[catcherfly]

Hi, 
I am about to spend some money on a headphone amp, DAC, and most likely a pair of HE-500s. Presently I own a pair of Grado SR -225is that I listen to through my receiver. I have a number of questions but the most pressing is whether the A1 can power the HE-500s.  I am thinking of the A1 Amp and probably the D2 DAC as entry level purchases. Eventually I would like to buy the Bottlehead S.E. 2.1. My two reasons for wanting the A1 is to own an affordable tube headphone amp that can also power a small pair of speakers in my art studio.
I have also considered the Grado RS1is instead of the HE-500s, thinking it would be a good match with a warm sounding amp but I believe the HE-500s will be a better investment with the option to upgrade cables down the road, and since I already have the SR -225is, I thought a good pair of Orthos would be a great addtion. 
Considering these variables, does anyone have any thoughts?
Thanks!

 

[Ultrainferno]

I would suggest you stay away from the A1 amp when buying the HE-500. It's not powerful enough to explore it's potential

 

[catcherfly]

Ok, thanks. Do you know if the Audio-GD Compass 384 would power the HE-500?

 

[Ultrainferno]

Sorry I never tried that one, but the D1 amp or A1 amp surely wouldn't be the best thing to get for that headphone

 

[davidsh]

Speaker amps all the way! If you already have some small speakers then why not...?
 
The compass can put out more than enough power.

 

[catcherfly]

Thank you! My plan, then, is to buy the A1 and the Compass for speakers and the HE-500

 

[davidsh]

EDIT: Ooops I can say I have given you misleading information. I talked about the compass 2. Can't find the specs on the compass 384