Top 5 SS amps - here we go again!

[Fickle-Friend]

Hiya all,

Well I've been away from the scene for a few years now, could I have a quick run down of the top 5 rated SS amps (I know these get done over and over again) here so I can exercise the search feature on them.

I feel the urge to exercise my wallet.

 

[LeChuck]

I have to put my Headcode TRIAD in there, but it's not available yet. Headamp GS-X, Beta22, Dynamight (hard to find these days), RSA Apache.

 

[Bob Jones]

LeChuck,
What about the blue circle sbh or the headline 2.Anything new news on the triad

 

[vcoheda]

maybe something like this, all balanced

- Beta22
- RSA Apache
- Rudistor RPX100
- HeadAmp GSX
- HeadRoom Balanced Desktop/Home/Max

 

[LeChuck]

Forgot to mention the HR Max, it's one hell of an amp.

 

[johnsonad]

Here are a few that I have time with in order of my favorite.

RSA Apache
Beta 22
Rudistor RP010
Headamp GSX
?????

They all have differences and I was surprised at how much in auditioning all of them before purchasing. The Apache fit my needs the best but I enjoyed each of the others listed.

 

[grawk]

TooleAudio Balanced Mosfet Amplifier
HeadRoom Balanced Max
HeadAmp GS-X
Balanced B22

Those are the best 4 balanced solid state amps I've heard. Nothing else I've heard really comes close.

 

[greenhorn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by grawk /img/forum/go_quote.gif TooleAudio Balanced Mosfet Amplifier HeadRoom Balanced Max HeadAmp GS-X Balanced B22 Those are the best 4 balanced solid state amps I've heard. Nothing else I've heard really comes close.

What about the Gilmore Reference? The manufacturer himself said that it sounds "similar" to the GS-X:

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/4116715-post6.html

 

[grawk]

I'm sure it sounds good, I haven't heard it

 

[JamesL]

Did headamp manufacture the gilmore reference at one time, or are you referring to the diy version - aka balanced dynalo?

afaik, I remember justin saying that the gs-1 and gs-x doesn't use Keven Gilmore's design, so unless I'm wrong, the gs-x and the reference should sound noticeably different...

though.. looking at the pictures, the internals say "gilmore module" ... so maybe it is the same design?
If it is, the difference is in the power supply, build, feature set, and maybe components/implementation.

 

[grawk]

all current gs-1s and gs-xs use gilmore designed modules. The Gilmore Reference was justin's previous amp based on the balanced dynalo.

 

[Sceptre]

I have to say that the Graham Slee Solo MC meets many of my needs.

SS designed and built in the UK- drives my HD600 better than many others. I even heard that Senn used the solo to dem the HD650 at a UK show.

Gets my vote.

Regards
Sceptre

 

[drlee27]

The latest offering from Singlepower (ie. The Transparency) should be one of the best.

 

[penger]

Haven't heard anything about that one... got any additional info about it drlee?