EPOS GSX 1000 2nd Edition Sound Card Review - Everything You NEED to Know!

The EPOS GSX 1000 is a unique take on how an external sound card works, and the audio engine is on another level. In this long review I cover measurements, settings, and more, to help you decide if it's right for you! (Purchase link below).
Amazon Purchase Link (helps support channel):
amzn.to/3VyHAa1
Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
01:38 - Basics and What's New
05:12 - Physical Layout
08:40 - Controls and Features
13:41 - Cross Feed and Sound Q!!
17:07 - So Many Measurements
24:03 - Mic Test
24:25 - vs Competitors
29:28 - Closing Thoughts
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DISCLAIMERS:
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[@John-io5wg]

As always, 10/10 review with the right facts and not unnecessary things! Keep going my man!

[@fachasaurus]

Every 12 months I end up looking at new audio equipment and this dude always turns up when I’m doing that research and I absolutely love it. Thanks for the detailed content - it might not be appreciated by many but I hope you know your niche take on these things is fantastic and I love your takes! Thank you! 🧡

[@whiteyonwelfare]

Criminally underrated reviewer but you've been my go to guy for audio reviews.

[@GadgetryTech]

It’s growing so I’m happy haha. As long as people find it helpful!

[@c.carrillo7813]

Another great, insightful review. Whenever I'm considering headsets/ dac amps, I always check and see if you've reviewed the product.

[@mineaim7066]

This was a good review. Thanks for explaining this unit in such detail.

[@Nathan-zb9gq]

Thanks for the thorough review! My GSX is on the way :)

[@amantesalgaming]

Man, i love your videos, i hope someday i can do videos like you and do great reviews by myself to the latin community. Right now, no one in youtube do better honest reviews like you. Looking forward to next video 🙏🏻🙌🏻

[@Pietr01337]

Outstanding review! I wish you lightspeed on subscriptions, you're content is waaay better than million sub reviewers.

[@susheelbalan8486]

Next level stuff. By far the best review on the internet.

[@GadgetryTech]

Thanks so much!

[@MCRN-VEGA]

Great Explanation and Presentation 👍🏻 Love your Reviews, always quality Stuff

[@avery4528]

Really grateful for this review. I was looking for something a bit nicer that had the chat mix feature from my old astro a40 mixamp.

[@javiercastillo9535]

Nice VERY in depth review, left a like.

[@stevenkingston6977]

I thought oh my god I can’t spend so long listening to a review but really glad I did. Very informative, learnt some new stuff eg about grounded headphones etc. I have bought this DAC and it is a great piece of equipment love being able to reduce my moaning clan mates so I can concentrate on the game. Well presented as well not some screaming influencer type with horrific background music so thanks enjoyed the review. 10/10

[@mickael486]

Your explanation of cross feed was actually perfect. Now I want one and these things weren't even on my radar until now.

[@GadgetryTech]

Cross feed can be super cool but not always. It’s great to be able to turn it off and on as needed.

[@FlexxRG]

@@GadgetryTech so you can turn it off?

[@HighBoss]

Excellent review. Thanks

[@timotheusvalaar4036]

Awesome review ! thank you :)

[@tvalles343]

This seems really interesting. I have use my PC 38x for a few years and was considering an upgrade. Looking forward to your Maxwell review to decide between these two

[@rango_unchained]

Well done GT. My attention span is like that of a toddler as I can't sit still or feign interest in most videos longer that 10 minutes. This vid, however, held my interest, although I did jump from chapter to chapter, and even watched a couple of chapters twice. Your style of review garnered my sub. I now want to buy this amp/dac and return the Creative Soundblaster X3 I purchased last week. I'm not a gamer per se and the plug and play aspect of the Epos has an easier learning curve, and the large volume knob is preferred.

[@sagargupta9014]

wow i just found your channel and i have to say your content is really what i was looking for thanks.

[@GadgetryTech]

Thanks so much! Glad you have you!

[@peterlundskow4061]

I really enjoy you going into detail excellent review!

[@GadgetryTech]

Thanks so much!

[@StockBlackWRX]

What a great informational video.

