[scdavis0]

This was originally posted in the headphone reviews forum until I realized that it was in the wrong place.

The Grado SR-80s were my initial gateway to the world of high-end headphones. I've sold my 80s with the idea of going to something better. I'm pretty confident that my next set of headphones will be the Grado 225/325s or Sennheiser 580/600s (with an inclination towards the Grados). I figure that if I am going to pay this much money for some headphones, that I'll get an amp as well. I don't really know anything about amps (other than that they make your headphones sound better). I was checking out the new amps on headphone.com, and I'll admit that I'm pretty surprised by the prices. I certainly don't want to buy good headphones and skimp on the amp, so what do I really need? Will the Total Airhead or Little do the job? I'm not prepared to pay anymore than $250 for an amp.

 

[JMT]

I can't speak to the TA or the Little as I have never heard them, however for the Senns I would recommend the Creek OBH-11. My 580s really like this amp. You can get it at GoodCans here, I think they have it for $179.99. As far as the Grados are concerned, a lot of people (especially me) like the DIY Cmoy amp with Apheared's 47 mod. That amp is specifically designed for low impedance cans like the Grados.

Good luck.

 

[joelongwood]

Quote:

As far as the Grados are concerned, a lot of people (especially me) like the DIY Cmoy amp with Apheared's 47 mod.

I have to disagree JMT..........I think I like it better than you do!

 

[scdavis0]

How well does the Creek (or other amps that you recommend) pair with the Grado line of headphones? For a variety of reasons, I won't be building an amp (unless someone here sells them).

 

[joelongwood]

Having a number of Grados. I find that the Creek does a very nice job of powering them. I don't think you'll be disappointed. Other than the DIY amps, I like it the best for my Grados...... better than the TA and the MG Head.

 

[Voyager]

I use my Rega Ear for both my Grado SR-80s and my Senn HD580s. It makes both sound wonderful and it is pretty cheap... if you can find one. I think Savant Audio sells them for about $199.

 

[Sirwar]

Well thats too bad, because for 334 you can get an assembled corda. it has two impedence options and since its total neutral it wont color anything.

 

[XXhalberstramXX]

HA HA HAHA AHAHA !!!!

i like the "not the sensitive type" thing next to your member status. very fitting (or so it seems)

 

[Music Lover]

Hi scdavis,
My entry to the headphone world was also the SR-80's! I have been a Creek OBH-11 owner for quite a while now (which I opted for after disappointments with the TA), there is no doubt that it is a great little amp for under $200. However, I found the Creek to be a damper for the higher-end Grados.

I am using a Denon DCM-370 CDP and found that the RA-1 provided the full bass representation on the SR-325's & RS-1's, which the Creek killed IMO. I think Sirwars suggestion of the assembled Corda Amp. (offering cross-feed) would be a great choice for you; or the RA-1 Amp. if you feel that Grados are going to be your drug of choice!

Good Luck!

 

[scdavis0]

Is it possible to buy an assembled Corda amp?

EDIT: I'm also extremely curious as to why the RA-1 isn't nearly as recommended or in use. Is it one of the best amps to drive Grado phones?

 

[Possum]

scdavis0,

Of course! It'll just cost a bit more than the kit, I think.

 

[Holy Zoo]

Quote:

Originally posted by scdavis0 Is it possible to buy an assembled Corda amp?

See: http://home.t-online.de/home/meier-a...rdaheadamp.htm


Quote:

I'm also extremely curious as to why the RA-1 isn't nearly as recommended or in use. Is it one of the best amps to drive Grado phones?

I can't speak for others, but the fact that it can only take batteries (can't use a wall wart) really turned me off.

 

[ai0tron]

for 580/600's I do not recommend the creek amp. It sounds good with Grados, but not with senns. It just doesnt, sad fact, sorry everyone who likes it with the senns. I have tried the creek and the xcanv2 both of which i got at audio advisor. the xcanv2 is very much the superior of the creek obh-11. EXCEPT when driving Grados. Grados sound really nice to me out of the creek. Smoother, less fatiguing, very good overall sound.

 

[jude]

I respectfully disagree with my forum friend ai0tron.

I've tried the Senns with the OBH-11, OBH-11SE, MG Head DT, hot-rodded MG Head DT, HeadRoom Max, and a DIY CHA-type amp built by JMT, and (to my ears) the OBH-11 is an excellent companion for the Sennheiser HD-600's (and so I'd assume the HD-580's too).

 

[Alan_P]

Hey Jude,

(Ha! 'Hey Jude' .....)

Out of that list of amps you've tried with the 600s, which would you consider the best, or just your favorite, regardless of price?