[noobie72]

I currently have the RS-2s with the bowl pads and the E-MU 0404 USB dac/amp combo. I like the wider soundstage the bowls provide over the flats, but with some music the highs are a little too much. I'm looking for a desktop amp under $350 US that will tame the highs and increase the soundstage.

I've read all the threads and it seems like the choices in this price range are:
1) Micro amp - not many reviews with Grado RS-2s
2) Gilmore lite - accents the highs and smaller soundstage?
3) Heed canamp - warmer than the Gilmore lite with bigger soundsage?
4) tube amp?? – mates best with Grados but none in price range?

I would like to hear impressions from people who have actually listened to any of these amps with the RS-2s as well as any other recommendations you may have.

Thanks.

 

[daveDerek]

there's always grado's own ra-1. some also seem to like the eddy current ec/ss (there's one for sale on the forum currently).

 

[riceboy]

I use a EC/SS. It synergies really well with my RS1s. Craig (the guy who made the amp), is the best. He's very helpful and answers all questions quickly. TTVJ sells them and they have a 30 day money back guarantee.

 

[lerio]

Quote:

Originally Posted by noobie72 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've read all the threads and it seems like the choices in this price range are: 1) Micro amp - not many reviews with Grado RS-2s 2) Gilmore lite - accents the highs and smaller soundstage? 3) Heed canamp - warmer than the Gilmore lite with bigger soundsage? 4) tube amp?? – mates best with Grados but none in price range?.

None from Corda serie ?

What about Opera ?

 

[lerio]

Quote:

Originally Posted by noobie72 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've read all the threads and it seems like the choices in this price range are: 1) Micro amp - not many reviews with Grado RS-2s 2) Gilmore lite - accents the highs and smaller soundstage? 3) Heed canamp - warmer than the Gilmore lite with bigger soundsage? 4) tube amp?? – mates best with Grados but none in price range?.

None from Corda serie ? they seem to all give a warm sound

What about Opera ?

 

[noobie72]

Thanks for the information. I've been reading up on the eddy current ec/ss and it looks like a nice amp. I have a pair of HD 580s too, so I'll have to see if the amp can power these effectively.


Quote:

Originally Posted by daveDerek /img/forum/go_quote.gif there's always grado's own ra-1. some also seem to like the eddy current ec/ss (there's one for sale on the forum currently).

 

[noobie72]

Thanks for the information. I've been readig up on the amp and it looks like it may fit my needs.


Quote:

Originally Posted by riceboy /img/forum/go_quote.gif I use a EC/SS. It synergies really well with my RS1s. Craig (the guy who made the amp), is the best. He's very helpful and answers all questions quickly. TTVJ sells them and they have a 30 day money back guarantee.

 

[noobie72]

Opera is out of my price range. I'll have to read up on the Arietta, though. Thanks for the information.


Quote:

Originally Posted by lerio /img/forum/go_quote.gif None from Corda serie ? they seem to all give a warm sound What about Opera ?

 

[lerio]

Or Aria

Quote:

Originally Posted by noobie72 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Opera is out of my price range. I'll have to read up on the Arietta, though. Thanks for the information.

 

[noobie72]

I have thought about this, but I've decided to move to a separate dac/amp solution.


Quote:

Originally Posted by lerio /img/forum/go_quote.gif Or Aria

 

[Chrispy]

Is the Darkvoice 336 in your price range. I'm really not deep into head-fi to have heard one, but I think they are generally reviewed well.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Darkvoice-336i-H...QQcmdZViewItem

 

[noobie72]

Tubes will probably be a last resort for me as I don't find them aesthetically pleasing. I know, it's supposed to be all about the sound, but...


Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrispy /img/forum/go_quote.gif Is the Darkvoice 336 in your price range. I'm really not deep into head-fi to have heard one, but I think they are generally reviewed well. http://cgi.ebay.com/Darkvoice-336i-H...QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Blackmore]

If you are not in the tube market than you have to check EC/SS amp first. Seems that this particular one is the best match with Grado's, however I never heard one myself.
You can take a look at Firestone Encore, which was pretty good match with my SR225. I have tried with RS1 ( old version ) as well, and the results were very good, but still a bit "dry" sounding, after I tried tubes.
I believe that tubes still the best what you can get for Grado's, but that's me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by noobie72 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Tubes will probably be a last resort for me as I don't find them aesthetically pleasing. I know, it's supposed to be all about the sound, but...

 

[mrarroyo]

If you could go up to say 550 then the best amp for the RS-2 is on the for sale forum. A Mapletre Ear + Purist HD.