Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
All
GS-X mk2
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Output Voltage: +/-20V Dual Mono
- THD: 0.003% / 1KHz
- Power Output (HP/Balanced): 8W/25-ohm, 6W/50-ohm, 3W/100-ohm
- Operating Voltage: 115/120VAC
- Power Consumption: 40W
- Dimensions/Weight Amp: 14.5x9x2.5", 5lb
- Power Supply: 14.5x9x2.5", 7lb
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
Select products
GS-X mini:
- Positioning: A compact and budget-friendly amplifier designed for desktop use and portability.
- Description: Offers a small form factor with essential balanced and unbalanced outputs for everyday listening needs. Compared with larger models like the GS-X Mk2 or CFA3, its performance is tuned for moderate power demands and simplified functionality suited for limited space.
GS-X mk2:
- Positioning: A high-performance amplifier that delivers clear, transparent sound for dynamic and planar magnetic headphones.
- Description: Features low-noise circuitry, adaptable gain options, and multiple I/O choices to provide a premium and versatile audio experience. In contrast to the compact GS-X mini and the tube-driven tone of the Aristaeus, it is engineered for users who demand rigorous, analytical sound reproduction with robust power handling.
CFA3:
- Positioning: A flagship planar and dynamic amplifier built with modern surface-mount designs for desktop applications.
- Description: Uses new-old-stock transistors, innovative thermal regulation, and a custom stepped volume control for refined performance in a small footprint. Compared with the GS-X series and tube-based designs like the Aristaeus, it offers advanced features and precision aimed at driving high-end headphones with enhanced detail and control.
Aristaeus:
- Positioning: An electrostatic amplifier with an all-tube circuit design that delivers a warm, rich, and smooth sound signature.
- Description: Features luxurious wood inlays and tube circuitry to create a slightly laid-back and natural sound profile. When compared with the more clinical clarity of the GS-X units and the precise drive of the Blue Hawaii SE, it is ideal for users seeking vintage warmth and musicality, particularly with electrostatic headphone systems.
Blue Hawaii SE:
- Positioning: The premium electrostatic amplifier engineered to power the toughest headphone loads with exceptional accuracy and control.
- Description: Features dual Stax Pro-Bias outputs, high-voltage design, and precise channel matching that set it apart with industry-leading drive and clarity. Compared with the tube-inflected Aristaeus and the balanced transparency of the GS-X series, it provides the highest level of performance for users with demanding sonic goals.
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Used
HeadAmp
What if you spend more?
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Product Strengths
- Improves the performance of headphones, making them sound better
- Images become larger and more distinctly tactile
- Delivers credibility and immersivity, putting headphones into the same ballpark as a good stereo
- Elegant and compact design
- Considered by some to represent the pinnacle of headphone amplification in design and execution
- Placement of RCA's are so close that any high-end RCA cable that has any kind of larger jack assembly will simply not plug in over-and-under into the same-numbered set
Product Considerations
- Some softening of bass impact in comparison to others
- Least apparent power
- Balanced outputs were not included in the original design
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HeadAmp GSX Mark II—the E.A.R. has better tone/timbre, imaging, and stereotypical tube benefits to soundstage; HeadAmp has 'blackest' backgrounds, with deepest apparent reach to the bass
- Vs Cavalli Audio Liquid Gold—the E.A.R. has better tone/timbre, imaging, and stereotypical tube benefits to soundstage; Cavalli has widest/tallest sound stage, with best specificity of placement
Takeaway: The EAR HP4 headphone amplifier is a top-tier product with elegant design that elevates the listening experience by improving headphone performance and creating immersive sound. It is an amplifier that inspires listening and immersion in music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality with a blend of expertly crafted wood and metal, creating a visually striking and durable statement piece
- Dynamic, rich, and effortless sound with excellent detail, texture, and the right amount of tube magic
- Powerful output capable of driving demanding headphones while maintaining clarity and control
- Versatile performance with a variety of headphones (dynamic and planar) due to its output transformer design, often improving sound for warm or neutral headphones
- Value added by its ability to be used as a pre-amplifier in a stereo system
Product Considerations
- Large size and weight (around 15kg) require ample desk space and sturdy furniture
- Generates heat, which could be a concern in warmer environments without adequate ventilation
- Accidental switching of 'On/Off' is possible due to the touch-sensitive bar in the front not being intuitive, so use with care around pets
- Too powerful for some very sensitive IEMs, potentially resulting in overwhelming sound or audible hiss, though this is not the intended design for the amplifier
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HIFIMAN Susvara, Envy empowers Susvara's natural presentation while giving it all the dynamics and slam needed
- Vs Cayin HA-300MkII, Envy exhibits more linear mid-to-high frequencies and offers a more transparent sound, while HA-300MkII has a warmer—more engaging midrange
- Vs AURIS Headonia 2A3, Envy performs at the same level, with technically incredibly strong aspects
- Vs Octave V 16, Envy completely demolishes the V 16 when it comes to energy, control, timbre, and resolution
- Vs Ferrum OOR, Envy is more powerful sounding, while also being more detailed with better tonality
Takeaway:
The Felix Audio Envy is a high-end headphone amplifier for audio enthusiasts who want the best quality sound to bring out the magic in their favorite headphones. Its stunning design and versatile performance make it a worthwhile addition to any serious audiophile setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Video review
Our take on the brand
Ahead of the curve Trilogy has opted to fittingly make the first Special Products Division a component where nuance and tangibility is etched in fine detail - the electrostatic headphone energiser. A fitting first statement product for Trilogy Audio Systems SPD range, built with meticulous sonic craftsmanship.
