SparkoS Labs Gemini Headphone Amp

[godmax]

SparkoS Labs Gemini Headphone Amp
Hybrid tube amplifier

RCA Inputs RCA Preamp Outputs ¼” Headphone Output 4 Pin XLR Headphone Output Alps Blue Velvet Volume Control Sparkos Labs SS2590 Discrete OPA Output Stage Sparkos Labs Discrete Voltage Regulators Zero Global Feedback No Capacitors In The Signal Path 6922 Vacuum Tube Front-End Allows For Tube Rolling User Adjustable Tube Bias point The Amount Of “Tube Sound” Is User Controllable Tube Heater Soft Start 40 second Tube Warm-Up Delay

User Gain Control Button User Selectable Input Attenuator Of -15dB DC Protection For The Headphone Outputs Very Low Output Impedance < .25 ohms High Damping Factor 10Hz – 100KHz Frequency Response Gain Of 12dB (Low Gain) And 21.5dB (High Gain) Unloaded Cross Talk >100dB @ 1KHz Power Out 2 Watts Max @ 32Ohms Power Out 750mW Max @300 Ohms 15V Peak Output Voltage 250mA Peak Output Current THD 0.1% - 1.5% Depending On Settings 9” Wide, 6” Deep, 2.5” Tall 120 / 240 VAC Operation

Link: https://sparkoslabs.com/gemini-headphone-amp/

 

[godmax]

This marvelous headphone amplifier really deserves it own thread!

 

[godmax]

Working my way up the food chain (sort of), so far I used the Gemini with Dan Clark Aeon 2 Closed, Kennerton Rögnir Dynamic and the venerable Fostex TH-909!
I'm currently using the Questyle Fifteen as my DAC (until the Eversolo DMP-A8 arrives) and I'm very happy with the combo so far.

Gemini initial impressions so far:

• very solid build with a little DIY charm
• power button on the front - as it should be
• very good output power (not yet above 9' o'clock with my headphones)
• SS2590 discrete OPA output stage paired with tube seems to be the perfect symbiosis
• the A2C has never sounded so good with any other headphone amplifier, whether tube or solid state
• the TH909 is also at the absolute top level of reproduction

 

[Nostoi]

SS2590 discrete OPA output stage paired with tube seems to be the perfect symbiosis

Can only agree with your impressions. I'm using it with Qutest and the pair is the perfect balance of dynamics and sweetness. Compact size ideal for my needs; build very sturdy and impressive; every exchange with Sparkos - a joy.

Favorite pairings so far HD800s, 600ohm DT990, and likely by far Rognir planr. Just marvellous.

I was thinking about DCA Noire this myself. Interesting to read they pair nicely with Gemini - maybe I'll revisit. Also curious about Liric, another headphone I sold some time back. I'd imagine that's also quite a good pairing?

 

[godmax]

Can only agree with your impressions. I'm using it with Qutest and the pair is the perfect balance of dynamics and sweetness. Compact size ideal for my needs; build very sturdy and impressive; every exchange with Sparkos - a joy.

Favorite pairings so far HD800s, 600ohm DT990, and likely by far Rognir planr. Just marvellous.

I was thinking about DCA Noire this myself. Interesting to read they pair nicely with Gemini - maybe I'll revisit. Also curious about Liric, another headphone I sold some time back. I'd imagine that's also quite a good pairing?

Using the Qutest seems like a very obvious choice to me, as there aren't that many quality (modern) single-ended DACs left on the market (was and still considering it myself)!
Being a heavy headphone hoarder™ I still have not tried the my Liric or Rögnir Planar yet, the queue is too long
I bet the Noire (=A2C with the perforated pads) is at least worth a try for you (along with the Liric).

 

[Lenin Reddy]

Working my way up the food chain (sort of), so far I used the Gemini with Dan Clark Aeon 2 Closed, Kennerton Rögnir Dynamic and the venerable Fostex TH-909!
I'm currently using the Questyle Fifteen as my DAC (until the Eversolo DMP-A8 arrives) and I'm very happy with the combo so far.

Gemini initial impressions so far:

• very solid build with a little DIY charm
• power button on the front - as it should be
• very good output power (not yet above 9' o'clock with my headphones)
• SS2590 discrete OPA output stage paired with tube seems to be the perfect symbiosis
• the A2C has never sounded so good with any other headphone amplifier, whether tube or solid state
• the TH909 is also at the absolute top level of reproduction

Hi , how does the Gemini amp sound compared to xduoo you have

 

[godmax]

Hi , how does the Gemini amp sound compared to xduoo you have

Now - as expected - the Gemini is the better amplifier, no question. Nevertheless, the price-performance ratio of the xDuoo TA-22 is still excellent, as the device also includes a DAC (overall build and look-and-feel might also be slightly in favor of the xDuoo). The Sparkos output stage delivers more punch in the lower bass regions with a clear and wide soundstage, while the xDuoo tends to have a slight boost in the mid and upper bass regions while being slightly less holographic (all with stock tubes, can vary with diffent tubes for sure).

 

[Lenin Reddy]

Now - as expected - the Gemini is the better amplifier, no question. Nevertheless, the price-performance ratio of the xDuoo TA-22 is still excellent, as the device also includes a DAC (overall build and look-and-feel might also be slightly in favor of the xDuoo). The Sparkos output stage delivers more punch in the lower bass regions with a clear and wide soundstage, while the xDuoo tends to have a slight boost in the mid and upper bass regions while being slightly less holographic (all with stock tubes, can vary with diffent tubes for sure).

Thanks for the information

 

[godmax]

Next in line: ZMF Verite Closed (Koa) - the Gemini really takes the VC to the next level! I prefer this particular pairing even to my Cayin HA-3A + DAC11

 

[jonathan c]

I had to join Gemini ‘lift-off’ !! Head-Fi, we do not have a problem ….. Audio Magic M-1 fuse, also, is on the way ….. ECC81, ECC82, ECC88, 6922, 7308, 12AT7, 12AU7 ….. are standing by

 

[godmax]

[even if I can't agree with everything he states]​

 

[Lenin Reddy]

[even if I can't agree with everything he states]​

Hey is there anything you don't agree with or found different with your experience ?

 

[jonathan c]

Sparkos Gemini is being readied for use. The stock fuse (T 200 mA) is replaced by Audio Magic M-1 (T 250 mA); the stock 6922 (Electro-Harmonix) is replaced by Brimar CV455 KB/FB (Footscray, 1956); jumper #1 is set for tube ‘Type 2’ (includes 12AT7); jumper #2 is set for ‘In / Low Bias’ (more tube contribution to tube-opamp mix).

 

[jonathan c]

PS — the above took place during a boring as sh#t conference call (WFH) … …

 

[tommo21]

Just ordered the Gemini today. I can't wait to get back into tubes....good I never got rid of my stash Got close to 100 of these tubes. (along with a few others as well)Also some holy grail ones. Funnily I quite enjoy some of the russian ones the most.