[@KuyaArbee]

I've been using the First Gen since 2019! and a GAME CHANGER in videogames! literally a huge advantage, big downside is it's not powerful enough to power all headphone but it's honestly the best VIRTUAL surround sound for video games! better than what DOLBY atmos offers imo, super accurate!

[@paulbernard7780]

Great Review

[@RoyHuang1]

Art Is War is going to have his Warzone video up soon about configuring this. Your video was an excellent review that helped me to decide whether to buy it. A year late, but thank you :)

[@panthros7395]

Thanks for reviewing! I would have liked to know about 7.1 and how it compares to the others that you spoke about. These are for gaming.

[@rorytaylor626]

Thanks for the review Joe. I've been a GSX 1000 user for about 4 years now. Overall its been a pretty good amp/dac for me. A couple complaints I have is I've never really got the side tone to work properly in any headset I've plugged into it. Off, high, and low I've never really noticed a difference and none of them did much for me. Also the chat mix wheel didn't seem to work great either. Not sure if I was messing something up but there's really no set up so I don't know what I could've been doing wrong. However, the sound is great. I've probably used 5 different headsets over the years and they've all worked well with the GSX 1000. I tend to have 7.1 off, but of all surround virtualizers out there it's probably the best there is. I think the real power of it is for people that multitask at their setup. I'm playing a game, now I'm watching a movie, now I'm watching a stream or a YT video and being able to switch settings at the push of a button going from headset to desktop speakers is the real use case for this device. Now the question is, is it worth upgrading?

[@KiloIndia]

No, go for a real DAC/AMP company you get more for your money.

[@jomac21]

can you check if your discord or chat app settings out put is at gsx 1000 communication audio? maybe it's in gsx 1000 main audio, that's why your side tone and chat mix is not working. :)

[@vt6020]

As soon as racing games was mentioned, I was really paying attention. I mostly sim race, in addition to some casual gaming playin arpg titles and Doom Eternal. I'm mostly looking for immersive sound while I race in VR. I've been using the SB G6 for about a half year, and I mostly like it but the sidetone delay is a bit annoying. I thought I was just being too picky about it at first, and thought that I would get used to it, but it is hard to use it with the delay. I'm considering selling by G6 and ordering the GSX now. Good review!

[@moxie_ST]

I have original one for yares and it was a love on a first sound ❤️ And we are still in love 😄

[@omni_0101]

same!

[@MinehowTech]

Great review, well informing, made me realize this wouldn't not only not be a upgrade, but actually a downgrade from my current gen 1 gsx1000. That being said i only use it for my hd660s.

[@DJaquithFL]

I totally agree and being essentially locked out from passing through my Dolby Atmos even in 2-channel mode triggered me to return my copy to Amazon. I have the older one and thought this was going to be an upgrade. My ASUS Z790 Extreme onboard DAC, ESS ES9218 integrated QUAD DAC amplifier, sounded better and had more power.

[@PongLau-rp2jw]

Great 7.1 surround sound than generation 1, my son love this Christmas gift

[@TheJohnosfp]

I just bought one and I like it a lot, what I don't like is that it doesn't have a mute button for the microphone

[@e234darkrock]

The quick and detailed reviews that I really like all the time~~Continued support!~ In addition, this GSX 1000 2nd seems to have no special difference from the original one~ The only thing that can be emphasized is the sound quality of the microphone? I already have GSX 1200~ It seems that there is no need to buy 2nd...

[@District.24]

Agreed. If the gen 2 worked on PS4/PS5 it would be worth the buy.

[@GadgetryTech]

I wouldn’t replace it with another one unless you specifically need a better mic support. Otherwise the difference is negligible and basically a cable change and black volume ring.

[@GadgetryTech]

@TroyOnline the PS5 detected it but I could never get any sound out of it. I assume it’s the sample rate lock.

[@HelveticaBold1]

@@GadgetryTech PS5 is 24bit correct? Im using my H6 Pros w. the GameDAC 2 so i'll stick w/ it. Punchy audio w/ focus setting.

[@Walid_Kharseh]

Thanks for the amazing video. I wonder though, would this be a better dac for the epos h6pro over the gsx 300? And do you think its worth it for the h6pro?

