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HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2 Class-A Headphone Amplifier
Our Take
The Gilmore Lite Mk2 marks HeadAmp’s return to the affordable yet high-end class-A headphone amplifier space that we started out in over 15 years ago. This amplifier boasts more power and a more sophisticated look and feel than our earlier model, and promises to be a great pairing for headphones like the Focal Clear MG, high-end Sennheiser HD models, Audeze LCD-series, and HIFIMAN HE-series among others.
Those looking to drive the most demanding headphone loads like the Audeze LCD-4 and HIFIMAN HE-6 or Susvara should look at the GS-X Mk2 for it’s higher output power and balanced drive.
The Lite Mk2 has a sophisticated but discreet look, and small size that will allow it to blend seamlessly into any desk, workspace, nightstand, or audio rack. The separate power supply keeps electrical noise away from the amplifier, and reduces the amp’s overall footprint.
Gilmore Lite Mk2 now ships with a worldwide compatible power supply (100-240VAC, 50-60Hz).
The Gilmore Lite Mk2 uses the same super-low-noise/distortion amplifier circuit as our flagship dynamic amp, the GS-X Mk2, at a very affordable $499 everyday price. It drives dynamic and planar magnetic headphones with up to 1.5W of pure class-A power from its fully discrete amplifier section.
This amp has all the fine attention to detail and special touches that make it a true HeadAmp original. The volume knob outclasses the competition, and the clean engraving and white LED give it a unique aesthetic.
The Gilmore Lite Mk2 has a pre-amp output for controlling speakers, and two switchable RCA inputs.
Features
• Low noise JFET input; Pure Class A bipolar transistor output
• Alps Blue Potentiometer
• 7.5X (16.5dB) Gain
• SE 1/4" Phones Output
• 2 pair Single Ended RCA Input
• 1 set RCA active-preamplifier jacks
3 Year Warranty on all Parts and Labor
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HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2 Class-A Headphone Amplifier
Compact yet powerful, the HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2 is a remarkably transparent, neutral Class‑A desktop amp that punches above its price. Reviewers from Enjoy The Music (Dave Hanson), Audiophilepure and Soundnews (Sandu Vitalie) emphasize its dead‑flat response, inky‑black noise floor and superb microdetail retrieval. The Mk2 delivers crisp attack and decay, authoritative low‑end definition and airy, well-controlled treble — making imaging and instrument separation stand out. Built with an Alps Blue volume pot and meticulous assembly, it offers practical features (dual RCA inputs, preamp out) in a small footprint. Ideal for listeners who want an honest reference amp for IEMs through most planar headphones. Strong dynamics, class‑A timbre, and consistent build quality make it a high-value pick for critical desktop listening.
Pros
- Reference-level transparency and linear frequency response that exposes microdetail and source character.
- Fast, controlled dynamics and strong drivability (Class‑A up to 1.5 W) that handle IEMs and most planar headphones with authority.
- High-quality construction and user-focused desktop features — premium Alps Blue volume pot, low noise floor and solid assembly.
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Cons
- A very faint hiss can be audible with the most revealing IEMs in idle/no‑music conditions.
- At extreme volume settings with highly inefficient, ultra‑power‑hungry planars, users reported reduced headroom and occasional clipping.
Sound Quality
93/100
Reviews consistently praise attack, decay and PRaT — EnjoyTheMusic: 'attack and decay are absolutely top notch' and Soundnews notes 'crazy speed and impact' and strong control on demanding planars. A single reviewer noted clipping only at extreme levels driving an LCD-4, so dynamics are outstanding for virtually all practical listening levels.
Noise Floor
90/100
Multiple reviewers describe an extremely black background and suitability for IEMs (Soundnews: 'blacker than the night', EnjoyTheMusic: 'pretty much dead-silent' with full-size cans). A very faint hiss was reported with some sensitive Campfire IEMs, so while effectively silent for most uses (including many IEMs), there is a tiny audible noise in the most revealing IEMs under no-music conditions.
Headphone Compatibility
90/100
The Mk2 delivers up to 1.5 W and has <1 ohm output impedance, making it well-suited from sensitive IEMs to most planar magnetics; reviewers confirm it drives LCD-4 with authority though clipping appears only at extreme volumes. Low output impedance (<1 ohm) and solid Class-A drive mean broad compatibility with a slight caveat on the most inefficient, ultra-high-power-hungry models.
Build Quality
92/100
Reviewers praise impeccable construction and premium parts — notably an Alps Blue volume potentiometer and meticulous assembly — calling it 'a jewel like amp' and 'polished, professional level' build quality. No real weaknesses were identified in multiple reviews.
Features Connectivity
82/100
Basic but practical desktop features: two RCA inputs (switchable), active RCA preamp output, and a 1/4" headphone jack; external regulated PSU reduces noise. It lacks DAC, balanced I/O, and digital/streaming features, but includes an IEM-friendly <1 ohm output and a high-quality Alps pot, placing it slightly above the minimal baseline.
Value for Money
90/100
Multiple reviewers highlight excellent value at around $499 — 'extraordinary price' (Soundnews), 'reasonably priced, astoundingly capable' and 'I can't recommend it highly enough' (EnjoyTheMusic). Reviewers frame it as a high-end sound without the high-end price, justifying a strong value score.
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