EC/SS or GS-1 to go with my new Stello DA100,,,?????

[HardHeadCase]

I am aware of the added functionality of the GS-1 as compared to the EC/SS, but it is the sound I am more interested in. I bought the Stello DA100 as I will be streaming music from a computer as well as a DVD player. I own the AKG 701s and I am very curious about the Grado SR325i. I would like to opinions from people who own some of these nice amps.

 

[909]

have you heard/used a headphone amp before?

what type of sound characteristics do you prefer?

 

[HardHeadCase]

I Like a tight, deep bass!!! I also like lots of detail and a smooth top end. Powerful but not harsh. Im sorry my description is lacking as compaired to most im new to this. I Like Harman Kardon amps if thats any help.

 

[909]

do you prefer more of a warm or neutral sound?

do you prefer more of a even response or dynamic?

 

[HardHeadCase]

If I have to lean one way then I say a warm sound. I would also say more Dynamic.

 

[909]

the ecss (newest version w/ the video opamp) and the gs-1 are two of my favorite ss amps currently available plus i have heard them with the k701s so both mate well with that can. i am not as familiar stello da100 only listening to it briefly at a few meets and at least once with the k701s. my impressions were primarily formed with my rega apollo (a warm and analog sounding source), grover ur8s, and the hd650s and the source obviously plays a very key role in the overall sound presentation.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HardHeadCase /img/forum/go_quote.gif I Like a tight, deep bass!!! I also like lots of detail and a smooth top end. Powerful but not harsh. Im sorry my description is lacking as compaired to most im new to this. I Like Harman Kardon amps if thats any help.

both amps provide a deep tight bass, are very transparent, revealing, and detailed and offer top ends that are very smooth, though, i believe top end can be more source and headphone dependent at times or at least more noticeable to my ear. the gs-1 has a bit tighter bass whereas the ecss is a bit bolder and slightly rounder as to which goes deeper i would need to hear them again. the gs-1 offers better detail retrieval, though, the ecss is no slouch. the stello da100, gs-1, and k701s combo might have more potential to extend higher and possibly have a sharper-digital top end (possibly more so due to the source--cables can also slightly intensify or diminish this). on another note, since you seem not so familiar using audio terms what you think you like based on your research might be different when you actually hear a few amps.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HardHeadCase /img/forum/go_quote.gif If I have to lean one way then I say a warm sound. I would also say more Dynamic.

definitely, the ecss is the wamer sounding amp and i would also say more dynamic plus it gives the impression of more weight and to my ear very musical. the gs-1 is more refined, analytical, larger soundstage, and more seperation and air. it would be ideal to hear and compare both on your rig and with your selected music so you could decide which amp you prefer.

 

[HardHeadCase]

Thank you for taking the time to help me with this decision. I have enjoyed reading some of your other posts.

 

[909]

glad to hear it. good luck and let us know what you ultimately decide to get and, of course, your impressions...

 

[HardHeadCase]

I think im going to go with a Black GS-1 with the DACT. You are right about not knowing until I hear them and also the GS-1 has some functionality that will be useful to me (inputs outputs dual jacks etc.). Hell, when I get some new cans (GRADO) I could also run the GS-1 loop out to the EC. I don't know much about your Rig but from what I see on the web, you have some scary sweet stuff!!! Do have any pictures of your Moth amp? I cant find anything about it on the web.

Thanks Again

 

[909]

cool.

first post about eight pics in should be a few of my rig and the moth amp. also you could find some more in the impressions thread by searching for the last two so cal (southern california) meets.

 

[HardHeadCase]

Im such a ding dong. I already drooled over those pictures, I guess I should have read the post as well.

 

[kugino]

i owned the da100/gs-1/k701 combo that i also used with the hf-1. amazingly all are gone (or soon to be gone with my da100 FS right now). it's a great combination. the stello is versatile and gives a bit of warmth to the k701. the gs-1 lets the source shine through and the k701 mates well with the gs-1. plus, if you're thinking about getting a grado, the gs-1 sounds great with them.

here's a pic of my previous setup:

 

[twsmith]

My Benchmark DAC1-USB sounds fantastic with the GS-1 (with DACT) and AKG701, so I would imagine the Stello DA100 should work very well too. I also have a pr of Grado SR60s, and I was blown away by how great they sounded with this combo. I don't think you can really go wrong with the GS-1.

 

[jp11801]

another amp to consider if you can find one used is the dynahi, IMHO it was a great solid state amp and Veda audio did a good job building them.

You would not go wrong with either the ecss or gs-1