SR-225 out of mp3 player

[visia]

SR-225 sound really great for my needs based on all the info from other users. My only concern is that I don't have an amp (I will use them staight out of mp3 player: either Iriver H120 or iAudio X5) and I could not quite figure out how much difference the amp makes for them. Could someone comment on that and which amps work best/present best value with SR-225?
Thanks.

 

[h-man]

Hi there,

the 225s are an excellent choice, and will sound pretty decent un-amped. However, bear in mind that you will need a 1/8 inch adapter to connect them to your mp3 player. The addition of an amp will take them to another level, though, and for portable needs, i think you will be hard-pressed to better the Ray Samuels Sr-71.

 

[Kirosia]

Don't worry bout it, grados tend to sound pretty damn good without em, and the extra mass from an amp really isn't worth it for portable use IMO. I used to run sr-325 from iriver ifp190, now that was good stuff. I'm not a big fan of the ihp, but grados seem to be okay with it.

Also, if this is for true portable use, I'd recommend against grados, the size of the cable, sound leakage, etc don't really make em porta friendly. I'd stick with the kscs you already have.

 

[Spiritboxer]

I just plugged mine into a Creative MuVo n200 and they sound good to me. Doesn't take much to drive these puppies but I will be getting some kind of amp soon just to see what I can hear. I'll be watching this thread closely for suggestions.
The SR 225's come with an adapter for plugging into a portable source, I still have mine after 13 years.

 

[visia]

Thanks for the replies! Its not really for true portable use. I'll primarily use them at work in my office, I just don't want to add a dedicated extra source. Do you think there are any amps in the 100-150$ range which will really make SR-255 much better? I am also waiting to get E4 for portable use and it seems petty clear that those would greatly benefit from amp. So, if I can get something in 100-150$ which would benefit both, it would be great. Alternatively, I might switch from H120, I currently have, to iAudio X5 based on better sound quality and perhaps synergy with E4, but that might be more of a lateral move, than true upgrade?

 

[warpdriver]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spiritboxer The SR 225's come with an adapter for plugging into a portable source, I still have mine after 13 years.

No they don't...at least not anymore. It's a $15 add on.

 

[warpdriver]

Something like a Go-Vibe would do a good job without breaking the bank.

I heard one with my SR225's and it seemed to free up a big of congestion in the midrange and upper treble with my iPod while providing the bass the iPod lacks.

 

[thekid22]

I purchased the sr225 a few months ago and for a while ran them out of my Ipod or line out. They were awesome. HOWEVER, I recently purchased a PA2V2, an small amp that runs about $60, is portable, and is made by a really awesome dude named Gary.
It really helped to round out the sound (not that it was in any way bad before, just better now) and added a more lively active feel.

I use it at my computer or on the go with my ipod. It gets a ridiculous 100ish hours of rechargable battery life so I don't worry about using it at my desk.

I would strongly reccomend one.

Not to sound like a commercial...
granted this is my first amp, but i chose it because it also has some great reviews on Headfi.

 

[cosmopragma]

Get a near-mint Porta Corda II, manufactured by head-fi sponsor Meier-Audio. There are literally hundreds of them in the ownership of members here and you won't have to wait long until such an amp pops up in the "for sale" subforum.Would set you back about $100 - 120.
Nice small and lightweight amp, sounds better than Cmoy-type amps.Class A (better sound) or Class A/B ( whenever long battery life is paramount) are selectable.
You can even power it by a (preferably regulated) power supply, anything between 9V and 24 V works.
The aforementioned SR-71 is even better, but far above your price range.

 

[wolfen68]

225's out of a portable source will be fine. Someday, if you spring for an amp, you'll be pleased with the improvement.

225's sound great with a "vintage" go-vibe...and I really like them with an h140 and sr-71 nowadays.

 

[visia]

Thanks everyone! Sounds like I have few ways to go for the amp, but SR-225 sounds like a good deal for me.