Melos SHA-1 overkill for PC?

[a1rocketpilot]

Well, over the past couple of weeks, I have fallen in love with my HF-1's. I think I'm going to end up as a Grado fanboy in the next few years. Earlier today, I saw an ad on eBay for a Melos SHA-1 going for what I am assuming is a very decent price. Now, since I don't have a good DAC yet (I'm working on it...), would it be worth it to go ahead and get the Melos and maybe even have it hooked up to my PC while the DAC approaches, or should I just get a DAC now and wait for a Melos later? I've been hearing about this amazing synergy with Grado's for a while now, and since they are discontinued, I don't want to miss out on a good deal. What are your opinions on the matter?

 

[shplorgh]

Quote:

very decent price.

I doubt that will last.

 

[a1rocketpilot]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hungrych I doubt that will last.

Yeah, thats the problem...

 

[waivc]

what decent price?? it says "reserve not met"....

 

[Jahn]

To answer the question, nope, I don't see it as overkill. Check my sig! Of course I might have lost a bit of perspective on what can be considered "overkill" hehe.

 

[a1rocketpilot]

That is a good point about the "reasonable price." For the couple I have seen in the past, they have sold around the 400-500 range, is that generally accepted as reasonable for a SHA-1? I know the higher end models sell for 1000+. Also, now that I have brought it up, how many different models of the SHA exist??

 

[a1rocketpilot]

ed. double post

 

[a1rocketpilot]

Jahn, how do you think your Melos interacts with your HF-1's and DT-770's? I know it works well with the old Joe Grado phones, but is it just as stunning with the current generation phones?

 

[Jahn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by a1rocketpilot Jahn, how do you think your Melos interacts with your HF-1's and DT-770's? I know it works well with the old Joe Grado phones, but is it just as stunning with the current generation phones?

Depending on the tube, the Melos can hold court with any modern can i've tried, still imparting that nice bassy sound and warm mids with accurate highs. With the DT770 the bass is pretty much insane, just a warning.

As for the models and prices, The SHA-1 is the lowest price somewhere around 500-600+, then the modded SHA-1 and stock SHA-Gold usually go for around the same, around 600-800 tops, then a modded SHA-Gold can go anywhere from 800-900 modded by MAR to reference level (mine) to that thousand buck level for a Maestrobated one. That's the limit I'd pay imho.

edit- note, the HF-1 I tried with the Melos was ok, but I actually thought the HF-1 sounded better with a straight up solid state amp, because the semi-lushness of a tube hybrid smoothed out a bit too much of the edgy agressiveness of the HF-1 (the "John Grado" sound vs a Joe Grado signature).

 

[a1rocketpilot]

And seeing as how my budget (or for that matter, my parents for christmas, don't know who will be getting this yet) won't allow a DAC at the very moment, would I get at least satisfactory results with the output from my Audigy, or would you say hold off and get the DAC first?

 

[Jahn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by a1rocketpilot And seeing as how my budget (or for that matter, my parents for christmas, don't know who will be getting this yet) won't allow a DAC at the very moment, would I get at least satisfactory results with the output from my Audigy, or would you say hold off and get the DAC first?

Hmm, my external DAC cost around 300 even after mods, so that kind of change can wait imho. Melos SHAs don't grow on trees, so I'd take a stab at it. It also is a very nice preamp if you ever branch out to speakers, or even want to hook up more than one amp.

 

[a1rocketpilot]

All right, well, I think I am going to have a little talk with the parental units tomorrow as to my options. Curse this darn Head-Fi, my expenditures are on the constant rise!! And I've got my astronomy hobby to deal with too! ARGH!!!

And as far as the HF-1's with the solid state amp, I just ordered a couple extra chips to fix up the one I accidentally blew up in my CMoy optimized for Grado's. Thats what I get for making my final connections at 2:00 at night...

 

[Jahn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by a1rocketpilot All right, well, I think I am going to have a little talk with the parental units tomorrow as to my options. Curse this darn Head-Fi, my expenditures are on the constant rise!! And I've got my astronomy hobby to deal with too! ARGH!!! And as far as the HF-1's with the solid state amp, I just ordered a couple extra chips to fix up the one I accidentally blew up in my RA-1 Clone. Thats what I get for making my final connections at 2:00 at night...

it was the spirit of John Grado come to curse everyone with a clone!

But seriously, don't actually call it a "RA-1 Clone" because no discussion of such things are allowed on Head-fi, Thus Sayeth Jude.

 

[a1rocketpilot]

Well, it's not technically the same, since I did use some larger input caps and different makes for all the resistors and caps. The only part that it shares in common with the true RA-1 is the NJR 4556, other than that, it's what I could scrounge up on Mouser.

 

[jvbb2005]

Take my advise. DACs are selling everywhere & Melos SHA-1 in good condition are very hard to come by. Look you can get a decent DAC in every good hi-fi store but do you see a SHA-1 on sale everyday?

Grab it if you can afford it. As Jahn said this pretty much goes well with almost all cans and will service you for a lot time. And a DAC? you will likely to get sick of it in few months and wanting an upgrade.

Just my 2 cents and the decision is yours.

Happy listening