[shawn_low]

Hi,

I'm doing a snap poll for owners of the Grado GS1000/1000i.

What amp/s do you use to drive it and why? Just list away and add any thoughts you might have on this matter.

Yes, there's a thread about the 'best' amps for the GS1000/i but I really want to know what YOU guys are pairing it with.

Thanks! Can't wait to get the reponses.

 

[Drumonron]

I really feel like I let my GS1000 go without trying it out on some tube amps...so...I purchased a pair from the FS forum ... they are recabled with moon audio's black dragon so I'll be trying it out on the headamp GS-1 (SS) and AE1(SS) and then the Whiplash Audio Starving Student Tube amp hybrid....I'll let you know. I won't have them for a few days....it's my 2nd GS1K and I loved the first one but you know how this habit goes. Also purchased an HD600 for the 2nd time...but that's for another thread, I guess.

 

[maguire]

I am currently using the Carey Xciter tube amp, which i find has an incredible synergy with the high end Grado phones namely GS & PS1000.
Infact this amp was made for the GS1000 in mind. Stock tubes sound nice, but when i started to introduce the NOS Mullard EL34 Xf1 power tubes with the
Mullard NOS 12AX7 4004, mind you not a cheap addition but the result is truely breathtaking. I mean boy this combo in mho makes the Grados sing.

 

[illkemist]

Right now, I have mated my GS1K with my Grace m902. I also have a DV336SE on standby, but I prefer it with the m902 because the music is slightly more revealing. In addition, I happen to believe that the midbass is a smidge tighter through the Grace. I also own a Leben CS300, but it is out of commission right now. When it was working properly, It was pleasant but a bit too bass-heavy. Can't wait to get in back in working order so I can spend more time listening.

 

[shawn_low]

Anyone else? Interested in what people use. Could be portables, solid state, hybrid etc.

 

[xiaobao0707]

I'm sure mine is not the best, but it works well. It's an EarMax Pro.
Otherwise, I prefer it with integrated amp in fact. more power, more clear.

 

[Dinan]

The SPL Phonitor. The crossfeed, center simulation, and speaker angle are just amazing to dial in exactly what you want. Turn them all of and you have a perfectly neutral amp that will drive the GS1000 or any other phone with ease. For less than half the price (around $1K I believe), the SPL Auditor is also supposed to be amazing and s the amp stage from the Phonitor.

BTW, I think either of these amps have enough current to drive a small pair of speakers.

 

[AudioDwebe]

I really thought the GS1K sounded great with the PS Audio GCHA. I preferred that SS amp over other tubed amps I had at the time (MPX3, Raptor and EC/01).

 

[jlingo]

I have both Grace M902 and Xciter. GS1000 with Grace was good, but Xciter sounded much better with the Grado GS1000. Xciter was made with GS1000 in mind.

 

[feifan]

Like illkemist, I like the GS1K with the m902. With other SS amps, the bass seems bloated, saturated, but I became aware of this only after inserting the m902 into the lineup. With the Grace, the GS1K is the most musical open dynamic 'phone I've listened to. It's intoxicating and addictive.

 

[DC5Zilla]

Quote:

Originally Posted by maguire /img/forum/go_quote.gif I am currently using the Carey Xciter tube amp, which i find has an incredible synergy with the high end Grado phones namely GS & PS1000. Infact this amp was made for the GS1000 in mind. Stock tubes sound nice, but when i started to introduce the NOS Mullard EL34 Xf1 power tubes with the Mullard NOS 12AX7 4004, mind you not a cheap addition but the result is truely breathtaking. I mean boy this combo in mho makes the Grados sing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlingo /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have both Grace M902 and Xciter. GS1000 with Grace was good, but Xciter sounded much better with the Grado GS1000. Xciter was made with GS1000 in mind.

Same here... Xciter amp/dac + GS-1000i = breathtaking experience

 

[not_sure]

Nice to see that many Grado lovers love Carry Xciter line with it but as regards price it isn't achievable for normal people

 

[stacker45]

I drive my GS-1000 with a Musical Fidelity X-CAN V2 with stock tubes,and i'm very satisfied

 

[shawn_low]

My hunt continues. Might end up with the Grace 902.

Considering the Benchmark Dac/amp as well.

 

[Quinto]

Grace 902 does very well for me too.., very musical, detailed and great mids and bass..
Sounds like heaven to me

I also use the X Can V8 )~Pinkie' sometimes, which sounds darn good as well, but it doesnt hold up to the Grace, but it´s pretty close, considering the price difference