[Jarmel]

I'm looking for an upgrade for my Mini3 that I use with my Grados. I also have the W3 and Er4-P. An amp that could power the IEMs as well would be even better. My budget is around 250 to 300. Thanks for any help.

 

[wolfen68]

A used Hornet M can be found for $250 or less and will do a good job on all counts (at least IMO).

 

[iriverdude]

I thought Ray Samuels amps are a bit bright, not a good match for Grados?

 

[fatcat28037]

Though its not my usual combo I've listened to my RS-1's through my Headamp AE-2. It did very well.

 

[Uncle Erik]

I run the RS-1 straight out of my iPod. It's perfect for travel. I like the full-sized tube and solid state amps better, but it's not practical to take one on an airplane.

But I think the sound straight from an iPod is quite good.

 

[wolfen68]

Quote:

Originally Posted by iriverdude /img/forum/go_quote.gif I thought Ray Samuels amps are a bit bright, not a good match for Grados?

I've never thought of RSA amps as bright. If anything, they tend towards a warmth and smoothness. Either way, I've had good luck with them and Grado's...particularly the SR225's, HF-1's and RS-1's.

 

[Jarmel]

What about the Corda 3Move?

 

[BushGuy]

I've got 4 portables (2x current Xins, a RSA P51, and a Pico) - my choice that I prefer to pair with Grado RS-1 is the Pico.

 

[qusp]

X2 on the pico or maybe the D10, which I prefer, but havent heard any grados or alesandros with as yet. it has op-amp rolling, so you can tailor the sound to a degree with that. plus as a bonus it has a stupendous portable dac

 

[Jarmel]

I decided to suck it up and go with the Mustang as it seems it would be a good fit for the W3 too. The Pico with DAC will probably be an upgrade down the road. Here is hoping it sounds as good as people claim.

 

[BushGuy]

I don't know the W3, but I do know I do not care for Mustang with RS-1......but, those are my ears.

 

[Jarmel]

Well the it seems that the SR-71 would probably have been a better fit as it seems its "warmer"(to complement the Grado Sound) but if I'm going to go that high, I would just go with the Pico. It seems though that some people have had success with Grado and the Mustang by looking at the Mustang appreciation thread. Also from what Samuels has said, they used the W3 as testing for the Mustang so that was a big bonus.

 

[Rav]

Not that i have much to compare it to, but i really dig my RS1s with my iBasso T4, to the point that i use it more often than my mapletree (never sure how long i'm going to listen, and i feel guilty when i turn the HD2 off after only 1 album)...

 

[mrarroyo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfen68 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've never thought of RSA amps as bright. If anything, they tend towards a warmth and smoothness. Either way, I've had good luck with them and Grado's...particularly the SR225's, HF-1's and RS-1's.

X2, and I will ad the original SR71. Another possibility would be the MiniBox-E+ w/ the AD797 op-amps.

 

[lextek]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfen68 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've never thought of RSA amps as bright. If anything, they tend towards a warmth and smoothness. Either way, I've had good luck with them and Grado's...particularly the SR225's, HF-1's and RS-1's.

Agreed