I just ordered a Gemini for a bedroom rig. A Bugle Boy 6DJ8 will be one of my test tubes. I saw Lachlan's review and if anyone can clarify, does the 4-pin balanced XLR output the same power as the unbalanced 6.3mm output. Seemed that what he inferred. No difference in performance, just a different connector.
UPDATE: Confirmed with Andrew at Sparkos. Indeed, both output jacks deliver the same voltage....
I had both TT2 and MZ3 (and MZ2) myself. For my own taste, I prefer Qutest with a separate amp, but that's preference as the TT2 is overly smooth for me. As for MZ3, it's a great amp but I didn't find it a notable upgrade from MZ2. And it also broke on me. I wouldn't pay retail for it, that's for sure.
I just ordered a Gemini for a bedroom rig. A Bugle Boy 6DJ8 will be one of my test tubes. I saw Lachlan's review and if anyone can clarify, does the 4-pin balanced XLR output the same power as the unbalanced 6.3mm output. Seemed that what he inferred. No difference in performance, just a different connector.
It would be awesome to hear how the Gemini stacks up against the Aries. I heard the Aries at a local meet and I was super impressed with it. I would totally buy one but it’s in a price range I’m not really willing to jump into.
I had both TT2 and MZ3 (and MZ2) myself. For my own taste, I prefer Qutest with a separate amp, but that's preference as the TT2 is overly smooth for me. As for MZ3, it's a great amp but I didn't find it a notable upgrade from MZ2. And it also broke on me. I wouldn't pay retail for it, that's for sure.
That’s quite a nice lineup. I’m currently running a Chord Mojo 2 with a HeadAmp GS-X Mini. Its a nice combo … I’m really interested in getting into tubes but I don’t want to give up those SS technicalities I’ve gotten used to with the GSX.
The Gemini is intriguing because it’s a hybrid design and it only requires one tube to play with tube rolling.
I’m curious to see how this amp stacks up against SS amps in the $1K - $2K range.
To @Nostoi and to @Andrew Rieger : when I use the MOV A2900 (or Brimar CV455 Footscray) tube, jumper #2 set for low bias (in), gain set for low (button pushed in - more tube contribution), soundstage is great! No shallowness, two-dimensionality here!
That’s quite a nice lineup. I’m currently running a Chord Mojo 2 with a HeadAmp GS-X Mini. Its a nice combo … I’m really interested in getting into tubes but I don’t want to give up those SS technicalities I’ve gotten used to with the GSX.
The Gemini is intriguing because it’s a hybrid design and it only requires one tube to play with tube rolling.
I’m curious to see how this amp stacks up against SS amps in the $1K - $2K range.
I don't really consider myself a tube guy myself as I generally prefer the precision of SS performance. However, I had the Sparkos Aries before and loved the overall engineering and thought behind it. The only drawback for me was that it was rather large for my desk.
The nice thing about the Gemini is that you can basically tweak it to present a near SS presentation if desired. Even in tube mode, it still retains a fairly linear and accurate presentation on headphones such as HD800S.
I will probably connect the Gemini to an SS amp in the future via the RCA out for greater versatility. I had the Violectric HPA 222 beforehand and that would be a good combo. I'm thinking the new Austrian Audio Full Score amp would also work well.
I will probably connect the Gemini to an SS amp in the future via the RCA out for greater versatility. I had the Violectric HPA 222 beforehand and that would be a good combo. I'm thinking the new Austrian Audio Full Score amp would also work well.
To @Nostoi and to @Andrew Rieger : when I use the MOV A2900 (or Brimar CV455 Footscray) tube, jumper #2 set for low bias (in), gain set for low (button pushed in - more tube contribution), soundstage is great! No shallowness, two-dimensionality here!
I have not tried that (yet) in Gemini. I can say that in Woo Audio WA2, WA3, WA6 - where I use tube adapters - 12AT7 / ECC81 sound better than 6DJ8 / 6922 / 7308 / E88CC in every instance.
I have not tried that (yet) in Gemini. I can say that in Woo Audio WA2, WA3, WA6 - where I use tube adapters - 12AT7 / ECC81 sound better than 6DJ8 / 6922 / 7308 / E88CC in every instance.
@vonnie123 , when I first read about Gemini, and about its system of jumper setting for tube choice, for tube bias / contribution to sound mix, for input attenuation (if needed), I thought “Oh my! No adapters needed! A potential source of noise eliminated!” So far, I have not been disappointed - have been delighted, and with a variety of headphones. P.S., if you need / would like tube suggestions ….
@vonnie123 , when I first read about Gemini, and about its system of jumper setting for tube choice, for tube bias / contribution to sound mix, for input attenuation (if needed), I thought “Oh my! No adapters needed! A potential source of noise eliminated!” So far, I have not been disappointed - have been delighted, and with a variety of headphones. P.S., if you need / would like tube suggestions ….
Thanks. I’m open to your suggestions of what good tubes to roll are. I have a good stock of the Type 1 and Type 2 tubes. Mostly domestic stuff….GE, RCA, and Sylvania, but own a few europeans too.
Received my Sparkos Gemini today. Very nice headphone amp. Just using stock 6922 thusfar. Let it run all day. Listening to some 70s Steely Dan at the moment. Quite nice….
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