How does an RS1 benefit from an amp?

[Jonoh]

Hi,

I had a Gilmore Lite and have a Supermacro on order. Right now, I am ampless yet I feel the headphone jack off my CDP is better than most and is enough to get me through till the new SM arrives. Last night, after some listening, I was wondering what improvements from the RS1 I should be looking for when it is amped? Any light you can share with me is appreciated.

While my Etys showed a huge improvement from the GL vs the headphone jack off my CDP, the Grados were a more subtle change. I did not have much time with both the GL and the RS1 before I sold off the GL.

When the GL was here, I only noticed a slight improvement, as I said, subtle. I cannot even describe it. It just sounded slightly faster/tighter.

Last night I was comparing my ER4Ps to the RS1 and while I still love the RS1 slightly above the Etys, the ER4Ps reveal more of the source than the Grado. The RS1s had less detail and separation but are warmer, larger soundstage and bring more beauty to the music. I find this especially with vocals.

Anyways, getting back to my original question, last night really prompted me to think what I should hope to get out of the RS1s with an amp. I sort of regret selling off my GL so soon but I wanted a more portable setup and had a buyer for the GL quickly.

 

[Jonoh]

Anyone? I am curious on what to look for. Again, it was obvious with my Etys and Senns but the RS1 sounds good no matter what the source is.

Thanks

 

[overlunge]

I would like to hear what others think as well.

I tried running RS-1 out of a Cmoy, Rega Ear (not suggested), and Perreaux SXH2 they all vary slightly. I found if the gain is too high, the background noise gets very overwhelming. Some amps like the Perreaux makes the RS-1 a bit too warm to my ear.

But I overall the bass became a bit more controlled and less bright... (correct me if I'm wrong)

Currently saving up for a RA-1 against several people's advise, I guess I am just curious about the rumoured synergy between the two.

best of luck,
Overlunge

 

[Necros]

I use a Audiolab 8000Q, it has a knob to adjust gain. Totally silent and sounds great. Not my site..

http://www.arcticcorsair.f9.co.uk/au...lab-8000q.html

http://www.arcticcorsair.f9.co.uk/au...ery/pict57.JPG

 

[Jonoh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by overlunge I would like to hear what others think as well. I tried running RS-1 out of a Cmoy, Rega Ear (not suggested), and Perreaux SXH2 they all vary slightly. I found if the gain is too high, the background noise gets very overwhelming. Some amps like the Perreaux makes the RS-1 a bit too warm to my ear. But I overall the bass became a bit more controlled and less bright... (correct me if I'm wrong) Currently saving up for a RA-1 against several people's advise, I guess I am just curious about the rumoured synergy between the two. best of luck, Overlunge

I heard several Grados using the RA1 at a store nearby. It sounded good but I had nothing to compare it to. I too am interested in maybe getting one as I really like the RS1 and if the RA1 makes it sound better, I am all for it.

 

[Jonoh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Necros I use a Audiolab 8000Q, it has a knob to adjust gain. Totally silent and sounds great. Not my site.. http://www.arcticcorsair.f9.co.uk/au...lab-8000q.html http://www.arcticcorsair.f9.co.uk/au...ery/pict57.JPG

Nice setup! I especially liked how in the picture they are using the Audiolabs as stands for the Krells.

 

[overlunge]

Hi Jonoh,

Why don't you try to A/B the Supermacro and RA-1 at the local store once the supermacro arrive, I will be interested to find out about your thoughts.

Overlunge