HeadAmp Gilmore Lite mk2 Headphone Amp (on Massdrop)

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by Peter78, Oct 8, 2017.

  1. Ice-man

    Ice-man Friend

    Pyrate Banned
    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,455
    Trophy Points:
    113
    AFO is quite good with the Gilmore. I'm getting nice results with the one notch pad on this amp. I can see some preferring lyr 3 if you want extra smooth. I think the AFO is smooth enough though.
     
  2. Skyline

    Skyline Double-blindly done with this hobby

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,426
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Thanks.

    I've never enjoyed planars from SS amps for whatever reason, but there's always a first time for everything.
     
  3. Ice-man

    Ice-man Friend

    Pyrate Banned
    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,455
    Trophy Points:
    113
  4. sheldaze

    sheldaze Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    May 28, 2016
    Likes Received:
    977
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Land of Merriment
    Only the most brief of impressions at the moment. Trying to bookend the character. First for @k4rstar, this is NOT a Cavalli Carbon or Rupert Neve Design RNHP. This thing can kick like a mule. Musical engagement is not an option - it is a must. So though I was listening to those two amplifiers during my comparison, they just weren't relevant.

    Best bookends were the DNA Sonett 2 and Schiit Valhalla 2. I used the same Reflector 6H23p-EB tubes I saw you used, having liked their sound in my Vali 2. I listened to the Valhalla 2 for a day or 2 before the Gilmore Lite arrived (thanks @Ice-man). The Valhalla 2 was good - very good! It livened up the HD650M headphones nicely. Then the Gilmore Lite did more. My co-listener, who tends to favor HD600 (personally, too bright for my taste) quite enjoyed the Gilmore Lite engagement, through the HD650M. That is, she just doesn't want to listen to bland - prefers a forward, immediate sound. We listened to this video, from the what are you listening to thread:



    Bass was deep and sharp. Gilmore Lite is like a superset of Valhalla 2, completely enclosing its performance in all directions. More stage. More clarity. More bite. We were listening to DNA Sonett 2, which I personally found surprisingly detailed, even relative the Gilmore Lite. However it takes on a softer tone. It is more to my personal taste. Gilmore Lite causes me to get tired a little faster. But there is no question, it kicks very accurately - precise.
     
  5. Azimuth

    Azimuth FKA rtaylor76, Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2015
    Likes Received:
    6,838
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Nashville, TN
    Home Page:
    It took me awhile to find the difference between the original Dynalo and the MKII that is what the Gilmore Lite is based off of. From the Bob Katz article on Inner Fidelity

    Now, the Gilmore Lite has a slightly different design power supply I believe, but is more or less the same design, but with SMD parts. I know the original Dynalo is 16V rails and the MK2 is 30V rails.

    @Ice-man's Gilmore Lite loaner is on it's way to me for demo. Looking forward to hearing it.
     
  6. Azimuth

    Azimuth FKA rtaylor76, Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2015
    Likes Received:
    6,838
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Nashville, TN
    Home Page:
    Just received the Lite mk2 on loan from @Ice-man.

    Initial impressions are it is very close to my Dynalo. VERY close. Down to the volume level they have to be at to match.

    However, I have to say the mk2 has similar characteristics as the original Dynalo and sound very close overall, the mk2 is a bit more detailed and quick. It adds a slayer of clarity. Some tracks reveal this, some sound downright the same. I forget which amp I am plugged into. I'd lose badly in an A/B or A/B/X, because even sighted it is hard.

    So, so far mk2 has a bit of sharpness and detail. Gain, volume, overall character the same.

    My take is with higher power rails they can get more output with lower THD. I would say the mk2 has probably a slightly lower noise floor and better THD specs if tested on a bench.

    I am just proud my DIY build can put in a fair fight.

    This is just initial listening with my Fostex planers. I will listen more this week to my other headphones and post more if there is more to say.

    Overall, color me impressed.
     
    Last edited: Jun 3, 2018
  7. cskippy

    cskippy Creamy warmpoo

    Pyrate MZR
    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,999
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Tempe, Arizona
    This amp has peaked my interest. Would be neat to see a comparison to Lyr 3 and Liquid Platinum once that comes out. We need more mid priced amps with solid performance.
     
  8. Azimuth

    Azimuth FKA rtaylor76, Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2015
    Likes Received:
    6,838
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Nashville, TN
    Home Page:
    The loaner is going to @Skyline next who has a Lyr 3, so maybe he can give some insight. Although Ii think @Ice-man had a Lyr 3.

