GS-X Mk2 Amp

Someone had to start the post here. With everyone weighing in on my choice of headphone amp I decided it's time to post and start the thread. Let me start out by saying this I looked at both the good and bad of the GS-X amp before making a decision (including comments from CS, Inner Fidelity, Computer Audiophile). I do give credit to @TMoney for helping me understand that resale value is also important when choosing gear because lets be honest besides HD800 or HD650 headphones I am sure changing the other gear whether upgrading or sidegrading happens somewhat often when new gear comes out (maybe not for everyone).

So while I wait for my amp (Justin estimates 3 weeks) I figured let's have everyone weigh in. Also keep in mind that it doesn't offend me about what you say about the amp. I just feel that whatever needs to be said can be said and have everyone weigh in.

Price:

$2996 w/ DACT option
$2796 for the Alpha model

Specifications:

Device Type Solid State (JFET, Bi-Polar Transistors)
Class of Operation Pure Class A
Frequency Response 5Hz-50KHz +/-0.1dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio >100dB
Total Harmonic Distortion <0.006%
Stereo Crosstalk >85dB @ 1KHz
Gain 1x / 0dB, 3x / 9dB and 8x / 18dB
Input Impedance 50K ohms
Output Impedance less than 1 ohm
Output Voltage 15Vpp (single ended), 30Vpp (balanced)
Output Power 1 Watt (single ended), 2 Watts (balanced)
Inputs 1 XLR input, 1 RCA input
Outputs 2 1/4" headphone outputs, 1 balanced XLR headphone output, 1 XLR pre-out, 1 RCA pre-out, 1 XLR loop out, 1 RCA loop out
Operating Voltage 100-120VAC or 220-240VAC
Power Consumption 15 Watts
Chassis Dimensions 14.5 (L) x 9.0 (W) x 5.0 (H) inches
Weight 12lb / 5.4kg

Headphones I Own

Sennheiser HD-650
Audeze LCD 2.2 (non fazor)

DAC (still on the fence but will be one of the below)

Gungnir Multibit
Yggdrasil

Music Preferences:

Rock and Roll
Hip Hop
Electronic

Upgradability:

Confirmed with Justin that you will be able to upgrade the amplifier modules

Pictures:

 

Reserved

 

Reserved

 

@TMoney definitely knows a thing about resale. Won't embarrass him here, but you can ask him about that, if he hadn't already told you his tale. It was fun to give him a hard time about that. We've all made dumb decisions on the resale aspects.

The only other thing I would add is don't run HD800s and a Sabre DAC off of that amp.

 

He didn't tell me his tale but he did make a valid point about resale value being a factor when you buy gear.

 

Definitely noted I am not too much of a fan of the Sabre DACs as is so no worries there. It will more than likely be between Gungnir Multibit and Yggdrasil.

 

Pictures updated.

 

IMO GS-X mk2 is probably a good pairing with the cans you listed.

I would go for black. Cuz black is awesome.

I can also see the amp chasis as a perfect stash secret compartment.

 

I did not like this when I heard it at Tyll's. Mainly it had a really rough texture and sounded artificial. It was my least favorite amp there I listened to. The Black Widow and Rag were much better.

 

Here we go. Was waiting for Tyll or Marv to finally reply hahah.