Top Shelf Solid State with HD800s

[twsmith]

As mentioned in the last post, I completely agree that what differences there appear to be between these 3 excellent amps will depend not only on listener preference per se but also the overall synergy between the various components in a particular system.  The gs-x mkII has always been regarded as a very transparent and neutral "wire with gain" amp that passes through unchanged whatever is fed to it.    DACs do differ in SQ and it may be that in this particular test, another DAC may have given somewhat different results.  This is certainly an enlightening and informative review, but one must consider that the "rankings" offered only really apply to the components used in this particular comparison.   I'm certainly still looking forward to receiving my gs-x mkII (I'm in the current batch), and should have a chance to hear for myself how this amp works in my own system.   

 

[Maxvla]

As mentioned in the review, I used 3 different DACs and 4 different headphones. Still, it is only my opinion.

 

[twsmith]

As mentioned in the review, I used 3 different DACs and 4 different headphones. Still, it is only my opinion.

 My apologies, but this was unclear to me -- I had the impression that the final "test" system only used one DAC.  I did notice that all 3 DACs were from the Matrix family.  I have no experience with them per se, but perhaps they share more similarities than differences (??).   Again personal preferences most likely trump everything else.   I appreciate the fact that your review was refreshingly critical.  

 

[screwdriver]

To be honest this puts a lot of gsx2 buyers in a bit of uncertainty because the poster has owned  a gsx2 for a while  and he has high praises for it . then comes this schiit ragnarok which is so much cheaper and less wait time and the poster prefers its sound to the gsx2,

 

[Maxvla]

 My apologies, but this was unclear to me -- I had the impression that the final "test" system only used one DAC.  I did notice that all 3 DACs were from the Matrix family.  I have no experience with them per se, but perhaps they share more similarities than differences (??).   Again personal preferences most likely trump everything else.   I appreciate the fact that your review was refreshingly critical.  

They are all Matrix, however all three use different DAC chips. I have reviewed them before finding significant differences.

 

[62ohm]

  To be honest this puts a lot of gsx2 buyers in a bit of uncertainty because the poster has owned  a gsx2 for a while  and he has high praises for it . then comes this schiit ragnarok which is so much cheaper and less wait time and the poster prefers its sound to the gsx2,

 
Well to me this brings quite a good news as now I know there is a worthy, potent (or should I say, omnipotent?) end-game amp that is actually affordable with MSRP of under $2k. I had been eyeing on getting the BHA-1 or Taurus Mk.2, but I guess none of them are a match for the Ragnarok..

 

[reddog]

A really nice review sir. I really like how you described the soundstage of the Ragnarok. It really does sound like my cup of tea and I need to order one soon.

 

[purk]

I really appreciate and respect Maxvla's honest take on this but I do feel that a better DAC can change the outcome of this comparison.  Never once that I've found my HD800 bright out of my GS-X MKII & NAD M51 combination.  In fact, I thought that the GS-X MKII is one of the most neutral sounding amplifier I've a pleasure of listening.  Please note that I am also quite familiar with the Matrix X-Sabre DAC and did preferred the sound of my NAD M51 in a direct comparison.  I sure hope to hear the Rag one day.  Thanks again for your review.    

 

[Dubstep Girl]

good review, interesting read will defnitely have to try the ragnarok out one day.
 
the GSX MK2 is still my SS reference and benchmark for now, alot of competition for the GSX though and soon there will be a few that are quite better than it.

 

[RedBull]

It's really a straightforward and easy to understand comparison. Thanks a lot for your effort.

Power factor aside, how would you say detail retrieval, vocal detail and vocal weight (fullness, body), out of Rag? By mean detail is not Grado style upper mid brightness but real fine transition gradient detail.

Is vocal sounds like close or far? For example, vocal sounds close with BCL but sounds further with Vali.

Thank you

 

[Tony1110]

Good to see that there are a few mainstream amps coming out that are capable of rivalling the GSX MKII. This is the first criticism I've read. Thought about buying it at one point but the year long wait and hefty price tag put me off. I went for the Violectric v281, but could just as easily have opted for the Master 9, Ragnorak, Taurus MKII etc.

 

[Tony1110]

Double post

 

[magiccabbage]

Good to see that there are a few mainstream amps coming out that are capable of rivalling the GSX MKII. This is the first criticism I've read. Thought about buying it at one point but the year long wait and hefty price tag put me off. I went for the Violectric v281, but could just as easily have opted for the Master 9, Ragnorak, Taurus MKII etc.

What is the V281 like? I have heard only good things so far

 

[Maxvla]

I really appreciate and respect Maxvla's honest take on this but I do feel that a better DAC can change the outcome of this comparison.  Never once that I've found my HD800 bright out of my GS-X MKII & NAD M51 combination.  In fact, I thought that the GS-X MKII is one of the most neutral sounding amplifier I've a pleasure of listening.  Please note that I am also quite familiar with the Matrix X-Sabre DAC and did preferred the sound of my NAD M51 in a direct comparison.  I sure hope to hear the Rag one day.  Thanks again for your review.    

Would you say the treble was significantly different between the X-Sabre and M51, then?

It's really a straightforward and easy to understand comparison. Thanks a lot for your effort.

Power factor aside, how would you say detail retrieval, vocal detail and vocal weight (fullness, body), out of Rag? By mean detail is not Grado style upper mid brightness but real fine transition gradient detail.

Is vocal sounds like close or far? For example, vocal sounds close with BCL but sounds further with Vali.

Thank you

I'd say vocal position is just right. Not too close like the Black Diamond could be, but not too far. Both the GS-X mk2 and Ragnarok have great vocal positions. As far as vocal quality I'd have to give an edge to the Black Diamond with Ragnarok just behind, though they are presented differently and will be a matter of taste.

 

[RedBull]

I have a feeling that M Stage would sound similar to lehmann bcl.
In your opoinion, do you say that Rag's vocal position of is further than M-Stage?