Weak Amp Woes Part II: Grado/Alessandro

[sumguy_]

Hey there,

Im planning to go for some MS-1's in the near future and an iPod nano sometime after that. Im planning on going ampless.

In that period before I get the nano comes, Im left with my Sony E407 flash dap.

As I asked in my previous post: is 5mW+5mW enough to drive these decently?

Sennheiser PX100 and HD497 are fine in this setup, and are both 32ohm, but that's never a good way of judging these things.

 

[ayt999]

you should have no problems. there are a lot of people that use grados straight from the source without an amp.

of course you can be like me and use an amp to increase the performance (listening to a PS1 driven balanced from a Balanced Reference right now), but even without an amp they should be plenty enjoyable.

 

[sumguy_]

Yes, I wanted to ask anyway because Sony's amps (same I believe, as those used in MD players) are somewhat weaker than iPods/Creative's etc. (30mW vs. 5mW).

Anyway, I guess Ill go ahead with my plans, thanks for your comments. If you think otherwise, speak now...

 

[jonnywolfet]

all the wonderful character sounds of the grado cans will only be bettered with an amp, i tested my ms1 with a 407, and though quiet, sounded great! it even sounded better than the nano to me!

 

[sumguy_]

Thanks for your comments. Is the volume level a problem? (you said it was quiet)

 

[F355]

my nforce motherboard soundcard drives the MS-1s to more than adequate levels.
plus they sound fantastic.
amps might improve the sound, but for now, for me, ignorance is bliss

 

[jonnywolfet]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sumguy_ Thanks for your comments. Is the volume level a problem? (you said it was quiet)

not for me, its only an issue when ambient noise gets loud, not good enough for walking next to a main road, but ok for milling around offices/shopping centres.

 

[sumguy_]

Thanks for your comments.

 

[Blasyrkh]

for me it's a waste use such good cans without an amp. and it's not a matter of impendence :\

 

[sumguy_]

Perhaps with your budget you can afford to take the hit, but I must make some sacrifices somewhere... eventually everything will be ok

.

 

[F355]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blasyrkh for me it's a waste use such good cans without an amp. and it's not a matter of impendence :\

its not a waste. do you own the MS-1s ???

 

[jonnywolfet]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blasyrkh for me it's a waste use such good cans without an amp. and it's not a matter of impendence :\

yes, if you HAVE an amp...
the ms1 will sound good out of both your sources, being ultra compact, will sound better with an amp, at the sacfrifice of ultra portability.

 

[sumguy_]

Nevermind, thanks guys.