New HeadAmp Modules (for GS-1 and GS-X) Beta Test Program Announcement

[justin]

New amplification modules from HeadAmp are coming soon. What I expect will be the final prototypes should be ready in a few weeks. At that time, I'd like to have a limited beta program to allow current GS-1 owners to try the new modules in their own system.

If you own a GS-1 and are interested, post here or email me at justin@headamp.com.

I will update this post later with a detailed FAQ about the modules.

Thanks,
Justin

[sacd lover]

Yoo hoo ... I am interested. Will you do my GS-1 please, pretty please.

[akwok]

What's in these modules? Any specifics?

How will it sound compared to the current Gilmore modules in the GS-1?

[n_maher]

What's in these modules? Any specifics?

How will it sound compared to the current Gilmore modules in the GS-1?

I will update this post later with a detailed FAQ about the modules.

[akwok]

Just want to verify that it gets answered in the FAQ,

[Post]

If there's any plans for the new AE-1 module, consider me for a beta too!

[justin]

To answer Akwok's questions...

What's in these modules? Any specifics?

This is an all-new module designed in-house. It will be the first non-Gilmore amplification circuitry I have offered in a home amp. It is a 100% discrete design, real Class A circuit. The output consists of a pair of Hitachi MOSFETs designed for audio -- good for a substantial couple of watts in this circuit.


How will it sound compared to the current Gilmore modules in the GS-1?

If I had a marketing guy, he'd probably be telling me to say that there is "no comparison" between my new modules and the Gilmore circuit or to throw out some juicy words that audiophiles will eat up. I'm not going to do that. I've done plenty of comparisons between my module design and other designs to know that I have created a very solid product. Out of respect for Kevin's work, that's about as far as I will go here.

The reality is, if you've ever tried an A/B switch test between two amplifiers and you couldn't tell the difference, the same will probably hold true with my new design. An exception is with the AKG K1000, where there is a very noticeable difference in the A/B test especially in bass response - the power output of the new module is definitely needed here. I am far from owning every headphone in the world, so there are likely other similar differences waiting to be heard.

It's important to me to continue offering discrete designs, which I feel separate my products from most of the others on the market. It also gives me the peace of mind to know I've done all I can to create the best sounding amp within my abilities.

[ojnihs]

Sound great, thanks Justin. I'm looking into buying a GS-1 sometime soon, so I'll be in touch.

Nice avatar, it's cute.

[TheSloth]

Are you planning to take this design into your Gilmore Lite (which I assume would no longer be a 'Gilmore' anything)?

What do you plan to charge for these new modules, and are they user changeable?

Are they your personal design, or do you have a design team, or are they based on previous designs, such as your Gilmore Dynamic implimentation?

Always been curious about your amps.

[justin]

Sloth,

Are you planning to take this design into your Gilmore Lite (which I assume would no longer be a 'Gilmore' anything)?

The Gilmore Lite will still be for sale, as is. However, when the time comes, I will design a new home amp at that price point to replace the Gilmore Lite. I don't know at this time whether that amp would be based on the new module design, or another new circuit. But it would absolutely be based on one of my own designs.

What do you plan to charge for these new modules, and are they user changeable?

I will likely charge something like $199 for the GS-1 and $299 for the GS-X (which requires twice as many modules), but this is not definite. They will become standard on the new amps. They can be changed easily. The module boards are socketed and also secured by 2 small phillips-head screws.

Are they your personal design, or do you have a design team, or are they based on previous designs, such as your Gilmore Dynamic implimentation?

This is my personal design and HeadAmp is a one-man shop. The design is based on previous experiences and knowledge, other designs through research, and what I have learned during the design process. Work on the new module design began last November.

[Tyll Hertsens]

Nice to see you in a post, Justin. Congets on the new amp design, I look forward to hearing it at a meet somewhere along the line. If you don't mind me asking a question: What are the power supply rail voltages you are running?

[justin]

Nice to see you in a post, Justin. Congets on the new amp design, I look forward to hearing it at a meet somewhere along the line. If you don't mind me asking a question: What are the power supply rail voltages you are running?

The amplifiers have already been built for +/- 16.4V, so the modules are designed around these voltages.

[Ben Gramain]

Would it be possible to order the GS-X with the Gilmore and the new modules?

[justin]

Would it be possible to order the GS-X with the Gilmore and the new modules?

Ben,

It would depend on whether or not I still have Gilmore module boards left when the new modules are ready. I don't intend to offer both...so..."while supplies last"

[boodi]

justin
is the new modules' Gs-x ( balanced ) going to cost same as the Gs-x that's on sale now

[justin]

justin
is the new modules' Gs-x ( balanced ) going to cost same as the Gs-x that's on sale now

boodi,

I will not be increasing the price of the GS-1 or GS-X, or any amp that uses the modules. I will say though that each of these modules costs at least 3x as much to build, not including any of the R&D costs which have included 4 prototype runs and a lot of work.

[boodi]

that's nice things to know

[Salt Peanuts]

Woohoo! I've been looking forward to this! I'll be impatiently waiting for their release so I can try them out with my K1000's.

[elnero]

I mentioned it before but I'll post here and send you an email as well, I'm definately interested in beta testing the new modules.

[bhd812]

Justin put me down for some of the gilmore Modules before you run dry..I will pay the cost also.

can you compare (with respect to both of course..) the highs or the overall sound between the two? what were you aiming for as far as sonics off headamp's modules that would differ from the gilmore sound?
mosfets? are those the thingys used in the m3 design?...dumb question I know but I firgure I ask..to lazy to look it up..lol

have you done any pre amp listening with the new modules or just all headphone use when designing them?

thanx...