[Amebix]

I've had the Grado sr-125s for some time, mainly using my laptop (headphone out) as its source.
Im only using them indoors, as outdoors I use a couple of cheap AKG-k26 closed phones.

The volume is never a problem with the Grados, at least not with the laptop, so I only wonder about sound quality/clarity/seperation/soundstage/etc.

I've tried searching around the forum a bit, but Im not sure how the sr-60s, sr-80s or the sr-325s (which seems to be the most widely discussed grados) compares to the sr-125s, and I cound not find a clear answer to my question.

From your experience with similar phones (grados), how much will they benefit from a 30$ amp? And as compared to a 100$ amp?

Are there any amps in particular in this price range (up to 100$) I should look into?

As I have a laptop that Im moving around different rooms Im looking for an at least semi-portable amp, but I could consider a larger one.
As for other technical specs, e.g. if the amp should have an option to be driven by the laptops usb or not, I have no idea.

 

[mrarroyo]

The SR125 was the first full size headphone I purchased after joining Head Fi. At the time I paired it w/ the PA2V2.

Fast forward to 2008 and now we have new offerings by Head Direct and iBasso's. Boy have things changed for the better.

So you have a few options to choose from in the under $100. For example:

-MiniBox-F
-iBasso T4
-Filio 3 or 5
-PA2V2
-Cmoy

Good luck.

 

[Amebix]

Yeah, there seems to be many alternatives, perhaps too many
But thanks, some of them I have read a little about.

What did you think about the PA2V2, and how do you think they improved the sound in the 125s, compared to using them without an amp?

 

[mrarroyo]

At the time (Summer of 2005) I thought they were a good match. Nowdays, hard to tell w/ the other alternatives.

 

[hockeyb213]

I am getting a pair of sr-125's tomorrow from a trade will report back with impressions from a sr-71a and a tomahawk

 

[Amebix]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo /img/forum/go_quote.gif At the time (Summer of 2005) I thought they were a good match. Nowdays, hard to tell w/ the other alternatives.

Sounds good, Im really considering buying an amp now. Ill google and read some more on the topic before choosing one.

hockeyb213: Looking forward to it.

 

[Dash]

My 2 cents with Grados is, save the money for better cans. I would rather see you sell the SR125s and add the extra money for a SR225 or SR325i.

Grado's do benefit from amping , but I think that you will see a better improvement with moving up the headphone ladder.

The only caveat to this is source though. Something that has a built in DAC like iBasso's offerings may represent a tremendous increase in sound quality because of the improvement in source. The USB DACs I have heard better with good files than built in soundcards or just my iPod.

Source is so very important.

 

[Pneumaniatic]

I have SR80's and also had and recently sold a Mini^3 amp. From what I remember, I did not notice a significany improvement in sound from just adding in a amp.
I remember the biggest improvement came from using a DAC. I had a headphonia DAC cable running out of my computer into the Mini^3 and that DAC gave me a MUCH greater increase in sound quality compared with just the amp alone. If you do get a amp, also look into getting a DAC too

 

[paulybatz]

The 225s are lightyears better...definitely save and get those...got them for an unbeatable price from
8thstreet.com Online Music Superstore 1-800-878-8882


Quote:

Originally Posted by Dash /img/forum/go_quote.gif My 2 cents with Grados is, save the money for better cans. I would rather see you sell the SR125s and add the extra money for a SR225 or SR325i. Grado's do benefit from amping , but I think that you will see a better improvement with moving up the headphone ladder. The only caveat to this is source though. Something that has a built in DAC like iBasso's offerings may represent a tremendous increase in sound quality because of the improvement in source. The USB DACs I have heard better with good files than built in soundcards or just my iPod. Source is so very important.