Best Sub $1,000 Amp for RS1

[Pangaea]

I have a set of RS1s enroute and have been thinking about upgrading my home amp which plays off my beresford and imac. I would like solid state as I use this setup a lot and tend to forget to shut off my amp at times. I currently use an Arietta which I really like I just sometimes feel like I could be getting a bit more oomph! I have always liked the Meier sound so obviously the Opera is a good candidate but was wondering what others are using with high end Grados. Not interested in amp/dac combos either, just amp.

Mostly listen to Jazz and Rock.

 

[bada bing]

I've used a M^3, a PPA and CKKIII with my RS-1. I still have the M^3, the others were good amps but traded for shiney'r stuff. Any of the three would come in under your budget if commisioned from a "name" builder and well under if you could do it youself.

If you go with a M^3 or PPAv2 , get the AMB sigma PSU with higher current (& maybe a lowish voltage like 24v) transformer and upgrade on the rail caps. The current capability of the PSU is relatively more important with RS-1's verses higher impedance cans and likewise the voltage of the PSU can be a touch lower without causing any issues. Lower voltage = a bit less heat.

One of the positives about DIY gear is the ability to tailor it a bit for a specific application.

 

[Asr]

I enjoyed the RS-1 with both the Eddie Current EC/SS and Singlepower Square Wave back when I owned the RS-1. I wrote a review of the EC/SS here: EddieCurrentECSSReview

 

[JimP]

I see you have an LIIIXP

before you buy anything, try this...

reverse bowls on RS1 (or flats if you have them), max the bass boost on the LIIIXP (make sure source is decent)

[put '911' in your phone speed-dial, just as precaution]

then cue up something like

Eagles - Hotel California live
Fleetwood Mac - Dreams (remastered)

[these aren't necessarily my favorite groups, but the well recorded/remastered songs highlight what the RS1 can do]

 

[fld777]

i think the RS1s provided that an amp can drive them should be given a good source.
i feel these cans are quite revealing that a difference between a really good source and mediocre source is very apparent.
I feel your arietta is a very good amp, try borrowing a good source for it, am sure the improvements would be very audible.

 

[Drumonron]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asr /img/forum/go_quote.gif I enjoyed the RS-1 with both the Eddie Current EC/SS and Singlepower Square Wave back when I owned the RS-1. I wrote a review of the EC/SS here: EddieCurrentECSSReview

And ...now the ec/ss you listened to is mine, Asr and I am enjoying it with the RS-1...very nice and I thank you sir...it serves the RS-1...but alas...I have a headamp GS-1 on order...perhaps it will be better than the ec/ss? I do love transparent amps...my only goal is to have the music in the same room as me...I want the artists expressions only and not an electricians.

 

[number1sixerfan]

I had the rs-1's three times now and all with different amps, I have to say that they absolutely shine with a tube amp. They souded great out of my ppa, but even better out of my ppx3 slam. It tamed the highs just a tad bit and added warmth to the midrange. With my current amp, the HR-2, it performs well but I miss the tubey goodness of the ppx3/rs-1 combo.

The Mad Ear HD2 is supposed to be really great with the rs-1's and can be found used for a good price.

 

[Pangaea]

Thanks to all for the suggestions. Unfort. I am not much of a DIYer so that is out. I will look into the Eddie Current for sure but I think I am also leaning towards either an Opera or a Headroom Desktop Amp. Anyone have any exp with HR & Grados?

EDIT: And yes I have def. thought about hooking up my Lisa three to my computer/dac as a home amp. Probably try it out today as I have the week off.

 

[orkney]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pangaea /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks to all for the suggestions. Unfort. I am not much of a DIYer so that is out. I will look into the Eddie Current for sure but I think I am also leaning towards either an Opera or a Headroom Desktop Amp. Anyone have any exp with HR & Grados?

Another vote for the Mapletrees. The Opera is a terrific amp but the RS1/MAD combo really is spectacular, far more musical than the Opera/RS1 for me. Headroom might also be a great choice, based on the 2007 Desktop I was able to listen to briefly.

best,

o

 

[Penchum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pangaea /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have a set of RS1s enroute and have been thinking about upgrading my home amp which plays off my beresford and imac. I would like solid state as I use this setup a lot and tend to forget to shut off my amp at times. I currently use an Arietta which I really like I just sometimes feel like I could be getting a bit more oomph! I have always liked the Meier sound so obviously the Opera is a good candidate but was wondering what others are using with high end Grados. Not interested in amp/dac combos either, just amp. Mostly listen to Jazz and Rock.

Don't forget to check out the Little-Dot MKV SS Dual Mono Headphone Amp. I use mine for listening to Rock and Jazz from both digital sources and my vintage analog setup. Here is my review: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/rev...lifier-289765/

Additional information from Little-Dot is here: Viewing a thread - Little Dot MK V Dual-Mono Headphone Amplifier!

It performs way beyond it's $299 + $45 ship price. Good luck in your hunt!

 

[Pangaea]

I have a little dot 2 which I love, but I would like to take this opportunity to try out something by another maker. I have no experience with higher end Headroom stuff so the Desktop Amp is becoming more and more tempting. I do not know if I should be turned off by the fact that Tyll does not like Grados.

 

[Penchum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pangaea /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have a little dot 2 which I love, but I would like to take this opportunity to try out something by another maker. I have no experience with higher end Headroom stuff so the Desktop Amp is becoming more and more tempting. I do not know if I should be turned off by the fact that Tyll does not like Grados.

Headphones are so personal!

 

[Pangaea]

^ yeah, agreed. But you just gotta wonder if buying an amp for RS1 from a guy who does not like the Grado sound sig is maybe barking up the wrong tree.

 

[Penchum]

True. I'm not sure how you should take that one.