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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.
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Well I have found my way and I have made my decision. |
So let me tell you what I did. I keep having panel issues with my Quad ESL's and was getting tired of only having one speaker while the other one went out for repairs. First off, for $300.00 I had my speaker tech make me a pair of headphones on his 3-D printer using the Aurorus Borealis driver. I did some pad swapping and can say that these headphones are much better sounding than what I expected. I also ordered a Grave Digger cable and that was a wonderful experience in itself. So I have my ASR Emitter II Exclusive amp with no headphone jack. I started looking at headphone amps and came to understand, that if I ran RCA inner-connect cables from the Tape Outs on my ASR Power Amp to a modest headphone amp, that a large majority of the signal would be coming from the ASR. In theory, a straight wire from the Tape Outs to a Headphone Jack is all that I needed. I just wasn't sure what type of headphone amp to buy since I didn't want to spend very much money. Anyway, after some comparisons online I found a preowned Schiit Lyr 3 and bought that. A $28,000 power amp and a $300.00 headphone amp, that's crazy. Well crazy or otherwise, I bought a Lin Lai Elite 6SN7 and an Akiko Tuning Stick for the Schiit and can say that I have no objections. Its obvious that the majority of what I'm hearing is from my ASR power amp but I'm also hearing character from the Lin Lai 6SN7. If you have Tape Outs on the back of your power amp, I'd suggest using them. |
The Mac HP amp will not disappoint. Definitely audition a number of headphones, not only for SQ but for wearing comfort. Personal experience with the Grado Signature cans lead me elsewhere; they were not comfortable to wear for longer listening sessions. I ultimately opted for the Sennheiser HD800S. Very comfortable and the most open “out of head” soundstage of the “audiophile approved” headphones. The top Dan Clark Audio cans were also outstanding but a bit out of my price range. Have fun auditioning! |
Really the best way to decide is to listen. I have been developing my current headphone system seriously for two decades. It is incredible, far superior to other systems I have heard or put together. (see my virtual systems) The amp, by the way is $6.5K and worth every penny... I have tried a dozen amps or more. The Mac headphone amp is highly regarded. I use Sennheiser headphones. Grado makes great headphones, if you like the Mac sound... sounds like you are heading down the right path. |
Listen and decide. Mac and Grado: It’s all good stuff and only what you think matters in the end. When not sure always stick with products from proven vendors that receive many good reviews. One recommendation is for streaming source go with a product like Roon that supports using canned convolution filters to adjust sound of specific headphone models. That is a game changer that helps even out the playing field and opens up many new excellent headphone choices at all price points. |
Yes I have read that some feel the Grado’s are bright. I must audition! 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. |
I know you like McIntosh, but pairing a $3000 amp with $750 headphones seems a bit out of line to me, and I’d either up the spend on the ‘phones — maybe to Grado’s Statement or Signature line — or pare back on the amp. If you like the headphones then both of these amps are very highly regarded and are half the price of the Mac. https://wooaudio.com/amplifiers/wa6se If you find the Grados uncomfortable or just want something to compare them to — headphones are very personal like speakers so good to try several if possible — I’d highly recommend buying these from Amazon as they are excellent and are very comfortable even over long listening sessions. You can easily return them, and if you still prefer the Grados you know you really have something. Just my $0.02 FWIW, and best of luck. https://www.amazon.com/HIFIMAN-Arya-Organic-Full-Size-Audiophiles/dp/B0C5RFXMM5 |
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. No problem with other people hearing what I am hearing. My system is down in my man cave. The wifey never comes down there. 👍👏 |
Those are good phones . I've owned a few Grado and like them overall but headphones are a VERY personal choice. I would say the headphone amp is probably a safer choice but with anything I'd say auditioning is a must on these two products. Listen to them and dont feel obligated to buy unless they really click with you. |