Does E.A.R. HP4 remain the best for RS-1/HF-2?

I had been using a K.I.C.A.S Caliente (with Pico dac) for my older Vintage RS-1 and received HF-2 this week. So, started started into re-evaluating my position re Grado and equipment to be associated with the Grado's. Also recently got a Blue Circle SBH for other 'phones...........because of wanting to do a proper evaluation - I had to plug both Grado's into the Blue Circle. I was very pleasantly surprised.
Further, I'd been already been courting the idea of an E.A.R. HP4 and admit I continue blanch a bit at the price. Since I haven't had/made the opportunity to listen to an E.A.R. - does it still clearly remain at the top of the heap in "Gradoville"? Does it still seem worthy of its' cost vs an amp like this Blue Circle @ its' aprox. $1,500 cost? ....or others at these levels of performance.

Now, a related question - I've read that some keep the orig. tubes in E.A.R. as suggested by Paravicini and they state that nothing is gained in tube-rolling the amp., ...........whereas others do advocate some tube-rolling.
Does anyone have experience re whether to roll or not to roll with the E.A.R. HP4?

I haven't heard the HP4, but something to consider. If you are considering an amp just for grados and the pricetag of the HP-4 (understandably) throws you off, read up on the Melos SHA-Gold. It is another legendary amp with grados, but goes for about 1k used. You can't buy it new anymore because the last one was made about 15 years ago. Also, IIRC, John grado's whole system is Melos, so this is probably why the Gold sounds so good.

IIRC when Joe was creating the HP1000 series - he used the Melos. Then, started producing the HPA-1 and 2. I'm want to hone in on what has occurred more recently, and where the vaunted E.A.R. stands in juxtaposition with current production.
..........and yes, I'm talking about zeroing in on Grado amping. I'll give an example outside the realm of Grado. I've found I prefer using the Blue Circle SBH with X-Deep Darths, whereas Terminators sound better to me with Corda Prehead MkII - yeah, I'm getting a bit picky. BTW - I just passed the 30 hour mark with HF-2, and my surprise was hearing how realistic they are with the Blue Circle - more so than the couple of other amps I've used with them so far. So, I'm looking to go beyond the immediate horizon.

Do you feel like the amps you mentioned are a step above the KICAS Caliente? I'm in the same boat

You've probably noticed that I've mentioned a few times using the KICAS Caliente w/ Pico dac in conjunction with RS-1. One of the things I've liked is its' ability down low where RS-1 can use a bit of help (even with flats) as it provides a sense of profundity to them. At the Caliente's price point (aprox $325 USD + ship to USA) I think it is a bargain.
You must select an amp that mates particularly well with a specific 'phone (my rationale)......and you build a system from those two core components. My thinking goes to Ming Da for dt990/600 and modded k340, or the Corda as in Prehead Mk II or HA-2 Mk II for Terminators, bought Blue Circle SBH for X-Deep Darths and was surprised that RS-1 and HF-2 took a step above their KICAS sound (IMO). My 32ohm Darths are a bit bright by themselves, but putting them with Xin Reference (v.B5) is near heaven, prefer using std Darth (I block one hole on the left to moderate bass) with RSA P51 Mustang. You can see I can get fairly specific - and hate what commonly occurs on Forum. Peeps luv to rank 1,2, or 3 without any consideration of pairings . It would save a ton of bucks if one amp (or sub. any component) suited all - but they don't.........My ears may be different than yours Getting back to your orig. question about are the other amps a step above Caliente - it depends upon what you want to drive with the amp...............................
Remember the Blue Circle is markedly more expensive - so, you expect more (and get it)........but, I looking to go even farther. You never know how good a headphone (or speakers) are until you've explored all of the possibilities ......rather like selecting a wife You have to explore. Life isn't easy. Politicians may wish to persuade you that it is..........but, they are lying. They will not take care of you - neither will government. Nor do you get much of an education when the school is sucking from the gov't tit.

