Quote:
Originally Posted by htbyron /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Well, I think a lot depends on your intended use. If you need a DAC as well as an amp, and you need both to be portable, the D2 Boa seemed to me to offer the best value (as the OP's question suggests, it is by no means the best, under any measure, but it may offer the most value for money). That's why I ordered one, and I'm using it now.
You also need to consider other usage considerations. I wanted an internal rechargeable battery, and the convenience of USB charging appealed to me. The D2 boa for my purposes is more convenient than other options for this reason. If you are willing to deal with replaceable batteries, the D3 python may be a better choice, as it offers a different (and arguably better) amp design, as well as more power. But bear in mind the additional cost of those batteries (whether alkaline or NiMH). I am now considering ordering the D3 because I feel the improvement in the amp may be worthwhile.
If you don't need a DAC, there are a lot of other options at this price point, and I would not expect the D2 Boa to come out the winner in an amp-only comparison.
So, in short, you need to give a little more information to get useful advice from the knowledgeable folks here: What kind of music do you like to listen to? What is/are your source(s)? Are you using or planning to purchase other cans besides the SR225s? Portable or stationary use?
I have not tried the SR225, but I have said before (and others have agreed) that I found the low-end Grados really do not need or benefit much from an amp. I had SR-80s, and found an amp unnecessary; whereas an amp really makes a difference with the HF-1s (indeed, they need an amp to show their potential).
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Music: mostly rock, with some folk and electronica. There are also some songs here and there of random genres. Some of my music is a little complex/distorted (Dinosaur Jr. for the distortion aspect, bands like Protest The Hero qualify more as complex).
Sources:
-Sansa Clip
-a DAP/PMP I haven't decided on yet. possible choices include Cowon S9 and iRiver Clix 2, though I will probably be updating that list frequently until I figure out what I'm getting
-some Optimus portable CD player from 1999
Are you using or planning to purchase other cans besides the SR225s?
-Yes. In fact, I'll probably update my current Grado cans with a better pair every couple of years until I finally have some GS1000's. The SR225's will be my first Grados.
Portable or stationary use?
-Both. Mostly stationary for now, but within a couple years I'll probably start using the amp more and more for portable use.
Also, what is DAC, and what is the point of it? I'm looking for something that will best maximize the performance of my SR225's in as many aspects as possible. I like a warm, yet balanced and wide-range sound, and the more detail, the better. If you have a suggestion, feel free to tell me. I don't know anything about amps, so any help would be greatly appreciated.
EDIT: And does an amp completely replace the original sound of the source, or does it add on? In other words, if an mp3 player sounds horrible and it's amped with the same amp as a better sounding player, will they sound the same or will the better sounding player still sound better with an amp?
EDIT 2: If it doesn't sound like I need a DAC, would the P3 Heron be a good choice? And how long does it run on the 6 AAA batteries (of course I could always buy a bunch of rechargeables for it if it's an issue)?