Meier Arietta or Gilmore Lite?

[speedbird151]

I'm considering a dedicated amp for my home. Trying to keep the price under $350. I've got DT880's and considering getting a pair of Grado's. Need some help picking an amp between these two. I listen to rock, electronica and bit of jazz. My source is an old Rotel CDP. If you have a different suggestion for me, let me know.

Cheers,

Paul

 

[Ingo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedbird151 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm considering a dedicated amp for my home. Trying to keep the price under $350. I've got DT880's and considering getting a pair of Grado's. Need some help picking an amp between these two. I listen to rock, electronica and bit of jazz. My source is an old Rotel CDP. If you have a different suggestion for me, let me know. Cheers, Paul

Hey there. I started out with a Gilmore Lite v.2 as my first desktop amp paired with an E-MU 1212m and Grado SR-225s. I liked it a lot, but I sold it after a year or so for non-audio related stuff. Well, when I went to replace the GLite I got a Headfive instead because it was cheaper and I wanted to see how it sounded. I'm very happy with it. It's a little bit warmer than the Gilmore Lite, but I think it (the Arietta) goes well with Grados and possibly your DT-880s (from what I've read about them).

Most people are of the opinion that the Gilmore Lite is a much better amp than the Headfive/Arietta but I think it's a more lateral comparison than the popular opinion.

 

[nautikal]

A lot of people like the synergy between the Meier sound signature and Beyers, but I'm afraid that's all the help I can really be in this matter.

 

[Yukon Trooper]

Really like my Glite. Waiting on a pair of SR225's which are supposed to go really well with the Gilmore. Upfront amplifier and my main genre is rock so that was my deciding factor. If most of your listening time goes towards rock and you'll be getting a pair of Grados then the Glite might be the ticket.

 

[Capunk]

How does GLite perform without it's dps? compared to arietta?

 

[Citizen Kan]

Often forgotten in this price range; actually right at the top of yours, is the Channel Islands VHP.2. At $350 you get the unit with a simple AC/AC transformer. I can't tell the difference between this and the Gilmore Lite with the Elpac transformer with my K701s, they both sound very good. The VHP2 does have a gain selector switch/ button which may be useful to you if you are using phones with disperate efficiencies. The VHP2 is more traditionally boxy in shape but looks quite sleek with it's chunky vol. control.

 

[flargosa]

The Arietta sounds more neutral compared to the Gilmore Lite V2, a piano sounds more like a piano with the Arietta. The Arietta sounds a little bit warmer than the Gilmore Lite V2. The Gilmore lite seems more dynamic. The soundstage of the Arietta seems more even left to right, the Gilmore Lite sounds like there is a soundstage gap right down the middle.

I listen to it through my HD580, the amp may sound different with your set of cans and ears.

 

[nautikal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capunk /img/forum/go_quote.gif How does GLite perform without it's dps? compared to arietta?

The Gilmore Lite is more detailed and has better attack. Give me a few days and I'll do some more comparisons, but that's the big thing I remember.

 

[Uncle Erik]

I'm close to what you're looking at: I have a Dynalo (DIY Gilmore Lite, more or less) and a HeadFive, which is the predecessor to the Arietta. And I do have the 2005 DT880, which I love.

Personally, I like the H5 with the DT880 just a bit more. The Dynalo is like the cold clear light of morning. Paired with the Beyer, it's very analytical and shows up flaws in sources and recordings. If that's your thing, then you'll love the combination. The H5, on the other hand, adds a little warmth to the DT880. Still, mostly prefer tubes with the DT880, but the H5 is very listenable. I also think the H5 is a little better suited to Grados for the same reason.

The other consideration is that the Arietta will give you a crossfeed circuit. Crossfeed is polarizing - you can check out the threads on it. Personally, I love it and think Dr. Meier's circuit is the best available. I don't know if you have an opinion on crossfeed, but it increases the value of the Arietta to me.

Finally, get the Grados. If you've never heard a pair, you owe it to yourself. Grados rock.