Well, I sold my Rognir Dynamic and my GH40. They were both really excellent headphones, but kind of redundant. Now I've got a secondhand Rognir Planar on the way, so... Kennerton, whenever I think I'm out you PULL ME BACK IN.
Kennerton ODIN, MAGISTER, VALI, Magni, Gjallarhorn, Rögnir, Thridi, Wodan, Thekk, and Thror Discussion.
- Thread starter bowei006
- Start date
Any chance you could compare the two?
As an owner of a pair of Gjallarhorn GH50 JM Edition phones I have a question for which I don't remember seeing here. I have an opportunity to hear them being driven by a Wells Audio HeadTrip II this weekend and wondering whether it is worth the time. As you are aware, the GH50s produce 116 dB peaks with 1 mW driven into their 33 ohm load. In other words, to drive them to normal 86 dB peaks they only need 1 microwatt, and conversely, at 1 watt they will theoretically produce 146 dB! Of course no one could listen to them at gunshot-level sound pressures even if the drivers were to survive such current levels. The WA HT II produces 25 watts at 33 ohms, so theoretically they could drive the GH50s to 159dB, of course ridiculous. But it has been my experience on speakers that massively overdesigned power supplies in amps often result in that effortless sound quality, the bass authority, speed, spaciousness, detail, and dynamics.
So the question is: has anyone even tried driving their GH50s with big SS muscle amps, which in this case would amount to only a few watts into 33 ohms? If so, what was the result? One other issue might be the 30 dB of voltage gain of the WA amp which might only allow a small amount of volume control range. But sonically, what would be the potential result? Should I aim for big watts when only a few are necessary?
I await your valuable input. Thank you.
So the question is: has anyone even tried driving their GH50s with big SS muscle amps, which in this case would amount to only a few watts into 33 ohms? If so, what was the result? One other issue might be the 30 dB of voltage gain of the WA amp which might only allow a small amount of volume control range. But sonically, what would be the potential result? Should I aim for big watts when only a few are necessary?
I await your valuable input. Thank you.
Not necessarily a muscle amp (I’d put a Flux FA-10 in that potential category), but the lack of volume range with the GH50 with a Lyr 3 for example @ 6W potential @ 32 ohms was limiting / frustrating enough. I’ve gotten excellent bass and overall impact, stage, etc. and a bit more volume flexibility from a Chord Anni (~2.5W into 32 ohms) and a Fiux FA-22 (similar to the Chord). Heck I got great performance from an obscure Tor Audio OFT amp @ 450 mW and a LTA MZ3 at ~1W or less. I will say I like the Class A amps’ sound presence with the GH50s (such as the Tor, Flux, and LTA) regardless of the nominal power output @ 32 ohms.
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John Massaria
Member of the Trade: JM Audio Editions/Headphone Modifications
Brute current power such as 125Wx2 I thought would grip the GH50 better but it really didn't need it - I have the B&K Reference 125.2 Class A Stereo amp and use the GL1200 Impedance converter/Converter box and still think the Ray Samuels Apache sounds better - not sure the GH50 needs anything but a high current pure revealing amp to sound it's best. I would think the Benchmark and the Pass would be a great match. I have heard very good things about Wells Audio HeadTrip II tho- what a beast of an amp... I say you need to bring it to my house to hear it with 5 different GH50's I have here (hint hint) - I do agree GH50 likes real clean class A from my experience
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jonathan c
Headphoneus Supremus
As for Class A, I will add that the GH50 JM Edition (original) / HeadAmp Gilmore Lite II + Golden Reference PSU is an amazing duet. GLII+ is not a brute, ‘only’ a master!
Lickumms
500+ Head-Fier
How do you guys like the Vali?
revolutionz
100+ Head-Fier
Also on Class-A here, but with Rognir Dynamic. I don't know how it can get much better than this to be honest.
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What model?
I have the 2019 model and it's one of my favourite headphones to date.
Best dynamic HP I've tried for sure.
tonedeafmelomaniac
100+ Head-Fier
There are several comparisons between Magni and Gh50 but I haven't found any comparison between Magni and Gh40. Is here anyone who has the ability to make such a comparison?
It sounds lush, big and almost palpable! Don't know about the wood.
tonedeafmelomaniac
100+ Head-Fier
Hello, do you still have your Magni?
John Massaria
Member of the Trade: JM Audio Editions/Headphone Modifications
A contextual image on perhaps why (because some people are obsessed with music) and how much we love (the ends we will go to to continually find bliss) Kennerton headphones so much (for me - especially the GH50JM Mk2 Edition)
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tonedeafmelomaniac
100+ Head-Fier
Is it Mk3?
Why we love Kennerton headphones so much (for me - especially the GH50JM Edition)
I wonder if Kennerton can figure out a way to put those horns and ion tweeter into their earcups.
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