LSA Voyager GAN Amplifier

@abraxalito


Yeah, my hi-tech friend was very excited with this and is getting one of these GaN by GaN with SMP Eval bundles it just left the US for AU.
It’s got pre/dac/volume control/input switching/variable feedback, they set the feedback low, they say for better sound so the distortion figures aren’t out of this world, still good though.

The SMP is only +32 0 -32.
But you can take it much higher, then you may have to heatsink the GaN fets, but the data sheets seem to say it’s not needed.
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/gan-by-gan-class-d-with-smp-complete-for-940-ready-to-go-just...

Cheers George

@abraxalito

As more become GaN amps available doesn't mean they will all be made to the same standards. The basic GaN module is inexpensive.

Definitely check out the other GaN threads: LSA Voyager is only $3000, and benefits from simple tweaks like replacing the rubber footers with inexpensive springs, weighing down the top, or removing it as I am about to do, as I have with my Oppo 105 and EVS 1200 class D amp
hth

yyz,
Looking forward to your and your friend's impressions with the modded Voyager.  Unfortunately, memory for details of sound is fleeting, so the ideal is to have stock and modded amps simultaneously for a quick A/B back and forth.  I was lucky enough to do this with my Mytek Brooklyn original amp and its update, through the generosity of Michal, the owner.  The differences were fairly small, and I found the original to have more clarity/snap in my system, which was the opposite of what Michal claimed.  If the mods are dramatic, or even if the LA4 + modded V exceeds the clarity/detail of the LA4 + AHB2, whereby the modded V pushes ahead of the AHB2 in the horserace for clarity, that will make headlines.

Since ricevs is not forthcoming on exactly what he hears, user experience like yours will be most appreciated.

@viber correct about remembering how each sounded a few weeks ago. However, we do have a relative gauge of which amp was preferred with the CODA 07x preamp.

For me (on floorstanders) :
1) CODA #8 (more powerful and engaging)
2) Voyager

For my friend (on floorstanders):
1) Voyager (more detailed, less mushy)
2) CODA #8

On the RAAL SR1a headphones, both of us I think went this way.

1) KRELL K-300i by a landslide
2) CODA #8
3) Voyager

My tests are going to be with the 3 amps. I wlll try to get the AHB2 upstairs to compare with the Voyager.

BTW - the day I know my son won’t damage the CODA 07x is the day I move it downstairs to pair with my AHB2 monos. That is a killer combo.

I really like the following.

• CODA 07x + CODA #8
• CODA 07x + Benchmark AHB2
• Benchmark LA4 + CODA #8 (blissfully silent)
  
• Benchmark LA4 + AHB2 (a leaner sound)

Thanks for your input on the impedance question.  I use the Rane ME 60 equalizer as a small gain stage with EQ.  This SS source has a low output impedance, I forgot, maybe 100 ohms.  The ratio of input impedance to output impedance would be 380 for 38K input, or 1500 for 150K input.  Both ratios are very high, way over the minimum 10, so I wonder whether there would be any audible or technical difference between 38K or 150K.

@viber6 With something like the Rane (which is really meant more for PA and recording use) you *might* have slightly less noise if the input impedance is lower. Otherwise the Rane itself will not interact in any way with load impedances like that. IOW no worries.