[@Pinkfloyd1173]

Great review, thank you good sir.

[@Rehbet]

The reverb settings are great for older games that don't already have their own reverb effects.

[@ragu4545]

Are you still working on that Creative g6 head-to-head? The best review!!!

[@cristianinda1508]

Fantastic review!! Is there a way to improve the mic from EPOS H6Pro using this GSX1000 2nd? Perhaps using a 3rd party software?

[@crate718]

good video

[@StylicAU]

Thank you for this amazing review. I have just one question. Is this going to affect quality of my USB-C speakers Creative Pebble V2? I don't really care so much as I mainly bought this for my Sennheiser GSP600 headphones but it would be nice.

[@curtisschriever7902]

I know I'm a little bit behind on this as I just found the channel and have gone down a rabbit hole with all of his excellent reviews. What I'm hoping to find is what his best Warzone settings are? Does he use the flat on the DAC and then the SteelSeries Sonar to adjust the EQ to optimize Warzone? Hoping to get some clarity here. Cheers!

[@crate718]

it would be sick if you could use the gsx as a dac and the schiit as an amp

[@TheBucketOfTruth]

Damn I need sleep but eager to hear more about this soon

[@joontech7715]

I can get how good it is! Thank you for the review and all the measurements. But what is the actual difference from the previous one except mic spec numbers? How much does it change from original GSX 1000 in terms of sound, features and ect..? Is it worth changing to new version from previous one?

[@GadgetryTech]

Between the two, it’s USB-C, the black trim on the volume wheel, and the better mic sound. Other than that you really won’t observe any other difference.

[@austinidol95050]

need the audio guru advise - gaming with the H6PRO(closed) on PC - GSX 1000 2nd Gen or SCHIIT HEL 2 (thank you for the hard work you put in - nobody more detailed and clear explaining things)

[@wurstcrewchief2798]

Did this ever get answered? I am wanting to get this gsx 1000 2nd gen

[@Stevo19801]

Can you do the same flat test with the Astro mix amp? I always wondered if an eq of flat on that was actually flat or if it just made the A40 flat

[@District.24]

Joe, please consider doing a video on how to use REW software. Thanks.

[@GadgetryTech]

Oh boy that would be a deep dive video! Perhaps one day :)

[@Spyrozzz]

Hello, in case you already have an headphone amp would you recommend plug the gsx to it to get better results?

[@alexgr0111]

Hey, I recently picked up a H6PRO with GSX 300 bundle. The virtual 7.1 mode is as amazing as you said in this review and I usually hate that stuff. Do you think it's worth upgrading to the GSX 1000 down the line?

[@TheChemicalTube]

Hi! is a good idea to pair this dac/amp with hyperx orbit s for better sound/localization in competitive fps game?? thank you

[@puntherline]

I own the original GSX 1200 Pro cause it was the same price as the 1000 back then, and I just assumed that the two volume wheels on the sides are used only when linking the GSX's together for eSports mode. At 7:36 you've shown the volume wheel and I was wondering why the new one still had those, so I just played around with my volume controls and it actually controls the volume of the chat channel... No wonder my Discord was always so quiet, I'm just stupid.

[@Sb.YT22]

@GadetryTech Where is the output impedance? Especially with critical IEMs this can be very important because headphone outputs with high output impedance can change the sound.

[@District.24]

Thanks Joe for a great video. I own the gen 1, and I have been waiting a while now for the gen 2, so I'm disppointed that EPOS didn't include PS5 support, but at least Schitt Hel 2 does support my favourite console. Again, thanks for the video.

[@MJordanisGod23]

Do you have the Schiit Hel 2?

[@District.24]

@@MJordanisGod23 Yes, I do. I bought it it when it first came out to use on my PS5. I still use it.

[@MJordanisGod23]

@@District.24 I got mine like a month ago along with my new headset and love it.

[@nashwalker7]

console support would have been a game changer. Currently testing this with the epos h6pro and its a great combo

[@nashwalker7]

I wanted this to work so bad. But the sound of my evo 4 audio interface at 24 48k with atmos, just sounds better. I have the h6pro open and the sound is different vs my audio interface and the new gsx 1000. Really wished it would have worked out.

