HeadAmp Gilmore Lite mk2 Headphone Amp (on Massdrop)

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

  1. Ksorota

    Ksorota Friend

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    It would seem that their is something else holding back your volume (software?). I ran the HE6SE via the GLMK2 and it would get very loud with the volume dial all the way up. Full sound was lacking, but volume was not.
     
  2. Vtory

    Vtory Audiophile™

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    @svperstar

    Suppose you hear at 95 dbSPL (it's still too loud imo for most of human being).
    That means you need 3.1-3.2 mw power out of amp --> translates to approximately 0.33V (amp) out.

    Dac quality aside, your dac has up to 2Vrms out.

    So, in other words, you're using headphones that basically need no >1 gain.

    That's why I said "something wrong".
     
  3. svperstar

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    They do look nice together. Mk2 is kinda dusty lol

    [​IMG]
     
  4. svperstar

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    Thing is tho how can you be sure of anything when it comes to the power output of the mk2 when on Headamps site it says almost nothing:
    https://www.headamp.com/products/gilmore-lite-mk2

    Not a lot of info there.
     
  5. Vtory

    Vtory Audiophile™

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    Total Drive Power Max 1.5W
    Gain 7.5X (16.5dB)

    These two almost tell you anything quantitative (regarding volume) if you can do some algebra.
     
  6. svperstar

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  7. Vtory

    Vtory Audiophile™

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    Then just assume conservative estimates or worst cases (but not that unlikely). Educated guess is one virtue required to survive in this forum.

    Alternatively, you can email to Headamp politely asking clarification. Bitching in the thread should be less prioritized.
     
  8. Azimuth

    Azimuth FKA rtaylor76, Friend

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    On my amp, I measured 3.79 Volts across and 8 ohm load, which is 1.79 watts @ 8 ohms. That was at full volume as well, not even nominal with a 2V input with a 1K tone feeding from a Theta DS Pro Basic.
     
  9. Baten

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    This does raise the issue of HeadAmps headphone amps not really having any thorough specifications on their website. Most other manufacturers do this for the sake of transparency..
     
  10. svperstar

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    This was my point. Most others give power @32 - 300 ohms Headamp does not.

    Headamp markets itself as a "wire with gain" and I assume the reason they don't have throughout measurements is they don't measure as cleanly or with as much power as modern gear.
     
  11. crenca

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    Maybe they just don't like the measurement game. Regardless, your not listening - your volume issue is not due to the amp (unless it's broken). Your attenuating somewhere, probably in software, and don't know it.
     
  12. svperstar

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    I'm listening loud and clear. I am using Musicbee with WASAPI exclusive mode. I also tested VLC. In quiet ambient tracks I can easily turn the knob to 100% on the Gilmore mk2 at which point it distorts at max volume. Super compressed tracks are at a level where it would cause hearing damage after a while but nowhere near the volume I have seen headphones get when overamped.

    I have also heard the LCD-2s really open up with a lot of power so getting a more powerful amp is something I have debated for a while.

    I'm curious since multiple people have replied......are you sitting in front of an Arya and a mk2 right now?
     
  13. Vtory

    Vtory Audiophile™

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    I have owned them a while ago (drove them with lower gain amps), and have 7 to 10 decibel less efficient HE6SE sitting by me. Lite 2 as well. Max vol? No way..
     
  14. Vtory

    Vtory Audiophile™

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    Final thoughts on Gilmore Lite Mk2

    I am now about to pack this amp to send out to Hands (as requested by Zerodeefex, the owner). During the time with this amp (for roughly one month) I was very seriously debating myself to get one for myself. In the end, I concluded not. My thoughts below.

    What I liked

    I've long had troubles with Kevin Gilmore's amps. They used to be too lean or thin with certain gears. Lite2 won the first point from me when it tastefully pretended NOT to be so. At first listen, I thought the amp was rather on a relaxed or forgiving side. Spending more days and weeks revealed this amp also had KG DNA. Nevertheless, it's manageably aggressive. Not sure if it's unexpectedly resulted by switching power though.

    Even after I know the amp is very resolving and revealing -- note that I don't use these adjectives as positively as other folks, it surprisingly well deserves the hype (well documented in this thread or elsewhere). Particularly it can do timbre and tones to my liking.

    All such creates a great synergy with ZMF. I only tested with Verite, but based on my experience with other models, it's not too difficult to extrapolate positive predictions.

    What I disliked

    I still can't understand why KG set the gain this high. Its gain is high enough to drive HE6 volume-wise. But it doesn't seem to achieve any goals successfully. HE6 still better driven by speakers power amps (Lite 2 didn't have delicacy that my fake Accuphase consistently has shown).

    To use Grados, I had to use some attenuators. But none of budget-friendly ones I tried (Schiit Sys, JBL Nanopatch+, iFi Zen Sig variable outs) failed to generate as harmonious result with Grado as with ZMF. And without external attenuators, low range of its volume pot doesn't seem good enough. At least it can't compete against Magnius. This is the real deal breaker to me.

