[ClassicRock1169]

I am looking for a good cheap amp for my new Grado SR-80's. I listen mostly to Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Blues, and Folk. 99% is Classic Rock though. I am only looking to spend 100 or less if that is possible. Should I just go ahead and get a portable amp?

Thanks, ClassicRock1169

 

[joewatch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClassicRock1169 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I am looking for a good cheap amp for my new Grado SR-80's. I listen mostly to Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Blues, and Folk. 99% is Classic Rock though. I am only looking to spend 100 or less if that is possible. Should I just go ahead and get a portable amp? Thanks, ClassicRock1169

What source are you using? PA2V2 or CMOY should do the trick.

 

[Brighten]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClassicRock1169 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I am looking for a good cheap amp for my new Grado SR-80's. I listen mostly to Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Blues, and Folk. 99% is Classic Rock though. I am only looking to spend 100 or less if that is possible. Should I just go ahead and get a portable amp? Thanks, ClassicRock1169

If you only have $100 to spend at the moment, unless you're looking to build an amp, I'd say your best bet is no amp at all.

I don't recommend you go the "portable" route either. The upgrade in sound is meager.

 

[Brighten]

double post

 

[Drag0n]

Lots of used amps in the for sale forum as well as some used millets for home and alien dacs etc.

 

[musicmind]

The PA2V2 is said to have great synergy with grados and is about 60$. Search the forum for user impressions to get more info from users who have used this combination.

 

[Roger.McMurphy]

Is portable the only way? Your post doesn't make it clear. Desktop amps, even in that price range, exist, and are most likely to be a step-up from portable amps. I don't know about synergy, but after hearing from the very inexpensive Qinpu Q1 I just received, and comparing it to my pa2v2, I have a hard time recommending the pa2v2 for anyone for home use.

If you really want it portable, pa2v2 ain't bad, I guess.

I don't know if it's because I just received it, but the Q1 makes me feel like it is an exceptional value in the amp market. I'm still a complete newbie, but I really feel like it might be the ksc75 of amps.

Still, I'm still experimenting with it, and will use it a couple of weeks before I really can make myself a good, clear, opinion on it.

So again, does it really have to be portable?

 

[joewatch]

I don't know that there are many desktop headphone amps < $200. I've seen maybe 3 people who own the Qinpu Q1 who have given any sort of impression. On the other hand, lots of people own the pa2v2 and various CMoy amps and have given positive reviews, so their a known entity. I think that's why when someone asks about a low cost decent amp, portables get recommended.

 

[ClassicRock1169]

So the Question is now from what I have heard biosciencegeek CMOY vs PA2V2

 

[ClassicRock1169]

After more researching I also hear good things about the Little Dot Micro+. I guess it all depends on which one shows up for sale here used first.

 

[Hz_joe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by joewatch /img/forum/go_quote.gif I don't know that there are many desktop headphone amps < $200. I've seen maybe 3 people who own the Qinpu Q1 who have given any sort of impression. On the other hand, lots of people own the pa2v2 and various CMoy amps and have given positive reviews, so their a known entity. I think that's why when someone asks about a low cost decent amp, portables get recommended.

We have a Desk top headphone amp use Jfet + Mosfet Class A OTL cost only US$120 ship from Hong Kong. It model is GK1-J. It special for low impedance Cans. It is good matching with SR325. I think SR80 also good.

 

[hifidk]

I don't know any good match for grado but I would rather sell your SR80 and spend extra $100 toward getting SR225 or SR325. That would be much better upgrade.

 

[xkRoWx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hifidk /img/forum/go_quote.gif I don't know any good match for grado but I would rather sell your SR80 and spend extra $100 toward getting SR225 or SR325. That would be much better upgrade.

Agreed. You can only push the low end Prestige so far.

 

[cristox]

This is ok for grados:

Valve Headphone Pre Amplifier Class A MP3 ipod Laptop X - eBay (item 260396993956 end time May-20-09 11:58:26 PDT)