[@kristofstroobants3429]

I have the original, from before there was a mention of 'EPOS' on the device. For me the Tournament mode never worked, don't know why. Overall great device but for the price point, everything should work though.

[@gabriellasalvia26]

@GadgetryTech Hi, question, how i can plug another amp to these? I have a shiit magni and i want to use the gsx as a dac with the 7.1 features

[@gigolocalypsetv5520]

All these awesome dacs, and so few work with a console. It would be cool to see you make a video covering the best Dacs, that work on something like a PS5. It's hard to get firm answers on what to toss money at.

[@GadgetryTech]

Schiit Hel 2 is money on PS5!

[@gigolocalypsetv5520]

@@GadgetryTech Currently using that, coupled with my VZR Model One, and it's pretty nuts. Still always curious 😂

[@rajendrabiswas]

I am a big fan of AirPods max... and dolby atmosphere ..so I wonder if this can do same ?

[@88Kurtastrophe]

How is this with the vzr model one? And if this isn't it what would you recommend? I'm on PC. Anything with good side tone?

[@Limburg92]

My case has an shared ground 3.5mm jack, never use it. I always use the splitted one on the mobo. Because of the talk back and game sound in the mic. Also I notice the combined one always cracks when moving the cable to much in the port. And sometimes you hear interference. I am an audiophile and I do love the H6PRO, only negative for me is the volume not going high enough. So I am thinking of buying gsx300 or gsx1000 for more volume and the virtual surround for gaming and movies.😂 Also I think the bass is great, but the highs are an bit over the mids and want to abjust that. Now I am just using an eq emulator on my pc.

[@MartyrForBlood]

I noticed lots of reviews mentioned this you either missed it or did not care but it is a very crucial. Windows only recognizes this device as a 7.1 device making the 7.1 to 2.0 a point less button other than activating the VSS. This device does not have true Stereo output so if you play a game with binaural audio say like Hunt Showdown it will not work since it will try to output 7.1

[@stuartmacaulay7791]

Great video - really helped choose this. I game with CA Andromeda but thinking to try AT R70X - does anyone have any experience with this ?

[@Hery_YT]

Is it normal to hear a constant shhh when connecting IEMs? It's too annoying, thanks for your videos and for your help 🫶

[@deuswulf6193]

I have the original non EPOS version, the specs say it goes up to 150 ohm. You said the gen2 goes to 50, which makes me wonder if something else changed between the two. The v1 can power my HD700 fairly well, though it has to max out the volume and even then I feel a tad underwhelmed. Debating on whether or not to grab a preamp to go with it, or just get a more powerful external DAC.

[@moxie_ST]

One more question, do any body know the power of dac in this thing? Aka how powerfull headphones it can drive?

[@e234darkrock]

One more question for you: I'm thinking of buying GSX300 although I already have GSX 1200pro~~Is the microphone of GSX 300 also 16/48? Because the old version of the GSX1000 series microphone doesn't sound very good~My earphone is the newly bought H6pro.... .....

[@Brandon12345678970]

Should I go with this or the Schiit Hel 2 with the VZR Model one on PS5.

[@MrEllander]

Hey, can you share the model of this headset from your left ? (black one )

[@alexpappas23]

Great review. I am about to buy a DAC for my Epos H6 Pro Open and I can't decide between EPOS GSX 1200 & EPOS GSX 1000 2nd Ed. Any recomendations will be very helpfull.

[@davehetesi7537]

Which one did you go with?

[@alexpappas23]

@@davehetesi7537 Finally I get the GSX 1000 2nd Edition

[@jigsomyoca5377]

Can this power thr sundaras properly? Ive had it for.years and works great with my ath ad700x and shp9500, but now i wanna upgrade to planars and found the sundaras to be a perfect upgrade. Edit: I aslo use it for music and sounds great IMO.

[@wiggie21]

Will the gsx300 dac make the Epos HS Pro close-back headphones louder on the ps5?

