I should have added that the Zen makes the GS1000 sound equivalent to my Hd800 with a bit more bass and high end treble. For the first time since getting the Hd800 I am happy with the Gs100. I am thinking about selling the Hd800 now the GS sounds so close!

In my opinion the Zen is a great choice for the GS1000. I have balanced GS 1000. The GS is difficult to power. The zen is the best I have found. I purchased a 5w Pass Zen off ebay for about $33 and assembled it. Needed to add transformer, box and connectors. I use a 33v DC printer psu and an old...

Why not take your hdmi out of the Onkyo? if you area price  sensitive at this time you need to assess the cost of nos tubes for the LDIii. Four tubes could double the cost of the amp. If you are going to stick with the original tubes (due to cost) then go for a Matrix. The Bly changes you can...

Mapletree Ear really take the ms2 to a whole new level-bringing it alive like no other amp can do. It works well for rock, jazz, piano and most music except large scale symphonic orchestras. However if you are wanting symphoniies you have the wrong headphones.   You can pick up a second hand...

Balanced v SE is a dilemma. I have balanced Alessandro MS1, Hifiman HE500, fostex Rp40 modded. I found a slight improvement soundstage, articulation and separation. But in my opinion it did not justify the cost as my mood probably made more difference. I prefer my Mapletree tube amp(SE) to...

You should consider the Mapletree Ear amps. Euphoric with Grado, Hifiman HE500 and hd600. It is worthy king up a second hand example. Any model, as the house sound goes across all models. I do not know why it sounds so good.i should add a qualification thAt I am not convinced it is excellent...

Signed. I want a pair.

http:// It is best to listen for yourself and make up your own mind. It will depend on the music you listen to. The headphones you own matched with a Bryston BHA would be hard to beat. I own a pair of STAX 307 with a SRM1 mk2. In my opinion it beats a Grado GS1000 through a Violectric v181 for...

The differences between the models is very dependent on the source and amplification. For example out of an iPod or iPad the lower models 60, 80, MS1 sound fantastic. The 325, Rs2 and Gs1000 sound more detailed but washed out, flat and therefore less interesting. Jump to an iPod to Cmoy amp...

I think that is very true of the GS1000, and all Grado. I would recommend a Mapletree Ear, any model. If you are willing to convert the cable to balanced I have found the results even better. I run my balanced GS1000 through a balanced Cmoy based amp driver by 4 opa627 opamps or out of the...

Mapletree are hard to beat. I have a Mapletree Ear+Purist 150 which has fantastic synergy with the RS2 providing a broader soundstage, clear seperation between instruments and a more natural timbre.

I would recommend this option. I have a Mapletree Ear +Purist 150.it has fantastic synergy with my RS2i. In particular, good soundstaging with excellent seperation and a more realistic timbre.

Try Adelaide Ear Moulds. I cannot recommend them as I have not used their services. See http://www.adelaideearmoulds.com.au/index.php?option=com_contact&Itemid=3 We are trying to organise a meet for 25 November see http://www.head-fi.org/t/592740/adelaide-meet , for updates

I am in Adelaide. We are tying to organise an Adelaide meet, possibly 25 November 2012. See http://www.head-fi.org/t/592740/adelaide-meet

A good read. All the best for the future.