The Gilmore V2 is strongly projected as a "gutless" amplifier by sacdlover. I tend to agree that the bass of the V2 is a bit subdued compared to some other amps that I have heard - it is still quite tight and accurate on the bass without any unnecessary emphasis. The SDS was still weaker on the bass and I am surprised how sacdlover was able to praise the bass of the Supra SDS amplifiers when the bass of the V2, which is clearly better in the bass spectrum, was found inadequate
The gilmore v2 you have is upgraded correct? I had a stock v2 and compared it directly to a gilmore v1 on the same identical setup for weeks. The v2 is indeed lean sounding in the bass in comparison and ultimately to lean for my tastes period. Maybe your mods helped the amp but I also owned the V2-SE with upgraded caps and it was to lean sounding to me as well. The v1 had better bass than the v2 or v2-se in my set up period. The v1 is still with me and the other two have new owners.
Moving on to the SDS, I have heard the 6sn7 based SDS at length three times. The bass on that amp was center of the earth deep. Furthermore, Tom Hankins, whose SDS it was I listened to, also had a gilmore v1. The same v1 that I had already determined had much better bass than the v2. I, again, could compare the amps directly, and there was no comparison. The SDS was faster, more extended and had bass slam like no other amp I had heard; atleast until the supra 6cg7 tube rectified prototype came along. Given these amps take so long to break in that would be my guess as to why you find this so. I own two mpx3's and neither of those amps is as detailed(another comment you made)as the SDS, nor as powerful in the low bass as Tom's SDS. The supra I have is tube rectified and uses 6cg7tubes. This prototype amp has a warmer and more powerful sounding midbass and warmer tonality in general vs Tom's SDS, but nowhere near the bass extension. The v1 I have had for two years now always had more powerful and dynamic bass than the v2 or v2-se and this was always instantly recognizable.
Why the differing conclusions? Using one song and a few hours listening time wont begin to let you understand the SDS, especially if its not broken in. Nor will a one time/ first time comparison with an amp thats relatively new even to you. You really should hear the SDS amp in a few months once its fully broke in. I sometimes feel you reach your conclusions to quickly based on insufficient information. You are certainly entitled to do so, but understand that listening to an amp over many months or especially years time will reveal what is only hinted at in these short auditions. I guess I am surprised you would want to question my opinion when my opinion is based on countless more hours listening, detailed comparisons with these amps in identical set ups, ongoing optimization and a broader ownership and sampling of the amps in question(v1/v2/v2-se/ ppx3-v1/ ppx3-v2/mpx3 old chassis/ mpx3 new chassis/supra /SDS).
Now remember I said surprised; not angry
, hurt,
confused,
offended,
revengful
etc. etc. I am basically answering your question of how we have conflicting opinions. Simply put, I think if you spent more time evaluating the amps in question more comprehensively your opinion would likely evolve and change. Please dont take offense because none is intended. We have differing opinions; nothing more nothing less.
