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Headphone Amps for Grados

post #1 of 14
12/18/11 at 3:52pm
Thread Starter 

Hello all,

I figured that this would have been done to death, but after some pretty extensive searching, I can't seem to find too much, I apologize if I've missed any major threads.

 

I have a pair of Grado 325is, and I'd really like to pick up a desktop amplifier for them. I'm hoping not to exceed the cost of the cans with the amp (~$200-300). About all I've been able to ascertain is that I definitely want a high-current output and tubes seem to be preferred.

 

I really like going the DIY route, because it seems to yield a higher level of quality for the price, I also like how connected I feel to it when it's done. But, if there's something I'm overlooking in prefabbed amps, I would definitely consider it!

 

I've heard great things about the Mosfet MAXed with Grados. I was pretty sold on that build. But now, Beezar has thrown me for a loop with the Torpedo, which is supposedly phenomenal with Grados. Searching for the solution has pretty much brought be back to the conclusion that maybe I should just ask. Is there a DIY amp I'm entirely missing?

 

So, what would you guys recommend for use with Grados?

 

 

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post #2 of 14
12/18/11 at 7:43pm

haha this has been pretty much done to death.. but if you're looking for good sound and on a budget, Little Dot I+ is your best choice. Costs around 130-150, and with the extra bit of money, invest in a good pair of Mullard Tubes and maybe replace the opamp for 2-3$. Nothing beats this choice imo. I've used the little dot I+ with my Grados Sr80, Sr325i and Rs1, all sounded amazing. 

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post #3 of 14
12/18/11 at 7:48pm
Thread Starter 

I expected that it had, but all my searching yielded very little. Have you ever heard any of the DIY amps like the Millet Max?

Thanks.

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post #4 of 14
12/18/11 at 7:59pm

never heard it personally, but the mini millet max from whiplash is good and has great reviews but i think its quite pricey. 

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post #5 of 14
12/18/11 at 10:11pm
Thread Starter 

Do you have a website for that? I've heard about it, but would like to take a gander at the webpage.

 

My mistake, I realized it's the one on DIY forums. I didn't realize it was by Whiplash.

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post #6 of 14
12/18/11 at 10:25pm

im not sure if its the one you're talking about in the DIY forums, but i've only heard of the whiplash one. Check it out. http://www.head-fi.org/t/404959/introducing-whiplash-audios-mini-millet-max

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post #7 of 14
12/18/11 at 10:47pm

For DIY, which I've owned, sound really good or really great with Grados':

 

  • Millett MiniMax
  • MSSH
  • SOHA /w JISBOS
  • Dynalo (think Gilmore Lite)
  • CKIII
  • Cloned RA-1

Edited by alphaphoenix - 12/18/11 at 10:50pm
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post #8 of 14
12/18/11 at 10:52pm
Thread Starter 

Eclipse. I was talking about the Millet Mosfet Max, which is similar to the one you are referring to. I did not realize that the minimax (http://www.diyforums.org/MiniMAX/MiniMAXoverview.php) was the same as the one by whiplash until I looked at the pictures.

 

Alpha, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Particularly if you've paired any of those with Grados.

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post #9 of 14
12/18/11 at 11:05pm

All of the amps have been tasted with my RS2.  If you crave details and transparency, the Dynalo, CKIII, RA-1 clone, in this order takes the cake.  A little out of date, but sounded good when I owned one, the Pimeta.  If want to bypass the DIY and go straight to commercial, the Schitt Asgard and M-stage Matrix does very well for under $300.

 

For pure musical enjoyment approach with a touch of color from the magic of tube rolling, my preference was the SOHA /w JISBOS, MiniMax, and MSSH, in this order.  For more current DIY offerings, the Torpedoe and SOHA II seem to be nice matches with Grado cans (caution - haven't owned nor auditioned). 


Edited by alphaphoenix - 12/18/11 at 11:07pm
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post #10 of 14
12/18/11 at 11:14pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks for the input, definitely helps me pick the next build...though, one day I'm sure I'll end up with many on that list...

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post #11 of 14
12/19/11 at 6:01pm
Quote:

Originally Posted by alphaphoenix View Post

 

  • Dynalo (think Gilmore Lite)


For the record for those that may follow; The Gilmore Lite has been out of production for a long time. Its replacement, the GS-1, is a small fortune at $900.

Few mention the DynaLo still being made by Sheer Audio. Their HA-006+ $280 and HA-006++ Special Edition $450.  Both DynaLo designs and personally approved of by the orignal DynaLo amp designer, Dr Kevin Gilmore.

 

http://www.head-fi.org/t/470353/review-for-sheer-audio-ha-006-dynalo
http://www.head-fi.org/t/497969/review-sheer-audio-ha-006-special-edition
http://www.head-fi.org/t/570499/where-can-i-buy-a-built-dynalo-for-300

 

You can also build a DIY DynaLo > http://www.djgardner.com/headphone/gilmore/


Edited by Tribbs - 12/21/11 at 5:33am
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post #12 of 14
12/20/11 at 5:02am

If you DO decide to go with pre-built... I just got my mits on a Schiit Asgard gs1000.gif which is paired with my Alessandro MS-Pro's....

It's amazing value for money...

 

Just another aspect for consideration ;) 

 

Price point....$250 USD

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post #13 of 14
12/20/11 at 8:40pm
Thread Starter 

Cool, thanks.

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post #14 of 14
12/20/11 at 8:41pm
Thread Starter 

I'm really leaning toward the Millet MOSFET Max.  For low impedance, the MOSFETs seem to really be the way to go, from what I read, and the build seems a bit easier than the SOHA. But, I haven't 100% made up my mind yet.

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