HeadAmp Gilmore Lite mk2 Headphone Amp (on Massdrop)

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

  1. jexby

    jexby Posole Prince

    Staff Member Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2015
    Likes Received:
    8,145
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Exit stage left....
    if true, absolutely shocking news.

    #660
     
    Last edited: May 17, 2018
  2. Ice-man

    Ice-man Friend

    Pyrate Banned
    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,455
    Trophy Points:
    113
     
  3. Ice-man

    Ice-man Friend

    Pyrate Banned
    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,455
    Trophy Points:
    113
    I wrote this earlier and it sums up the comparison for me between lyr 3 and Gilmore lite mkii...

    "Even without the LPS, I prefer the Gilmore. I've always been one to prefer "smooth and a touch warm" over transparent and neutral. But the Gilmore has amazing clarity and extension up top without any harshness. And that level of detail has somewhat of an addictive quality once you've had a taste. Each time I got back to the lyr 3, I miss the signature of the Gilmore.

    Plus there are no tubes to worry about. Lastly, the extra transparency is a better fit for the hd6x0...just better synergy. Who would've thunk it?"
     
  4. Azimuth

    Azimuth FKA rtaylor76, Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2015
    Likes Received:
    6,838
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Nashville, TN
    Home Page:
    Thanks for clearing up.

    I guess I was not in the hobby when the GS-1's were a thing and knew about the original modules and the Dynalo+ modules. Took me awhile to find the differences, but I think I finally did. The Dynalo+ likely has more power and headroom than the original Dynalo. Twice the voltage rail for one.
     
  5. ald0s

    ald0s Facebook Friend

    Contributor
    Joined:
    Sep 29, 2015
    Likes Received:
    110
    Trophy Points:
    43
    Has anyone tested the amp with IEMs? Specifically with dynamics like CFA Vegas. Id love to know whether they escape the dreaded hiss, doubtful with such high power though.
     
  6. Justin

    Justin MOT: HeadAmp

    Joined:
    Oct 10, 2017
    Likes Received:
    55
    Trophy Points:
    13
    Location:
    Virginia
    Home Page:
    The noise floor is very low. The NOS input transistors used on this amp have very, very low noise. KG designs are known for lacking background noise (if made properly), which i think is very important. It's one of the few things that is easily objectively compared between amps.
     
  7. Ice-man

    Ice-man Friend

    Pyrate Banned
    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,455
    Trophy Points:
    113
    I do admire the low noise floor and black background with this amp. But keep in mind that this is a powerful amp. I would say more powerful "sounding" than the specs suggest. It drives the hd650 effortlessly at 9-10 on the dial. I found it s little overpowering for my ciem. While I was able to make it work by turning the digital pre gain down on my player, it wasn't ideal for sensitive iems.
     
  8. Jerry

    Jerry Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2017
    Likes Received:
    1,042
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Asia
    @iceman, any impression against Jot?
     
  9. Ice-man

    Ice-man Friend

    Pyrate Banned
    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,455
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Yes, there are some similarities there. In basic terms, the Gilmore would be somewhat of an improved Jot. Without the peaky treble but with all the resolution...more air. A better more natural midrange and similar bass response.

    It's odd. The Gilmore is essentially the opposite of the bottlehead crack and yet, the synergy with the 650 is undeniable. Where the Crack accentuates the warmth and smooth nature of the 650, the Gilmore breaks down the veil and let's the detail come through. Two opposite approaches but both successful in their own way. Have owned the Crack and now the Gilmore, I'd certainly be in the Gilmore camp.

    Now, @Hands he just loves that sticky gooy Crack syrup. But I prefer what the transparency and details coming from the Gilmore/650 combo.
     
    Last edited: May 18, 2018
  10. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

    Staff Member Pyrate MZR
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    12,285
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Colorado
    Home Page:
    wut
     
  11. EagleWings

    EagleWings Friend

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2017
    Likes Received:
    1,709
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    India
    Very interesting. Any chance you can compare the Micro & Macro dynamics and the soundstage between these 2 amps?
     
  12. Ice-man

    Ice-man Friend

    Pyrate Banned
    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,455
    Trophy Points:
    113
    You're not getting my sense of humor. ;)
     
  13. FlySweep

    FlySweep Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    1,412
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    Does this amp suffer from what most solid state amps suffer from? Great resolving ability.. but a 2D image/lack of holography (that good tube amps possess)? CIP: Jot.
     
  14. JeremiahS

    JeremiahS Almost "Made"

    Contributor
    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2015
    Likes Received:
    286
    Trophy Points:
    63
    Location:
    Jakarta, Singapore
    I had a chance to test the Gilmore Lite MK2 amp in a recent audio event. This amp was interesting me personally because it shares similar topology with the AMB Beta 22 which I have used for quite a while. Moreover the builder of my Beta 22 amp owns a higher powered DIY version of the Gilmore amp so naturally I'm curious.

    [​IMG]

    Long story short, it's excellent. I had a chance to compare it with the Schiit Jotunheim in the event and I have no doubt that the Gilmore Lite MK2 is a lot better. It's very detailed but not harsh like the Jotunheim and vocal has more weight also. Overall tone is more neutral and I guess natural, not fake. Very smooth sounding and black background. I think the only con is the amp can sound pretty boring for some people because of lack of impact like most Schiit amps have.

    I would also say that the gain is too high for IEM usage. I have a FitEar MH334 cIEM and I could only only use 1/8 of the volume pot which is not convenient.

    Another note I think it's interesting how the Gilmore and the Beta 22 are basically old designs but they are probably still superior over majority of modern solid state headphone amps. Both amps can extract a ton of details from the music but remain fatigue free and natural to listen.

    Regards,
    Jeremiah
     
  15. Azimuth

    Azimuth FKA rtaylor76, Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2015
    Likes Received:
    6,838
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Nashville, TN
    Home Page:
    Some people look at the Dynalo as being a bit long in the tooth. I disagree. Class A never gets old.
     
  16. AllanMarcus

    AllanMarcus Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2015
    Likes Received:
    2,969
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Los Alamos, NM
    Home Page:
    I think it will be interesting to compare the lite to the new DIY "WHAMMY" amp. Not many will be willing to build the WHAMMY, but if it's really good, my guess is someone will build and sell it for $500.
     
  17. ald0s

    ald0s Facebook Friend

    Contributor
    Joined:
    Sep 29, 2015
    Likes Received:
    110
    Trophy Points:
    43
    This amp with a stackable LPS, modibit and 650s would make a cracking office kit. Can you leave the amp on or Class A = no way?
     
  18. Azimuth

    Azimuth FKA rtaylor76, Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2015
    Likes Received:
    6,838
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Nashville, TN
    Home Page:
    As far as leaving on, I do with my SS gear, but not my tube amps.

    Although it probably would lengthen the life of the tubes if always on, but the heat and current draw - my power bill is already high enough.
     
  19. Ice-man

    Ice-man Friend

    Pyrate Banned
    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,455
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Agree with @rtaylor76 on leaving SS amps on. The Gilmore gets warm but not hot. I've always ran my SS amps 24/7.
     
  20. Skyline

    Skyline Double-blindly done with this hobby

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,426
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Sounds like this is certainly loaner-worthy if nothing else.

    You're pimping it quite a bit with your 650s. How's it fare with your AFO compared to tube amps?
     

Share This Page