[grawk]

it's neither, it's some amps work well and others don't. Generalities are always pointless.

 

[uberburger101]

Acoustic, vocal and mellower stuff you say? I fully agree.

Eva Cassidy, Eric Clapton, Nils Lofgren, Rodrigo Y Gabriela come to my mind. All live of course.

This might be a little blasphemous on an RS1 appreciation thread, but locally the D7000 and RS1 cost the same (new) and if I had that kind of money I would go for the D7000 as a more all-rounder. Of course, I bought my RS1 at quite a steal used so...

 

[silverrain]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bojamijams /img/forum/go_quote.gif What I don't get is that everyone says tube amps are the best for the RS-1 but yet the RA-1 is solid state (CMOY at that) and everyone loves that combo too so.. which is it? tube or ss?

I have posted that my RS-1's last year sounded better thru all of my SS amps, and quite bad thru the DV tube amp I had then -- and it had an upgraded tube-set in it, too -- made the HD580 sing like never before.
So, it isn't everyone.
I won't let any of my Grados near a tube amp anymore.
But, that's just *me*. I guess others have different results.

 

[wovenhand]

I'm really looking forward to getting the K.I.C.A.S. (when PA starts taking orders again and my wallet has recovered) and seeing how the RS-1i performs on that.

 

[Brighten]

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverrain /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have posted that my RS-1's last year sounded better thru all of my SS amps, and quite bad thru the DV tube amp I had then -- and it had an upgraded tube-set in it, too -- made the HD580 sing like never before. So, it isn't everyone. I won't let any of my Grados near a tube amp anymore. But, that's just *me*. I guess others have different results.

Is the DV the only tube amp you've used with the RS-1?

 

[tnmike1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bojamijams /img/forum/go_quote.gif What I don't get is that everyone says tube amps are the best for the RS-1 but yet the RA-1 is solid state (CMOY at that) and everyone loves that combo too so.. which is it? tube or ss?

no everyone does not. SOme prefer Pico or KICAS Caliente. I'm now trying the Caliente thanks to a loan from another Head-Fier and find it much more enjoyable than my 3Move. Now I'm going to try the Pico. Haven't tried my regular $50 CMOY yet. Maybe I'll like that combo??

 

[Bojamijams]

I'll be interested to know your opinions mike

 

[silverrain]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brighten /img/forum/go_quote.gif Is the DV the only tube amp you've used with the RS-1?

Yes -- a 336SE.
It sounded really nice with HD580 during burn-in. But, it just didn't like my Grados.

I sold it, because I, personally, don't have the time nor desire, to play with tube-rolling, to match various cans.
I can see how it can be a hobby unto itself, with all the tubes available, if you enjoy doing that.

I just stick to my SS amps, which are less picky.

 

[Happy Camper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SemiAudiophile /img/forum/go_quote.gif i agree. they do vocals and mellower stuff better. for rock i prefer my 325i's.

I'd agree with this. I like the MS-2i better for electric/electronic rock. The RS-1s are sweet with acoustic and less complex rock.

 

[Mercuttio]

Some tube amps sound out of this world with the RS1... notably a good-condition Melos with great tubes or that Mapletree Ear+ dealie. If I do any other upgrades to my rig, it'll be to a Mapletree amp. Sure do like my RA-1 with it though for now.

 

[jacdan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverrain /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have posted that my RS-1's last year sounded better thru all of my SS amps, and quite bad thru the DV tube amp I had then -- and it had an upgraded tube-set in it, too -- made the HD580 sing like never before. So, it isn't everyone. I won't let any of my Grados near a tube amp anymore. But, that's just *me*. I guess others have different results.

I use a Cambridge 540A V2 with my RS1 and am quite happy with it. The only SS amp I felt was a poor match with the RS1 was a LD MKV.

 

[SemiAudiophile]

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverrain /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yes -- a 336SE. It sounded really nice with HD580 during burn-in. But, it just didn't like my Grados. I sold it, because I, personally, don't have the time nor desire, to play with tube-rolling, to match various cans. I can see how it can be a hobby unto itself, with all the tubes available, if you enjoy doing that. I just stick to my SS amps, which are less picky.

surprised to hear that your DV didn't match well with your RS1. i have a LD MK3 and i find it to match extremely well with Grado's.

you should try the Mapletree or the WA6 maybe...

 

[wovenhand]

I'll add to my impressions that these cans actually invite to turning down the volume instead of the other way around.
I always listen at safe levels but with the RS-1i's I tend to go a tad lower.

 

[Vargtass]

I`ve also had huge problems with the RS1s hurting my ears. The highs, pretty much. The mids are fantastic, tho.
Guess I`ll put my RS1s out for sale when I get them back from Grado. Just want to make sure they`re in peach shape.

And yeah, the RS1s wanted me to play on a low volume as well. Fantastic sound, airy and with a great roomy presence. Just not my cup of tea, I think, because of the highs. If you like those, you`re in for a treat.

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverrain /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have posted that my RS-1's last year sounded better thru all of my SS amps, and quite bad thru the DV tube amp I had then -- and it had an upgraded tube-set in it, too -- made the HD580 sing like never before. So, it isn't everyone. I won't let any of my Grados near a tube amp anymore. But, that's just *me*. I guess others have different results.

I have found the tube hybrids like Melos, Millett, Head-direct EF1 or Cavalli CTH all work very well with the RS-1, as do transformer coupled WA6. But my DV336i OTL amp did better with high impedance phones like HD600/650 than it did with low impedance RS-1.

Exceptiona to the rule - I don't think the Zana Deux was transformer coupled but it was very good with All Grados, and the Qinpu A-3 tube hybrid does not do as well with low impedance Grado phones as all the other tube hybrids did because the 1/8" out is actually a pre-amp out.