[@sterben1066]

6:45 sorry if this is unrelated but does anyone sell a 3.5mm cable dedicated ground lead for astro a40trs ? I notice people complain about that on my mixamp

[@luispereira1972]

Good morning, sorry to bother you, once again I promise to be brief. I have some doubts, I'm undecided because I saw the video about the Corsair Virtuoso Pro and now I can't decide whether to buy it, or go for the Sennheiser HD 560s, please I need help, which is the best?

[@sherkhansher1981]

Is there EQ option for speaker out?

[@ertai222]

I'm currently using the Sound BlasterX AE-5 sound card and it's served me well. Paired with the Arctis Nova Pro wired and it sounds pretty good.

[@thewitcher1]

Thanks for the amazing review! One question: I have the previous GSX1000, do you recommend upgrading to the new one? Is it worth it?

[@salbowski3864]

Would like to know this as well.

[@GadgetryTech]

If you have the old one, then no I wouldn't upgrade. Only if you NEED better mic quality, but if you're happy with your current mic setup, I wouldn't switch to this.

[@thewitcher1]

@@GadgetryTech thanks a lot! Keep up with the amazing work!

[@kamiztar]

Gsx 1200 pro (really didn't need analog ring network but it was quite alot cheaper at time compared to gsx 1000 due to discount)

[@Twistid5one3]

Also the indicator with the little person where you can boost what's in front of you isn't new I have that setting on the original gsx1000 also the reverb isn't new

[@rickgear2579]

I have a Sennheiser PC38X. I have it hooked up to a UGREEN USB-C to 3,5mm jack. It sounds fine, but it doesn't get very loud. I want to add more volume to my headphones and use Dolby Atmos. I'd imagine that this will be more than adequate to give me more volume given the very low impediance (32 ohms) of my PC38X.

[@Klongu_Da_Bongu]

You can always attach an amp to it later.

[@jomac21]

just maybe that they did not put 24bit anymore because it's hard to always change from 24bit to 16bit to be able to use the 7.1. to use 7.1 channel correctly on gsx 1000, users should change from 24 bit to 16 bit to enable 8 channel surround on windows then, enable the 7.1 surround on gsx 1000. :)

[@justinmills9305]

Is there a dak worth getting for H6PRO to be used exclusively with the Series X? Thanks in advance! Great content.

[@Crucifyx_]

I think the closest thing is Astro mix amp and the steel series pro sets of headphones

[@dharkbizkit]

Dont know if you can say anything about that, but i have a question: Iam currently using a Creative soundblaster AE5 and i love how this card sounds without using EQs or anything. Switching to onboard, sounds.. different, its hard to explain, like the internal processing has a different emphesis with the 2 devices. i would stick with the card, but it has issues like loosing connection after plugging in usb devices or the pc going into standby mode, forcing me to restart the pc to get the soundcard back. somethis this happens 3 times a day, its annoying so iam looking for an alternative, so the question is, can you compare the 2 devices?

[@alexandrefrancoise6585]

Hi, thanks for the review. I love your work ! You said at the beginning the gsx 1000 won't be able to run DOLBY ATMOS or DTS X, because of the limited bitrate / sample rate. I didn't know that ; could you please tell us what is the needed bitrate / sample rate to decode those signals ? I am looking for my headset (pc38x) a dac/amp with included eq, that can decode dolby atmos, and have a surround effect. I would use it on PC, PS5 (currently using Ifi Zen dac v2 with Austrian Audio Hi-X65 and DCA Aeon closed X, which is ok) and on my Horizon Pro (very good video projector as you know, I can advise a few tweaks to gain some clarity on dark scenes, my projection screen is 1.0 gain ; and I am not sure it decodes dolby atmos like you said). By the way, because you are such involved in audio, I may advise Austrian Audio Hi-X65 : crazy detail retrieval, and laser pinpoint accuracy, just for 400 euros. These are the headphones that ended my audiophile journey (Tygr300r, Audeze Penrose, HD6XX, PC38X, HD560S, Shure SRH1540, DCA Aeon closed X, Hifiman Sundara, Hifiman Ananda).

[@TheOneAndOnlyQB1]

question I switched to a DAC and I can’t get my USB microphone to work is there something I’m missing? Or do I need a Microphone that has a 3.5mm port to plug right into the DAC?

