[ZoNtO]

  I tested this at a local hifi shop some weeks ago. It was primarily to test different headphones. I tested HE-1000, HE-560, HD-800, SRH 1840, LCD-3, LCD-X, LCD-2, T1 and many more. The main thing i noticed was how amazing this amp ran all the different headphones. So after testing tons of different headphones, it was the amp that stole my attention When I get hold of more money I'm sure i will buy me one of these
 
I did not test the DAC. How does it compare to other $1000 DACs? Is there any reason to skip DAC and get another?

 
Thanks for sharing your impressions. I'm curious about the DAC as well. I don't see any measurements or further details aside from it's implementation of an ESS chip and the few positive impressions in this thread. At $800 it's not "expensive" per se, but wondering how it would compare to something like an Oppo BDP-105D which also uses an ESS 9018 chip.
 
Edit: here is what's listed in the manual re: the internal DAC option:
 
Optional Digital-to-Analog Converter:

1. Digital Input Types: S/PDIF (RCA) x 2 USB x 1 TosLink x 1
2. DSD Data Rates: (2.8224MHz), Double (5.6448MHz) and Quadruple (11.2896) via USB only
3. DSD Sample Rates: DSD 64, DSD 128 & DSD256 via USB only
4. PCM Bit-depth range: 16 - 32 bits (32-bit via USB only)
5. PCM Sampling Frequency Rates: 44.1 - 384kHz (352.8 & 384kHz via USB only)
6. Frequency Response (audible): 20Hz - 20kHz +0/-0.2dB
7. Frequency Response (full range): 2Hz - 72kHz +0/-3dB
8. THD @ 1kHz, 0dBFS (A-weighted): 0.001 %
9. IMD: 0.004 %
10. Dynamic Range: 120dB
11. Signal-to-noise Ratio: 116dB @ full output
12. Channel Separation: 116dB
13. Intrinsic Jitter: < 25 picoseconds RMS

 

[longbowbbs]

The DAC is highly competitive with other DAC's in the same price range. Given the significant convenience factor it is a flat out steal for the quality you get.

 

[alec66]

Anyone made a comparison between the Headamp GS-X MKII and the 430HA?

I have both: too close to call
 
Anyway Headamp seems a bit less analytic than 430HA
 
LCD-X: side by side,
LCD 2: GSX simply stunning! (can't imagine a better amp match with this HP)
LCD 3F:  moon miles ahead

 

[PinoNL]

Just subscribing

 

[Vangelis]

Very interesting comparison. Appears that the differences are pretty subtle. I will likely go with the Moon as I don't have shelving space for the GS-X MKII's separate power supply.

 

[TonyNewman]

 
I have both: too close to call
 
Anyway Headamp seems a bit less analytic than 430HA
 
LCD-X: side by side,
LCD 2: GSX simply stunning! (can't imagine a better amp match with this HP)
LCD 3F:  moon miles ahead

 
Really interesting results. I have never heard the GSX-Mk2, but would have expected it to be more analytic than the Moon, with the 430Ha being more on the musical side. That was a surprise.

 

[TonyNewman]

Very interesting comparison. Appears that the differences are pretty subtle. I will likely go with the Moon as I don't have shelving space for the GS-X MKII's separate power supply.

 
One other factor is if you want to drive the HE6. The 430HA will throw more power, which the HE6 likes.
 
Best information I have is that the GSX-Mk2 struggles to power the HE6 (using a higher than average voltage output  DAC like the Vega helps). I use the 430Ha with my modded HE6 quite a bit - it drives it very, very well.

 

[Aktersnurra]

Aa

 

[Aktersnurra]

Been playing with the 430HA (with DAC) for a couple of hours now.
 
Don't know if this has been mentioned in the thread before but when streaming FLAC files over 44.1kHz 430HA display shows 44.1
 
Does this mean that high-resolution FLAC's are being downsampled or if this has to do with how the display is designed...?
 
 
 
 
From the user manual below:
 
 
 

 

[upside]

  I was just asked yesterday by Simaudio if I wanted a review unit. 
 
 
Weeeellllll....OK......

Have you received your review 230HAD yet?
 
I've had mine for about 2 weeks now and would like to hear your impressions in comparison to the 430HAD which I have just ordered. It should be here next week. Just wondering if it makes sense to keep both pieces?

 

[longbowbbs]

 

  I was just asked yesterday by Simaudio if I wanted a review unit. 
 
 
Weeeellllll....OK......

Have you received your review 230HAD yet?
 
I've had mine for about 2 weeks now and would like to hear your impressions in comparison to the 430HAD which I have just ordered. It should be here next week. Just wondering if it makes sense to keep both pieces?

I have not. I am trying to dig out from a back log of reviews before I get more gear in house. As to keeping both pieces it depends on how you are going to use things. The 430 is an amazing TOTL piece that can be a full function 2 channel system pre-amp as well. The 230 is more of a Headphone amp only. It's pre-amp functions are very limited. Some people have more than one room they listen in. I can see the 230 as a bedside unit with the 430 running their larger system. Just a thought. I don't see much value in using both in the same room.

 

[upside]

  I have not. I am trying to dig out from a back log of reviews before I get more gear in house. As to keeping both pieces it depends on how you are going to use things. The 430 is an amazing TOTL piece that can be a full function 2 channel system pre-amp as well. The 230 is more of a Headphone amp only. It's pre-amp functions are very limited. Some people have more than one room they listen in. I can see the 230 as a bedside unit with the 430 running their larger system. Just a thought. I don't see much value in using both in the same room.

Thanks longbowbbs.
 
I was thinking of keeping the 230 for just the PC side and moving the 430 to the main 2 channel system and using it as a preamp with my 260T and 280D and a 330A for a full Simaudio system. Alternatively, I could sell the 230 and just use the 430 in the headphone/PC system and buy a 340i integrated amp. Not sure which makes the most sense performance/price wise.
 
I look forward to your impressions of the 230.
 
I hear the "class A" type sound from the 230 that others have said they have heard from the 430. Not sure how much of the "transconductance" circuit made it into the 230 but it sure is a nice sounding DAC/amp - particularly at $1500 dollars. I found the DAC side came on song quicker than the headphone amp. It sounds dynamic, detailed and has a very quiet background. I've now got just under 200 hours on it and, in typical Simaudio fashion, it seems to take a bit to settle in but the wait is worth it.

 

[longbowbbs]

I do expect it to be a high performer. The 430 pushed all the right buttons. Great HP amp, strong value for the DAC and an excellent pre-amp in one device. It was exactly what I was looking for.

 

[TonyNewman]

I am upgrading my office desktop unit, having busted my ALO International after a hamfisted USB insertion effort (ramming the connections in the wrong way up can be done, but the amp doesn't like it much - and yes, I am fully aware of how idiotic I was in doing that

). Have a 230 on order. It will be very interesting to A/B this unit with my 430HA.
 
Eventually I would like to pair the 230 with the Ether C. Has anyone tried this combo? My closed back in the office right now is the Shure 1540 - really nice headphone, but I would like to step up to the Ether later in the year

 

[longbowbbs]

I doubt anyone has listened to that combo just yet. It will be good though. The Ether is a terrific headphone. I expect the "C" to also shine. We already know about the Moon's qualities.