Thanks sfo!  So you recommend the mk II?  The comparable thing currently seems to be the Phono Box S for $199.  You would recommend that over the schiit mani?   Looking at your thread, you mentioned ground hum, cartridge hum, and lack of bass.  Those seem like pretty big deal breakers... were...

Hey guys, I've recently bought a new Pro-ject Carbon debut and a craigslist Beogram RX-2 w/ the MMC3 cartridge.  I'm now looking to get a new preamp and I've narrowed my list to the poll items...  which do you feel would be the best bang for my buck?  Any thoughts from personal experience would...

From what I've read the O2 and Magni are nearly identical, and that the Vali is very similar to the Magni.  The Vali apparently does NOT have that "tubey" warmth as a hybrid amp.  It would seem you're not going to see much difference between Schiit and JDS.   I don't have any input on little...

  Thank you for the helpful replies!  I'll have to see when the next meet up is here in Atlanta.  I'll have to add an Asgard to the list of options too!   Now to research what tube amps people are suggesting for the grados... the hunt continues!

  Well I'm not crazy about the idea of analytical listening.  Makes enjoying music seem more like work than fun.  I'm out to have some fun  (Not to say the Q701 can't deliver that)     I did consider EQing but haven't really looked into it.  I guess the idea of fiddling with EQ settings...

Now that I've accumulated some goodies over the years, I'm looking for some sage guidance/opinion on how to move forward.   Here's what I've got: Grado 325is, AKG Q701, Westone UM2, and ATH-M50's.  Brace yourself, no Amp or DAC... hence low impedance headphones.  I do have a macbook pro retina...

Would these require a portable amp?  Being compared to the HD25, would it be a major upgrade in SQ? (Worth the trouble?)

Yeah they have several discounts... which is the best deal?

I was just about to post this!  Anyone think its a good idea?

Quote: Originally Posted by Kibble Fat Did you get them here or somewhere else? They've got 2 locations, both in Alabama... Unclaimed Baggage Center Thats it! I live in Georgia so its a trip for me, but it was worth it. I was beaming when I walked out of that place. haha

There is a store about 1hr 30min away from me that resells unclaimed baggage from a local airport. I was browsing through the electronics and I believe I came across a pot of gold... you tell me First i found these grado 60s for $3: GRADOS u can see the jack had been broken off but ive...