2. amps-preamps
  3. 993169478

Tubed Headamp for Grado RS-2 ?

What, in anyones experience, is a good tubed headamp for the Grado RS-2 headphones? Using a Grado RA-1 ss headamp at the moment and not happy with the sound of the amp. Listen mostly to classic rock, jazz, solid gold oldies. Anybody having better results with the Grado RS-2 (RS-1) and a particular tubed headamp? Thanks in advance
mikec
mikec OP
199 posts
 
Thanks Joe, yes Quest for Sound (Stephen) did give me a great deal. I also picked up a Panasonic SL-CT570 portable CD for only $88 incl ship (List 170) from www.onecall.com to use on the road. The 570 has some great reviews, one of the best sounding if not the best for a portable.
lornecherry
135 posts
 
.... ahh you didn't mention that the Grados weren't run in yet! Of course, that's why they sounded harsh -- especially with yet to be broken in silver cables. Give that cable a hundred hours (at least) to smooth out and I'm sure you'll like them even more. My Sony SCD-1 sounded like a $200 CD player until after about 300 hours (well, actually it wasn't that bad.)

Anyway, since I posted, my Placette line stage preamp arrived and now I'm anxious to A/B it against both the Classe and my First Sound Passive Pre - the lsoer going to the dogs at eBay. The maker of the Placette thinks his class A headphone amp with the Vishay resistors is the best (this is one of the few preamps with a headphone jack). We shall see, as I think it's up against some tough company in the RA-1 direct out from the SCD-1.

Your praise of the Classe 50 processor is encouraging for me, as I'm trying to build a better HT system around some good solid state stuff. As I have the Classe 301 (2 channel) being delivered next week and am currently bidding on a REL Stadium II -- I'm curious to know the rest of your HT setup -- i.e. which Classe amps? I presume all the speakers are Ariels? (I'm jealous already). Did you also look at the Classe 75 processor? Please share with us your experince in this regard. Thanks, Lorne
mikec OP
199 posts
 
Hi Lorne, using ca300, cav75, CDT-1, tuner-1, sony 7700, Aerial 10t w/stands (rosewalnut,1yr old now), cc3, sr3, 2 rel stad 2s and a bunch of other sources, fm amp, sat DD, etc. Sounds great. Never listen to the ssp75 but understand it also has 2ch analog pass thru w/newer 24bit dacs and bal for all channels. Probably better sounding than my ssp50 which is great, 20bit dacs. Basicly the ssp50 is a cp50 and dac1 with surround processing. Thanks for all the help. Mike
More to discover