[singular]

So the head-fi upgradeitis bug has bitten well and truly and at the moment I'm weighing up a couple of options.

Option 1: 30gb 5.5G iMod + ELO cable = ~$600
Option 2: Mapletree Ear + HD = ~$700

I'm in the UK so the above costs include shipping estimates.

Now I would love to be able to just splurge on both at once but that's not going to happen. I primarily listen at home so here is how the respective rigs would look...

Option 1: iMod w.ALAC -> ELO Cryo cable -> iBasso D3 -> Grado RS2
Option 2: PC w.WAV -> iBasso D3 as DAC -> MAD Ear -> Grado RS2

Which will give better sound quality?

Option 1 has the option of being fairly portable, though I also have a turntable in the home rig so that would allow me to listen to that as well - I've just bought a bunch of mint Zappa LP's so that is attractive.

Any thoughts appreciated!

Sam

 

[uberburger101]

If you listen primarily at home, there's not much sense in getting an iMod IMO. Just get a proper desktop amp and that D3 as a DAC first, then save up for a proper source.

 

[tamahome77]

The MAD Ear paired magnificently with the RS1 but when I had the RS2, it didn't pair too well with the MAD Ear. I thought the RS2 was laid back with rolled off highs compared to the RS1. IMO, pairing the RS2 with the MAD Ear will just make it more laid back. (recessed?).

 

[olblueyez]

Quote:

Originally Posted by singular /img/forum/go_quote.gif So the head-fi upgradeitis bug has bitten well and truly and at the moment I'm weighing up a couple of options. Option 1: 30gb 5.5G iMod + ELO cable = ~$600 Option 2: Mapletree Ear + HD = ~$700 I'm in the UK so the above costs include shipping estimates. Now I would love to be able to just splurge on both at once but that's not going to happen. I primarily listen at home so here is how the respective rigs would look... Option 1: iMod w.ALAC -> ELO Cryo cable -> iBasso D3 -> Grado RS2 Option 2: PC w.WAV -> iBasso D3 as DAC -> MAD Ear -> Grado RS2 Which will give better sound quality? Option 1 has the option of being fairly portable, though I also have a turntable in the home rig so that would allow me to listen to that as well - I've just bought a bunch of mint Zappa LP's so that is attractive. Any thoughts appreciated! Sam

I would want to update my source at some point, the MAD EAR+ deserves better than a D2.

 

[uberburger101]

Definitely. I didn't believe the "Garbage In, Garbage Out" phrase until I actually heard for myself.

 

[olblueyez]

I think he is on the right track, its hard to get everything at once. I used a portable dac for my Raptor before I got the Stello.

 

[mrarroyo]

I rather buy one very good item than two run of the mill items. Since you do most of your listening at home I would get the Mapletree amp and later a better source or can. A DAC often overlooked here is the Devil Sound DAC, do a search and look into it.

Since you are in the UK look into the Graham Slee new headphone amp the Solo SRG w/ the PSU1 power supply. It is a very nice sounding amp and should bring an smile to your face.

Good luck.

 

[uberburger101]

Yes, nearly forgot about the Solo SRG. I've heard my friend's set with a pair of RS1. Very nice combination indeed. And with the price in UK, it's really quite a deal.