[ridiculous]

So just ordered my MS-1's and I know they don't NEED an amp but I would like to try them out with one. I'm looking to spend about $300 total so that leaves $200 after the MS-1's.

I am using iTunes and a MacBook Pro mainly to listen. I also have Grado SR-60's and Sony MDR-7506 but have just heard such great things about the MS-1's I def want to give them a try.

Thank you!

 

[Rowgun]

I'm in a pretty similar situation. I've had my MS-1s for a while now and am thinking about getting a $200-ish amp, probably with a DAC. An iBasso appears to be a good choice at the moment but I'd like to see if anyone has more first hand experience with amping MS-1s for recommendations.

 

[Capunk]

My MS-1 'just' slightly improved when it paired with amp.
I don't really hear any benefit using it with amp and I already try it on iBasso D1, Lisa III, Xin SM III, OMZ amp, and Heed Canamp.
Result was so-so.

 

[st4r0c3an]

I've read that the little dot 1+ has really good synergy with grados. i find my friend's ms1 to benefit more from a good dac than a good amp. highly recommend a zero dac for them.

 

[Coltrane]

Use the money for better Grado's then. Amps will have virtually no (some say) to absolutely no (I say) effect.

 

[azncookiecutter]

It depends on what amp you use. I have the MS-1s hooked up to a Millet Hybrid, and there's a huge difference compared to unamped.

 

[BIG POPPA]

Before you spend money on an amp you think might work for your needs, GO to a mini meet and listen to some amps. An Amp does make a huge difference. Even recabling the MS-1's makes another difference! I recabled mine myself. It was easy as PIE!

 

[sacd lover]

I use a Mini3 with my woodied MS1s at work. For a $125 portable SS amp I am very impressed by the pairing.

 

[4heckssake]

Yep, I concur with the amp supporters. I have some Grado SR60's and use them from a variety of sources but sounds best when amped with my MF X-Can V3.

 

[hew]

The Go-vibe Petite, reportedly, also pairs well with Grados at around $200. It is said to get you much of what you would get with top contenders like the Predator or Pico.


Portable Setup: Zen Sleek -- Cardas Mini -- Go-Vibe Petite -- Denon C751
Home Setup: Dell XPS -- MHDT Labs Paradisea+ DAC --Darkvoice THA332 Amp -- ATH W5000/Senn HD595

 

[jfindon]

I can hear a big difference just plugging my SR225s into my computer speakers compared to directly out of my Zune, and from what people told me, an amp will sound even better. Don't really see why everyone says they don't improve.

I was looking at an MK1 before, but the new + version is a lot more than the older version.

 

[ridiculous]

wow thank you everyone, sounds like i need to find a place in town to look into this a bit more. Also I will be listening quite a bit during the day on a Mac Book Pro, I'm assuming a USB DAC would be the way to go out of a mac?

Thank you!

 

[hew]

Amp with a dac. The petite has an adequate usb dac.

 

[wae5]

The LD 1+ is a very good amp for the MS1 and it's so good it shouldn't be this cheap but it is.

 

[gideonMorrison]

Dude buy this one in stead:

Brand New Grado SR 225 SR225 - eBay (item 170265715571 end time Oct-24-08 02:58:25 PDT)

Gives you 1000% better sq.