Got to hand it to these folks down at Geshelli though ,i mean with the worldwide chip shortage for these kinds of products they really know how to keep the ball rolling ! Another great product from a great team ,... thanks for reviewing !
My pleasure and I completely agree! Having emailed back and forth with them, I know how many challenges they've had with parts availability lately and yet they keep on keeping on! 🙂
Thanks a lot for the review! I have always been pleased with the choice of the first Elish, which I am using right now, so it was very interesting to see a comparison with it.
Hey love the production of this video, and your voice is soothing. Always appreciate your take on audio gear as it is not overly subjective. Keep up your great work!
So glad you're enjoying the channel. And yes, the E2 is definitely an amazing amp. Sorry it took a while to get the review out. Black Friday kind of got in the way and I didn't want to drop this when it was new and therefore not on special.
Been waiting for this review! As usual, you've hit it out of the park. Recently picked up a Cavalli Audio Liquid Carbon V1 for a good price and wondering if I need another balanced amp, choices choices.....
@@PassionforSound Never ending story of audio equipment hoarding...probably wait for a used unit to be on sale in 2022. Btw, I got the E50 based on your review. Keep up the solid work Lach!
Great review mate. Sounds like another headfi item I need to upgrade to :P. Plus it will look better on my desk with the j2. The og Elish just doesn't quite look right
Yeah, I often wondered about an attachment system to lock the OG Erish to the side or top of the J2. The E2 solves that and happens to sound even better too! Glad you liked the review 🙂🙂
Hi @Passion for Sound, just curious what power supply you used for the Geshelli Labs stuff? They don't ship with AUS/NZ plugs, so I'll have to source my own. cheers.
Love the wood design. That's unique and (barring the Schiit style) preferable to the basic aluminum boxes you see everywhere even in expensive amps. Wish they'd completely cover it though instead of having the transparent face plate. Seeing the plastic circuit board isn't all that appealing to me.
I wonder if they can do wooden faceplates? That would be cool, but tricky to precision cut all the holes required so it still looks good. I imagine you could get an opaque Perspex to hide the internals.
@PassionforSound Interesting. I would think those dovetail joints of the sides or even more so trying to line up the holes of the plastic face plate with the knobs soldered to the circuit board after being slid into place in the wood frame would be a lot trickier than precise holes for the knobs. That shirt cracks me up every time, btw.
@@PassionforSound actually now that I think about it, I guess the plastic being presumably slid into place actually allows more wiggle room to slide the pots through.
I do something that's probably inadvisable and carefully bend the straight pins to the correct angle for Aussie sockets. It's probably safer to use an adapter, but the key thing is that the power supply is suitable for all counties' voltages
Very different sounds. The E2 is the perfect example of a well executed solid state amp - clean, articulate and detailed (but smooth). The 604 is rich, punchy and fun, but lacks some of the detail and articulation on the E2. Both are excellent at what they do
Hey passion for sound love the video's some of the best reviews on youtube! Like to know your thoughts on this. I got a topping e30 and a schiit asgard 3 with a hifiman sundara. Looking to upgrade a but thinking grabbing a topping e50 dac and keep the asgard 3 or get a geshelli labs e2 or maybe a jds labs element 3. But how does the asgard 3 compared to the e2 with is better for the sundara / hifiman xs looking to get that headphone 2 as a upgrade. Or what is a amp that works really well for music ( rock, soft rock, house) for a sundara around that 300 dollar Mark.
Asgard 3 is very hard to beat without stepping up to something like the Jotunheim 2 or Singxer SA-1. I'd stick with that and upgrade the DAC until you're ready to drop about 400-500 USD on an amp (or just keep enjoying the Asgard because it's great)
I don't really think of amps in those terms because the differences should rarely Bev that significant. However, the E2 is the more dynamic amp so I'd lean this l towards that for overall energy and impact at all frequencies
Nice wood mate 🪵! I do hope they update their site to give product previews considering all the options they have for their cases. I wouldn't mind getting one myself but when something has more than 3 color options I freeze like a racoon in the trash caught by a yard light. Thanks for the review!
Haha. Please refrain from publicly discussing my wood. 🤣 Yeah, I hear you on the aesthetics choices. I would expect they'll take more images over time.
That's a really interesting question! I haven't heard the ZEN so it's hard to comment. The Bifrost 2 will be vastly superior to it (based on all the other comparisons I've done). I'd think about it in terms of your long term upgrade path. So, if the Soloist is your "endgame" amp and you already have a DAC (i.e. the ZEN) then start with the amp. You can then upgrade the DAC later.
