[MSport911]

I actually own two HP-1's (I love those polarity switches!) and one HP-2.

I will be possibly selling one of my Melos SHA-1's in the near future. I am going to send one into MAR for full restoration and a set of tweeks to make it the best SHA-1 out there you have heard!

MSport911

 

[recstar24]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jvbb2005 Msport911, I found it so unfair..... How could you owe HP1s and HP2s + 2 Melos SHA-1s at the same time. Don't let us know your address, we may break in your house

I have actually been in his house, he is a local head-fier, so dont worry, already in stage 3 of infiltration mission

 

[MSport911]

Hey recstar,

I just got two Doberman pinchers! j/k You should stop by to meet them! They are very well trained to protect my headphones! So when are we all going to get together for a mini meet in the Chicago area?

MSport911

 

[dmb367]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jvbb2005 Msport911, I found it so unfair..... How could you owe HP1s and HP2s + 2 Melos SHA-1s at the same time. Don't let us know your address, we may break in your house

can I take one of the HP1's, please??

 

[LFF]

MSport911, those are some very nice pics. I sure wish I had a SHA-1 and an HP-1. I have to settle for having an HP-2 and HPA-1.

 

[LFF]

Seeing those pics of the SHA-1 reminds me - have any of you managed to directly compare a SHA-1 to the Grado HPA-1?

 

[donlin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LFF Seeing those pics of the SHA-1 reminds me - have any of you managed to directly compare a SHA-1 to the Grado HPA-1?

Yes, I have both. I bought my HPA-1 in 1992 and the SHA-1 in 1993. The Melos is quite a bit better sounding than the HPA-1. More detailed, better bass and smoother treble. Both amps were heavily reviewed at the time they came out and the Melos was universally preferred.

 

[Jahn]

Gorgeous stuff! I still feel like the Melos/Grado combo is just your classic synergy that never fails!

 

[LFF]

Quote:

Originally Posted by donlin Yes, I have both. I bought my HPA-1 in 1992 and the SHA-1 in 1993. The Melos is quite a bit better sounding than the HPA-1. More detailed, better bass and smoother treble. Both amps were heavily reviewed at the time they came out and the Melos was universally preferred.

Cool - thanks for the info. I have the HPA-1 and I love the synergy it has with the HP-2's. I must admit that I am growing very curious about the SHA-1 though. I have read that the SHA-1 has great synergy with Grado's but never knew how it compared to the HPA-1.

Donlin, would you happen to have any pics of the two amps side by side?

 

[donlin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LFF Cool - thanks for the info. I have the HPA-1 and I love the synergy it has with the HP-2's. I must admit that I am growing very curious about the SHA-1 though. I have read that the SHA-1 has great synergy with Grado's but never knew how it compared to the HPA-1. Donlin, would you happen to have any pics of the two amps side by side?

I'm sorry, I don't have a working digital camera at the moment. The reason the SHA-1 has synergy with the HP-2's is because it was specifically designed for them. The "SHA" designation stands for "Signature Headphone Amplifier" as in Grado Signature Headphones. As I recall, Joe Grado felt the SHA was not neutral enough compared to his own HPA-1, but for non-studio listening, the SHA is more involving.

My current favorite amp for HP-2's is the PS Audio GCHA, which I prefer to my SHA-1, mainly because of cleaner treble with more extension. It is true though that my SHA is 13 years old and has not had any servicing or modifications.

 

[jvbb2005]

Quote:

Originally Posted by donlin The "SHA" designation stands for "Signature Headphone Amplifier" as in Grado Signature Headphones. .

Hey this is the first time I hear what SHA stands for

 

[Jahn]

Well as long as we are showing Grado/Melos combos-

That's a SHA-Gold with Reference mods from MAR, with a recabled and repadded Joe Grado HP2 and a John Grado SR325i. Being an earlier incarnation of the Tower of Power, I no longer have the evil looking Optonica or gold bling Grado, having being replaced by a more silvery look via a Marantz 2226. But I like the old school Black and Gold look of this combo, so here ya go.

And it sounds like liquid yum.

 

[LFF]

Jahn - I envy you.

Nice pic though. Please post more if you have them. I love to use these as my desktops.