The Gilmore Lite mk2 is a miniaturized version of Kevin Gilmore’s discrete dynamic headphone circuit. It represents a modern purist’s approach to dynamic headphone amplification, and is as close as possible to the holy grail of headphone amplification: a “wire with gain.” This celebrated Class A design includes matched new old stock (NOS) Toshiba JFETs in the input stage. Plus, it’s been upgraded with a more powerful, extremely low-noise, thermally-managed output, derived from the flagship GS-X mk2. This amplifier is appropriate for both low- and high-impedance dynamic headphones at low and high sensitivities. The chassis is laser-engraved with lettering in a warm bronze tone, and the case features precision machining, a finely textured matte black finish, and a hand-polished black anodized volume knob.