[TheRock99]

Hello,

as a gift to be made during the Christmas period I would buy my first headphone amplifier (alone or even with a DAC) for my equipment to use at home.

I have a budget of about $ 200 (even between used). Among the products that seemed most interesting I found:

- Little Dot MKII

- JDS Labs O2

- Schiit Modi 3 + Magni 3


My current equipment consists in a pair of Grado’s SR325e and FLC 8S earphones and my source is a A&K AK70 MKII.
I listen mainly to Metal but also to Rock.

Which of these (or propose others) would be better matched with my equipment and my type of music?

Thanks,
Elia

 

[TheRock99]

Up

 

[TheRock99]

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[JoachimL]

Hi. I have a pair of 325i's and a TTVJ slim dac/amp. I don't think there's much of a difference
between the sound quality from the headphone out on my laptop and from the dac/amp.

I've heard good things about 325i's with Little Dot, but haven't tried it myself.

From a better amp, like Questyle cma400i, I get better sound quality. But I wouldn't spend a lot
of money on an amplifier for these headphones. I think it'd be better to upgrade the headphones.

 

[TheRock99]

Hi. I have a pair of 325i's and a TTVJ slim dac/amp. I don't think there's much of a difference
between the sound quality from the headphone out on my laptop and from the dac/amp.


I've heard good things about 325i's with Little Dot, but haven't tried it myself.

From a better amp, like Questyle cma400i, I get better sound quality. But I wouldn't spend a lot
of money on an amplifier for these headphones. I think it'd be better to upgrade the headphones.

Very explanatory answer, thank you

 

[Monsterzero]

I would suggest saving a bit more and trying to find a used Audio GD R2R-11,which is an amp/DAC combo.
I have no experience with your earphones,but I found the R2R-11 inherent warmth a very good match with the peaky Grado line. It added some thump and a more rich sound to them.

 

[TheRock99]

I would suggest saving a bit more and trying to find a used Audio GD R2R-11,which is an amp/DAC combo.
I have no experience with your earphones,but I found the R2R-11 inherent warmth a very good match with the peaky Grado line. It added some thump and a more rich sound to them.

Thanks for your answer
So I will wait for saving a bit money for a better amp/DAC combination.