I’m lost. Help me find my way


I’m adding a headphone setup to my all McIntosh system. It’s shown in the virtual systems section. In short, it’s a HT system and the processor/preamp doesn’t have a headphone jack. 
My local dealer, who I have worked with since 1977, is recommending the McIntosh MHA200 amp and the Grado RS1x HP’s. I’m a Mac guy all the way since my first real system back in 70’s. I know nothing about Grado although everything I’ve seen gives them high marks. I respect and trust my dealer and will probably go with it unless I find the Grado phones uncomfortable or poor sounding after trying them. 
But I would welcome any first hand knowledge of either of these products. Thanks in advance. 

jfrost27

Showing 6 responses by jfrost27

Well I have found my way and I have made my decision. 
I visited my local McIntosh dealer a few days ago to order the McIntosh MHA200 headphone amplifier. As I have said throughout this thread, I’m a Mac loyalist and this was pretty much a foregone conclusion. (See my virtual system). He is also a Grado headphone dealer so I started by auditioning the RS1x headphones. I listened undisturbed for a little over an hour. No point in going further. I bought them on the spot. I found them to be just what I was looking for. And comfortable!  I wear eyeglasses and have always found headphones uncomfortable. Always. Not these!  
Anyway, the phones were in stock and I should have the amp in about a week or so. Thanks to all who responded. I appreciate your guidance. 

@tarayfield 

@brauser 

Thanks for the tips. I am auditioning the Grado line tomorrow. If not happy I will try the Sennheiser and Audioquest  recommendations. The trick will be finding locations for that. Not many hifi dealers here in Milwaukee, WI anymore. 

@oddiofyl 

Yes I am planning to visit my dealer to audition the phones later this week. Unfortunately he doesn’t have the amp in stock. But I an a McIntosh owner of a wide range of gear for 45 years. I’ve never been disappointed. I’ll be listening to the phones through a different Mac piece so I think that will be ok. I’m mostly worried about comfort with the HP’s. 
 

@elliottbnewcombjr 

No problem with other people hearing what I am hearing. My system is down in my man cave. The wifey never comes down there. 👍👏

@dynacohum 

Yes I have read that some feel the Grado’s are bright. I must audition!

@soix 

I was thinking the same thing about the cost disparity between the amp and phones. I’m a Mac guy all the way. But I guess if it sounds great, what does it matter. But yes I will compare the higher end Grado’s while I’m auditioning. And if I don’t like them, I will try the hifiman phones.  I have multiple recommendations here on AG for those. I’m starting with the Grado line because my Mac dealer carries them. As good a place as any to start. 

Thanks for the guidance. 

@ghdprentice 

I have looked at your HP setup on the virtual systems page. Wow!  
But I’m afraid $6,500 for an amp is out of range for me. 
I’m going to audition the Grado’s on Thursday so I’m excited about that! A Mac amp for me is almost an automatic choice  

Thanks for the tips

@mapman 

Thanks for the tips. I’m really not all that familiar with Roon. I guess I need to do some homework.