@@PassionforSound I think I have a strategy. I get the Geshelli E2 and pair with my ZEN because I like the idea of that setup being a fully balanced setup as I have recently discovered the amazing difference with balanced headphone cables because the ZEN has afforded me the opportunity to try them at a low price. I like the ZEN but the "life" that the old sabre DAC 9038 gave me is missing. I have heard that the ZEN might not pair well with my Arya SE because of "current" or something. That's why I'm thinking an amp could bring back that "life" maybe? If I like it, I get the Bifrost 2. If I love it, I stick with it until my next move. My "next move" would come when Bitcoin hits around 100k. Although that could take at least a year, I bet by the time it happens you would have already found something you like even more than the Burson GT, and maybe even for LESS? It's worth a gamble.
Sounds like a good plan! The only wrinkle I'd throw into the mix is that the story you've heard about the Arya needing more current is a myth. The Arya can hit 110dB with just 40mW. Even single ended, the ZEN has 230mW available so you're not even beginning to stretch it's power capabilities with the Arya. The reason the Arya sounds better with an external amp is because those external amps are better, not because they've got more power.
@@PassionforSound I just got the E2 today and I plugged it into the ZEN. It has changed everything. Like you said, there is a "3D" quality that it brings, and now I know what "depth" sounds like in the audiophile context. I thought I knew before, but I didn't. I still think I know "holographic". My Sabre DAC brings "holographic" and I like both. I can't believe there are actually people who think the amp makes no difference to the sound. It's like they are living in a different universe. The flip side is, this Geshelli amp might have ruined me and now I will have a never-ending thirst for the "next" sound. I crave MORE. I was listening to one song I listen to a lot, and I swear I thought someone was running a truck outside. "Turn that damn truck off! I'm trying to listen to my new amp! It's after 10pm!" Then I realized it was a low rumble of bass that I had never heard from planars before. Like, WTF?! I get to explore the music now and hunt for this newfound sound. Wow. Amazing.
So glad you're enjoying the E2 and experiencing soundstage depth. Without trying to completely ruin you, wait until you try a Chord, Schiit Multibit or (good) R2R DAC!
Happy New Year Kyron. I don't have the 789 anymore, but I remember why I sold it and the E2 trounces it comfortably IMO. The 789 has a slightly artificial tonality that I never enjoyed, but the E2 is clean, clear and very organic.
@@PassionforSound That's interesting. Most people who reviewed think it's a very good amplifier. Extremely transparent to the point that it reveals any imperfections with the DAC. That's not something I hear about in the latest amplifiers. There's even a guy in a pink shirt who who keeps saying how incredible it is. I'm sure the E2 is very good for it's price The E2 doesn't have single ended which is a big problem because the majority of people who are looking for a budget amp would be using single ended a lot of the time. That means it's a deal breaker for a lot of people.
It is a shame that the E2 is balanced only, but the Archel 2.5 provides a single ended option with balanced and SE inputs (keep in mind the 789 actually isn't fully balanced). Back when I reviewed the 789 it was definitely a great amp, but there's so much that's come since and surpassed it. It's not a bad amp at current pricing, but not the last word by any stretch
Budget amp? The audio world has gone mad lol. I remember a budget amp was 100$ in the US. I Hope Geshelli labs come out with a dac/amp that is actually reasonably priced.
This is a balanced amp and pre-amp so it's not their most basic model. It's very affordable for a balanced amp, particularly in a world where parts shortages and shipping costs are making it very difficult for manufacturers.
@@PassionforSound Shortages are not an excuse since so many manufacturers had to adapt. Geshelli did too. That's why they don't use AKM chips for the time being. I don't even like schiit products but their magnius offers both balanced and unbalanced for 20$ cheaper and is more powerful. Being a fully balanced amp only the E2 should cost less. Nothing against the E2 I'm sure is great. But I question your is a budget amp opinion. Especially when it only works balanced.
@@epicmike3915 I would say that the Magnius being $20 cheaper - before tax and/or shipping - is insignificant, as is it being 'more powerful' for anyone without extra-power-hungry planar headphones... and honestly only 3-4 dB more than the E2 at max-volume. As a proud owner of the Erish, I'm also sure E2 is a 'great' amp. Yes, it's only balanced, but the Magnius' unbalanced-out is quite sub-standard. At the end of the day, both of these models are among the best budget balanced amps currently available. And they're made In America!
