LSA Voyager GAN Amplifier

@veroguy If you are interested I will add one more comment. I was wrong to state that the Topping pre90 and Voyager play nice. In a narrow volume range it was great better than the CODA #8 and Topping pre90. However, there is an gain mismatch between the 2 and the volume is not that granular. There was an impedance mismatch between the CODA #8 and the Topping pre90. Looks like there is no free lunch with the Topping pre90. The Toppng pre90 does work nicely with the AHB2s.

The CODA 07x is now back on the system and the Topping pre90 is going downstairs.

I am also going to disconnect everything later today. Once I get my actual work done and see if this hiss issue, that is now bugging me, is related to the wires touching each other. I just realized that putting my KRELL K-300i with the Thiels should help me figure out this hiss issue. That should be delivered later today.

I am starting to think that the Voyager sonically is a bit of a mix between the AHB2 and CODA #8. The AHB2 and CODA #8 are not that similar. One is warmer and the other is clearer with more detail. The Voyager seems in-between the 2. Though there is a lot more hours to put into the Voyager to say for certain.

I love the AHB2 and the COIDA #8 Long term keepers. Do not want to say that yet about the Voyager but I cannot fault it for anything. It is sounding better quicker than most new gear I have recently bought.

With all this modding talk.....he he.....LSA now states on their website they will offer an input and output wire upgrade for another $175....starting 8-16. Don’t bother.....my wires are better and I will be eliminating the sound of the binding post by using my binding post bypass system......also way better AC wires, IEC input jack....elimination of one fuse, option for better input jack, etc......and this is just the beginning. Should be fun, cannot wait to listen and tweak. Yes, the modded amp will be way more detailed......and more musical (sounding more like real instruments).

I hope those that are evaluating the amp will listen to some serious 2 mic recordings of natural unamplified or moderately amplified instruments in natural space. This way you can hear depth, air, decay, the wood on an instrument, the breathiness in a voice....separation of instruments.......the sound of the room, etc. Most of my evaluations are done with Chesky, Clarity Recordings, and Mapleshade recordings because they are so natural and detailed. Rush is fun, but you are not going to get subtle details of real instruments or the sound of the room, etc. I want to hear what brand of string someone is playing. When they pick up a different guitar.....I want to go....wow....what just happened?  How does an amp handle mass strings?  Does the string quartet sound like its in the room.....do they make you cry?  Just was watching a Utube video of Stevie Ray and Albert King jamming together......man, that Stevie could play!  See, I like to rock out too!

@ricevs Educate me on some good music to hear this audiophile stuff. I listen for fun but I understand your point. I have Tidal and Qobuz so I should be able to grab whatever you suggest.

Viber6 can help you with string quartets and orchestral stuff.  One of my favorites is Clarity records "The Emissary" featuring Chico Freeman.  Another is Livingston Taylor's Chesky recording "Ink".  For real pretty dinner bossa nova jazz.....its the Chesky recording of Luiz Bonfa's "non stop to Brazil".  Just do a search for Audiophile recordings....tons of stuff out there.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vY16krRKzQI&list=PLKlGuF--sgHvu7uUo2A0xnIazqH8xAt5J

yyz,
As ricevs suggested, I'll chime in with a wonderful CD I just acquired, and have been using on repeat for my last 187 hours of break in listening.  It is a 2015 recording on a budget label, Naxos, of Mozart Violin Concertos 3,4,5 with soloist Henning Kraggerud and the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra.  It is a very clear recording which is upfront but also spacious.  What is especially interesting is that there is a YT video of the same performers in the same hall.  You can see the position of the musicians on stage in the YT video and compare to the CD on your audio system.  The violin soloist has exceptional precision of bow technique, and the small orchestra is very sensitive and also brilliant.  For proper audio reproduction of this music and recording, CLARITY is a must, and the most important criterion to use.  On a musical level, Mozart is the most difficult composer to play, not because it is so complex, but because supreme elegance and attention to detail are required.  The slightest flaw in technique is exposed, but this performance is close to 100% flawless.  It is also improvisatory, and I am surprised that I am still enjoying it as a fresh experience after all these 187 hours of repeats, lol.