[cck5]

i want to start my setup from scratch again. and would like to know how you would complete this setup.  i already own an ipod touch and a laptop (with horrible soundcard)
 
i want to use grado 325I as my cans and either my ipod or laptop as source.
 
 
with $500 what would you add to this setup.. amp, soundcard etc.
 
can you reccomend specific amps and soundcards or whatever else you think would help make a great desktop setup.
 
thanks

 

[lbj]

A used Mapletree Ear+ HD would run at or under $500.  Excellent synergy with Grados.  Then save up to upgrade your source (external dac for example).

 

[I3eyond]

What do you think of the current sound of your SR325i's?  Do you find the detail just right, or do you find them a bit bright?  Would you rather them sound a bit warmer?
 
$500 is quite a bit to work with considering your current source & amplification.
 
 

 

[cck5]

love the 325I my fav grado ive listened to so far including the 80I 225I. the bass on them is great and i love the true grado feel to them.
 
im thinking a nice dac amp combo to help bring them out fully. since my laptop soundcard is **** and ive only driven them through an ipod.
 
was thinking a nice portable amp like a pico dac/amp or RSA amp.... but i feel with them same money a desktop amp could bring me more value since i wont be traveling with them.
 
so was thinking a nice headroom stationary amp in this pricerange... would the quality be much different from a good portable vs similary priced desktop amp. my goal is a nice stationary setup.

 

[BotByte]

Quote:

love the 325I my fav grado ive listened to so far including the 80I 225I. the bass on them is great and i love the true grado feel to them.
 
im thinking a nice dac amp combo to help bring them out fully. since my laptop soundcard is **** and ive only driven them through an ipod.
 
was thinking a nice portable amp like a pico dac/amp or RSA amp.... but i feel with them same money a desktop amp could bring me more value since i wont be traveling with them.
 
so was thinking a nice headroom stationary amp in this pricerange... would the quality be much different from a good portable vs similary priced desktop amp. my goal is a nice stationary setup.

FiiO E7+E9 combo
 
Not too sure if very good with Grado, but very good amps and DAC.
 
Then if you don't already, get some G-cush pads for you grado
 
 
Save the rest for your next Can purchase
 

 

[cck5]

wont be buying another can, i really enjoy my current IEM  and this home setup will be great once i get my hands on it.
 
i cant help but to think the fiio e7 e9 combo could be outdone by something else in a similar price range.

 

[BotByte]

Quote:

wont be buying another can, i really enjoy my current IEM  and this home setup will be great once i get my hands on it.
 
i cant help but to think the fiio e7 e9 combo could be outdone by something else in a similar price range.

Tot get a portable and desktop amp that go together and are very valuable for their price is asking a lot. A good amp starts at $200 and best if tube. Solid state amps start higher. DAC also start at $200. This is GOOD amp/DAC. The FiiO E7+E9 are worth more then that.
 
You can't beat it when you need a USB DAC and an amp.
 
Then you can get a pair of IEM's and have a portable amp to take with you and a desktop amp to stay at home.

 

[MalVeauX]

Heya,
 
Grado SR325's will love the Matrix Cube DAC.
 
You don't really need a crazy amp for the Grados. I would focus more on getting a nice DAC behind them and get the signal processing off that laptop. The Cube DAC is an excellent DAC for the price. It happens to also have a decent amplifier built in for monitoring. Otherwise, you can feed a different amp. In your budget range, I'd look at the Matrix M-Stage or if you want some tube warmth, go after the Little Dot MK III.
 
Very best,

 

[priest]

For $500 with the SR325is, I would go with the Bellari HA540 and an HRT Music Streamer II. That would leave you with $50 for interconnects (including a SendStation PocketDock if you want to connect your iPod to your amp). Buying components is more fun and enables you to follow separate upgrade paths.