The GS-X mk2 continues to amaze me. I have several other high-end amps/preamps controlled by xlr switches for various configurations, but the GS-X mk2 is always at the end of the chain, the one I go to when I need a lot of power. It definitely has more clean power than other amps in its price range. Like the RME, it‘s one of those rare “good values.”
The HeadAmp GS-X and GS-X MK2 Thread
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Joined the club today and I’m seriously impressed with this amp. Some quick impressions and comparisons of the GS-X MK2 with my other two amps the Luxman P-750u and Formula S/Powerman. The Luxman has more bass, more weight to its sound. You can definitely hear the Luxman "flavor" and what it's adding to the music in comparison to the GS-X MK2. The Luxman has a tube-like smoothness, lushness to the sound making it a lot different from the sound of the GS-X MK2. It’s dynamic and powerful but it’s not as crisp and lively as the GS-X MK2.
The Formula S almost matches the GS-X MK2's openness and other sonic traits. It adds a hint of musical warmth and a slightly weighty sound. I thought both the Luxman and Formula S amps had a bit more meat on the bones compared to the highly neutral and transparent GS-X MK2. I’m finding out this is not really the case. When I pair the GS-X with my HE-R10P’s the dynamic ability of the GS-X MK2 comes into play. There is indeed some heft and weight to its sound. It’s cleaner and faster than both my other amps. The GS-X MK2's also easily maintains the Dave's resolve and transparency and this is why I bought it. It's perfect in that regard. I simply love its dynamics, transient speed, and snappiness. I’m loving it so far
The Formula S almost matches the GS-X MK2's openness and other sonic traits. It adds a hint of musical warmth and a slightly weighty sound. I thought both the Luxman and Formula S amps had a bit more meat on the bones compared to the highly neutral and transparent GS-X MK2. I’m finding out this is not really the case. When I pair the GS-X with my HE-R10P’s the dynamic ability of the GS-X MK2 comes into play. There is indeed some heft and weight to its sound. It’s cleaner and faster than both my other amps. The GS-X MK2's also easily maintains the Dave's resolve and transparency and this is why I bought it. It's perfect in that regard. I simply love its dynamics, transient speed, and snappiness. I’m loving it so far
K3cT
Headphoneus Supremus
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The GS-X MK2 is very, very impressive especially with its speed, super clean and open, muscular sound but I am just a bit unsure about its aggressive nature that seems to emphasize upper mid / low treble oddities of your headphone. I am currently pairing it with the Focal Utopia and on certain tracks with female vocal or sax the presentation can be a bit too much.
It's just a minor niggle though. I read from other site about how the MK2 has a "sandpaper"-like high which I don't find to be the case here at all. The treble is highly resolving.
It's just a minor niggle though. I read from other site about how the MK2 has a "sandpaper"-like high which I don't find to be the case here at all. The treble is highly resolving.
Oddly enough, the GS-X MK2 is not my favorite pairing for the Utopia's. I like them more on my Luxman, which is much more musical and warmish.
kahkityoong
100+ Head-Fier
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I find the mini to be a better match with the Utopia due to this issue.
whirlwind
Headphoneus Supremus
nice....congrats.....looks great in red.Joined the club today and I’m seriously impressed with this amp. Some quick impressions and comparisons of the GS-X MK2 with my other two amps the Luxman P-750u and Formula S/Powerman. The Luxman has more bass, more weight to its sound. You can definitely hear the Luxman "flavor" and what it's adding to the music in comparison to the GS-X MK2. The Luxman has a tube-like smoothness, lushness to the sound making it a lot different from the sound of the GS-X MK2. It’s dynamic and powerful but it’s not as crisp and lively as the GS-X MK2.
The Formula S almost matches the GS-X MK2's openness and other sonic traits. It adds a hint of musical warmth and a slightly weighty sound. I thought both the Luxman and Formula S amps had a bit more meat on the bones compared to the highly neutral and transparent GS-X MK2. I’m finding out this is not really the case. When I pair the GS-X with my HE-R10P’s the dynamic ability of the GS-X MK2 comes into play. There is indeed some heft and weight to its sound. It’s cleaner and faster than both my other amps. The GS-X MK2's also easily maintains the Dave's resolve and transparency and this is why I bought it. It's perfect in that regard. I simply love its dynamics, transient speed, and snappiness. I’m loving it so far
Whazzzup
Headphoneus Supremus
I put that GSX MK2 Sh%t on everything
What DAC(s) are you using with the MKII? Is it just the Dave? I'm only curious because I'm taking a deep look at this amp it's in my top 3.
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To the group,
I read in the manual that you should not stack the psu and amp? Is this a best practice recommendation, or a necessity? What are the complications if one did stack?
Sorry to spam I should have condensed my questions.
I read in the manual that you should not stack the psu and amp? Is this a best practice recommendation, or a necessity? What are the complications if one did stack?
Sorry to spam I should have condensed my questions.
I only own the GS-X mini not the mk2 so I don’t know from first hand experience but looking at the internals looks like the power supply box has dual toroidal transformers in it. Which shoot most of their stray field up/down. So it makes some sense that separating the two would be best.
Whazzzup
Headphoneus Supremus
I stack them, no issues except if you want high gain. I use medium gain. in high gain you need separation to prevent a slight humm. here my set up with TT
It may depend on power line condition of your location… I also get a 60Hz hum when I stack so I have it separated. I remember some people had success using mu metal shielding few years ago.
K3cT
Headphoneus Supremus
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I am currently pairing the it with the Sonic Frontiers SFD-2. It's already slightly on the warm side.
Thank you all for your thoughts regarding "stacking" the GS-X MKII - much appreciated and also confirming what I suspected. I was just hoping. I'll have to take another look and determine if I'm ready to commit to a complete rearrange of my headphone listening area and investing in a rack.
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