Tube rolling have influence on the sound of EAR, imo. Maybe less than on the other amps, not sure about that, but they still do. I tried several brands, such as Sylvania, Mullards and Tung Sols with EAR where Tung Sols came as most acceptable to the most music I was listen. One little issue, EAR can use short or middle glass tubes, but not tall one, cos of the construction, pity...
As for the best amp for Grado. Yes, I believe it may be, but not only, cos I dont see any reason why wouldnt EAR drive any headphone with authority. Plus its fully balanced, have 4 outputs and works as pre amp. Looking at his size and see the all options I believe its brilliant design.
I would say, if you like liquid@delicate sound without been laid back, tuby or boring, well, this guy is for you. This amp been produced for quite some time without been upgraded to, so called, higher level, while other manufactures selling that crap over and over again. The only issue that most folks have, is the price tag, but if you can get it used, grab it and dont look back, imo. He is musical, delicate, fast like the speed of light, but the same time have the energy when asked. Pair it with great CD player and you will be enjoying the music like never before.

Blackmore: I remember Hirsch had a new top made for his case to accomodate the tall tubes. I think it was Plexiglass with cutouts for those tube positions. Do you have any notes available re your rolling experiences with the HP4?

............while I'm enjoying the HF-2 (believe they're one of the most realistic 'phones around), but have a tinge of brightness) - a mild dose of tubes might be just the right medicine. Since there aren't much more than 30 hours on them - I know they'll change some more, but don't expect it'll be dramatic.

Yes, I'm leaning further.......not quite ready to topple, yet. Guess I can be compared to that tower in Pisa.

From my experience EAR HP4 react pretty clear on different valves, however its huge or not, is very personal, but from tubes I used, these are the impressions:

Adzam ECC35=6SL7 ( simply re-branded Mullard brown based tall glass ) - wonderful mids, less detailed and not life like rich, its rich but in the sense of creamy/woolly kind and through EAR you taste to much of it. I would call them warm or tubby kind of.

Sylvania 6SL7 WGT short glass, brown base, black plates, square getter - Some kind of darkness over there, not that big sounstaging ( not compressed or something, but still ) and excitement in total, I would say they are good but not in EAR. Every time I used them I was missing something and if I have to say what exactly, well, maybe kind of fun, however their are not dull tubes...

Sylvania 6SL7 WGT brown base, middle glass, black plates and O getter ( looks alike Gold Brand ) - Better choice from Sylvania above, good punch, but still keeping creamy touch, good bass and better balance overall, nice extension. You may love them more with other headphones than GS1000, however still the matter of your sound preferences and maybe music. I think word punch comes to my mind as first, when I recall their sound sig.

Tung Sols 6SU7 short black bottle, brown base, black plates, D getter - They are rich with great balance. Their good extension brings all details you need without to be exaggerate or metallic sharp. Soundstaging is quite deep, which also applies to bass, tight and deep. If I have to describe in one word, its very balanced, everything is there without any distortion, like you don't feel mids for example, cos of upper bass etc...But the most what hits you is life like presentation, guitar sounds like guitar, cello like cello and Diana's Krall voice, which is always pretty upfront, sounds silky, where de rest joining nicely behind without been overshadowed.

Just want to add that all this above comes from memory and not from yesterday listening session, but given direction, at least to me, in general is correct. Also the CD player plays a huge part up here, must not be to analytical or bright, imo. Neutral at least or more closer to analogue kind of sound, where anything rolled of or to warmish, but just smooth and musical. As last I was using the XLR from Van den Hul, see my sig, and de results were great.


Adzam valves



Sylvania short glass



Sylvania middle glass

O.K., Sergei - Now I can blame you for my poverty - I just spoke to Todd (TTVJ) and ordered an E.A.R. HP4. It's all your fault! The downside is he's out of stock and it'll take a month for him to receive his current order.
..........and despite the above - thanks for your experience notes in rolling it.

I strongly recommend these, so, blame me for that one as well

CAN'T. Gotta find a set of them first.........only then I can go blamestorming.

Was it ever "best"?

Quote:



As ever, depends who you ask.

Hey Sergei, I did find one in the end and have some 6SU7GTY coming in, although not quite that early vintage. Thanks for the help.

Preliminary impressions are it also has considerable synergy with the HD800s off the Hi-Z taps.



And I know you were an Eddie Current man too, so here's a picture of little Craig and Tim playing nicely together.

Then going back into ancient E.A.R.ology you have this comparison by the long-missing Carlo

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/gra...al-meet-19944/

Hopscotch - besides li'l Craigy, and Timmy playing well together ........why no mention of li'l Glenny (Glenlivet). Everyones' setup should look like your pic.