The HeadAmp GS-X and GS-X MK2 Thread

[BobG55]

 

  The GSX is major improvement over the Hugo amp sonics. You can just feel the power (and the delicacy, detail, and finesse) of the sound at the same time. 
The Hugo amp can play loud enough, but it does not have the spaciousness and image definition and bloom of the GSX/2. 
 
I'm sort of retracting my comments earlier of the GSX and the HD800 now that I've done more listening with more material. For whatever reason, there is more silkiness in vocals,
not fully tube like, but still sweet and not raspy like I have heard with other amps driving the 800s. And I do find myself now all caught up in the GSX/HD800 combo's insight and openness. I do still prefer the Ether and Audeze, but the HD800 now has its own charms and validity with the GSX. The GSX seems to have no real coloration and highlights the differences between the phones. So I highly recommend the Hugo/GSX-2 combination's sonics.

How much better is the GSX-2 over the Taurus MK2? 

If I may, I had the Taurus MK2, which is an excellent HP amp; the GS-X mk2 is just so much more balanced, clearer & as a fellow Head-fi member told me, "effortless" which I think is the perfect adjective to describe this amp.  The Taurus' soundstage was deeper but the mids were somewhat, not lost but a bit blurred at times.  Not so with the GS-X.  Depending on the production of the albums I listen to I'll adjust the Gain (H or M) & Volume (DACT) accordingly. The three HPs I've used so far w/the GS-X are the HD800 & HD600/650 in balanced mode all with superb results. One thing I try to remember when I listen to this amp : because the amp is so clear and balanced if the song I'm listening to has many different instruments along with background vocals I have to really listen attentively because nothing is coloured so all of the sounds flow (effortless) through and I try not to focus on anything specific which, for me anyways, can be difficult at times.  Nevertheless this amp is the best one I've heard/owned so far.  I know I haven't elaborated that much on the Taurus MK2 or really compared both but  it's not one of my strong points.  I just hope I've helped somewhat. 
 
***Edit*** BTW if you're thinking of getting the Taurus MKII by all means go ahead, some consider it to be an "end game" amp & I would agree with them.  As a matter of fact I wouldn't be surprised that some may prefer the Taurus MKII over the GS-X MK2.  There really isn't that much difference quality wise and then one has to take into account personal taste.  The Taurus is an exceptional amp IMHO.

 

[RUMAY408]

 
If I may, I had the Taurus MK2, which is an excellent HP amp; the GS-X mk2 is just so much more balanced, clearer & as a fellow Head-fi member told me, "effortless" which I think is the perfect adjective to describe this amp.  The Taurus' soundstage was deeper but the mids were somewhat, not lost but a bit blurred at times.  Not so with the GS-X.  Depending on the production of the albums I listen to I'll adjust the Gain (H or M) & Volume (DACT) accordingly. The three HPs I've used so far w/the GS-X are the HD800 & HD600/650 in balanced mode all with superb results. One thing I try to remember when I listen to this amp : because the amp is so clear and balanced if the song I'm listening to has many different instruments along with background vocals I have to really listen attentively because nothing is coloured so all of the sounds flow (effortless) through and I try not to focus on anything specific which, for me anyways, can be difficult at times.  Nevertheless this amp is the best one I've heard/owned so far.  I know I haven't elaborated that much on the Taurus MK2 or really compared both but  it's not one of my strong points.  I just hope I've helped somewhat. 
 
***Edit*** BTW if you're thinking of getting the Taurus MKII by all means go ahead, some consider it to be an "end game" amp & I would agree with them.  As a matter of fact I wouldn't be surprised that some may prefer the Taurus MKII over the GS-X MK2.  There really isn't that much difference quality wise and then one has to take into account personal taste.  The Taurus is an exceptional amp IMHO.

I just bought the GSX-MK2 I own the HD800 and LCD-3F and after a ridiculously long amount of time and research (1 Year) feel this is one of the few amps that might work with both HP's.
I expect to get the amp on Friday or Sat. and will post impressions

 

[xphynance]

Just got my GS-X mk2 today, I am surprised that it sounds sweet out of the box, my primitive impressions are: the imaging is top notch, well defined bass with a lot of energy, mid-range purity is great, and beauuuuuuuutiful highs, which is very natural, revealing and airy. This is an overall transparent and balanced amp that brings things alive.
Just some pics from my cellphone

 

 

 

 

[twsmith]

Congratulations -- I entirely agree with your impressions of the GSX MkII.   However, noting your set-up shown in the photos, I'm concerned about 2 things -- first, you have chosen to stack the 2 modules which is is not recommended by Justin, otherwise you risk some hum being introduced by the power supply. However perhaps more concerning (and not unrelated to the first) is that you have allowed very little ventilation space for the units, which will be exacerbated by stacking and by the fact that that only the front of the shelving appears to be open.   Both pieces will generate some heat, and the amp module in particular can get quite warm.   I would suggest physically separating the 2 modules on different shelves, which would also give you a little more space around the modules for better air circulation.   

 

[icebear]

+1
The first commandment of GSX-Mk2 ownership:
You shall not stack!
 
