Headphone Amplification

Am I late to the party? https://www.massdrop.com/buy/headamp-gilmore-lite-mk2-headphone-amp It's pretty cute, I regret not grabbing a mk1 unit over all these years. I like the knob!

Received her Wednesday afternoon and we've been getting along just fine so far! Like a lot of my favorite gear, its sonic presentation was unexpected at first and took some getting used to. This happened with the L3000, Qualia, and my vinyl rig - often it takes several listens to really get a handle of whether something so new is truly going to be wonderful in the long run. The one exception would be my SDS, which was pretty much love at first listen. I'm still in that evaluation period with the Zana Deux, but it's already bestowed some truly magical listening sessions and several spine-chilling instances. What got me about the Zana was how it's unlike other tube amp…

Well this just arrived and as is our fashion, it has not been plugged in at all before I rip it apart. I'm having some camera issues (bloody Lightroom) so not as many as I'd like. Now first off why this belongs on a trashpile... here is the output: It's a pain to get a camera to focus between the transformers so I ended up grabbing the phone. Those are the ballast resistors, two 1M units in series and one 3M3 unit, all in 1206 package so likely 150V rated. Yeah no... just no, this is not good enough!! It gets worse though... It's a shit angle but here is how the transformers connect to the output socket: Now do you notice any parts on this PCB e…

Check it out, people! (click the pic) Not yet named officially but called the WES (Woo ElectroStatic) for now.

I just bought the SR-009 which should be here soon. I have resisted buying them forever because I never really warmed up to its sound signature when I have listened to them, even via Blue Hawaii SE. Yes, I am a lover of single-ended triode (mostly 2A3 and 45) sound. I don't listen to stuff with lots of bass of dynamic jump, so these days I'm happy listening to my Stax O2 MkI, Senn HE-60 (woody), and HE Audio 'stat via Stax transformer with my 2A3 SET or EL84 sigle-ended pentode speaker amps. SR-009 should be easier to drive than O2, so that's good, but obviously, a dedicated 'stat amp will be needed at some point. Blue Hawaii SE, hopefully with some tube, cab…

Well, the Curse of the CanJam has claimed another victim. After being banned from the meet, Mikhail seems to have jinxed the SinglePower amps in attendance. First Neil's, now my SDS-XLR is dead. I really hope that Andy's amps are not next. Have you checked the amps? I set it up yesterday for the first time since CanJam and had a very strange incident where the left channel did not seem to be working on the K1K and then I switched in my K701 with Black Dragon and the left channel was still out. I swapped the driver tubes and still no left channel. Even though the left channel had been out on two cans, I decided to double check and swapped left and right and th…

As usual I'm at a disadvantage as I never seem to be in the right place to hear the gear I'm interested in. I've pretty much ruled out tube amps (yes, they sound wonderful) due to the placement of the amp in conjunction with where i sit. It's a heat issue. So solid state it is. Wondering if anyone here has has the pleasure of listening to both of these fine amps and can share their respective strengths/weaknesses. YES, I know the GSX can accomodate balanced cans. Yep, I realize alot of folks have not heard the P1. If it matters I'll be feeding it with the Bel Canto Dac3. Any other options I should be considering at this price point? BTW, I know I can order bo…

So, I'll start. What's the deal with the 4 pin connection, and slew rates being improved? Is it by virtue simply of the 4-wire connection, or is it a byproduct of having the two transformers as well? Does it have the same virtues of a balanced setup as far as greater separation and less crosstalk? Please feel free to wax on to a non technical type, I'm here to learn. Do I need to consider a ZDT rather than a ZD if I have no plans to run speakers off the amp?

I missed this. Appears to be on sale at Audio Advisor now for $1295. 3-pin and 4-pin balanced out seems cool. Haven't read the specs yet. I assume it has that Canadian sound. BHA1_BROCHURE.pdf

I assume others have been following the O2 amp, though I haven't been able to find it discussed here. After a fair amount of reading, I've become interested enough that I've gone on the preorder list for a UK-built example of the amp, due in 2-3 months. (Yes, it does look easy enough to DIY, but I haven't built anything in an age, and I have enough distractions in my life already.) Anyone else have thoughts on this amp? Intents to build or buy one? Disclaimer: I hope it doesn't need to be said, but just in case it does, this post is not intended as drama-bait. I know NwAvGuy has raised some hackles with his opinions. In particular I know he has harsh thin…

...and Nate suggested a Starving Student. Wanted to get y'all's opinions on these two Millett's for sale on HF. Whiplash Millett SS for $130 Or Millett Hybrid for $150 the $150 looks like a good deal, but I don't know anything about the builder. Thoughts?

Written in Sam Tellig's column in September 2008 issue of Stereophile. (The October issue just hit my mailbox so I'd say this is open to post now.) Musical Fidelity X-CAN V8 tube headphone amplifier...and line stage? If a local dealer has Musical Fidelity's new X-CAN V8 headphone amplifier ($550), by all means audition it. This is easy to do. All you need are your ears, the space between them (plenty in my case, according to David Janszen), and your headphones. There was never an X-CAN V4, V5, V6, or V7. The previous model was the V3. The implied improvement is as if the X-CAN has leapt five generations, from V3 to V8. It's easily the best X-CAN yet from Musical …

I thought this was an April fool at first, but apparently not! If you fancy a good laugh have a read of his review @ the other place http://www.head-fi.org/products/cavalli-audio-liquid-gold/reviews/10823 Just to whet your appetite Only Solid State Amp I've heard that Sounds Like a Hybrid: The Texture and Warmth of Tubes, but Control, Power and Precision of the Very Best of SS! From DAC or phonostage - to various musical genres! It just goes about its business and does its job better than almost every other amplifier I've heard. Perhaps the most musically engaging of them all actually - but I'm still figuring that out! Pros: Outstandingly Musical and Easy…

