[brobilly]

Hi, I just bought a used RA1 for my RS1i, but unfortunately it is somehow broken, so I am considering to buy a new amp for my RS1i.
I did some research and currently here are the candidates:
1. Decware CSP2+
2. Mapletree Audio Design Ear+ HD
3. Purity Audio KICAS Caliente
 
and probably, I am going to buy the senn hd650s or hd800s, or the Audeze LCD2 in the future, so I want the amp also work great with them, please give me some advice, thanks
 
and btw, what's the difference between the tube amps and solid amps?

 

[Olias of Sunhillow]

I own the second and third amps on your list. While the KICAS is no slouch with Grados, the Ear+ HD is sonic nirvana. A highly recommended pairing, especially with the appropriate tubes (I like 5751s or, even better, RCA 7025s).

 

[brobilly]

Quote:

I own the second and third amps on your list. While the KICAS is no slouch with Grados, the Ear+ HD is sonic nirvana. A highly recommended pairing, especially with the appropriate tubes (I like 5751s or, even better, RCA 7025s).

thanks, guess im gonna get the mapletree for my christmas gift.

 

[MacedonianHero]

Quote:

..... with Grados, the Ear+ HD is sonic nirvana.

I'm with Ben on this one!

 

[Greeni]

I also like an amp for the wooden Grado with upgrade option, and have been considering the DNA Sonett. However I am not so sure if it has any advantage over the EAR + HD given the magical synergy of the combo many referred.

 

[hawkhead]

EAR+ HD "Output power: 100 mW" = does not say into how many Ohms - but is that going to be enough to drive the LCD-2 ?
 
Quote:

I own the second and third amps on your list. While the KICAS is no slouch with Grados, the Ear+ HD is sonic nirvana. A highly recommended pairing, especially with the appropriate tubes (I like 5751s or, even better, RCA 7025s).

 

[MacedonianHero]

Quote:

EAR+ HD "Output power: 100 mW" = does not say into how many Ohms - but is that going to be enough to drive the LCD-2 ?
 
Quote:

I own the second and third amps on your list. While the KICAS is no slouch with Grados, the Ear+ HD is sonic nirvana. A highly recommended pairing, especially with the appropriate tubes (I like 5751s or, even better, RCA 7025s).

 

 
I own both and the answer is definitely yes! With a 12AX7 tube, the MAD Ear+HD drives the LCD-2s very well at only 11 o'clock ish on my volume dial. The mids are very lush and organic. A great pairing to my ears. I do prefer my Concerto overall, but not by much.
 

 

[PascalT]

As per Macedonian's recommendation I got the Meier Concerto and it paired very well (so far in the first 2 days) with my HD650 and T1.. and apparently it pairs very well with the LCD-2 as well. From my research into a new amp the one thing everyone agreed on based on reviews is that the Concerto does very well with a very wide range of headphones and their different impendances/signatures.

 

[MacedonianHero]

Quote:

As per Macedonian's recommendation I got the Meier Concerto and it paired very well (so far in the first 2 days) with my HD650 and T1.. and apparently it pairs very well with the LCD-2 as well. From my research into a new amp the one thing everyone agreed on based on reviews is that the Concerto does very well with a very wide range of headphones and their different impendances/signatures.

Glad you like the Concerto. I am a huge fan and it does pair very well with my LCD-2s, T1, HD800s, and Ed. 8s. How's that for a versatile amp?

 

[brobilly]

looks like both the MAD EAR+HD and Meier Concerto are great options.
thanks guys