Otherwise I totally agree with you impression.
Besides all the positive individual aspects to mention something, what sums it up is : completely relaxed music
You forget about the equipment because the music is just there.
It seems there is nothing between you and the performance, positively fascinating.
Enjoy, welcome to the club.

 

[rgs9200m]

I just tested the GSX2 briefly as a pre-amp, but it does sound excellent to me, on a par (from memory) with a some high end solid state preamps from Mark Levinson and Jeff Rowland I used to own (and better than a Placette passive I had for a short while).
Has anyone else tried it as a preamp and formed impressions?

 

[Solude]

Excellent preamp, as it should be given the design.

 

[RUMAY408]

I'm expecting the GS-X MK2 tomorrow, outside of no stacking any other ideas regarding setup?
 
I'm currently going to use the OPPO BDP-105 balanced out for CD, SACD, & Blu-Ray audio,
and or the Meier Audio DACCORD for computer audio 

 

[icebear]

  I just tested the GSX2 briefly as a pre-amp, but it does sound excellent to me, on a par (from memory) with a some high end solid state preamps from Mark Levinson and Jeff Rowland I used to own (and better than a Placette passive I had for a short while).
Has anyone else tried it as a preamp and formed impressions?

Positive, I used a Luminous Audio Axxiom II passive-pre before and while being an incredible value, yes the GSX-MkII is another level - but at almost 20x the price.
If I didn't have the GSX-Mk2 in direct comparision, I would have been fine with the little Axxiom, that says a lot. Power amp btw is a First Watt M2.

 

[Hi Rez]

  I just tested the GSX2 briefly as a pre-amp, but it does sound excellent to me, on a par (from memory) with a some high end solid state preamps from Mark Levinson and Jeff Rowland I used to own (and better than a Placette passive I had for a short while).
Has anyone else tried it as a preamp and formed impressions?

Agree with the comparison to the Placette.  I recently got around to comparing my Placette Passive Line Stage to my GS-X Mk2, and the GS-X Mk2 was a significant upgrade.  As a pre, the GS-X Mk2 was much more transparent, and dynamics were also improved.  

 

[rgs9200m]

Thanks for the comments Hirez and Icebear and Solude. Yeah, I've never had much luck with passives (I tried a few after all the hype on these and sold them), finding actives much better. But I was surprised to find the imaging, power, and refinement and life I heard from the GSX2 when I thought the preamp function was just secondary, and like I said, maybe even better than preamps that had list prices  north of $8K (I had bought them used). I don't own these anymore, but I vividly remember my impressions of them. And I just have the Alpha volume control in the GSX2. 
I think those Audiogon guys (if they could live w/o a remote, which doesn't bother me I've found) should hear this thing before they spend 10 grand. And they could get a fine headphone amp for free along with it!
It's a real sleeper bargain in the preamp world.

 

[preproman]

  I'm expecting the GS-X MK2 tomorrow, outside of no stacking any other ideas regarding setup?
 
I'm currently going to use the OPPO BDP-105 balanced out for CD, SACD, & Blu-Ray audio,
and or the Meier Audio DACCORD for computer audio 

I've had two different GS-X mk2s - Stacked both of them.  I say if your space requires you to stack.  Give it a try.  No saying hum isn't there.  I have yet to hear any on any headphone and or DAC combo I've used with it.  
 
I will continue to stack until I hear a hum.  By the looks of things, I will never hear a hum..
 
Currently I have the GS-X mk2 stacked on top of my Bricasti M1 DAC.

 

[nepherte]

 
I've had two different GS-X mk2s - Stacked both of them.  I say if your space requires you to stack.  Give it a try.  No saying hum isn't there.  I have yet to hear any on any headphone and or DAC combo I've used with it.  
 
I will continue to stack until I hear a hum.  By the looks of things, I will never hear a hum..
 
Currently I have the GS-X mk2 stacked on top of my Bricasti M1 DAC.

I agree with the above. If you want to stack the GS-X, then simply try it. If you hear humming, then you're out of luck. If you don't hear any humming at all, then great. In my case, I stacked them on top of each other and didn't hear a thing. I don't stack any other component beneath or above the GS-X like prepoman though. Putting something on top of the GS-X, will block the ventilation holes completely. Now that is a bad idea...

 

[Asr]

The stacking subject, again?
 
No one should be stacking the GS-X MK2 period. The audibility of the power transformer hum is irrelevant. It's stated in the manual that you shouldn't stack the amp & PSU, doesn't anyone read manuals anymore? And blocking the ventilation on either unit could shorten the lifespan of whichever unit is blocked, as excessive heat can easily kill electronics. You won't ever "see" the effect of heat build-up (unless you use thermal imaging), but it's definitely there and is a real issue on everything from audio amplifiers to computers....

 

[preproman]

Speak for your self period.  I stack if I want to.  and I do period.  
 
The manual says "Stacking the amplifier on top of the power supply is not recommended"  and goes on the say "Never stack the pose supply on top of the amplifier" 
 
Recommendation noted:  However, this works for me.