the LD I+ is pretty close sound wise to the Ear+ HD, its not as good, but close
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the LD I+ is pretty close sound wise to the Ear+ HD, its not as good, but close
bpcans
Headphoneus Supremus
Gentlemen, I'm so excited about my new RS1i's that I impulsively want to buy a dedicated headphone amp ASAP. I've also read that one should listen to these cans for one hundred hours before making a decision. Is this idea sound advice or nonsense, and has anyone else had a similar experience? After spending the weekend canvassing the different threads for testimonials and recommendations I've pretty much settled on the MAD Ear+HD as my first choice. Is there a general consensus as to which tubes or upgrades for the ME that would be beneficial if I were to chase my bliss with this hp/amp combo?
Any comments/comparisons on MAD Ear versus Woo WA6? The Woo is readily available in my city now.
bbophead
Headphoneus Supremus
I think there is a break-in period for headphones, brain as well.
I don't know the MAD but the Woo certainly looks better built. I'm a happy Woo owner. I wonder if you could get a trial purchase locally with the Woo and see how you like it.
It is said that either the MAD/Woo are good choices. I owned the MAD, for a very short time, and it wasn't burned-in, but it was nice. I'm now also a proud owner of the Woo WA6, and I absolutely love it, and the build quality is 2nd too none!
elmoe
Formerly known as JashuganHeadphoneus Supremus
I think for the money you're better off going with Woo-Audio. I've always felt MAD head amps were a little pricey for what they are. My start into head-fi was a wooaudio wa3 with a pair of sr325 (non-i) and the synergy was definitely there. Then came the Singlepower and there's been no looking back, I've yet to hear a better amp for Grados.
Thanks all.. the place doesn't do trial purchases so I would have to audition and decide. I'm hoping that the WA6 will also work well with the HD800. If I do go this route, I'll aslo get the Sophia Princess. Other option is the Sennhesier HDVD800/HDVA600 and hope the heck it works well with thr RS1i (output is high imdedance to match with the HD800). The Naim works well with the RS1i and that will be staying. Just trying to find a combo that's awesome/neatr end game with both. Time to start auditioning. 
ferday
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Thanks all.. the place doesn't do trial purchases so I would have to audition and decide. I'm hoping that the WA6 will also work well with the HD800. If I do go this route, I'll aslo get the Sophia Princess. Other option is the Sennhesier HDVD800/HDVA600 and hope the heck it works well with thr RS1i (output is high imdedance to match with the HD800). The Naim works well with the RS1i and that will be staying. Just trying to find a combo that's awesome/neatr end game with both. Time to start auditioning.
FWIW it's more likely that a high impedance output will create a high noise floor (and potentially FR issues) in low impedance cans like Grado, where other than synergy, a low impedance output simply requires higher output power to drive a high impedance can. auditioning is the best way to go about it (and the most fun!)
i know if it was me i'd be looking at the higher power low impedance before i considered a high impedance amp. i currently don't own any high impedance cans so can't offer any real-world comments
buttons252
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I wish some of you were in michigan. Id really like to hear PS500 or 325i before I plunk down a couple hundred $ on something i dont "need". I had SR80s and loved them, then moved on to Beyer DT990 pros. My memory of grado is foggy and im not sure which headphone to get now that i dont have any...
elmoe
Formerly known as JashuganHeadphoneus Supremus
For what it's worth, I like my sr325i way way more than my DT990 pro (even though I still quite like the dt990s).
There's a Toronto HeadFi meet at the end of the month and I think someone is bringing an HDVD800 so I will be able to try it. Will also go out and audtion the WA6 before I decide.
Yup.. auditioning is the fun part!!
Quote:
Yup.. auditioning is the fun part!!
Quote:
i just recently had a wa6 here and was able to listen to both at the same time. the tubes were stock in the wa6, sylvania's in the mad.
other than maybe the soundstage being a little larger with the mad, and MAYBE a tad more detail, they were hard to even tell apart.
it does make me want to try the wa6se , and its hard laying off the one on the sale thread now !
i will add the differences in sound, of the two, minuscule, and could be just my gut talking me into what i was percieving
on the other hand, build , heft, perceived "quality" and looks, WOO all the way
not that the mad is cheap, ugly are anything, the woo just oozes class
buttons252
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I remember the SR80 being bright with lots of detail. but i think soundstage and comfort was hands down DT990. not to mention stronger bass. I had my DT990 paired with Fiio E10 with bass boost on. I also remember not being super impressed with the DT990 without the amp , where as i never used the grados with an amp.
Thanks all.. the place doesn't do trial purchases so I would have to audition and decide. I'm hoping that the WA6 will also work well with the HD800. If I do go this route, I'll aslo get the Sophia Princess. Other option is the Sennhesier HDVD800/HDVA600 and hope the heck it works well with thr RS1i (output is high imdedance to match with the HD800). The Naim works well with the RS1i and that will be staying. Just trying to find a combo that's awesome/neatr end game with both. Time to start auditioning.
I use the WA6 with my RS1i's (low impedance), and there is absolutely no noise, it is dead silent, and they sound beautiful!
I also can't comment on using the (high impedance), because I don't own any headphones that need it, and I've never used it at all with the Grados.
bpcans
Headphoneus Supremus
Joseph, do you have the Sophia rectifier tube or is your WA6 all stock?
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