Haven't had mine long, but first impressions are very positive. Until I get more time (and tubes) to post additional comments, here's a new Playback/AV Guide review: http://tinyurl.com/peakvolc

I'm looking for a SS amp+DAC integrated unit that is known to primarily pair well with the Denon D2000 but could possibly also work well with the Beyer DT990. Both are bassy and have recessed mids, but the listening experience using both for Rock/Metal is pretty different and I prefer one over the other based mainly on my mood. The D2000 sound is "fuller" and more intimate, I guess more "real" sounding compared to the DT990. Its bass response is also pretty much in your face - can really feel the impact. In contrast, the DT990 has a leaner sound and seems to me to be a less fatigueing HP that I prefer when listening for a longer period of time and/or working on somethi…

Because of a thread on Head-Fi (see link) it got me wondering, only I wanted to add a poll. I know that a poll is somewhat useless as they are misleading since not many people, or maybe even none, have heard them all which will ultimately lead to a misformed / incomplete picture. Nonetheless I would like to try and ask the people who are voting to explain why they voted the way they did, what else they've heard from the list and what sound(sig) they're after. When you feel I have left out an option which cannot be missed on the list, feel free to add your thoughts and please eloborate. A little background: I still have to save up for a desktop amp and had my mind set…

Of course it is an arbitrary and ultimately an unimportant question, but it is something I was thinking about today. When do you consider an amp "high end"? I seem to have a pretty firm grasp on what makes a source or a pair of cans high end, but the amplification thing always eludes me. I know when I see the insane Singlepowers like the SDS or Maestro, or a custom job like tkam's, I think that is high end. But what else is out there, really? And then this makes me think, does the law of diminishing returns kick in faster with an amp then a source? Past the $2000 mark, where is there really to go in ampland?

Was expecting to find a Head-Case melodrama thread about this amp here, but it's not the case. The inane banter and debates on the Head-Fi Phoenix thread about CAST, DAC, etc, makes me skim alot and not read much there. This amp's two box layout is rather interesting to me. Without really knowing too much about the actual circuit, the build quality looks pretty impressive to me. Seems to be an ideal layout for me as well, as I don't like full wdith stereo components. Digital volume control and inputs galore are a plus. One issue I have is the internal conversion to CAST, and how it's converting single ended to balanced. More info and pics here: [url…

Always wondered what the differences were between the Beta and Dynahi and only knew one other person who truly articulated them. Just decided to get them both and find out for myself. I'll also throw in Justin's version of the Dynalo to make it more relevant. HeadAmp GS-1 w/ DACT Dynahi built by Fallenangel, w/ Gilmore PSU 3-channel Beta22 + Sigma22 dual chassis, built by SolderWorksAudio (fishski13) Rockhopper M^3 + Sigma11 (and another with STEPS) Headphones used: HD800, HE6, SRH1840, SRH940, HD650 and the recently sold K1000 and T1 (all but the Shures recabled) Source: JKSPDIF MK3 feeding a modded Eastern Electric Minimax DAC Cables (for anyone who cares): a…

I'm hoping Justin, Mr. Gilmore or Spritzer will see this thread and hopefully tell me what's wrong with this KGSS. This unit is over 7 years old and features Alps volume controls as opposed to the newer DACT controls. The serial no. written in red pen on the circuit is #1000. The issue with the amp is a noisy humming emitting from both channels past 0 position. The humming sound is distinctive to the transformer and is very audible at modest volume. I've isolated the issue without plugging in a source. I've made sure my SR-007 is working properly on the SRM-007t and SRM-717. The problem persists on both RCA and XLR. I've taken several pictures. I have not touched th…

I have a Stacker II due around the end of January. This is a hybrid tube amp that goes well beyond the already excellent Millet and SOHA/ SOHA 2 hybrid amps. The Stacker has a true high voltage tube gain stage attached to a discrete transistor output stage .... and in my case a tube rectified power supply. I cant get enough of the SOHA/ JISBOS hybrid or maxxed Millet Starving Student with my woodied Alessandros .... the sound is delightful. Here are some pics ....

I finally picked it up and it doesn't disappoint... Jesus this is bad and one funny thing, the surface coating on the chassis is very different from the CarbonX. Same quality parts, ZWEE output socket and the "legendary" SANNI volume control i.e. crappy Alps clone. Now the chassis is the same one as the CX but much better surface finish. The other one scratches very easily (as in I've already scratched it) but this one seems more resilient. One funny thing though, the hole for the tube doesn't quite line up. I tried to take a picture of it but it might not be as apparent as in real life. The space on the right is quite a bit bigger than on the left... N…

apparently ray samuels has a new amp...a balanced one perhaps? any ideas?

Justin's Pico Slim gets leaked, and so Ray announces a direct competitor that's "in the works"... News - Ray Samuels Audio

I was going to post these pics on the other site but this is probably a better site to post these pics on. At a Colorado 7/26/08 meet that I organized, Mikhail traded me a Square Wave w/ DAC for the previous non-DAC one that I had. (It had developed a few problems.) Yay for free upgrade, except when I took it home and used it in DAC mode the next day after the meet there was pretty much no bass. I mean literally. It seemed like everything from 200Hz down was just plain not there. I even compared with a HeadAmp Pico to make sure the problem wasn't with the computer or some other such setting. I asked Filburt and he said this is probably due to the coupling caps. I'll …