The E2 destroys the Magnius on sound quality and costs only a little more. I'm not aware of any balanced amps that can match the E2 for less than $300-400 at least
Got to hand it to these folks down at Geshelli though ,i mean with the worldwide chip shortage for these kinds of products they really know how to keep the ball rolling ! Another great product from a great team ,... thanks for reviewing !
My pleasure and I completely agree! Having emailed back and forth with them, I know how many challenges they've had with parts availability lately and yet they keep on keeping on! 🙂
Everyone is adapting dude. This isn't a one company issue.
Thanks a lot for the review! I have always been pleased with the choice of the first Elish, which I am using right now, so it was very interesting to see a comparison with it.
The original is still excellent, but the new one is even better! 🙂
I've been waiting for this review, thank you. Love from 🇨🇺
Sorry it took a while. Black Friday got in the way a bit. 🙂🙂
It would be quite interesting if Geshelli labs would make a discrete and/or tube design in the future; or perhaps a R2R/multibit/fpga-based dac.
I know that they're working on some cool stuff (I think it was mentioned in my interview with them), but I don't know exactly what it will be yet...
Hey love the production of this video, and your voice is soothing. Always appreciate your take on audio gear as it is not overly subjective. Keep up your great work!
So glad you like it. I'm always trying to improve production so that's great to hear!
Finally! Love your content and love the amp!
So glad you're enjoying the channel. And yes, the E2 is definitely an amazing amp.
Sorry it took a while to get the review out. Black Friday kind of got in the way and I didn't want to drop this when it was new and therefore not on special.
Superb review once again Lachlan 👏
Glad you liked it!
Nice review of a great product, from a great company. Love the shirt too.
Thank you. Glad you liked it. The t-shirt is from Threadheads for anyone interested (no affiliation)
@@PassionforSound Thanks for the tip.
That black/blue mist seems impossible to do it justice in pictures or video. I think it looks gorgeous in person.
Yeah, it looks amazing in person. It's like sunsets - never quite the same in photos or videos 🙂
I got the RME ADO-2 balanced DAC and have been on the fence on which fully balanced AMP I want. This is a contender. Can't make up my mind lol.
The E2 is definitely a great option!
The lack of preamp/hpamp switch is a pity. It's so simple and so practical. They'll end up doing it eventually, I expect (hope?)
I hope so too because it does prevent me using the E2 in the way I'd like to.
How much of an upgrade is E2 from Schiit Heresy? I wonder if it would be a worthy upgrade for my Aeon Closed X.
It's a huge upgrade over the Heresy. If you can make the jump, I highly recommend it
Been waiting for this review! As usual, you've hit it out of the park. Recently picked up a Cavalli Audio Liquid Carbon V1 for a good price and wondering if I need another balanced amp, choices choices.....
Glad you liked it! The E2 is definitely worth considering. It's really amazing what Geno has cooked up this time
@@PassionforSound Never ending story of audio equipment hoarding...probably wait for a used unit to be on sale in 2022. Btw, I got the E50 based on your review. Keep up the solid work Lach!
Good plan!
Great review mate.
Sounds like another headfi item I need to upgrade to :P.
Plus it will look better on my desk with the j2. The og Elish just doesn't quite look right
Yeah, I often wondered about an attachment system to lock the OG Erish to the side or top of the J2. The E2 solves that and happens to sound even better too!
Glad you liked the review 🙂🙂
Hi @Passion for Sound, just curious what power supply you used for the Geshelli Labs stuff? They don't ship with AUS/NZ plugs, so I'll have to source my own. cheers.
I use an adapter because they are 110-240V supplies so you just need a way to make them fit
Love the wood design. That's unique and (barring the Schiit style) preferable to the basic aluminum boxes you see everywhere even in expensive amps. Wish they'd completely cover it though instead of having the transparent face plate. Seeing the plastic circuit board isn't all that appealing to me.
I wonder if they can do wooden faceplates? That would be cool, but tricky to precision cut all the holes required so it still looks good.
I imagine you could get an opaque Perspex to hide the internals.
@PassionforSound Interesting. I would think those dovetail joints of the sides or even more so trying to line up the holes of the plastic face plate with the knobs soldered to the circuit board after being slid into place in the wood frame would be a lot trickier than precise holes for the knobs. That shirt cracks me up every time, btw.
