[bobbyk]

Thought it would be interesting to see whether most RS-1 owners opt for SS or tube amplification.

Why not give details of your headphone system to help new owners with set up options.

 

[kramer5150]

tubes for me

Although I like my pimeta, with a mild OPamp.

Technics CD Deck => 24V Millet hybrid with Rayethon 12FK7s. I set bias voltage at 12V, and dont notice a difference with higher voltages. cables are generic $15 from frys.

Garrett

 

[mrarroyo]

Tubes for me as well.

Monster Power HTS 3500 MK II => NAD C542 => Mapletree Ear Purist + HD100 => Grado RS-1

 

[Gabe Logan]

Once you go tubes you cant go back

The ease of customization of tube swapping is just too fun to let go.

 

[fureshi]

tubes for me also. seems to tame the aggressiveness of the rs1.

sony dvp-ns775v -> moon audio silver dragon -> woo audio 3 (tung sol 6BQ7A) -> RS1

 

[saturnine]

Undecided, but I really enjoy my Dynahi with the RS-1.

 

[squall2072]

Tubes here too, even if they are a pain sometimes to mantain and have more costs involved, they make the RS-1's sing.

Although I haven't tried a decent solid state amp but I'm very happy with the PPX3 SLAM

 

[mulveling]

Tubes. Even with flat pads, the RS1s can be a bit too harsh and fatiguing for me. I prefer them with a lush, smooth tube amp.

 

[GoRedwings19]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobbyk Thought it would be interesting to see whether most RS-1 owners opt for SS or tube amplification. Why not give details of your headphone system to help new owners with set up options.

I generally use a emp a.e with the rs-1's. But for the live accoustic stuff I would take the emp over it.

I have tried the rs-1's with SS. I just prefer the tube sound with it. I am not a tube fanboy per se as there are other headphones that I prefer with SS amplification.

With the Rs-1's I have tried:rsa raptor, sugden headmaster, graham slee solo, wna, earmax, earmax pro, emp a.e, rudistor rp5 ref, melos sha 1 (carlo modded), grace 901 and a few other more that I can;t remember at the moment.

 

[LFF]

Having heard many Grado's with tubes I must admit that they were made for each other. Unfortunately, I only have SS amps for mine.

If anyone wants to donate a Melos to a poor tubeless headfier, please pm me.

 

[cheechoz]

No doubt about it, tubes really bring the best out of the RS-1! Tubes enhance the already lush sound of them!

Some warm SS amps also sound very good with the big woodie!

 

[GoRedwings19]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LFF Having heard many Grado's with tubes I must admit that they were made for each other. Unfortunately, I only have SS amps for mine. If anyone wants to donate a Melos to a poor tubeless headfier, please pm me.

A melos? They drive most headphones pretty well besides the pre-concieved opinion it is for the hp-series.

I have used the melos to drive anything I could lay my hands on rs-1's, ps-1's, qualia 010, sa5k, sony r-10's etc.

What SS amp are you using?

 

[dhp]

wow, the poll is pretty unanimous

 

[evilgnome]

Ive only got a SS amp which i initially matched with the Sennheisers. Switched to the RS-1 and now I crave a nice tube amp. Definitely my next purchase.

 

[GoRedwings19]

Quote:

Originally Posted by evilgnome Ive only got a SS amp which i initially matched with the Sennheisers. Switched to the RS-1 and now I crave a nice tube amp. Definitely my next purchase.

I would suggest you try to audition one first. Not everyone can stomach the Rs-1+tube amps. It might be that you still prefer SS amps.