After trialling variations of the Stax circuit used by many other manufacturers Nic Poulson realised that accepted wisdom and circuitry failed to advance the product to Trilogy design goals, to only ever evolve and improve. The SPD H1 circuit is unique in terms of a solution.
The design consists of two toroidal transformers, one for heating the triodes, the other for the rest of the H1. The vacuum tube circuit utilises high transconductance type military specification tubes. One pair of 6C3 input tubes and one pair of 6H6 output tubes, having a service life of approximately 5000 hours and can simply be returned to Trilogy for replacement.
The H1 is a pure Class A fully balanced circuit with both wide bandwidth and zero feedback giving a pure communication between the listener and the music. Naturally on this no compromise design wiring is teflon coated point to point silver plated copper. The Stax sockets are PTFE/Teflon with gold plated contact surfaces.
The H1 provides palpable bass and a forthright and authoritative midrange, in addition to the quality airiness that electrostatic headphones are so renowned for. The ephemeral yet conversely frustrating qualities of the traditional experience of electrostatic headphone presentation have been addressed. It has taken time to reverse conventional thinking, but the result was worth it. Experience the openness and pure escapism the H1 provides.
To the rear the SPD H1 features 4 inputs/ 2 x RCA 2 x XLR, and one pair of Stax sockets elegantly recessed into the front fascia. We make a direct mode model (DMV) which allows the user to select inputs remotely and a more fully functioned remote that includes additional operations as volume/balance and mute. The direct mode model (DMV) may be upgraded to the full featured remote version by simply returning to Trilogy for chip and firmware updates.
As with any Stax compatible energiser Performance is dependent on the quality of the source i.e. CD players analogue output stage, and quality of other manufacturers digital volume controls, but the buyer of the H1 rest assured that Trilogy once again, has redefined the standard by which Stax compatible energisers must be judged by and must be experienced to be believed.
Product Strengths
- Possesses the transparency, resolution, detail retrieval, and coherency of an electrostatic rig combined with the musicality of a single-ended triode amplifier
- Tone and timbre are natural, beautiful, rich, and edible
- Exceptional volumetric cube (soundstage) and ability to render depth and width
- Reveals space via endless microdynamic details, nuance, and spatial cues, creating a 'you-are-there' experience
- Svelte and aesthetically clean design, available in black or silver, with a minimalist front facade
Product Considerations
- Sub-bass reach is a limitation; it expertly handles mid and upper bass, and even the initial steps of the deep bass regions remarkably well, though not the deepest bass
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Viva Egoista STX: The Trilogy H1 did not offer the incredible clarity or openness of the Viva Egoista STX, but it was closer in quality than expected
Takeaway: The Trilogy H1 Energizer combines electrostatic capabilities with single-ended triode qualities, resulting in a sublime musical experience. It brings forth music with exceptional detail and a delicious tonality, making it a remarkable first electrostatic product from Trilogy.
