[mcgsxr]

I have a set of Alessandro MS1i's on the way to me from the US, and want to plan out a system.  As I understand it, they are similar to the SR80 or SR125's from Grado.  I expect to use either with my Bolder SB3 or stock iTouch via LOD as the source.

I have combed Head Fi, and see that 3 amps seem to bubble to the top for use with the Grado sound.

Meier Corda H5 - SS - also includes crossfeed - local sale to me
Millett Max - hybrid - a DIY version for sale local to me
Little Dot 1+ - hybrid - one for sale in Canada, but not local

Has anyone on this forum used any of these 3 specifically?

[mcgsxr]

I had a couple of replies over on Head Fi about this question, and several folks suggest the Little Dot I.

But, in spite of those recommendations, I am going to go with the Millett Hybrid Max, I have read tons of great praise for that piece, it is time proven and reliable.

Plus there is a guy local to me building me one to specs I like.

[eclein]

Very nice....did you get the headphones yet??? Look forward to reading your thoughts..

[mcgsxr]

I have finally had contact with the guy selling the phones (was silent for 6 days after I paid...), and they shipped out of Indiana Saturday.

I figure the phones will arrive this time next week.  The amp should be ready around the same time.

Looking forward to it!

I have combed my music collection, isolating around 50 songs I know I love, so I can give the combo a good run.

[eclein]

Timing ended up being OK even though you had a waiting game...enjoy, I think you'll like them but if you don't you can always tweak them if need be.
I've been genuinely surprised at how much I was able to upgrade the sound of the two pair of Grados that are here. I think if you need to, or want to, you can mod your new toys.

[mcgsxr]

I am certainly following with interest, the mods and results that you and others have had with the Grados.

I will give them a listen, and see what I think.

I bought a set of the bowl pads, so I will have those 2 options.

[eclein]

The bowls are -best fit/best sound- overall more even throughout, but Alessandros might already be all the way there. Too bad your not closer...we could have a can jam...LOL

[Noseyears]

Wow, im curious about your results.

I've never had the chance to hook up grado's to my full size amp. I look forward for your impressions.

[mcgsxr]

Well, the amp is ready for me to pick up from the local builder, and I am pretty excited.

Less exciting, is the realization that the only phones I have around are my Shure IEM's, or some Panasonic Slimz (noise cancelling)...

Ah well, the wait for the Alessandro's just got harder!

[eclein]

Nice amp, awesome tubes..life is good and soon to be even better....Congrats

[mcgsxr]

I picked the amp up today.  Have it in place in the system, powers up nicely, cool dull red led on the front (not blinding), and the tubes glow nicely too.

I have also discovered to my dismay, that I don't own a set of phones with a 1/4 plug, OR an adapter!

The Alessandros are still in transit to me, so it is unfortunately quiet at my place.

Ah well, time to crank up the main OB system and stay excited while I wait for the headphones to arrive, likely mid week.

[jimndre]

Not to sound like a fanboy, but I have had great experiences with Pete Millett'ss designs.  I have owned the TTVJ Millet hybrid portable, the TTVJ FET-A, the TTVJ slim portable, and the TTVJ Peak and Volcano.  All are excellent in their own right.  I have used all of these with Grados and had excellent results.  I think when you finally get your cans, you will be very happy.  Congrats and I hope you get lots of enjoyment out of your new setup.

[mcgsxr]

The waiting for the headphones is killing me, with the tube amp just sitting there!

I cracked today, and went to Best Buy, intent on abusing their return policy, just to have some phones while I wait for the Alessandros.

I listened to some Pioneers, some Skullcandy (their CDN $200 ones were actually the best I heard in the store!), some Beats (hey, they were there, and so was I!), and some Sennheiser 428's.  I went in thinking I would take home a set of the Senns, but that brand and I continue to be at odds.  They just sound plain dull to me - I have heard the 428's, 555, 595, 650's, and all just did not do it for me.  I recognize that there are legions of folks out there that love their sound, but I guess I am just not it.

SO, in the end I just bought a $2 adapter, and have plugged my travel phones (Panasonic SLIMZ noise cancelling RP-HC101) into the Millett.

Liking it, but really going stir crazy waiting for the real ones to show up!

[mcgsxr]

The MS1i's arrived today, currently running them in on the Millet and my iTouch.  I will try them out later using my Bolder SB3.

I dropped some spare portions of the JJAZ Fod on there too, for fun - http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=13914.0 - I had them leftover from when I put them on my Bolder PS for the SB3.  The tubes are microphonic, so adding these helps.

Working from home never sounded better!

[saisunil]

TTVJ Peak and Volcano. 

Those are some serious amps - I mean - top of the heap - how do they compare? and why own both ?

Cheers
Sunil.

[mcgsxr]

Plenty of enjoyment being had here on my end.  I have moved my Bolder SB3 into the living room, and have it setup with the Millett and the Alessandro's.  Spent 4 hours in that chair last night, and expect to do so again tonight.

Very handy these headphone setups - total musical enjoyment, after the family goes to bed.  I am actually looking for an end table with a door or drawer, so I can put all this gear inside it, and keep it handy, but stealth up on the main floor.

I am finding the combination very musical - I recognize that I am a noob to decent headphones, so I think my extensive research paid off, as this combo drives well together.  I know that the Alessandro's are often recommended as a good gateway, and the Millett was flavour of the month for a year or two, a couple of years back, so I figured it would work well together.  More detail than my main rig, but just as musical for sure.

I just paid for a set of Grado sr60i's, once those get in I will follow eclein and the bunch, modding those - I will retain the Alessandro's stock, to do direct comparisons.

Should be lots of fun!