Hi Nick,
I can't answer that empirically, but I'd believe that the relays (NAIS Aromat) might pip it at the post because they use silver/gold contacts in a controlled atmosphere. The Lorlin switch used in the Manual version uses silver coated brass contacts - I believe - but to be honest I believe it might be almost impossible to tell the difference.
The layout topology of the manual and relay pcbs is very, very similar. Sonically, there's nothing in it.
The interconnection between this pcb and the analogue board is with CAT5E wire, and I'd suggest this might actually dominate sonically.
We lost several prototype pcbs at the AKSAfest in Sydney, and this has held us back another two weeks, so we've not been able to do any conclusive testing between the two versions. However, the final production pcbs are well on their way, with even more enhancements and full overlays, and should be with us in a week.
A week back, Darren Kerr (DSK) asked me to fit a TKD 41 step attenuator from Japan to his GK-1. This precision stepped attentuator is built like a scientific instrument, and VERY expensive. I set it up conventionally, and it sounded absolutely sensational, right out of the box. This prompted me to 'do more with less', so I set about improving the attenuator options I offer on the GK-1.
In response to Fred's Balance Control question, I have tried an integrated shunt approach to both volume and balance control.
Mark Whitaker (Audio Oz) has very kindly helped with this process - two heads are always better than one - and we've secured a worthwhile enhancement which will be fully documented and included in all GK-1s, including those already sold.
This topology works very well with both pot options, and draws on five or six volume control projects I've studied, including the superb APOX from Dale Herman (Harvardian), and another good design from Bottlehead. It overcomes the excessive sensitivity of the existing arrangement, giving much finer control over volume at normal listening levels. This has been achieved because of the 6dB gain of the GK-1, which is now reduced a little to 2dB overall, and is now optimal with CD/DVD sources.
The result has been something which offers no sonic penalty with an inexpensive balance control, and an overall sonic quality not too far from Darren's marvellous TKD. The interesting outcome was that any improvement in resolution seemed also to show up in body, ambience, and sound stage, which are the big guns that carry the emotion of the recording. I must say it's always a tad discombobulating when your favorite female vocalist somehow contrives to kiss you as she sings.......
Cheers,
Hugh
