JWahl
1000+ Head-Fier
I don’t really know how to answer this, honestly, because I’m detecting we have different definitions about what constitutes “toe-tapping/head bobbing”. To me, the GLite Mk2 and GSX mini are very fast-paced amps - they are very dialed in on the attack and decay factor. The Cavalli stuff is more focused on body and detail. The LGX is not dissimilar from the LP in terms of pace, there is just more punch and resolution overall.
Thanks for the reply. That makes sense. I think it is regarding what you're describing as body and punch, especially in the lower-bass region where the extra power really helps the LP dig deep. It seems like the LGX could really be what I'm looking for. Thankfully, there should be plenty of time to save. If I had the money to spare, I'd love to just eventually buy the LGX, GS-X Mini, and Phonitor E to compare all three back to back, then sell the other two. The iFi iCan Pro could also be interesting, but I've owned the iCan SE, so I'm not sure if that's the direction I want to go in.
Back to my previous comparison, I perceive the LP as having a very fast leading-edge transient (which square-wave measurements I've seen confirm) but the decay seems a little slower than the GLite Mk. 2, which I think gives the LP a more laid-back overall presentation. I think that the combination of fast initial transient and low-bass drive help the sense of pace with music involving bass-lines and such. I will say though, the GLite Mk. 2 is be no means a slouch in terms of pace; I only notice that difference in direct comparison, and if only listening to the GLite Mk. 2 on it's own for awhile, I don't find it lacking. It's still a gem at it's price point IMO.
The LGX also seems attractive in that it seems like it should have the power to drive any dynamic headphone, to include the HE-6 as you've indicated. I'd like to just keep one universal amp for whatever future headphones I may use that's versatile enough for all of them. I've owned an HE-6 many years ago and know just how demanding of a load it is. It's still one of my personal favorites alongside the HD-800 and HE-1000.