Building a System around SR200

[Oddball]

[fluff]When compared to my peers, I'm a very patient person. I believe that my patience is shown somewhat is my lack of a headphone amp. I've been a lurker/member here for two years and have yet to buy a headphone amp. This is because my philosophy about buying things is that I should save up for what I really want instead of rushing out and buying a something "just for now"then upgrading slowly. But now, I believe that I'm ready to build my system around my Grado SR200. For those who are curious, it was one of Headphile's demo models and has been recabled and woodified. And no, it does not have HP1000 drivers. I'm patient, but not patient enough to buy HP1Ks.
[/fluff]

My digital rig has a bottleneck (Denon DCP-150 as source/amp) and I want to fix it.

My estimated budget is $1200 (total) for a source and amp for my SR200. I don't have this money right now, but I have set aside this money which I will get in the future (summer). The figure is an limit and I'll be happy not spending all of it. From my research here, I've decided that I either want the Gilmore Lite, GS-1, or Ray Samuels XP-7 as an amp. As far as the SR-71--I'm not a fan of the adaptor I'd have to use for 1/4" jacks. I'd love to try tubes, but since I'm going to college in a year, I'm concerned about moving them and don't want to deal with it. The equipment I have is in my profile. I want a digital source, primarily redbook, but the hi-rez would be a bonus. I've been overwhelmed by the number of digital sources available, and would love your suggestions on what would go well in my budget and in my system.

Details:
-Digital source, primarily redbook
-Source + Amp must be under $1200, preferrably as low as possible
-Can't be too large, since I have to fit it in a dorm room eventually
-Again, I'd love a small footprint CDP
-Preferrably new, or a demo from a store, I'm just not allowed to buy from a "non-store" Head-fi or Audiogon or Ebay person

-I'm looking for a "neutral" and non-colored sound, but I also like details
-Synergy would be nice
-Unless I can buy it modded already, modding in the immediate future probably isn't an option
-Will be paired with a Lite, GS-1, or XP-7
-Forgiving of non-audiophile recordings

Other sound comments: compared to my GR-1, my DCP-150 sounds rather congested from the line-out. The turntable trumps the pcdp (obviously). I'm not necessarily looking for an analoguey sound, but keep in mind that I'm just comparing what I'll get with a DCP-150, which I bought for under $100. Given the huge increase in budget, I'm looking for a significant increase in SQ.

I'm very open to suggestions and am aware that my open cans won't do well in a college dorm environment. Comments on the amps I'm interested in would also be appreciated. I'd prefer non-computer stuff for now. If you think that the budget is overkill (I think it is, and my parents will probably agree), tell me so and suggest something smaller. I'm looking for something I can stick with for a while though.

Many thanks for any comments.

Because I really am overwhelmed.

 

[andrzejpw]

I have to say, my former system was pure bliss.

Rega Planet 2000 > Gilmore v2 > SR-200s

For the price, you can not do better.

 

[Jahn]

My cans were Andrew's cans - so I'd like to say that another winning combo for those identical cans is in my signature

 

[bln]

I agree that a Gilmore amp is the way to go. I would not consider the GS-1, though, or the now-discontinued V2 and V2-SE. They're too much for your budget. I think you'll be better off buying the Gilmore Lite, ideally a used one. It's a great amp at any price, and the less you spend on it, the more you have to spend on your source.

As for the source, there are just so many options. If you're comfortable visiting hi-fi shops, and have one or more within reach, definitely pay them visits and listen to a wide variety of brands and models. Not only will you get an idea of what type of sound you like, you may be able to find a demo or return unit that would allow you to save money, but still buy from a reputable dealer.

If auditioning sources in this way isn't possible, I would PM members who've used or continue to use the SR-200 (and closely related HP-1) and ask their opinions. In addition, of course, to doing searches on this board. I will tell you that some of the most popular sources on Head-fi (Meridian, for instance) tend to be quite unpopular with those who prefer John Grado sound. So, when you're taking advice on headphones, make sure to consider the taste in headphones of the people you're dealing with.

Since you've chosen the SR-200, I know firstly that you have good taste, but secondly that the great majority of advice given on Head-fi currently is geared toward those with different tastes in headphones. So if you're sure that you like the sound of the SR-200s, you should seek out advice from people like grinch, TimSchirmer, andrzejpw, MagusG, and be at least somewhat confident in their recommendations.

 

[oneeyedhobbit]

Aside from bln's comments on good taste, he gave some advice worth following. I can't add much, never having been much of a Grado fan.

 

[Oddball]

andrzejpw and Jahn: thanks for your suggestions with your former/current rigs. I'll check those out!

bln: I appreciate the gem of a post you wrote. I'll see if I can demo some sources and ask those head-fiers.

I suppose the Gilmore Lite is the way to go then, I've been unsure for a while, but have decided that having a better source is more logical.

 

[EdipisReks]

the Denon 2910 and a Corda HA-1 MkII or Gilmore Lite would probably sound freaking fantastic and be well under that $1200 limit, especially if you bought used. if you can swing it, though, i really recommend getting a Singlepower PPX3. in my opinion it absolutely thrashes the SS amps in the same general price bracket and will do a superb job with your grados. regardless, the Denon 2910 would probably be my choice for a source, given the way it's been reviewed. i personally plan on getting one in a couple months.

 

[jpelg]

I'm telling you guys, the Apogee Mini-DAC is darn-near perfect with Grados! Don't say I didn't tell ya so

.

 

[elnero]

I'm going to go off in a slightly different direction here and suggest one simple solution, the Eastern Electric MiniMax CD player/headamp combo. It satisfies all your criteria, it's well built, sturdy and has a smaller 3/4 size footprint. It even adds tubes into the mix and they are utilized in such a fashion that they wouldn't be in the way and easily transportable without hassle or worry.

I personally felt the CD player was a clear step up from the Rega Planet 2000 I owned and the internal headamp was different yet still competitive with the PPX3 I owned. Do a search, there is plenty of info here on Head-Fi as well as extremely positive 6Moons and Soundstage reviews.