    It would be interesting to hear Liquid Platinum in general. I can say compared to MTCH, the mk2 has more slam and dynamics. Although the MCTH is a bit more spacious sounding.
     
  9. Azimuth

    Azimuth FKA rtaylor76, Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2015
    Likes Received:
    6,838
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Nashville, TN
    Home Page:
    After a week with the Gilmore Lite MK2, I can give it a solid two thumbs up.

    Punchy, dynamic, clear, detailed, and with lots of layering without harshness anywhere in the spectrum.

    I finally got around to comparing it to the Valhalla 2 with HD650's, and the biggest difference is not in the main part of the sound, but in the dynamics. The all tube amp has that tube soft compression going on with hot transients. It makes things sound so together. There is a reason mastering engineers strap soft knee compression across the stereo bus. It is similar to tape saturation, not that the Valhalla 2 sounded like 1st generation tape, it just had that slight characteristic or tendency. So the MK2 has a way to reach out on those high transients and deliver. Overall holographics and imaging went to Valhalla 2, but width and dynamics to the MK2.

    Compared to the MTCH, the MTCH sounds so much more precise and more like an Xacto knife. It is able to cut through, yet does not have the weight and punch of the MK2 or Valhalla 2.

    And once again, really really close to the original Dynalo. I still think noise is slightly lower as the details come through a bit more. However, my Dynalo has more definition and punch in the low end due to it's overbuilt power supply.

    Still, this is the first solid state amp I have loved for my HD650's - powers them well without any murkiness, harshness, or veil, and with a good low end. It reminds me of a Bryston amp. Just there, full, detailed, and clear, ready for anything.
     
  10. Skyline

    Skyline Double-blindly done with this hobby

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,426
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Synergy, man. It's no joke.

    I've spent the past couple of days listening to the Gilmore and comparing it to the Lyr 3 (New Production TS on high gain). The majority of my listening has been done through a Gen V Bifrost Multibit - Gilmore/Lyr 3 - Aeon Flow Open (no dampening filters).

    Long story short, the Gilmore is worth the $499 asking price. My unsophisticated ears did not detect any shortcomings that would make it a lesser value than the Lyr 3 at an identical price. The choice between the two comes down more to sonic preferences and synergy than it does to technicalities. The Gilmore is NOT a giant turd.

    I won't got into technical details because my lack of knowledge will only bring shame and embarrassment, so here are my brief and entirely subjective impressions:

    With the AFO, the Gilmore is mildly u-shaped with accentuated bass and and some shimmer in the treble (cymbals stand out). This comes at the expense of slightly recessed vocals and somewhat muted guitar in spots. It is not extreme at all, and if someone were to steal my Lyr 3 and put a Gilmore in its place I wouldn't be distraught. I could easily live with this amp for daily listening.

    As a tube guy and someone that has NEVER enjoyed planars from a SS amp, this is a pretty extreme statement that I did not expect to make. The Gilmore is very smooth and easy to listen to, but doesn't sacrifice impact or energy in the process.

    The Lyr 3, on the other hand, puts a spotlight on the vocals and brings some mid-sweetness that is more in line with my preferences. The AFO already has plenty of bass, so the extra bump given by the Gilmore isn't necessary. Without the small bass mountain that the Gilmore provides, I find the AFO's sound feels less cramped on the Lyr 3. I don't believe the soundstage in the two amps is that far off, actually, but I find the extra bass in the Gilmore alters how I perceive it. So, it's about preferences and perspective...those who favor the Gilmore would call it more dynamic and energetic while the Lyr 3 is a bit flat and boring in comparison. Those who prefer the Lyr 3 would say that it's more neutral and accurate while the Gilmore is a bit too colored.

    With the 650, it all changes. The u-shaped feeling I got with the AFO is completely gone and the Gilmore feels like a well-balanced and technically capable amp. The 650 benefits from the bass boost, and doesn't appear to lose anything in the mids. A really solid and engaging listen.

    It's a good time to live in mid-fi, folks. I don't think the value has ever been better.
     
    Last edited: Jun 12, 2018
  11. svperstar

    svperstar Acquaintance

    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2016
    Likes Received:
    49
    Trophy Points:
    28
    Location:
    Canada
    The original Gilmore Lite was my first "real" amp and I sold it forever ago, always kinda regretted it so I am interested in this one.