@@PassionforSound actually now that I think about it, I guess the plastic being presumably slid into place actually allows more wiggle room to slide the pots through.
Yes. That's been my experience.
Does it have any synergy with wooden headphones? Asking for a friend
Haha. Let me check...
(don't hold your breath for an answer)
I notice Geshelli only offer US or European style power plugs on their website. Did you use an Aussie plug adapter?
I do something that's probably inadvisable and carefully bend the straight pins to the correct angle for Aussie sockets. It's probably safer to use an adapter, but the key thing is that the power supply is suitable for all counties' voltages
What level of headphones do you need to be able to notice a significant difference between the E2 and L50? HE4XX or Verum one or Arya or STAX SR-L700?
Stax don't use amps they use energizers
@@chefsteve8381 yes, of course.
I think you'll hear it with almost any headphone so HE4XX, ATH-M50x, Verum 1, etc.
How is the noise floor for iems ?
The noise floor is excellent, but you might find the usable volume range lacking.
How would this compare to something like the Drop THX 789 or SMSL SP200 (or other sterile THX amp?)
Way nicer to listen to because it doesn't compress the dynamics of the music like those two (particularly the SP200).
Well, from memory, how's this compare to the other balanced amp.....the xDuoo MT-604?
Very different sounds. The E2 is the perfect example of a well executed solid state amp - clean, articulate and detailed (but smooth). The 604 is rich, punchy and fun, but lacks some of the detail and articulation on the E2. Both are excellent at what they do
Hey passion for sound love the video's some of the best reviews on youtube!
Like to know your thoughts on this. I got a topping e30 and a schiit asgard 3 with a hifiman sundara. Looking to upgrade a but thinking grabbing a topping e50 dac and keep the asgard 3 or get a geshelli labs e2 or maybe a jds labs element 3. But how does the asgard 3 compared to the e2 with is better for the sundara / hifiman xs looking to get that headphone 2 as a upgrade. Or what is a amp that works really well for music ( rock, soft rock, house) for a sundara around that 300 dollar Mark.
Is there a big difference in a amp like a asgard 3 and a geshelli labs e2 or a step up like a topping a90?
Asgard 3 is very hard to beat without stepping up to something like the Jotunheim 2 or Singxer SA-1. I'd stick with that and upgrade the DAC until you're ready to drop about 400-500 USD on an amp (or just keep enjoying the Asgard because it's great)
Geshelli added the Archel 2.5 X and XL to their website.
Oh, awesome! I'll have to see if I can arrange a review unit!
@@PassionforSound Awesome 👍 based on the spec's it's very close to the E2. A head to head comparison would be great.
How does E2 and L50 compare in terms of slam and punch?
I don't really think of amps in those terms because the differences should rarely Bev that significant. However, the E2 is the more dynamic amp so I'd lean this l towards that for overall energy and impact at all frequencies
@@PassionforSound thanks
Cheers have a good day
You too! Thanks for watching and commenting
Nice wood mate 🪵! I do hope they update their site to give product previews considering all the options they have for their cases. I wouldn't mind getting one myself but when something has more than 3 color options I freeze like a racoon in the trash caught by a yard light. Thanks for the review!
Haha. Please refrain from publicly discussing my wood. 🤣
Yeah, I hear you on the aesthetics choices. I would expect they'll take more images over time.
What should I spend $1000 on, the combination of Schiit Bifrost 2 and Geshelli E2, or output my ifi ZEN to the Burson Soloist X3?
That's a really interesting question! I haven't heard the ZEN so it's hard to comment. The Bifrost 2 will be vastly superior to it (based on all the other comparisons I've done). I'd think about it in terms of your long term upgrade path. So, if the Soloist is your "endgame" amp and you already have a DAC (i.e. the ZEN) then start with the amp. You can then upgrade the DAC later.
@@PassionforSound
I think I have a strategy.
I get the Geshelli E2 and pair with my ZEN because I like the idea of that setup being a fully balanced setup as I have recently discovered the amazing difference with balanced headphone cables because the ZEN has afforded me the opportunity to try them at a low price.
I like the ZEN but the "life" that the old sabre DAC 9038 gave me is missing. I have heard that the ZEN might not pair well with my Arya SE because of "current" or something. That's why I'm thinking an amp could bring back that "life" maybe?
If I like it, I get the Bifrost 2. If I love it, I stick with it until my next move. My "next move" would come when Bitcoin hits around 100k. Although that could take at least a year, I bet by the time it happens you would have already found something you like even more than the Burson GT, and maybe even for LESS?
