Luckyleo
Headphoneus Supremus
Well, I preface my comments that they are based on gear I have, and my preferences. Grados are very easy to drive, and many people say you can use any amp, including a phone or other cheap alternatives. I say, they sound good when powered as described above, but to make them their best I suggest a good amp. I've used Grado's with tubes, the Vali 2++, the Valhalla 2, and the Feliks Audio Espressivio. I have also used them with S.S. Amps like the Schiit Audio Jot 2. In my opinion, the Grados sound great with all of them. If you like the Grado house sound, you would like any of these amps. However, I've a/b'd them all together and for me the OTL tube amp (Espressivio) makes them shine the best. Many would say that there is a mismatch in terms of impedence. 99% of the time, they sound like a terrific match. I've been really disappointed on a couple live albums from the Grateful Dead. I later found out with other amps ,that the mastering was indeed horrible and not the impedance mismatch with the amp. So I can say that with the right OTL amp, with moderate to good recording quality, the Grado's shine.It seems like you enjoy the gs3000x alot and you seem to have quite some knowledge about headphones/Grados. Would you have a suggestion for a nice amp/dac to pair the gs3000x with? Or what do Grados go well with in general? Would be much appreciated!
Jot2 does them justice as well. Just a preference between S.S. and tubes.
@jonathan c your thoughts?
Leo