[Welly Wu]

Hi all! I have been carefully reading and saving threads on a number of issues here at Head-Fi but the one that I want to speak to is this one: I am thinking about selling my headphone amplifier, the carrying bag, the ICs, and the wallwarts and I am thinking about getting a used Grado RA-1 with A/C plug.

Here is exactly what I am thinking about selling and why:
1. HeadRoom Cosmic (Reference Module)
2. DiMarzio Sup-Cos ICs (1 m)
3. Cosmic Power Supply Upgrade (110v)
4. Ault wallwart
5. HeadRoom Traveler Bag
6. Straightwire Short Portable IC
7. Two 4D Cell battery holders
8. Original Grado bowl pads

Quite frankly, I just don't find myself listening to my music on the go anymore because I'm either working (whereby I am not allowed to do so), exercising (whereby it is more dangerous to listen to headphones when exercising beyond 30 minutes), or I am at home (whereby I do 90 percent of my listening to my music). I would very much like to stick with another American owned and made headphone amplifier and I have read plenty of threads stating that the Grado RA-1 / RS-1 match is synergistic. Oh, I would like to make some more money to help me get closer to reaching my two short-term financial goals that I have typed up awhile ago.

My concern is that some people think that the Cosmic (Reference Module) sounds a lot better than the RA-1. Also, what kind of ICs should I get? I am thinking about getting a used pair of DiMarzio M-PATH (1.5 ft) ICs.

Finally, should I decide to do this, then how much should my above list fetch? Please provide ballpark figures. Thank you!

 

[daycart1]

Why not try an RA-1 on a 30 day trial? If you like it, then you can sell the Cosmic here.

 

[Geek]

One of the greatest advantages to using a cosmic is the fact that the amp is not designed just with portability in mind. Headroom definitely squeeezd in some really high end components, and your cosmic has the reference module on it.

The cosmic is very very well suited to be used as a non-portable as well. If I were you, I would just keep it! Use it for a while in a home setup, and then a while later, be it weeks or months, you may very well be glad that you kept it.

You have a really nice setup that can easily go portable any time you want. That is what I think.

Cheers,
Geek

 

[Welly Wu]

Thanks for your answers to my dilemma. I'll just keep what I got now because it really still amazes me to this day. Anyway, I'm getting more interested in tube amplifiers. Don't know ****. I got a PM from a friend who says that the EMP+ is the best tube based headphone amplifier for my RS-1s. Is it? Anyone know if HeadRoom plans on trying to best the EMP+ / RS-1 tube synergy with their upcoming line of tube amps? Thanks.

 

[CRESCENDOPOWER]

Can't one of the DIYers build you a RA-1 clone for very little money?

 

[Zanth]

Quote:

Originally posted by CRESCENDOPOWER Can't one of the DIYers build you a RA-1 clone for very little money?

*yawn*

 

[Zanth]

Welly, if you really want to listen to the RA-1, I'm sure if you attended a NY meet you could have a listen or just order one from Headroom and give it a whirl. I have never heard the Cosmic but I'm sure it is a fine amp and one that will give you much pleasure. Sometimes it is better to just enjoy the music rather than try to keep gunning for more and more.