    With Senn, I am not convinced, either. It isn't as snappy, clean, or fast as Erish. Fun-wise I prefer Magnius's super fun syruppiness.

    Associated Gears

    • DACs: Schiit Bifrost 2, Schiit Modius, iFi Zen Dac Signature, iFi Zen Dac Non-signature
    • Amps: Schiit Magnius, Geshelli Erish
    • Headphones: Grado Hemp, Senn HD650, ZMF Verite Open, HFM HE-6SE

    See Also

     
  15. Mr.Sneis

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    @Vtory Thank you for saying this, when this amp first came out I had to have a listen and I even paired it up a Headroom DPS linear power supply. I never got along with the Lite mk2 myself and I am generally a fan of Headamp amps; even with HD6x0's I couldn't listen for very long.
     
  16. Joaquin Pockels

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    Hi everyone. I recently heard this amp using Modi Multibit and Aeon Flow 2 open and thought it sounded great but there was something bothering me. I thought the dynamics and slam was to be desired. I felt that it sounded a bit compressed. Although everything else was pretty much spot on for me.

    Do you guys think that the new Golden Reference PSU would make any difference on this regard? Or is there any DAC improvement I can make to try and make it sound less compress and more dynamic?

    I also saw this comparison with the Asguard 3 and I can't help but feel like selling it if the PSU upgrate doesn't help and if the cause of the compression is the Modi.

    Note: I used a simple TC35B USB-C to 3.5mm DAC for comparison and it had so much more slam and impact on snares and kicks that I couldn't help to think I wish I had that on my GLMK2. Maybe I'm confusing overblown low end with slam.
     
    Last edited: Sep 23, 2020
  17. sheldaze

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    Take this with a grain of salt because I did not spend much time to A/B compare stock power supply against the upgrade - I simply ran with the upgrade thinking it sounded better. But it had nothing to do with more slam. The sound simply had a little less grain, a little more "easy to listen, resolution". I wouldn't even say it actually had more resolution, but being easier on my ears meant I invested more time to listen, and thus heard more.

    Direct to your question - no more slam. And the power supply I used was HeadRoom. So I'm guessing too that the HeadAmp new supply will be similar.
     
  18. Middy

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    I've had the Golden Reference in about 36 hours, its made a big difference to the presentation. Its not the same amp anymore. Not slam just every aspect has just blossomed, before i thought the GLmk2 was marginally better than the magni 3, a fun buy for my gaming rig. I can only really compare apples to apples.. its not the same amp. Someone knowledgeable and respected here needs a listen again. Just so i know i am not talking out my arse.

    Already being GLMK2 owner i can say its the best single purchase ive done for a long time.
    Ive done the happy clappy bit on headfi but meant what i said.
    The only caveat, thinking is i cap rolled it with Elna simic 25vs. I felt it took the top end sparkle off i liked, for a nicer mid and bass. I was going to swap them out but glad i waited. For the PSU first...

    No PSU measurements but you dont get much out of Justin, not that i know a 3 pin plug from particle accelerator.. just because you work in electronics doesnt mean you know electrickery.
    Upping the Volts from 15 to 16.6 might be a bonus but didnt expect much with single rail switch mode Meanwell SMT supplys. Toriodal LPS better mentality..

    Just dont dismiss it off hand and decide if it shits on schitt or i am talking it. Definitely a cherry on top of this crappy year. I can only say i like it.. Value proposition changes, but that's always perspective...

    Just another opinion to think about!

    Happy Christmas gents

    Dave
     
    Last edited: Dec 17, 2020
  19. rott

    rott Secretly hates other millenials - Friend

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    The question in my mind is whether spending $100 more than the dedicated PSU for the refreshed Schiit Jot would make more sense. Eagerly awaiting the reviews/comparisons.
     
  20. Middy

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    Thats a trap we all fall into and is fair comment. @rott The next best thing or a few dollars more. I am a little biased not just being a GLMK2 owner but waited 2 years for this to be made...

    I was expecting a bit better.. as if you are lucky thats what clean power may give you at a cost, well with my gear/experience anyway. Refinement.
    This is a different beast altogether on my rig.
    Chord Qutest Ethers2 combo plays nice as well. Nothings perfect, but a nice synergy for me..

    Value proposition is always a killer, if the new jot knocks it out the park great.
    Just hope people who have the Gil get a pro here to confirm the PSU and against the Jot or other contenders to help buying choices.

    Covid is probably going to kill my job. Id like to try the Topping A90 or that Headamp clone looking rebel Amp and the Jot. But..

    Family comes first...

    What ever comes out on top its at least good reading material.

    Good luck
    Dave
     
    Last edited: Dec 20, 2020

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