same trouble deciding between these two amps.

After reading endless numbers of posts here, I went for the Portaphile (which will be my first headamp). Cesar shipped it yesterday so I should have it by this weekend.

I debated over this amp and the GL for days and days and finally went with the PV2 after reading the owners thread. I will mostly use it at home (ordered the DC back plate as well), but I like the idea of being able to take it with me if I want to.

I'm sure the GL is a fine amp, but I doubt I'll be able to appreciate the difference between it and the PV2, since my understanding is that the PV2 is also a fine amp.

Bottom line for me: I opted for a nice portable amp at a lower price.

 

[Jonoh]

I struggled with the same type of question except I already have (sale pending) a GL and was targeting the more expensive Supermacro (ordered). I opted for portability so that I can take the amp with me on business trips. If not for that, I would definitely keep the GL as I am very pleased with it.

My phones are different: 650, RS1 and ER4Ps and ER6i. I really like the GL with the 650 and Etys. The RS1 has so far sounded good no matter what I plugged it into (even my Ipod). It too sounded better on the GL but it was more subtle. Perhaps more time would allow me to hear the differences more. Given the 325i and 595, I would expect similar, subtle results as each of these cans are not hard to drive. I have heard here that the 325, and I presume the 325i as well, benefit from an amp.

The Portaphile looks nice but I never heard it. I know the GL is nice but $100 is a big price difference at this level. Both seem to be well regarded. The GL, while small, has a very solid, substantial feel to it and Justin offers a 2 year warranty.

I know this does not address your specific question but hopefully helps a bit.

 

[Romanee]

It seems all the amps were at the MD/VA/DC meet. Perhaps you can post a query to attendees regarding comparisons of all three amps: GL, PV2, SMV3...

We were supposed to get a GL from Justin for a NYC portables study, but Justin has been too busy. The big NYC meet will have pretty much everything, I expect -- and some of us are very interested in comparing as many of the current small amps as we can assemble ... w/various phones -- but that's not 'til June 18.

 

[Jmmmmm]

yeah, I was supposed to go to that meet...grr
oh well. i've decided to put off an amp for now