Video review
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What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a lovely, lush-sounding performance that is hard to dislike, described as smooth but far from lifeless, delivering high levels of detail in a cohesive and musical manner
- Creates an astonishing space and three dimensionality to the sound, reminiscent of high-end systems
- Features a rich, balanced, and powerful sound that is more forgiving than most rivals
- Superbly made and engineered with solid casework
- Largely unphased by most headphones and can drive a wide range of headphones
Product Considerations
- Volume control operation lacks linearity, making subtle changes in level difficult
- Really needs a balanced source and headphones to deliver its best performance
- Has no input switching, so balanced XLR and single-ended RCA inputs cannot be used simultaneously
- Lacks a remote control for volume adjustment
Takeaway: The MHA200 is a well-built headphone amplifier that delivers a refined and musical listening experience with a spacious soundstage. It is ideal for users who want a dedicated headphone amplifier and appreciate the rich sound of tubes.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Unique 'tube character' enhances the sound in a positive way
- Known for sweetness, euphony, and richness of tone
- Enhances microdynamics, drawing attention to finer nuances of volume
- Creates a more involved and textured soundstage
- Is a completely neutral headphone amplifier, as long as the output impedance synergy is observed
- Inputs and outputs are located on the back of the unit, which can be inconvenient
Product Considerations
- Not suitable for very inefficient planar headphones like the HE6 or Audeze LCD-4
- Not generally recommended for IEMs
- Can be susceptible to interference from Wi-Fi signals or other electronic components
- Depending on the headphone used, the environment, and the output being used, the unit may produce some noise floor
Takeaway: The Kenzie is a special tube amp that makes music sound sweet and detailed, improving the listening experience with many headphones, assuming the right setup is used. It's a good option for those who want to go beyond solid-state amps.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Offers a comprehensive and flexible specification, functioning as a headphone amplifier and streaming preamp
- Produces superb sound quality, described as clear, pure, detailed, dynamic, and musical, without being overly analytical, regardless of genre or recording quality
- Features a well-made, elegant, and attractive design with a beautiful screen for album art and a satisfying volume control
- Supports a comprehensive range of streaming services and digital formats including AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Bluetooth, UPnP, and Internet Radio, and is Roon Ready
- Intuitive and stable app, especially for those who know what they want to listen to
Product Considerations
- The price is high relative to other headphone amplifiers/DACs on the market
- The front display is not a touchscreen
- Some might prefer a more analytical sound presentation
- The HDMI ARC connection is absent
- The Naim app lacks polish compared to dedicated music apps
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Cambridge Audio Evo 150 and NAD M10—the Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is specifically focused on headphone use
- As a headphone amp, it is every bit as good as the Chord Hugo TT2
- Naim puts less of itself into the performance as opposed to McIntosh MHA200
Takeaway: The Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is a great self-contained system for headphone listening, with an easy-to-use interface and a beautiful design. It is a quality product that can be a centerpiece for your home audio.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a smooth, embracing, and euphonic tone, making it enjoyable to listen to for extended periods without fatigue
- Offers excellent detail and ambiance reproduction, resulting in a sublime and neutral sound that pairs beautifully with high-impedance headphones
- Provides a wide and airy sound with neutral tuning, combined with a rich and smooth texture
- The midrange is powerful, vivid, and lively, offering a unique and analog timbre for engaging listening experiences
- Produces a wide, three-dimensional soundstage and lifelike, holographic imaging for an immersive listening experience
Product Considerations
- Lacks power for driving very demanding headphones
- Generates a considerable amount of heat, requiring placement in a well-ventilated area
- Has some coloration in the low-end, which may not appeal to all listeners
- The on/off switch is located on the back panel, which might be inconvenient in some setups
- May not be 'tubey' enough for some users seeking stronger tube coloration
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Feliks Audio Envy: It 'hits' differently and is a more budget-friendly option for high-impedance headphone owners
- Vs SMSL SH-X: Both amps generate a lot of heat, but it offers more realistic staging and imaging
- Vs HIFIMAN Prelude: It offers a neutral, dynamic, and colorful sound, while Prelude is smooth, lush, warm, and bassy
- Vs Violectric HPA V340: It provides tube richness, a wider soundstage, and better instrument separation compared to the brighter and harder sound of HPA V340
- Vs Feliks Audio Euforia (original): The Evo delivers more color, contrast, dynamic range, and resolution with better control and lower distortion, especially with hard-to-drive headphones
Takeaway: The Euforia Evo is a tube amplifier that gives music a smooth, rich, and detailed sound. It is great for those who want to experience high-quality audio and enjoy listening to their headphones.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Versatile amplifier that breathes life into a wide range of headphones
- The purity of the sound creates a very natural tonality and a very organic experience in general
- Incredible depth, note separation, and holography, with a soundstage that envelops the listener
- Connectivity options...
Product Considerations
- It runs hot and needs space to breathe, as it is a class A amplifier
- Its hefty size (10kg) might be too much for a small desk
- Hifiman Susvara users might want to look for another amplifier
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Pass Labs HPA-1 has an unmistakably organic feel, while Bliss leans more towards a very clean and pure neutral presentation
- Holo Bliss brought a new level of energy and control to the music, while refining the details and presenting them in a purer, more organic way
- Compared to Felix Audio Euphoria Anniversary Edition, a little of that black background is lost, and more of a sunset feel is gained, with more of a lush midrange akin to the characteristics of the Tube
Takeaway: The Holo Audio Bliss is a versatile and powerful amplifier that delivers an exceptional listening experience, with a focus on purity, holography, and natural tonality, making music vibrant and captivating. With its top-notch build quality, it's designed to be the heart of any high-end audio setup.
Video review
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