If you are going to use Grado phones you may also want to consider their Headphone amp. I own the Grado amp and a pair of RS 2's and I am very happy with the combo. The added advantage of the Grado is that it operates off of 2-9 volt batteries and is thus portable. I have never undertaken a comparison of Headroom, McCormick, Creek, ect., However, you should check out back issues of TAS for a point of reference. I believe this past summer they reviewed 3 tubed amps, albeit high cost units and the McCormick, Headroom and Grado amps. They generally bombed the Headroom, which was the "Max" unit. They liked the McCormick and thought the Grado to sound as good but a better value given the cost. God bless you if you have the time and resources, but trust your own ears. Many people have like the Headroom units. Also, Stereophile has also reviewed the Headroom, Melo's, Creek, and others in the past. This may also be a good starting point. Bottom line is, I didn't do much comparing and decided to drink from the well Joe and John Grado dug and I haven't looked back at this value reference system. I think you too might enjoy them if you give them a listen. BTW, I get around 50 hours of play with the Grado's before I need to change batteries.
