Is there anything that competes with the HeadAmp GS-1?

[Knuckledragger]

I have had my HeadAmp Gilmore Lite + DPS for over three years now, and I have never given serious thought to replacing it. It drives all my cans to a satisfactory level, except of course the TakeTs. Earlier this year I had designs on going balanced, but four months of house renovation has ensured I won't be bankrolling that any time ...ever, really. I'm now content to live in the single ended solid state world, but.. I am in need of an amp with more than one input. In spite of my recently acquisition of a Quad 99 CDP-2, and its variable outputs, I could benefit from the GS-1's preamp outputs as well.

I see a lot of Beta22s changing hands around here. Most are made by well respected buiders and a number of them have had the functionality I need (two inputs, preamp out) and sell at a price reasonably close to a new GS-1. That said, I have never heard a B22, and have no idea if I'd like the sound. I know exactly what to expect form my 2004-vintage GLite, and I don't imagine a current production GS-1 is going to sound radically different. B22s are also invariably freaking HUGE, and I'm, uh, running out of room in my rack. I'm also not sure I need a headphone amp that can pump out 11 watts.

My question is are there any other solid state single ended dynamic headphone amps out there in the sub-$1000 price range that I should be considering? I know HeadRoom products are highly regarded (even if no one on here seems to own any.) The HeadRoom Desktop has nearly the same feature set as the GS-1, but I don't know its sound at all. Also, it's funny looking. I KEED. I KEED. Edit: There are two advantages to the HR desktop I overlooked. Frist, it can be upgraded to incldue a DAC at a later date, which is a nice option to have open. Next it has crossfeed. I am not completely convinced that is an advantage. I have mucked about with some crossfeed plugins for foobar, and I ...never noticed enough difference to care. It could be that the hardware crossfeed circuit in HR amps much better (it probably is) or that my own auditory processing doesn't pick up on such refinements.

The other option here is finding a decent preamp in the same price range, and keeping my GLite. I'd need 2-3 inputs, and 2 outputs (preferably 1 pre, one loop). The downsides of this is that any preamp is going to be bigger than a GS-1, and it will introduce even more interconnects into the Moog modular-like mess behind my rack. That said, a nice preamp that has a decent phono stage would definitely be a welcome addition.

I realize I have all but answered my own question, but compared to the head-case cognoscenti, my experience with gear is fairly limited. I'm looking for head-casers opinions, and that is one resource that is not in short supply.

[Fungi]

Well a GS-1 is a sexy-as-hell Dynalo, so I guess you could try and find a DIY person to build a similar Dynahi? Don't know how much that'll be or if the power supply for that will fit inside the same size enclosure as GS-1, but it's worth a mention, I think.

[Beefy]

Well a GS-1 is a sexy-as-hell Dynalo, so I guess you could try and find a DIY person to build a similar Dynahi? Don't know how much that'll be or if the power supply for that will fit inside the same size enclosure as GS-1, but it's worth a mention, I think.

The Dynahi is a whole different beast. In many respects, even more insane than a B22 for just headphones. I believe that some of the parts are also a bitch to find.

[Asr]

My question is are there any other solid state single ended dynamic headphone amps out there in the sub-$1000 price range that I should be considering?

No, there is only the GS-1. If you like its features and form factor, you won't find anything else that'll compete. At some point Justin will also hopefully release new modules for it...

[HiWire]

I looked at the Channel Islands VHP-2 + VAC-1 combo a while ago. Justin's reputed delivery times made me a little antsy.

Also, I agree that Headroom's amps look funny. I preferred their previous case designs.

[grawk]

call him and ask if he has gs-1 cases in stock, that's been the delay in the past

[Knuckledragger]

No, there is only the GS-1. If you like its features and form factor, you won't find anything else that'll compete. At some point Justin will also hopefully release new modules for it...

I suppose saying MOT MOT MOT would be appropriate here. By you mean the mean the arrival of said modules is somewhere between Real Soon Now and Don't Even Ask?

I looked at the Channel Islands VHP-2 + VAC-1 combo a while ago. Justin's reputed delivery times made me a little antsy.

That really doesn't look like what I need. I already have one input and a loop out on current amp. This thing would at best be a side-grade for me. This had nothing to do do with sound, but I don't much fancy the looks for the CIA stack either.

It looks like my GLite/DPS stack, but with much more awkward proportions.

I think at this point my two options are (A) getting a GS-1 or ( finding an appropriate preamp. I'm not too familiar with the sub-$1000 solid state single ended preamp market, but I imagine it's fairly crowded.

[Hopstretch]

We've beaten this "new modules" bush about on a couple of threads and I think it's pretty well established that there aren't going to be any, unless Justin has changed his mind very recently.

I can't help you with comparisons Dan, as I don't have the experience, but can say that I find the GS-1 very pleasing as both an amp and a pre-amp. As far as lead times go, I was quoted eight weeks and got it in twelve -- which isn't exactly instant gratification but also isn't even close to a Singlepower-style runaround.

[Knuckledragger]

If I wanted to go the tube preamp route, I have a pair of McIntosh MC-22 pres (each has 6 12AX7s in it) that I could get restored. Heretic that I am, I'd rather sell them and use the $ to buy more solid state kit. I am now looking at what Rotel's current offerings are for 2 channel preamps. They have two: The RC 1070 and RC 1082. I have owned Rotel gear for years and been very happy with it. The 1082 is kind of spendy, and has more inputs than even I will need. The 1070 looks to be around $600, and still has a remote. Both have a nice array of outputs (two pre outs and two tape outs), and a phono preamp. I'm quite aware that vinyl snobs wouldn't consider that a viable option. Another benefit is that I can get a Rotel tomorrow (funds allowing ).

