Good review, especially the extra attention on non-sonic details. A couple spots I have a different viewpoint, however: The switches on the GS-X mk2 are pretty stiff and sometimes the amp unit can slide when trying to flip one. In that case I prefer a sensitive button I can just touch. Regarding heat, in my setup, I have my gear on a set of open backed shelves next to my recliner in my living room. I have run long cables to my speakers so I can keep the Ragnarok handy for volume control, etc. During my testing I have the GS-X mk2 stacked on top of the Ragnarok, and in addition to not finding any interference problems (as expected), they are just warm, not hot to the touch or close. Separately, the GS-X mk2 is typically almost room temperature, so I didn't expect any issues anyway. In this setup the Ragnarok is really no warmer than by itself, which is just somewhat warm. On an open rack I would not expect to have any heat issues. If you are stuffing Ragnarok into a closed cabinet, yeah.. don't. Without a remote control, I wouldn't imagine this would be done anyway.
Also, I don't experience the popping sound you describe while changing the volume with HD800s on any gain setting. I've been using GS-X mk2 on low gain (more volume control above channel imbalance range), and Ragnarok on high gain (no detectable difference in gain settings) due to sharing time with my speakers and not bothering to adjust the gain setting. With the excellent volume adjustment on the Ragnarok there's no channel imbalance with HD800s even on high gain, so no point to use anything else. I have also tested my Ultimate Ears Reference Monitors (in balanced mode, no less) and find it completely silent up to 100% volume on low gain. I've used a few headphones on the unbalanced output and find no buzzing.
Testing (with the ECP Black Diamond, also) is progressing. I should have sonic commentary this week.
edit: Also, you should post that review on the GS-X mk2 and rate it.
