Headroom Max vs HeadAmp GS-1?

[daltonlanny]

I am in the process of purchasing two headphone amps.
One is a HeadAmp GS-1 from HeadAmp, and the other is a used Headroom Max on Audiogon that has been upgraded with a reference module from Headroom Corp. back in 2004.
Has anyone out there ever heard both the Headroom Max and the HeadAmp GS-1, or compared the sound of them?
If so, what were the sonic differences and which was superior?
Thanks!

 

[daltonlanny]

BUMP???

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

I had a Max like that one, along with a previous Headamp design which the GS1 improves on slightly. The Headamp offered a more neutral, slightly more detailed sound, whereas the Headroom Max sounded warmer and softer-edged.

They're both great amps, and that particular Max design is definitely the coolest Headroom has come up with to me. If you find yourself attracted to it for either the looks or sound signature, by all means go for it, but just be wary about the price. If it's the one on A'gon I'm thinking of, they're asking quite a bit more than it's worth in the present market. I wouldn't pay much more for that used Max than you would for a new GS1, at most.

 

[daltonlanny]

Thanks, Iron_Dreamer, for the comparison!
I appreciate it very much.
The unit I am purchasing on Agon is the $700.00 unit with the upgrade module.

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

Ok, I thought you were referring to another one that was being sold for $1500. In your case the price was more reasonable. That model is slightly older than the one I owned, but I think the differences were mainly cosmetic, since they both have the '04 Ref module.

Have fun with the new amp!

 

[daltonlanny]

Thanks, Iron_Dreamer,
No way I would pay $1,500.00 for one! lol.
Yeah, I am looking forward to listening to it, and then comparing it to the GS-1 when it finally arrives as well.

 

[synthmad]

I have a 2003 Headroom Max, which I upgraded with '04 Ref modules.
I initially preferred the original sound (before upgrading to '04 Ref), the original modules I think used OPA627s.

I will be sending my unit in soon to get updated Max modules (which I think now again use OPA627). I like the fact the amp is upgradeable, but I believe I read that the current modules are likely to be the last updates that will be compatible with the older amplifiers.

 

[twsmith]

I have a 2006 HR Desktop with the Max amp and dac modules and just got a GS-1 which I'm using with a DAC1 USB. After listening to my K701s with both set-ups, I've concluded that the GS-1/DAC1 system is by far the better sounding and most synergistic with the K701s. Since any of the upgraded HR amps would most likely use the same Max modules as my Desktop, I would not expect much sonic difference between them. Even switching in the DAC1 to my Desktop didn't bring it up to the sound quality of the GS-1.