Unsympathetic wife, limited $$$--best upgrade

[Lerman]

Short on dough and my wife thinks it's all insane anyway, but I've tasted ambrosia and I want more.

Currently have Grado 80s plugged directly into Marantz 5400 CD player (MASSIVE improvement over old Sony, by the way). Assuming source stays same do I get more for my next $200-or-so by getting new phones (perhaps Grado 225's based on my love of the 80s) or by getting a modest amp for my current phones?

Listen mostly to classical. Current setup weak with large orchestra and chorus and maybe a little shallow in the bass.

Any thoughts on efficient use of limited resources greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Murdoch]

For classical, unamped directly from your cdp, I'd recommend buying the hd595.

 

[warpdriver]

If you are keeping your 80's, then something complemtary like 595's would be a good choice. But certainly 225's would be a nice replacement (tighter but punchier bass)

 

[some1x]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lerman Unsympathetic wife, limited $$$--best upgrade

Someone has to say it. Best upgrade is new wife

Grados aren't my first choice for classical in general; the exception is RS1 for string quartets. I'd consider Sennheiser HD600 (you might get lucky and get HD650 drivers).

 

[Guss2]

I say HD600's,but I have'nt heard the 595's.Gary.

 

[apostate]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murdoch For classical, unamped directly from your cdp, I'd recommend buying the hd595.

I'll second that, at least over the 225s. I always prefer to listen to any classical/opera on the 595s. I haven't heard the HD600/650 and they may be even better than the 595s but all of the Grados I've heard (SR60-SR225) have been poor with classical to my ears. YMMV.

Ant

 

[la_marquise]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lerman Listen mostly to classical. Current setup weak with large orchestra and chorus and maybe a little shallow in the bass.

I run my HD580s unamped from my mini-system (ok, you will need to blast the volume to drive them;that's why I have to get a phat amp!) but they sound fabulous for large orchestra and opera.

And they are cheaper than the HD600/650s. So extra cash can go towards the amp.

I've tried opera on my MS1s, but Pavarotti and Kathleen Battle sound a bit shrill on them at times, and I feel like I am sitting in the violin section on stage.

 

[sionghchan]

Hmmm...what I've observed from the crowd here in Head-fi, Grado/Alessandro aren't that great with Classical. Almost non-existent headstage (as proven by my MS1).

However, from my observations also, it seems that the favorites for Classicals are:

Senns HD580/600/650 series;
AKG K501
Beyers DT880.

I'm into classical as well..and I've just committed for a pair of DT880...waiting for its arrival in the mail.
K501 might be a good bet considering its price...

In anycase, unfortunately, I've only experienced HD600...thus, I'm reluctant to recommend any sonically..

SH

 

[grawk]

Sell something on ebay, add it to your budget, then get RS1s (or PS1s) and you'll never have to look back

 

[jrosenth]

The senns and grados sound very different. If you like the grado sound and are contemplating whether to keep the SR 80 and buy an amp or purchase the SR 225, I would advise getting the 225. It really is worlds better then the 80, sounds great without an amp (much better than the 80 even with classical music) and will only sound better when you add an amp later. You could also find a used SR 225 for around $150, sell the SR 80 and make the jump for well under your budget, perhaps keeping your wife happy or giving you a headstart in saving for an amp for your SR 225

 

[spaceman]

Start paying the bills and overseeing the household finances yourself. That way, they'll never know what you are buying. Trust me, I speak from experience

 

[HiWire]

Get the Sennheiser HD600s that are on sale at Amazon. Save for an amp later on. Pray for HD650 drivers.

 

[Lerman]

seems like new 'phones over amp is the way to go.

As a sidenote I'll just say that I've listened to a variety of Sennheisers and so far simply prefer the Grado sound. The Senns are arguably more "lush" or some such word, but I just hear more with the Grados. More detail with less volume. But have to find a store with decent auditioning conditions before I plunge.

 

[Murdoch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lerman seems like new 'phones over amp is the way to go. As a sidenote I'll just say that I've listened to a variety of Sennheisers and so far simply prefer the Grado sound. The Senns are arguably more "lush" or some such word, but I just hear more with the Grados. More detail with less volume. But have to find a store with decent auditioning conditions before I plunge.

If you haven't tried the hd555/595 yet, you should know that they are TOTALLY different from the hd580/600/650. Lower impedance, easier to drive (ie. more volume among other things) more forward presentation (they approadch grados in this area). I very strongly recommend you try the hd595, as I believe it is probably exactly what you are looking for.

 

[CSMR]

Don't get Sens for classical music is my advice. AKG K501s+a decent amp would be nearer $300 though. If you've tried other phones and like Grados stick with them of course.