markm1
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2013
- Posts
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[size=11pt]I’m new to Head Fi. I’ve been doing some reading and have auditioned headphones. I've ordered a Grado i225.[/size]
[size=11pt]I've narrowed my amp choices between the Fiio 17 and a Little Dot 1 . So, I'm trying to decide if I want to start out with a desk amp, a portable or both . But, I’m definitely open to other ideas.[/size]
[size=11pt]I listen to a range of music, but mostly heavy rock. My music preferences in order:[/size]
- [size=11pt]80-90% Metal, punk/hardcore, prog, psychedelic, and hard rock [/size]
- [size=11pt]Some alternative/indie rock, singer songwriters (I.e., Joe Henry, Black Keys, Fiona Apple, etc.)[/size]
- [size=11pt]Classic rock [/size]
- [size=11pt]Blues, accoustic, jazz (Pat Metheny, Miles Davis, Diana Krall, etc), a little new age (Secret Garden, Lerena McKennett), easy listening (Sinatra, etc.)[/size]
- [size=11pt]A sprinkling of symphonic music, soundtracks etc. [/size]
[size=11pt]I’m interested in investing in a rig that will give me good sound on my Ipod and do some listening in a designated computer room from a CD player/stereo system and computer. But, probably 70% of the time on an Ipod. [/size]
[size=11pt] I’ve ordered a pair of Gradoi225 [/size]
[size=11pt]So, now for some amp choices ? I don't think it makes a lot of sense to throw big money into my first amp.[/size]
[size=11pt]After a lot of reading here-the Fiio E17 and Little Dot look like winners:[/size]
- [size=11pt]E17 for the portability and versitility/DAC, and/or a Little Dot +1 (or other Little Dot model) as a desk amp (which I see have garnered favorable review among Grado owners) OR[/size]
- [size=11pt]E17 paired with E9 Or [/size]
- [size=11pt]E17 only, the next month or two commit to a $300ish desk amp ([size=11pt]Schiit, Belarri 540, Hifiman, etc.) Or lastly,[/size][/size]
- [size=11pt]Keep it simple-go with one (E17 or LD) and put extra $ into a second pair of cans later on with a different set of sound values (maybe larger soundstage, more all-rounder) to provide an alternative and complement my 225-HE 400/500, AKG, Ultrasone, etc.[/size]
[size=11pt]I’m soliciting advice from some of the sages here on my first amp set up. I very much appreicate the wealth of information you all provide. I'm learning a lot![/size]
[size=11pt]Much thanks,[/size]
[size=11pt]Mark[/size]