Gilmore Reference indahouse , first impressions ( pics coming )

[boodi]

it's incredible the virtues of this amp are putting my head to rest , and ears to pacifically drool over it.

this amp is easily the best amp I've come across , it's absolutely linear smooth outraugeoulsy extended at both ends , it gives the most effortless presentation , while keeping the bass solidly firm and never an inch out of the picture .

It's solid state , but other then this it's difficult to tell it has transistor related character , which is a very good thing .

It does a very nice job with ps-1 finally .

Bass and bass to mids frq.s region are both very smooth and very well rendered ; there's a great sense of deepness , coherence and authoritative control , and these are melt very well togheter in the sound too .

The main problem for ps-1 should be now source match - so imaging the situation I've opted to get my system a Meridian over a Wadia , that was former first love .

It does a perfect job for hp-2 , they're singing out every last bit of their virtues , these cans never chase to amaze me .

Fact with hp-2 was , even if building up a thick dry and solid -not overpowered- bass, they miss the lill low region vibe that sometimes makes music more a joy :looking to ps-1: . I would ( and will ) strongly advice any hp-2 owner look at HeadAmp top of the line products for amping the hp-2 . It do a great job on all the frq. spectrum , and moreover synergise on this aspect that's peculiar hp-2 .

It lacks the final bit of mids roundness for them though , so I see where's a melos could say " I'm better" in front of it.

It's definitely sold state , but that's the best of the best of the best solid state I could imagine to plug my cans in <- insert cans orgasm here .

disclaimer

Gs-X owners can't partecipate the thread

don't have much time to take pics at the moment , but will do as soon as the G07 lands and pairs it

[PATB]

Congratulations on the balanced reference!

BTW, does your reference have balanced inputs? Just asking because I believe the G07 only has single-ended outputs. Rumor has it that the the balanced reference/balanced PS-1 combo is especially synergistic and you own both

[Grand Enigma]

Hurray for Balanced Ref

Here are some fun under hood shoots of mine

[tkam]

Boodi,

PATB is correct the G07 does not have balanced outputs it only has single-ended outputs via a pair of RCA's.

[boodi]

I know ,

the balanced reference has only rca-in

ooh I have to upgrade..I hoped I could have lived happy for a while ..

returning to serious world, this amp (rca wise headbabies) kick some big and serious ass down to first floor

[Grand Enigma]

So your balanced ref only has RCA input? .... I guess I am confused in that why would you have RCA input only and no balanced inputs if you have balanced outputs?

[boodi]

it's not balanced ..

it's reference but not balanced indid ...

wrong title wrong thread wrong my ass posting balanced..

( :run away to contact the seller:)

[Grand Enigma]

it's not balanced ..

it's reference but not balanced indid ...

wrong title wrong thread wrong my ass posting balanced..

( :run away to contact the seller:)

Thats what I was thinking The Gilmore Reference is a fine amp. And yes, it does pair lovely with Grados... now if only they didnt suck

[boodi]

now if you say that the balanced is a "fine" amp you really shock me ..

the balanced better this sound..

I mean it's not the first nice amp I've got.. frankly I can't imagine a large improvement over this amp behavior .. apart of the mids thing I've yet noted ( not that mids aren't good, they are but maybe suffer a lill topping of roundness and sexyness , mainly for voices )

maybe it's not even worth to get it balanced for the cans I'll prevalently use it with ..

(:sending a omg mail to the seller:)

[boodi]

thanks

btw the short edit time is quite an issue in this forum for me at least

delete "balanced" anywhere you find it

[ayt999]

yay for Balanced References (and References too)!!

had one for almost two years now, and don't plan on getting rid of it any time soon either. very nice amp.

[boodi]

how much would it be upgrading to balanced..

For what i see , it misses only two modules and connectors

btw I seeing the gs-x inside pics it seem very similar ( if not the same ) of the reference balanced , with the addendum of separate power and gain switch..

[boodi]

pict

it's plain beautiful (much better from real , it shows a very clean job )

[boodi]

so how about someone tells me if it is worth to get it balanced ?

[Salt Peanuts]

how much would it be upgrading to balanced..

I'm pretty sure it wouldn't cheap, as Justin would have to re-finish/replace both front and rear panels, on top of populating the rest of the boards and re-wiring everything.

[boodi]

got a reply from justin , it's about 800$ - better to start saving for the gs-x

anyhow I'll tell you this the G.Reference is quite satisfactory thing , at least for the moment