For sake of argument, where would I get a Quicksilver for under a grand, Reks? The 'gon? The 'bay? Do you have a stack of them between your recently buried bodies and Model M stash?

[Salt Peanuts]

For sake of argument, where would I get a Quicksilver for under a grand, Reks? The 'gon? The 'bay? Do you have a stack of them between your recently buried bodies and Model M stash?

Here's one for $899 -

AudiogoN ForSale: Quicksilver Remote Preamp

Another one for $800 (this one's from Goodwins in Waltham) -

AudiogoN ForSale: Quicksilver Line Preamp

[Salt Peanuts]

they show up substantially cheaper than that from time to time.

Yeah, I remember one showing up for $600 semi-locally about a month ago. Came really close to pulling the trigger on it.

[Pars]

Counterpoint SA3000 (2 of them; tube, good phono stage)

AudiogoN ForSale: Counterpoint SA-3000

Forte F-44 (SS; think Threshold; has remote)

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatran&1232243569&/Forte-F-44-

Coda (SS; no remote; also think Threshold)

AudiogoN ForSale: Coda FET Preamplifier 02

Audible Illusions 2B (tube, no remote, asking too much)

AudiogoN ForSale: Audible Illusions Modulus 2B

[Asr]

I suppose saying MOT MOT MOT would be appropriate here. By you mean the mean the arrival of said modules is somewhere between Real Soon Now and Don't Even Ask?

You mean me an MOT? I've only bought most of HeadAmp's post-2005 amps (some more than once), I'm not really a dealer. Last I heard there were going to be new modules at some point in time, I guess Justin put those plans on hold for the indefinite future. But the GS-1/GS-X will be ready for new modules if Justin ever does return to those plans...

[deepak]

Headamp GS-X. Dew eet, than you get a balanced preamp as well

[Salt Peanuts]

You know, if you get your C-22's restored and sell them as you mentioned, you'll most likely have more than enough to get yourself a GS-X.

[riceboy]

The GS-X is really, really good. I enjoy it everyday at work. I had two amps at work for a long while and now I only have one. The GS-X FTW

[Knuckledragger]

Me: "I want a single ended, solid state headphone amp and preamp."

Head-Case: "N0000! You want a tube pre and balanced amp!"

At least I know what the emoticon means now.

...

I'm surprised no one's suggested that I just buy an SDS-XLR yet. It's balanced and tube!

Here's the deal: I could have almost afforded a GS-X, at its old price, if I had not bought the Quad 12Ls and CDP-2. The thing is, I did buy those and the GS-X is now $500 more expensive. The only conceivable way I could afford it is to adopt the "Duggeh" model of gear aquisition, which is to sell all extraneous kit I have first, and then purchase what I'm after. I have traditionally followed the "Torpedo" model of buying the gear I want when I see it, and then figuring out how I'm going to afford it. I cannot do this in the balanced realm. Maybe if I hadn't spent the last four months renovating my house (which has tallied up bills of Krell-like proportions.)

I think in the short term, I'm buying a Rotel SE preamp. If I can turn some of my unused audio gear (Macs, Dynaco, tubes, etc) into cash, you may see me hanging out with the cool kids and their GS-Xs in 2009.

[cclragnarok]

I recommend buying the BHSE instead along with the SR-007, SR-Omega, HE90, and the new EMM Labs DAC2.

[JBLoudG20]

How about a super sexy M^3?

[Knuckledragger]

In that alternate reality where I buy a KGBHSE, I'll use to to drive these hideous things:

[spritzer]

Go on, take one for the team and buy a BHSE for that TakeT. The gain might have to be lowered though as they need less voltage then electrostatics.

[Knuckledragger]

If there was a heart attack smiley, I'd be using it now. I just located, extracted, and carried out my car 2 McIntosh C22 preamps, 1 MC75 monoblock, and a little Dynaco monoblock I forgot I owned. The MC75 is affixed to a wooden base and ungodly heavy. I'm fortunate that there's a guy who works on tube gear 15 minutes from where I live. I'll be depositing these boat anchors at his shop later this afternoon. I blame you for this, Head-Case.

[n_maher]

Someone should take one for the team and order one of these: TTVJ FET-A Headphone Amp [TTVJ FET-A] - $649.00 : TTVJ, Todd The Vinyl Junkie.

[deepak]

If there was a heart attack smiley, I'd be using it now. I just located, extracted, and carried out my car 2 McIntosh C22 preamps, 1 MC75 monoblock, and a little Dynaco monoblock I forgot I owned. The MC75 is affixed to a wooden base and ungodly heavy. I'm fortunate that there's a guy who works on tube gear 15 minutes from where I live. I'll be depositing these boat anchors at his shop later this afternoon. I blame you for this, Head-Case.

So are you getting the GS-X? If so color me jealous, these orthos I'm listening to would probably love that balanced power.

[GPH]

Someone should take one for the team and order one of these: TTVJ FET-A Headphone Amp [TTVJ FET-A] - $649.00 : TTVJ, Todd The Vinyl Junkie.

Sounds interesting. Unfortunately, I've got no money, nor dynamic cans to try with it, but I agree with the suggestion that someone should take a hit for the team. Seriously though, TTVJ should build better looking enclosures for its amps. No matter how good they sound, I'm sure they'd sell many more amps than they do now if their amps had better looks. Not necessarily mil-spec bling bling like Ray Samuels, but something simple and slick like HeadAmp or Woo Audio.