[MN Ham Phones]

I'm just itching to build an amp. Have plenty of Heathkit and some scratchbuild experience.

Initial use will be with my Mac G5, later with a Rotel RCD-1070. Will drive Grado 60/125s for now, perhaps 225s or a more difficult brand in the future. Also, will get the *s* cable for my Ety ER-4p's.

Undecided between tube amp or solid state.

So it's either the Ear+ Purist -or--
Gilmore Lite or PPA.

Any comments?
Any of you own both of these?

 

[Vedder323]

I think a tube amp is a killer combo with Grados... So, id say a mapletree...

 

[katfisch]

I'm running my Grado 325's with a Mapletree Ear+ Purist and really love it. It was also a blast build and it's fun to tube roll. The solid state Grado RA-1 amp is collecting dust and might hit eBay soon (if I can stand to part with it, that is).

 

[Nick Dangerous]

Beware. If you build the Ear+ yourself, you might get addicted to the world of DIY tube amps. A pair of Welborne DRD monoblock kits are sure to follow:

(happened to me)

 

[Wodgy]

If you remember your Heathkit days fondly, go for the Mapletree amp!

 

[Rameish]

Double post

 

[Rameish]

I have on loan the MAD + and with Grados they do sound quite good. I can't comment on any PPA except one with AD-8610 op amps. The PPA has PRaT but came off a little too bright with the Grados. Soundstaging is quite different with the PPA being very wide (and as such I would need crossfeed).
Both are good but I think I would pick a PPA and ask for the OPA-627 or 637.

The MAD has better decay but the PPA has better attack

 

[MN Ham Phones]

Quote:

Originally posted by Nick Dangerous Beware. If you build the Ear+ yourself, you might get addicted to the world of DIY tube amps. (happened to me)

Looks great but the price alone for those monoblocks will deter me. Just spent $1400 to install a water heater....

 

[MN Ham Phones]

Quote:

Originally posted by Wodgy If you remember your Heathkit days fondly, go for the Mapletree amp!

VERY fondly. Just so da*ned many other things need money prior to an amp.

 

[andrew3199]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MN Ham Phones Looks great but the price alone for those monoblocks will deter me. Just spent $1400 to install a water heater....

Mmmmm Just out of intrest, how does the water heater and Grado combo sound.?.....

 

[Jahn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrew3199 Mmmmm Just out of intrest, how does the water heater and Grado combo sound.?.....

wet.

 

[sacd lover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jahn wet.

The audio term is liquid.