It's worth a gamble.
Sounds like a good plan!
The only wrinkle I'd throw into the mix is that the story you've heard about the Arya needing more current is a myth. The Arya can hit 110dB with just 40mW. Even single ended, the ZEN has 230mW available so you're not even beginning to stretch it's power capabilities with the Arya. The reason the Arya sounds better with an external amp is because those external amps are better, not because they've got more power.
@@PassionforSound
I just got the E2 today and I plugged it into the ZEN.
It has changed everything.
Like you said, there is a "3D" quality that it brings, and now I know what "depth" sounds like in the audiophile context. I thought I knew before, but I didn't.
I still think I know "holographic". My Sabre DAC brings "holographic" and I like both.
I can't believe there are actually people who think the amp makes no difference to the sound. It's like they are living in a different universe.
The flip side is, this Geshelli amp might have ruined me and now I will have a never-ending thirst for the "next" sound. I crave MORE.
I was listening to one song I listen to a lot, and I swear I thought someone was running a truck outside. "Turn that damn truck off! I'm trying to listen to my new amp! It's after 10pm!" Then I realized it was a low rumble of bass that I had never heard from planars before. Like, WTF?!
I get to explore the music now and hunt for this newfound sound. Wow. Amazing.
So glad you're enjoying the E2 and experiencing soundstage depth. Without trying to completely ruin you, wait until you try a Chord, Schiit Multibit or (good) R2R DAC!
Happy New Year Lachlan. Do you still have your 789? I'm curious how it compares to the E2.
Happy New Year Kyron. I don't have the 789 anymore, but I remember why I sold it and the E2 trounces it comfortably IMO. The 789 has a slightly artificial tonality that I never enjoyed, but the E2 is clean, clear and very organic.
@@PassionforSound That's interesting. Most people who reviewed think it's a very good amplifier. Extremely transparent to the point that it reveals any imperfections with the DAC. That's not something I hear about in the latest amplifiers. There's even a guy in a pink shirt who who keeps saying how incredible it is.
I'm sure the E2 is very good for it's price The E2 doesn't have single ended which is a big problem because the majority of people who are looking for a budget amp would be using single ended a lot of the time. That means it's a deal breaker for a lot of people.
It is a shame that the E2 is balanced only, but the Archel 2.5 provides a single ended option with balanced and SE inputs (keep in mind the 789 actually isn't fully balanced).
Back when I reviewed the 789 it was definitely a great amp, but there's so much that's come since and surpassed it. It's not a bad amp at current pricing, but not the last word by any stretch
Geshelli stack? Topping? Or am i better off saving for the RME ADI 2?
What headphones to you have?
@@kyron42 HD800 :D
@@sarundayo get a tube amp...
@@chefsteve8381 Sure, when you explain why I should...
I have their Geshelli Archel 2.5 pro ,every time i listen to it i'm blown away by what i hear !
Your shirt is hilarious and nostalgic
Glad you like it!
Budget amp? The audio world has gone mad lol. I remember a budget amp was 100$ in the US. I Hope Geshelli labs come out with a dac/amp that is actually reasonably priced.
This is a balanced amp and pre-amp so it's not their most basic model. It's very affordable for a balanced amp, particularly in a world where parts shortages and shipping costs are making it very difficult for manufacturers.
@@PassionforSound Shortages are not an excuse since so many manufacturers had to adapt. Geshelli did too. That's why they don't use AKM chips for the time being. I don't even like schiit products but their magnius offers both balanced and unbalanced for 20$ cheaper and is more powerful. Being a fully balanced amp only the E2 should cost less. Nothing against the E2 I'm sure is great. But I question your is a budget amp opinion. Especially when it only works balanced.
@@epicmike3915 I would say that the Magnius being $20 cheaper - before tax and/or shipping - is insignificant, as is it being 'more powerful' for anyone without extra-power-hungry planar headphones... and honestly only 3-4 dB more than the E2 at max-volume. As a proud owner of the Erish, I'm also sure E2 is a 'great' amp. Yes, it's only balanced, but the Magnius' unbalanced-out is quite sub-standard. At the end of the day, both of these models are among the best budget balanced amps currently available. And they're made In America!
The E2 destroys the Magnius on sound quality and costs only a little more. I'm not aware of any balanced amps that can match the E2 for less than $300-400 at least
@@PassionforSound Great to hear. My compliments to you on your superb review!