What DAC are you using with it ?
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I got it with the DACT, which is handy because the output voltage on my R2R 1 (@cpp Audio-GD R2R 1) is 5V from the XLR out. The MX4 and even Clear are more than loud enough for long sessions at 2 clicks, perhaps 3 for quieter/more dynamic recordings.
Iāll def have a look at the the light dims though. I actually didnāt realize that the power light on the Mini is that bright! I sit above it and unless youāre directly in front of it, the lightās quite diffuse. I do however have some Schiit gear in the living room and at the office, so theyāll come in very handy regardless. Cheers for the suggestion.
Iām currently listening with the Ether C Flow and wouldnāt you know? This is the best Iāve heard them sound. The bass detail and punch from the Mini is really blowing me away. It makes the NFB-1 almost sound lean in comparison.
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The GSX-mini runs everything I have too. The only thing I need to plus up the volume for is my HiFiMan HE6se.
The lightdims would definitely come in handy on Schiit gear.
Congrats on the new GSX-mini. I have the DACT VC on mine.
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Any impressions on the mini versus THX with Clear?
IMO THX (Drop 789) with Clear is abysmally bad. Also see similar comments from @ProfFalkin.
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This post prompted me to get my 789 plugged back in for a quick back nā forth. Each to their own, but abysmally bad seems a tad far. In comparison, itās certainly a bit boringā¦ less upper bass for starters, certainly less slam. The mini still resolves the outer edges of details while slamming hard, which is super impressive. Still, I can listen to the THX and not hate the experienceā¦ while also being more than satisfied with my choice to grab the mini 
Still due to post some more detailed thoughts. Iām actually re-arranging my setup this weekend which should make it a little easier (ran out of room to plug each amp in for anything longer than temporarily).
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The mini is just a better amp if the THX doesnāt sound fun. Gotta have fun and have an engaging experience.
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Yep, It is why I sold the THX I picked up the GS-X mini, THX just sounded flat & lifeless.
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have you heard the master 9 from audio gd? if so how is the GTX mini comparatively?
No I have notā¦ I will say I am happy with the Headamp GS-X mini. Out on vacation right now in Colorado, so I went simple with the ADI-2 DAC fs and my ZMF Vertie headphone for now. Probably bring the ZMF Pendent and/or HeadAmp here on my next trip here.
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How do you like the ADI-2 + Verite, and how does it compare to the GS-X mini with the Verite? I just ordered a pair of Verite a little while back and already have an ADI-2, so Iām curious how you like the pairing.
P.S. I hope youāre enjoying your time out here in Colorado!
Love Colorado lived here in early 90ās, now back in Durango with a place. Mini has little more bottom end push from what I remember and fuller overall, But the ADI is now slouch, the DAC is very good. It good starting point.
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Durango is a gorgeous area! Iām very happy with the ADI, but FOMO always makes ya wonder about whatās over all the other hills
Anyone have any experience with the Mjolnir 2 and the GS-X Mini that can offer a comparison between the two amps? Iāve been interested in a GS-X Mini, but curious to hear if itās different enough to warrant adding it alongside the MJ2.
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MJ2 is a decent amp. Uses two 6BZ7 tubes, or if youād prefer 6DJ8 family tubes. GSX-mini is a solid state amp, and is considerably better in terms of accuracy and blackness of background. Different headphone amps for sure. The GSX-mini is twice the $$ price, so you should expect it to perform at a somewhat higher level. It does.
Sold my MJ2 when I bought my second Kenzie.
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Appreciate the response and the info!
Context from my side - I have an MJ2 and a Pendant now, with loads of tube options for both. In the end (and Iād imagine controversially), Iāve enjoyed both my Rad-0 and the VC more off of the MJ2 than the Pendant. The Rad-0 I understand, because itās a planar and the Pendant isnāt really designed with planars in mind, but I thought the VC + Pendant combo would blow the doors off for me and it hasnāt. Iāve been preparing myself to sell both the Pendant and VC, and was thinking of trying a high-end SS amp this time, thus my interest in the GS-X Mini.
Based on your comments on the GS-X Mini, I assume youāve listened to or had one previously. How would you compare it to the MJ2 on a ābiteā/energy level? My observation of the Pendant vs. the MJ2 is that it feels like thereās more thump and āmeatā on the notes, leading to a more visceral and engaging sound to my ears. Iāve also heard many say that the MJ2 sounds āveiledā to them. Would you say thatās also true for the GS-X mini?
Ultimately, Iām trying to figure out if itās worth trying for a second amp again to pair with the MJ2, or just ride with what I have. The Pendant is an excellent amp, itās just not so noticeably better than the MJ2 (to me and my ears of course!) that itās worth having that taking up $2k of gear budget on top of the MJ2, and wondering if the GS-X Mini might be given what I already have on hand and plan to keep (Rad-0 and MJ2).
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Are you using the high ohm tap on the Pendant? That with the right tubes and VC for me is unbeatable. When I use the low ohm tap the Pendant sounds much more pedestrian. Iāve not heard the GSX Mini so I canāt give anything there. The VC and Phonitor E is decent, though I find the combo a bit too neutral sounding for my tastes.
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Itās been my experience that there are extremely few amps that can rival Mj2 in that regard. Even most ss amps.
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I own the Pendant BondDaBoom set me up with itā¦ I also have GS-X mini still.
Remember these are three different engineering solutions to create great amplified audio.
- Pendant = True Tube AMP Aka Pre-Amp Tubes, Power Amp Tubes, and a tube rectifier.
3 Watts @ 8 ohms and 2.5 Watts @ 300 ohms - Mjolnir 2 = Hybrid Amp Tube Pre-amp with Solid State Power section.
Maximum Power, 50 ohms: 5.0W RMS per channel - GS-X = Pure Solid-State AMP Aka Solid State Pre-amp and Power Section
Maximum Power: 4 Watts @ 50 Ohms
Looking at the Mjolnir 2 Maximum Power, 32 ohms:** 8.0W RMS per channel with running RAD-0. this more power than GSX-Mini so if you are looking for LOUD you have the best amp of the three above.
One thing I have never heard the Mjolnir 2, so I can not tell you how it sounds.
But I do still like my GS-X Mini and Pendant, these days focused more on the music now than the gear since there is a point it is good enough. On the Pendant, I do love as Guitarist, it really based on VOX AC15 style amp. GSX-Mini like stated above has a low noise floor The deep black background mention above.
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@angstorms has posted the power specs so no need for me to duplicate that. The MJ2 has good power and it does a great job as designed. The GSX-mini is a different kettle of fish. Solid state throughout. I can run my HE6se on the mini. It will make it warm up a bit. My solution, and one I shared with Justin at headamps is an AC Infinity S6 component fan. The GSX-mini is a quiet solid state amp. It is neutral in its presentation. Well made, no frills.
The S6 fan spins up when the amp underneath gets warm. It will quit spinning if the amp temperature drops. Hereās a picā¦
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