[seefeel]

Which of these amps would provide the best sound with most oomph for use with Grado SR225s and Sennheiser HD580s?

Perreaux-SXH1
Gilmore Lite
Headsave Ultra

I listen to a wide variety of music from rock, jazz, electronic, to alternative so I'll be switching between those two pairs of headphones depending on what style I'm listening to at the time. Ultimately I'm looking for an amp that will provide a smooth and controlled sound with enough power to give a very rich, effortless, and full sound to either of those two headphones.

Thanks!

 

[dd3mon]

I'd venture a guess and say the gilmore light won't quite get you the sound you want. Headsave ultra should do nicely (probably better than the gilmore for what you're looking for, just ask Lou).

The Perreaux is still unknown, wait for John's impressions.

-dd3mon

 

[akar]

I have never used a product from Headsave, nor have I used a Gilmore Lite.
But I much preferred the Gilmore V1 to the Meta I used to have.
This was using the Senn 580s and Alessandro/Grado MS1s.

I have since upgraded my amp to a Headamp Gilmore V2-SE, and my phones to HD600s and Grado 225s.
I have not been able to compare my V2-SE directly to a Meta, but it is a noticeable upgrade from the V1, which I did prefer greatly over the Meta.

Your results will, of course, vary.
But for me the Gilmore is an excellent amp for HD580s/600s and Grados.

 

[tanfenton]

Quote:

Originally posted by dd3mon I'd venture a guess and say the gilmore light won't quite get you the sound you want.

I completely disagree.

NGF

 

[MagusG]

Quote:

Originally posted by dd3mon I'd venture a guess and say the gilmore light won't quite get you the sound you want.

Yeah, I disagree as well.
-Mag

 

[dd3mon]

My statements are made based off the opinions of Lou (with the SR-225) and several people who feel the Gilmore v2 (which would be closest model to gilmore lite) inadequately powers the 580/600's (search around, not hard to find). But, please feel free to post your experiences/opinions - that's what the board is for

-dd3mon

 

[akar]

My experience with the Gilmore (V1 and V2-SE) and the HD580/600s is that it has more than enough power.

 

[tanfenton]

Quote:

Originally posted by dd3mon My statements are made based off the opinions of Lou (with the SR-225) and several people who feel the Gilmore v2 (which would be closest model to gilmore lite) inadequately powers the 580/600's (search around, not hard to find). But, please feel free to post your experiences/opinions - that's what the board is for

And my statements are made as an owner of a Lite and SR-225 with a source more alive than a mass of dung.

NGF

 

[dd3mon]

Quote:

Originally posted by tanfenton And my statements are made as an owner of a Lite and SR-225 with a source more alive than a mass of dung. NGF

LOL - touché

Sorry Lou - I tried, but he has a point, your source really is the weak point in your system.

-dd3mon

 

[MagusG]

Quote:

Originally posted by tanfenton And my statements are made as an owner of a Lite and SR-225 with a source more alive than a mass of dung. NGF

Rofl, indeed my friend. Then there is the fact that... well nevermind.. some things are better left unsaid.
-Mag

 

[TimSchirmer]

tanfenton, how is the scott nixon? do you think you could maybe write a review on it?

 

[Habib]

I will tell you this, the Grado SR-225 will match well with the Gilmore Lite if it's anything like its big brother. I didn't like how the Gilmore V2 sound with my HD-580 in direct comparison to my MG Head (tube) but that's none of your concern. Comparing the Gilmore and the meta, I have to give the edge to Gilmore. I have a meta mint and not ultra so dont read too much into my comment. I have to say though, Norm is a very nice guy to deal with and his crafts are top notch.

 

[andrzejpw]

My first instinct is to say gilmore lite, but I haven't heard it yet. If its anything like the older brother however, make sure you have a nice soure backing it up. The only unknown is how big of an effect the lower psu has on the gilmore design.

 

[LTUCCI1924]

OK Be lead down the trail of more money gets you better sound. My grados SR-225 really don't need anything better than my ULTRA and my great source that sounds great to me. The new minidisc deck with up to date state of the art. I know there are much better sources but I really don't need that for my 225 and ULTRA. The members with the senn. 580s and 600s at 300 ohms I agree that a stronger amp will sound better. Any high ohmage can will be better with a strong amp like the Gilmore that is a great amp. But for low ohmage cans the ULTRA meta42 and my minidisc deck is just awesome for me. Hey don't listen to me what do I know anyway? Let your self be lead to empty wallet and over power amps that I sell like hot cakes. I get what my rig needs to sound great for as little money as possible. I guess I am just cheep.

 

[Ph34rful]

Hopefully I will have my Gilmore Lite soon and I can comment on this. I will be using it for the most part solely with my HD600s w/Equinox.