[GAD]

Got my GS-1 back from Justin all gained up and ready for music (it was originally configured for low gain on the high gain and unity on the low).

My setup so far is foobar -> custom S/PDIF cable -> Lavry DA10 -> Custom Cryo XLR/RCAs -> GS-1 -> HD-650

The amp is very well built. All the components are solid and the stepped attenuator is wonderful. Very solid feeling all around.

For the past months I've been listening to Ray Samuel's stuff pretty exclusively. This is my first real "home" amp, though I'd classify the XP-7 as both a home and a portable amp, but that's my opinion.

Compared with my other amps, the GS-1 is not as warm. When I first plugged it in, I didn't like it because it doesn't sound like Ray's amps. I then set in to figure why I didn't like it.

I think the GS-1 is more "clinical" than Ray's amps. That's not a bad thing though. The GS-1 seems to have more detail to my ears. It's more "precise" to me. When I listen to the GS-1 then go back to the XP-7, the warm sound seems to be somehow at the expense of detail in the midrange. I'm no audiophile, so excuse me if I'm not explaining myself well.

The best way to describe it given my experience is that it's more like the Pimeta I heard without being so Airy.

I think what this amp is, is transparent. There doesn't seem to be any sound signature. I'm still on the fence as to if I like that or not. I will say that it makes the HD650s behave differently than I'm used to. They seem flatter with this amp than with the RSA amps. My Beyer DT880s seem a little boring with it though.

I once heard someone describe my HT speakers as being "on the boring side of neutral". I thought it was an odd statement at the time, but I think, as of now, that's how I'd describe the GS-1.

Oh and I *love* having two headphone jacks on the front! Makes headphone swapping so much easier! Coupled with two inputs and I'm in heaven!

I'll post more as I listen more. I'm sure there will be pics too.

GAD

 

[Icarium]

Yeah this is pretty much take on the Headamp line. Though I wouldn't say boring/flatter, as I generally value detail above all

Though I can certainly see how one mind feel that a more colored/flavored sound is more fun/dynamic. The essence of the Gilmore based designs is that neutralness (Wire with gain or whatever), that purity/transparency.

 

[GAD]

Thanks for the feedback.

GAD

 

[jinp6301]

Yup, the Gilmore Lite is great for neutrality and detail but IMO its not really a "fun" amp

 

[N15M0]

Hi I am interested in getting the headamp amp. But anyone knows beside getting from justin straight where else can I get it? Cos I could not seems to get him. He does not seem to be replying my email.

 

[GAD]

Well mine might be for sale soon if it doesn't warm up.

GAD

 

[Hi-Finthen]

Quote:

Originally Posted by N15M0 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hi I am interested in getting the headamp amp. But anyone knows beside getting from justin straight where else can I get it? Cos I could not seems to get him. He does not seem to be replying my email.

Good luck~

 

[vcoheda]

for sale forum. GS1s come up now and then.

 

[Asr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GAD /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well mine might be for sale soon if it doesn't warm up. GAD

You know HeadAmp does 14-day returns, right?

 

[GAD]

I bought mine used, but NIB.

GAD

 

[euclid]

i had similar ho-hum feelings about the GS-1, i bought one when the RSA HR-2 was my main amp and going from the HR-2 to the GS-1 was a pretty big difference. GS-1 definitely had more air and upper detail, the midrange on the GS-1 was alittle more seperated while the HR-2 alittle congested in comparison. however for most music i prefered the warmer and thicker RSA sound even at the expense of the GS-1 more 3D soundstage, i could play the HR-2 alot louder and it wouldnt lean out and get sibilant, i was just inconvienced since the HR-2 had only one input.

if you are planning a speaker system then the GS-1 is a really good choice as a preamp, your main speaker amp should be powerfull enough to fill in the lacking bass and you will really appreciate the added air and transparancy of the GS-1.

i have to mention that the GS-X is an evolution of the GS-1 and with the right gear is VERY good. however still bores me to tears with Beyers i cant even listen to them, but i dont fault the GS-X

i'm looking forward to the MOSFET boards, but im not fully convinced they are going to sound better with standard (not K-1000) headphones, has anyone actually heard them in a GS-1 or GS-X yet?

 

[MrLA]

from my recollection of comparing GS-1 and HR-2 sound signature, it's like comparing fine wine to soda pop! for wine u have to know the flavor u like while soda always tastes good and refreshing the first glass when u r thirsty. I guess that is pretty bad analogy huh! in another word, to me, GS-1 sound is notch above HR-2.

 

[tbonner1]

GS-1 works well with warm headphones such as the Senn 650's. At this level, matching the headphone amp to the the voice of the headphones is important.

 

[khbaur330162]

GAD: You want to match both a relatively warm amp and source with some HD650's? Sounds like the GS-1 just wouldn't be to your preference. Were you trying to experiment with a more neutral amp or something?

 

[GAD]

Yeah - wanted to try a higher-end SS amp and this one came along in a trade.

GAD