    I may have missed it but does anyone have the actual RMS numbers?

    Also I am currently using an Asgard 2. Anyone have the Asgard 2 and can compare them?

    Not sure if the price tag is worth it.
     
  12. DirtyLaundry

    DirtyLaundry New

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2018
    Likes Received:
    29
    Trophy Points:
    13
    Location:
    Orlando, FL
    The Gilmore Lite was my first "real" amp way back when as well. I ran it from a vintage Sony discman at the time connected to my Sennheiser HD600's. Based on my fond recollection of it I bought a GS-1 with the stepped attenuator upgrade about 2-3 years ago and strangely did not care for it at all. I guess I attribute that to my tastes evolving/changing? Granted, at the time it was connected to an already slightly dry and analytical MSB Gold Link DAC, but I remember preferring my old Headroom Maxxed Out Home amp at the time to the point where I stuck the GS-1 into a drawer and didn't touch it again until I put it up for sale a few months later.

    The only thing I will say is that it didn't have the latest modules in it, but I can't see those changing the sound enough to where I would have flip flopped on it Could have just been bad synergy though....
     
  13. svperstar

    svperstar Acquaintance

    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2016
    Likes Received:
    49
    Trophy Points:
    28
    Location:
    Canada
    The GS-1 was a "someday" amp for me back around 2005. Never got around to trying it.
     
  14. jowls

    jowls Never shitposts (please) - Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2015
    Likes Received:
    4,495
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    42°S
    In somewhat related news; @Justin is making good progress on GS-1 mk2

    995E036B-9871-46C9-9BC9-A101ED84AE34.jpeg

    0756801A-7D4C-4B1A-8FCE-B79C83FFF34B.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Jul 3, 2018
  15. Hrodulf

    Hrodulf Prohibited from acting as an MOT until year 2050

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2015
    Likes Received:
    4,276
    Trophy Points:
    113
    The original was +/-18V, however I highly doubt that the MK2 is +/-30V, as that would require immense heatsinking (Dynahi essentially). It's probably a 30V monopolar supply which gets split in half to +/-15V.

    Overall, I liked the Dynalo I built, but it became outclassed by the QRV08. Signature wise it was rather polite and a bit on the tubey side.
     
  16. geniekid

    geniekid Facebook Friend

    Contributor
    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2018
    Likes Received:
    137
    Trophy Points:
    33
    Location:
    Chicago, IL
    Looking at those pictures gives me attenuator envy.
     
  17. JimL

    JimL Tongues KG's hairy starfish for fun

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2016
    Likes Received:
    191
    Trophy Points:
    33
    Location:
    Albuquerque, NM
    I seriously doubt the Mk2 has a monopolar supply, as that is not the way that Kevin Gilmore designs amps. I've never met the guy, but every one of his solid state circuits uses a bipolar PS, even the lowly Gilmore Lite, going back to the HeadWize days. So why would he go to a monopolar supply, which is a cheap way out, given that he never cheaps out? I would bet the Mk2 has a bipolar supply just as all his other designs do, likely +/-18V similar to the original.
     
    Last edited: Jul 3, 2018
  18. Hrodulf

    Hrodulf Prohibited from acting as an MOT until year 2050

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2015
    Likes Received:
    4,276
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Screen Shot 2018-07-03 at 16.57.15.png

    Looks like a +/-15V to me. +/-30V wouldn't make sense in any way.
     
  19. Azimuth

    Azimuth FKA rtaylor76, Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2015
    Likes Received:
    6,838
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Nashville, TN
    Home Page:
    Most of the schematics I see have the Dynalo running at +/-15V or 16V.

    Either way, the power supply is the same, but for the MK2 there is the utilization of LM7815 and LM7915 voltage regulators to get +/- 30V rails, but with more efficient transistors just drops the mA needed accordingly. I did not check the Lite MK2, but I did see something similar on the board, I just did not note the model of the regulators....something SMD for sure.

    So this way you can run a +/- 15V supply and get +/- 30V.
     
  20. Hrodulf

    Hrodulf Prohibited from acting as an MOT until year 2050

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2015
    Likes Received:
    4,276
    Trophy Points:
    113
    1. How does one increase voltage with a linear regulator?
    2. How much quiscent current you’re expecting to get with a SOT23 transistor at 30V?
     

Share This Page