[krafty]

Wanting to spend some money on this fine hobby of ours. I currently have a PPX3 / AMC CD8b / 225's / a bunch of IC's. I know I need a better player, but money was tight and I knew I was going to upgrade anyhow. In your opinion, what would be the better move for ~$500 :

1) Get the NAD 521BEE and get my 225 woodied.

2) Get a NAD 542 or Cambridge 640.

 

[Mr.Radar]

I'd get the woodied SR-225s. The woody/recable is suppost to put them in RS-1 territory and it'd probaby be a bigger upgrade than a new CD player.

 

[PATB]

I would go NAD 542 or Cambridge 640. You can always woodify your SR-225 later once you save up some more cash.

EDIT: BTW, how do you like the SR-225 with the PPX3?

 

[krafty]

I love the 225's and the PPX3. The midrange is something special with this combo. That is why I am trying to build around this pair. Another neat thing I have found lately is this combo is very interconnect dependant. I can make the high end overly bright to overly rolled off with different interconnects. I guess that goes for tubes also. Lotsa options.


keep your opinions comming !!!!

 

[fureshi]

although i've never heard a woodied sr225, i would fathom to guess that an upgraded source would do more for you sonically than the wood housing would. it definitely did for me when i went from a portable cd player to a dedicated home cd/sacd player.

 

[av98m2]

I'd buy a nicer cd player. I don't see how woodying the sr225 can bring it up to rs-1 performance considering the fact they use completely different drivers. If I really wanted RS-1s I'd just save up for them. (I've had the chance to listen to both. I ended up buying the RS-1s)

 

[krafty]

Don't forget the woodied Grado does come with a cable upgrade also. Is the cable a large improvement, who knows - I'm sure I will find out sooner or later. Also, from what I remember the woodies compared quite well to the RS1 at some of the past meets. I have already forgot about paying for the 225 so another $250 to improve XX% is an easy option since I am sticking with Grado.

My thinking on the matter:

The 521BEE is 90% of the 542 - at least that is what they lead you to believe on their webpage. Won't know until I try each.

The 225 is XX% of the Woodie. Won't really know until I try each.

 

[djbnh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by krafty Don't forget the woodied Grado does come with a cable upgrade also. Is the cable a large improvement, who knows - I'm sure I will find out sooner or later.

Headphile's site states, from the Grado mods page: "As far as sound goes, the cable is where the most improvement is realized, but I don't doubt the woodies help too. The same soft sleeving is used and configuration as Senn V2 cables, only wired direct to the drivers. If you like Grado's, this is a worthwhile tweak to extend the bass, buttery mids, clean up the highs and improve your cans overall."

Hope the above information is helpful.

 

[braillediver]

If you’re looking for a pair of headphones that are comparable to the RS-1’s why not just buy the RS-1’s?

If you’re diligent and willing to spend some time looking the RS-1’s can be had for about $450 used in excellent condition. I got a pair for $390 once and they were perfect.

It just seems odd to spend as much as a nice pair of used RS-1’s cost on some woodied SR-225s that’s “supposed to put them in RS-1 territory” when you can actually get the RS-1’s.


“this is a worthwhile tweak to extend the bass, buttery mids, clean up the highs and improve your cans overall."

My response to the advertising hype is “Flat Pads $30” they will extend the bass, buttery mids, clean up the highs and improve your cans overall. Plus if you don’t like them you can put the old pads back on.


An upgraded source will improve your entire system not just your headphone rig.


Mitch

 

[krafty]

I have pretty much decided to go with the better source. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be satisfied with the 521BEE knowing the 542 is out there - same for the Woodie, knowing the RS1 is out there.

Thanks for your opinions