[theSC00BZ]

Hey Guys,
 
Earlier this year I decided to update my audio listening pleasure and buy the Grado SR325is with Graham Slee Voyager amp. Currently I'm running the following:
 
Apple Lossless > iPod(3g) > iBasso CB07 line out > Graham Slee Voyager > Grado SR325is
 
This has been my first and only rig for better listening and I was amazed at the difference in sound quality; now I am keen to upgrade  In summary, I have a budget of perhaps £500 ($800 USD) at a stretch and would like to know what would give me the most significant increase of listening bliss. 

 
It doesn't have to be portable (I could keep my existing setup for that), but I would ideally like to keep my Grados. Maybe a different amp would be best? (RA-1 or Graham Slee Solo? - not tried any). Perhaps switching out the iPod and running a usb from my computer to an external DAC?
 
Any ideas that would boost this setup would be greatly welcome! Thanks!

 

[Jeff]

Find a USB DAC and try that out. I've only used the pico DAC and the devilsound 2.1, both sound great. The HRT streamers are supposed to be good for the money as well. 

 

[kboe]

I can HIGHLY recommend the HRT Streamer II + or the earlier + version.  Its also within your budget for the MiniMax DAC.
 
 A Kimber USB cable would be an improvement and decent interconnects.  I prefer Cardas, but have great luck with ALO cables.  
 
A great way to spend that money would be,
 
Kimber USB $50.00
HRT Streamer II+ $350.00
Cardas Quadlink or 300B RCAs. $200.00-$250.00.

 

[theSC00BZ]

Cool, thanks for the replies!
 
@kboe: With your mentioned setup, what would the HRT Streamer feed? Would it go to my existing Voyager amp or directly to my headphones?

 

[kboe]

The HRT would feed your existing amp.  The Voyager is a great little amp, no need to upgrade there just yet.