[cck5]

i own sr80I at the moment, would i gain more from a really expensive amp paired with these cans, or would i gain more from a pair of like 225I with about 100 dollar amp?

 

[sampson_smith]

SR-225i, given the fact that Grados are generally more than satisfactory without an amp.

 

[cck5]

that was my initial though, and than adding in an amp sometime later on with a good LOD cable.

 

[userlander]

What's your source? Next to the phones, that will make the most difference. If you have a crappy source, imo you should upgrade that. If you have an okay source, I agree with sampson to go for the 225is first, get an amp later.

 

[cck5]

ipod touch 3rd generation

 

[sampson_smith]

What is the bitrate of the audio files you listen to? 320 kbps or better is the way to go.

 

[cck5]

pretty much all my files are 320 bit rate.

 

[Valens7]

I've always found that it's best upgrade your source first, your headphone second, and your amp third. Given your situation, I certainly wouldn't bother with any kind of fancy cables.

If I were in your shoes, I would probably buy the SR225 to make sure that I liked it more than the SR80. Grados don't seem to require amplification to the extent that other high-end headphones do. You should be able to conduct a satisfactory comparison just by listening to them both out of your iPod.

 

[gbacic]

Headphone upgrade would probably be your best bet.

 

[cck5]

yea ill most likely grab the 225 and than slowly upgrade the rest later.

and LOD will certainly add an improvement. if not than explain than why almost 90% of the pictures from the portable rig setup use amp and lod along with ipod?