I’m lost. Help me find my way
I’m adding a headphone setup to my all McIntosh system. It’s shown in the virtual systems section. In short, it’s a HT system and the processor/preamp doesn’t have a headphone jack.
My local dealer, who I have worked with since 1977, is recommending the McIntosh MHA200 amp and the Grado RS1x HP’s. I’m a Mac guy all the way since my first real system back in 70’s. I know nothing about Grado although everything I’ve seen gives them high marks. I respect and trust my dealer and will probably go with it unless I find the Grado phones uncomfortable or poor sounding after trying them.
But I would welcome any first hand knowledge of either of these products. Thanks in advance.
Yes I am planning to visit my dealer to audition the phones later this week. Unfortunately he doesn’t have the amp in stock. But I an a McIntosh owner of a wide range of gear for 45 years. I’ve never been disappointed. I’ll be listening to the phones through a different Mac piece so I think that will be ok. I’m mostly worried about comfort with the HP’s. No problem with other people hearing what I am hearing. My system is down in my man cave. The wifey never comes down there. 👍👏 |
I know you like McIntosh, but pairing a $3000 amp with $750 headphones seems a bit out of line to me, and I’d either up the spend on the ‘phones — maybe to Grado’s Statement or Signature line — or pare back on the amp. If you like the headphones then both of these amps are very highly regarded and are half the price of the Mac. https://wooaudio.com/amplifiers/wa6se If you find the Grados uncomfortable or just want something to compare them to — headphones are very personal like speakers so good to try several if possible — I’d highly recommend buying these from Amazon as they are excellent and are very comfortable even over long listening sessions. You can easily return them, and if you still prefer the Grados you know you really have something. Just my $0.02 FWIW, and best of luck. https://www.amazon.com/HIFIMAN-Arya-Organic-Full-Size-Audiophiles/dp/B0C5RFXMM5 |
Yes I have read that some feel the Grado’s are bright. I must audition! I was thinking the same thing about the cost disparity between the amp and phones. I’m a Mac guy all the way. But I guess if it sounds great, what does it matter. But yes I will compare the higher end Grado’s while I’m auditioning. And if I don’t like them, I will try the hifiman phones. I have multiple recommendations here on AG for those. I’m starting with the Grado line because my Mac dealer carries them. As good a place as any to start. |
