[kydsid]

Right now I have an iMod to a minibox e+. I have been using my old trusty SR225's that I have used at home for a long time. Everything must go portable now because of work situation. I also recently picked up some HD595's. Decent cans and give me the feel I want for my heavy metal and old school rock, sounds closer to what I remember in my youth than the 225's do. Don't get me wrong for almost everything I listen to my 225s, love the Grado sound, always have.

I'd like to get something to be more portable though than the 595's and compliment the 225s. I was thinking of some ATH ESW9's or possible HFI780. Is this the way to go? Or should I be looking into a complimentary amp to the minibox e+?

 

[Downer]

If you like the Grado's sound, you might wanna move up in the line up. You might wanna look at RS2 or RS1 if your budget allows...

 

[Joelc87]

If you like the bright open Grado sound some AKG's might be your kinda flavor too. K701's perhaps...

 

[Rickio]

Do you want a forward agressive can or a laid back can?

ESW9 is more laid back compared to the hfi 780.

 

[Dorito123]

ATH ESW9

 

[kydsid]

I like a more forward sound. My main issue with the hfi780 is the size, can get over that though. I was hoping for something in near the grado size. I mean I recently tried out the DT770/80 and was shocked by how huge they are, the pictures of them do not make them seem that big.

I think the RS1/2 would be a waste with the current setup. Is my portable system worthy of such a phone?

 

[Joelc87]

Something Grado size that isn't Grados? I think about every increase in SQ from the 225s are going to be circumaural. Unless you went to IEMs, if you like a bright treble-ish sound maybe some Etymotics ER-4s, or even some UEs.

 

[kydsid]

Ahh the immortal problem. I can't stand IEM's. Looks like maybe the 780's are the way to go. Well I can always sell them on the forum if I don't like them.