[Thecoolguy]

I don't know if this thread is on the right forum, but it was the forum that seemed closest to the subject. Anywho:
 
I've finally decided to invest in a full sized rig.  Throughout the last couple of days I have researched the topic and have come up with a rough outline of what I want my setup to look like:
 
Source
Marantz CD5004 CD Player

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Amp
Woo Audio 6/Little Dot MK IV se

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Headphones
Grado HF2
 
Im going to try to keep the setup fairly simple and have decided not to invest in a DAC yet.
 
I'm currently a bit overwhelmed with choices and was wondering what works well with what.
 
Budget
Source-$300-$400
Amp-$200-$400
Headphones-$400-$800
 
Music Preferences
Pretty much anything except for metal, classical, and country
 
 
So with the outline above, would you recommend anything? or are there any other sources, amps, or headphones I should look into.

 

[Thecoolguy]

Anyone? Is it a good idea to use a CDP as a source?

 

[maverickronin]

Any half decent CDP should be fine as a source.
 
I'd invest most of your budget into the headphones, followed by the amp.  The ratio may between 'phones an amp my change a bit if you get something quite hard to drive or really like tubes or something.  Grados are quite efficient and low impedance so you won't need to spent a ton on an amp.

 

[Thecoolguy]

Thanks for the reply! I've decided on the headphones and amp I'm going to get, but I'm still trying to decide on the cdp.

 

[maverickronin]

Unfortunately I can't really help you out with that one.  I do all my listening off my PC or my DAP, so I haven't been keeping up with the CDP scene.  Good luck with your search though.

 

[Uncle Erik]

If you get the Marantz, you can plug the HF-2 directly into its onboard amp. I have the SA8001 and it powers my HF-2 just fine. I'd probably use the amp money for a second pair of full-sized headphones, like a Sennheiser HD-600. Those with a HF-2 would be a nice start on a collection. Then you could start saving for a good tube amp.

 

[Thecoolguy]

Thanks for the advice! I was actually planning on using the HF2s straight out of the CDP for a while since I wont be able to afford the amp right away. The reason why i'm buying the amp is that i've been wanting to try out a tube amp for a while now; And, if I dont like the valhalla, I can always send it back under the 15 day money back guarentee thing and save up for another pair of headphones or a DAC

 

[Uncle Erik]

Yep, that would work. I haven't heard the Valhalla, but I'm usually cautious around FOTMs. Of course, some FOTMs turn out to be quite good, but there's always a backlash and a bunch of them end up for sale. You might want to hold off until used ones turn up at a good price. On the other hand, you might turn up a good deal on another used amp down the road. But you should be happy with the HF-2 and Marantz. It'll sound good and you should enjoy it.

 

[Thecoolguy]

Thanks for the input!
 
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I pretty much know what my setup will be now. I've decided to go with the WA6 instead of the valhalla. I'm currently searching for a power cable for the Marantz and am a bit confused.  Every power cord I find has 3 holes (sorry if i'm not using the correct term) at the end, while the socket on the marantz where you put the power cable only has 2 prongs.
 
So my question is-
 
Will this

Fit and work in this?

 
If not, does anyone have any recommendations? I'm not looking to spend more than $100 on a power cable

 

[maverickronin]

It should work, but there's no reason to worry about fancy power cords in the first place.