AE-1, SR-71 or RA-1?

[appar111]

These are the top 3 amps I'm looking at. I sold my Headroom Home (circa 96) as I was looking for something more transportable (room-to-room listening).

The top choices are:

AE-1: $350 - best battery life, ultra smooth volume pot, RCA's on the back in addition to 1/8" jack on front

SR-71: ~$350 used - highly praised, well built, good battery life, great sound (would definitely get the standard, not low gain version)

RA-1: ~$200-230 used - well matched for Grados (which I have) good battery life, simple design but does what it needs to do really well, cool wood casing

And I have $365 to spend... should I just go for the gusto and get me a new AE-1? I keep thinking the RA-1 would match really well with my 325's, and it would be alot cheaper, and still plenty transportable enough for me.

Any suggestions?

 

[mikeg]

On the basis of what I've read, the SR-71 is a better all around amp that the RA-1. But, the Grado 325 isn't as good as their RS-1. So, you may want to sell your 325, and get an RA-1/RS-1 combo, which as you know, I'm planning to sell.

 

[EdipisReks]

i think the AE-1 is much superior to the SR-71. i have not heard the RA-1.

 

[mikeg]

You may want to consider a Koss ESP/950 electrostatic headphone. IMO this headphone sounds better than an RS-1 powered by an RA-1. But, for best sound from this headphone, its amp (which is included by Koss) should be powered by its battery pack, or by a better power supply than the wall wart provided by Koss. If interested, read my review of it -
http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=134346

As for amps, seems that your best choice is the AE-1. IMO, it's best to get the best that you can afford, rather than settling for a lesser amp.

 

[appar111]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeg On the basis of what I've read, the SR-71 is a better all around amp that the RA-1. But, the Grado 325 isn't as good as their RS-1. So, you may want to sell your 325, and get an RA-1/RS-1 combo, which as you know, I'm planning to sell.

No offense, but I ain't selling the 325's-- I had a spell with them and almost sold them, but came to my senses. How much do RS-1's usually go for? I'm pretty oblivious to anything above the 325 in Grado's line...

 

[appar111]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdipisReks i think the AE-1 is much superior to the SR-71. i have not heard the RA-1.

What is is that you find better than the SR-71? Usually it's a pretty slim margin, but when someone uses the phrase "much superior to" then there must be some obvious differences between the two? Was it the soundstage? I know you said you felt the SR-71 had an odd soundstage.

 

[ken36]

I love my sr-71, but the batteries need changing too often.

 

[appar111]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ken36 I love my sr-71, but the batteries need changing too often.

Don't they last something like 40-50 hours? Maybe you're using rechargeables, though.. I was thinking of using some Lithium 9V's so I wouldn't have to change batteries so often, but the ones I've seen are very squared and would probably be an extremely tight fit in the SR-71 case.

 

[elmoe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by appar111 No offense, but I ain't selling the 325's-- I had a spell with them and almost sold them, but came to my senses. How much do RS-1's usually go for? I'm pretty oblivious to anything above the 325 in Grado's line...

We should make a 'Keep your 325s thread' there would be just us two in it

 

[Teerawit]

Quote:

Originally Posted by appar111 How much do RS-1's usually go for?

Around $450-500 USD used.

 

[cansman]

Hi,

The RA-1 is a great amp for Grados. Notwithstanding this, I would suggest that you try out the new Porta Corda III from Jan Meier. It really sounds fantastic!

To my ears, it is really high-end. And it has a significant amount of the rhythm and pace of my Naim equipment. It goes well with my 325i and 80s.

Cheers!

 

[SK138]

I am using 9v Lithium Energizer battery without any problem, which I got at Thomas Distribution for less than $5. It's not a tight fit at all. So far...they have lasted about 95+ hours with volume set at 12 clock. I just adjust the volume on the "pre-amp" (AE-1) to match the different headsets I use at home.

When traveling for business, mostly outside US, I take the SR-71. It's easier for me to just change out the 9volt batteries on SR-71.

Quote:

Originally Posted by appar111 Don't they last something like 40-50 hours? Maybe you're using rechargeables, though.. I was thinking of using some Lithium 9V's so I wouldn't have to change batteries so often, but the ones I've seen are very squared and would probably be an extremely tight fit in the SR-71 case.

 

[animalsrush]

Go for AE-1. After nearly two weeks the amp has burned in nicely. The sound is awesome and battery life is amazing. Also it is built like a tank and will last long

 

[EdipisReks]

Quote:

Originally Posted by appar111 What is is that you find better than the SR-71? Usually it's a pretty slim margin, but when someone uses the phrase "much superior to" then there must be some obvious differences between the two? Was it the soundstage? I know you said you felt the SR-71 had an odd soundstage.

the AE-1 is, to my ear, more detailed, more extended, less muddy and more natural sounding (that last one is the soundstage

).

 

[Jahn]

Wow I'm having deja vu. Didn't we just post on a similar thread today?

Ah yes we did, I'm not going crazy!