newbie needs help please

[twc5964]

Hello,
I've never owned a headphone amp. I currently have Grado sr-225's and I'm interested in one between the price range of $350-$650.I want one that has a line out so I can connect it to my preamp since I want the use of the tone controls at my leisure.I've read a lot of the reviews here,however,I value anyones opinion.Would the Gilmore Lite with upgraded power,A Ray Samuel amp,or Meier Audio Corda Ha-1 be good choices.I admit I'm a bit overwhelmed as to the huge market and choices present.I'm not sure which one has line out capability.Please,what would you recommend ? I'm not in the financial position to make a mistake and purchase an amp that may not have good synergy with my headphones.

 

[oldears]

Quote:

Originally Posted by twc5964 price range of $350-$650.I want one that has a line out so I can connect it to my preamp since I want the use of the tone controls at my leisure.Would the Gilmore Lite with upgraded power,A Ray Samuel amp,or Meier Audio Corda Ha-1 be good choices.I'm not sure which one has line out capability.

Of the choices you listed, only the Gilmore Lite is in your price range And has a line out. However, you may be able to find a used Gilmore GS-1 for $600-650.
A couple of other amps to look at would be the Woo Audio 3 ($470) and a Mapletree Audio Ear ++ II ($555). IF you can find a used GS-1 in your price range, I think that would be your best bet.

 

[Oeryk]

Cannot offer any input, but just wanted to extend a "Howdy neighbor!"

I also am in B'ham. You have a nice collection. I am just getting started.

How do you like your Grados? I am considering getting a pair.

 

[n_maher]

Quote:

Originally Posted by twc5964 Would the Gilmore Lite with upgraded power,A Ray Samuel amp,or Meier Audio Corda Ha-1 be good choices.

Yes, but you might also consider the Headroom Desktop line (multiple inputs, line out, crossfeed, variable gain, all nice features IMHO). Quote:

Originally Posted by twc5964 I admit I'm a bit overwhelmed as to the huge market and choices present.

Yup, there sure are a lot of choices these days. Most of the manufacturers that you've mentioned have a 30 day money-back deal so there's no real danger of getting stuck with something you hate. Although I sincerely doubt that any of the choices you've listed would leave you wanting. Also, don't be afraid to consider a tube amp with your Grados, not that you need more choices

.

HTH,

Nate

 

[twc5964]

Okay, thanks everyone for you input.Just when I thought I would have the chance to purchase an amp I just found out my wife may lose her job which sucks. Anyway,sorry for the "too personal" info--I'll have to put the hypothetical amp on hold for a bit.Still, this is an ambition to look forward to in the near future.
Oeryk,Hello to you also fellow neighbor ! By the way,I darn near worship my Grado 225's.I love them that much,however,you may not.
I read a lot about the Gilmore gs-1 and am sure it's a very nice amp but I've also read it has somewhat recessed midrange.Is this true ? If so, that may not be my cup of tea ! I like strong midrange. I cant find any reviews on the Headroom desktop line ? I guess i'll hold off on anymore questions for now so as to not waste anyones time considering a near future job loss.I'll be back when I'm more confident that I can buy an amp.I just found out this bad news about my wifes employer shutting down about 2 hours ago. Again,i'm sorry this is so off topic.

 

[Jahn]

No worries! An amp can wait, take care of what you have to take care of first! In the meantime if you need some destressing downtime plop those SR225 on and rock out. That can doesn't need an amp to power up and go - yes an amp will be nice, but it's not 100% necessary, unlike with other headphones with higher impedance.

 

[twc5964]

Hi Jahn,
Oh trust me on this-my Luxman preamps headphone amp drives the 225's very well.It's sort of difficult considering the circuit layout for me to identify the actual headphone amp section.Tried this out of curiosity.I'm just dying to know what a true dedicated amp for headphones really sounds like ?
When money permits,I'm inclined to give the Headamp Gilmore Lite a shot. $500 dollars including the upgraded power supply plus 3-4 reviews has practically sold me on that product.(i think that price is correct)
Now,i'm curious about the Headroom desktop.I know nothing about tube amps at all.At least this will offer me more time to research that subject. By the way,this is a fantastic and very informative site !

 

[drarthurwells]

The best solid state for under $1000 coiuld be the Lehmann Black cube linear. It does not have any opamps in its Class A output stage (with no global feedback), and gives great solid state sound for about $660. It has a great power supply - unlike any portable amp made. It does have some lean tonality as does any solid state amp, but is as clean and dynamic as can be.


If you want a richer-toned tube sound, the Ming Da MC66AE for about $330 is unbeatable - Class A with no global feedback and three separate transformer - very rich and lush sound.

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showt...hlight=Meixing

For something that combines the best solid state attributes with the best tube qualities, the Bada PH12 is peerless for about $450.

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=136296

 

[twc5964]

Drarthurwells,
Thanks for the info and links.You read my mind regarding the Lehmann Black Cube. I was reading a review on it for the third time.It has definite potential..albeit a little higher in price. I found it around the $779 dollar mark.Fixing to check out your links and thank you !

 

[ken36]

Good luck on everything. Shows just how silly this all is.

 

[twc5964]

Thanks DRARTHUWELLS,
I'll keep the bada in mind and will check out your links shortly. Appreciate the info very much !

 

[twc5964]

i'll just have to wait and see