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GS-X mk2 Balanced Headphone Amplifier / Pre-Amplifier

$3,299.00
In Stock

Drive your favorite planar magnetic and dynamic headphones with the GS-X MK2, providing lineari… More details

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A Statement Piece of Hi-Fi Audio Equipment

The GS-X MK2 Headphone Amplifier from HeadAmp is one of the most stunning hi-res desktop amplifiers you can have on your shelf or desktop. The GS-X MK2 features a dual-unit design, with the power supply being completely separate from the amplifier unit for extremely quiet noise measurements.

The GS-X MK2 features a balanced 4-pin XLR output as well as dual single-ended quarter-inch headphone outputs. Low, Medium, and High Gain options make adjusting the power for various headphones and IEMs easy. The input and output selection on the GS-X MK2 is unmatched. You'll find everything you need. The GS-X MK2 also works great as a standalone preamplifier for your stereo speaker system.

Features

  • Balanced 4-pin XLR Output
  • 2x SE 1/4" Headphone Outputs
  • Low, Medium & High Gain Options
  • Input Selector Switch
  • 2 pair Single Ended RCA Input
  • 1 pair Balanced 3-pin XLR Input
  • 1x stereo pair RCA Active Pre-Amp Outputs
  • 1x stereo pair XLR Active Pre-Amp Outputs
  • 1x stereo pair RCA Loop Outputs
  • 1x stereo pair XLR Loop Outputs
  • 3 Year Warranty on all Parts and Labor

Get Dynamic, Transparent Sound With the GS-X mk2


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 HeadAmp has 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.

HeadAmp GS-X mk2 Amp sitting on table next to headphones hanging from a stand in front of a green wall.

Carefully Handcrafted


The GS-X MK2 is a carefully handcrafted piece of audio equipment with painstakingly-matched components. HeadAmps' over-a-decade of experience building headphone amplifiers is a testament to the sound and quality of the GS-X MK2 headphone amplifier. It's designed to power even the toughest planar magnetic and dynamic headphones on the market, with precision and control like no other amplifier. Every single GS-X MK2 Headphone Amplifier is extensively tested and put through the paces from start of production to the time it's ready to be boxed up. HeadAmp makes sure the quality of their products are unmatched with some of the best performance in the industry.

As of 2017, all GS-X MK2 headphone amplifiers ship with the DACT 24-step attenuator as the standard volume control option.


Clean and Transparent Sound for A Headphone Amplifier

The GS-X Mk2 delivers the quickest, cleanest, most transparent sound you will find in a headphone amplifier, and does so regardless of the headphones you pair with it. You'll simply hear the character of the headphones themselves, and the connected source, as the GS-X does its' part to supply all the power your headphones need, without coloring the sound. The GS-X is carefully designed to provide the same level of experience whether listening with high sensitivity, multi-driver in-ear monitors, low-impedance current-hungry planar magnetic headphones, or low-efficiency, high-impedance headphones. The combination of extra low-noise transistors, careful part matching, and an adaptable gain setting work together to give your entire collection of headphones just what they demand. Join the numerous headphone manufacturers who use this amp in their development labs, and get the clearest sound possible from your cans.


HeadAmp's GS-X Mk2 Amplifier sitting on a table next to headphones hanging from a stand.
Hands holding an open console showing circuit boards for the HeadAmp GS-X mk2 amplifier.

About HeadAmp

HeadAmp builds some of the world's best headphone amplifiers like the famous Blue Hawaii SE 9Special Edition) and the newer compact GS-X Mini. All of their solid-state amplifiers start with new-old-stock Japanese sand which is irreplaceable for discrete solid-state designs.

Since HeadAmp Audio Electronics' founding in 2002, the company has designed and built award-winning headphone amplifiers and pre-amplifiers with a steadfast commitment to quality and precision. That laser focus has earned HeadAmp a worldwide reputation for making some of the finest headphone electronics on the market.

HeadAmp's design philosophy is engineering-forward, aiming to produce amplifiers as true to the source as possible, for the best listening experience possible. HeadAmp's amplifier's aim to drive your headphones to the fullest potential, regardless of driver type, efficiency, or impedance. Ranging from the diminutive Pico Slim for in-ear monitors (IEMs), to the legendary Blue Hawaii SE for electrostatic headphones, there's a model in HeadAmp's lineup to make any and every headphone shine.

All HeadAmp amplifiers and products are designed, assembled, and serviced at their shop located in Charlottesville, VA USA.


FAQ

Where is HeadAmp located?

All HeadAmp amplifiers and products are designed, assembled, and serviced at their shop located in Charlottesville, VA USA.

Can the GS-X MK2 Amplifier work as a Preamp?

Yes, the GS-X MK2 can work as a standalone preamplifier.

Can you choose the volume control on the GS-X MK2?

Note that as of January 2017, all GS-X MK2 headphone amplifiers ship with the DACT 24-step attenuator volume control.

How much power does the GS-X MK2 output?

The GS-X MK2 headphone amplifier can output up to 6W of class-A power into balanced headphones.

What can I connect to my headphone amplifier?

In typical Hi-Fi systems, you’ll be connecting your source which may or may not have a DAC (digital to analog converter), to your amplifier. Sometimes you can connect a portable DAC to the amplifier, or sometimes you can have all-in-one units (with built-in-DACs and amplifiers) that can do it all. The accessibility of having external components allows you to mix and match sound and functionality to your heart’s content.

Specifications

Dimensions
  • Amp: 14.5x9x2.5”, 5lb
  • PSU: 14.5x9x2.5”, 8lb
  • Shipping Box: 18x12x10”, 15lb
Inputs
1 XLR, 1 RCA
Outputs
  • Loop Output: 1 XLR, 1 RCA
  • Active Pre-Amp: 1 XLR, 1 RCA
  • Headphones: 1 4-pin XLR balanced, [left/right 3-pin XLR balanced, 2x 1/4” stereo]
  • [ ] - Neutrik XLR+1/4” Combo Jacks
Amp Specs
  • Topology: Solid State JFET Input, BJT Output, Dual Mono
  • Gain: 3x Adjustable
  • Power Output (HP/Balanced): 8W/25-ohm, 6W/50-ohm, 3W/100-ohm
  • THD: 0.003% / 1KHz
  • Headphone Output Impedance: less than 1 ohm
  • Preamp output impedance: 100 ohm
  • Input impedances: 10K-ohm
External Power Supply:
  • Type: Linear Regulated
  • Input: 115/120VAC
  • Output: +/-20V Dual Mono
  • Power Consumption: 40W

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