[@hiix5835]

J'hésite entre le GSX 1000 et le sound blaster GC7. Un avis ?

[@Ivanical]

Serious question, are you interested in reviewing something like the Creative Sound Blaster AE 7? Or any of those in the series?

[@GadgetryTech]

I'll ask if Creative wants more coverage on their sound cards/DACs. Possibly!

[@darknubent]

How does this stack up against the G6 Sound Blaster

[@xianlux4947]

is this good with the sennheiser hd490?

[@Dirty2D]

I need to have a sound card that lets me do "loudness equalization", i play pubg, and the sounds in that game is ear blastingly bad, so i need to normalize the volume. Does this new gsx 1000 2nd edition have that possibility? The soundblasterx g6 does not have this, it has a built in "scout mode" that does a good job if im solo, but since any loud sound lowers everything, when im in a group, if anybody speaks, i can't hear any footsteps anymore.

[@Ser__Raven]

the microphone volume (how people hear me or how i sound in recordings) is EXTREMELY quiet... i was told that multiple people had this and this soundcard would resolve that. is that true?

[@TexasMade15]

In all honesty what would be the best option for my vzr model ones for gaming on pc?

[@GadgetryTech]

Schiit HEL2 with either Sonar or Equalizer APO+Peace add on.

[@gaminglegend8656]

Does it have a mic mute button?

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

My Play4 is 25 dollars Records at 24bit 48khz Playback 24bit / 192KHZ And sounds fantastic with my BD DT770Pro 80 ohms

[@mcchoke5926]

Have anyone try this dac with Sennheiser hd58x, can it run 150hms cans ?

[@loki76]

The ONE thing they needed to do with this new generation is up the Amplification capabilities. Make it capable of driving 300-600Ohm headphones. I mean why not? Make it an all around AMP/DAC with the superior surround or just pure 2 channel clean audio.

[@Ryan-re1rs]

I picked this up and its not for me. The 7.1 sounds good in certain games and areas but terrible in others.. I have the h6pro and all I wanted was sidetone and chat control since the h6pro doesn't have that ability in anyway. While the gsx1000 would be ok for me it was 150 bucks and limited with pre sets and ok-ish sidetone chat slider.. I have no idea why they wouldn't make it user eq presets and focus more on a better sidetone chat dial. Why did they make 7.1 to 2.0 such a high priority button instead of making it preset chat volume button? It's just such an odd device and seemed to focus on all the wrong things I want to have dedicated buttons for and things i will use alot while I game. Anyone have a suggestion on how to get sidetone on my h6pro that works well? Someone recommended the XLR mini but thats like 220.

[@lyasu69]

Yo, can you please doing a video to compare this dac vs the creative G6 ?

[@nton6665]

There is a creative G6 available , but I use the GSX 1000 , I didn 't like the sound on the creative G6 in general , in the GSX 1000 , the sound is more voluminous and more bass

[@lyasu69]

@@nton6665 Thanx for the reply and the opinion

[@DJaquithFL]

I bought one of these things and I'm literally sitting in the parking lot over at Amazon's whole foods. Getting ready to return it. I heard what you said. I do not like being locked in at 16 bit 48000 kHz nor do I like the fact of being locked out of using any of Windows audio functions. Example passthrough and Dolby Atmos. I much prefer my older version than this newer one!

[@DJaquithFL]

.. BTW the older one was under powered and I didn't realize it was even less powered.

[@cphungdhdl]

7.1 is great but you don't talk about sound quality of 2.0 mode, because 16 bit 4800ghz just like mainboard default right ? should i chose gsx1000 over gen 2 for that ? because i have DAC that run 24bit and i can hear the difference. sorry for my english

[@cphungdhdl]

pleasse, i need to know

[@BeHempy]

You can't hear the difference.

[@ronald0122]

this or the fiio k11?

[@VicM90]

Is there a sidetone delay? I experienced this issue on my g6 and was unusable. I would like to also know what’s your endgame headset/ audio setup for competitive FPS, it could be wired or wireless? Thank you so much!

[@GadgetryTech]

Nope, no delay!

[@VicM90]

@@GadgetryTech thank you! Love the content!