HeadAmp GS-X mk2 Headphone Amplifier

Official AMP/DAC/DAP Model Discussion
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Hey friends! I noticed there is no discussion for this amplifier so I thought I would get the thread started.

Tomorrow April 3rd, 2022 8 am PT, YouTube video impressions drop! I hope you enjoy it.

"The GS-X Mk2 is HeadAmp’s flagship amplifier for dynamic and planar magnetic headphones. With a circuit that has evolved and matured over a 15-year period, the GS-X Mk2 is the most powerful, linear, and transparent amplifier that we have ever produced. Pushing up to 6W of class-A power into balanced headphones, the GS-X Mk2 can tame the toughest headphone loads on the market, while its’ low-noise circuitry delivers an equally brilliant performance with sensitive in-ear monitors.

In addition, the GS-X Mk2 makes a fine preamp for your stereo speaker system. With its’ high input impedance, low output impedance, multiple I/O options, 3-way gain control, and precise volume control, the GS-X Mk2 can fit into almost any stereo rig, and provide the same wonderfully transparent sound output that it does with headphones.

The GS-X Mk2 is a carefully handcrafted piece of audio equipment, with painstakingly matched components, and the highest standards for build quality in the business. Every GS-X Mk2 is tested extensively throughout the build process, as well as before, and after an extensive burn-in process to ensure the best possible performance.

As of January, 2017, all GS-X Mk2 ship with the DACT 24-step attenuator volume control.

Build quality, and fit and finish may rarely be equaled, but I doubt ever surpassed…The price/performance ratio is outstanding… this is an end-game amp for audiophiles looking for a transparent window through which to enjoy your music."

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What happens to a solid state amp during this extensive burn in period?

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Uhhhh, burn-in uses electricity and they have a higher utility bill?

Seriously, solid state components and solder joints sometimes suffer from manufacturing flaws that cause early death. While I don’t hear any sound or performance changes with solid state equipment, I leave new devices running for 24-48 hours.

Solder joints can also crack during shipping – moving companies won’t honor insurance on electronics unless they suffer from physical damage visible from the outside. I’ve had at least two devices die during shipping, to include a sound bar that failed during a 5 mile move.

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Burn in, at least you know when you get it, that its been ran for 50 hours to work against component failure. Maybe their burn in is also stabilizing the caps. Me I turn my equipment on and start using it.

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Not sure why the burn-in convo started. I had thought @iamsms was joking and referring to the circuit evolving over 15 years. Obviously, that is the circuit design, not the actual burn in @cpp . I hope you guys dig the video this morning!

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I am surprised, quite surprised actually, that this doesn’t have a 4.4mm female jack for balanced headphones. Although I do have cables for the 4-pin XLR and 6.3mm jacks, this is probably a show stopper for me.

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I guess because its noted on the manufactures site " and after an extensive burn-in process to ensure the best possible performance."

If I had to wait on burn in on an expensive “anything” I would not be buying that component.
Back years ago someone asked Nelson Pass this question;
"Someone asked Mr. Nelson Pass:

“A question. For how long should the amp be
broke in? For the breaking in period, should I play music continuously, or
is it better to turn the amp off for about an hour once a day?”

His reply:

"Thank you, and I have an answer:

I have no idea. Hi Fi equipment seems to settle into a good state over time,
but there is no decisive evidence as to whether it is the equipment or the
listener."

mic drop

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This, writ large, pretty much describes my audio experience in toto. So I stopped worrying about it.

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Ahhh I see what you mean now, yup in the manufacturer description. Another way to think about it that I recently learned talking with several different manufacturers directly is the “burn in” process is also about much of the time the ability of a product to withstand hours and hours of use, and making sure that the product is ready for a customer without any issues.

I do think burn-in with some headphones, and definitely, some speakers is a real thing. Some drivers are extremely stiff and rigid directly from the manufacturer if no extensive run-in process is done at the factory.

My floor standers and subwoofers definitely changed over the first 100-150 hours. In fact, I had to change the gain and crossover several times on my REL subs throughout the burn process as the drivers began to flex more and loosen up. I think there is some legit science behind burn-in on some products.

I also believe in brain burn-in too and have personally adjusted mentally to many different signatures over the years. I definitely see and understand, both sides of the discussion.

EDIT: I would add tubes too, if a product has tubes we all know tubes do need some burn in.

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Bingo , it just makes ya feel good :grin: