PS-1 or RS-1

Next week I plan on making an upgrade. I've had some good assistance through PMs, and now I wish to hear what the public has to say. My next headphone will be a Grado, but which one? I love bass slam. I also love my headphones to be musical. I listen to Electronic, Jazz, Rock, R&B, Classical Soundtracks, Alternative and I am happy with what Grado does with these genres.

My financial cap on this endeavor is about $1700.58. Which headphone should I obtain based on the amps I have chosen for them above.

Hi

If it was me I would buy the RS-1's and use the other $1100 for a good used CDP.

Regards Jason

yeah, I wonder if the ps1 (and maybe the rs1 as well) could be considered overkill for your sources. Put some more money there if need be.

It's so obvious.

Regardless of what you do for headphones, get the $1000 DAC.

Amps are overrated.

-Matt

You might want to check out the Channel Islands VDA-1 DAC + VAC-1 combo ($500).

RS-1 + GS-1 + VDA-1/VAC-1 should be hitting the mark. (Awesome synergy going on here according to a bud of mine)

Get the RS-1 and perhaps a new source like the NAD c542 cd-player. I would then ad a $500 amp like Channel Island or Gilmore Light with dedicated power supply. Total cost $1,700

If you really have your heart set on either the Rs-1's and Ps-1's then you need to bear some things in mind. If you like bass slam then the rs-1's and Ps-1's can do it with aplomb. THe thing to remember is that the Ps-1 has bass impact in bucketfuls (i.e how much you physically can feel against your ear). Most people like to think they are bassheads or can handle it until they try a Ps-1. People who don't like them so the bass is overwhelming and this is true to a certain degree. But by synergistically matching it it can be made to give a more balanced sound.

The Rs-1's on the other hand do not have the controlled bass like the Ps-1's. But they have a special trick up their sleeve. It has a sweeter midrange. This midrange also may put you off it as it is very noticeable and very prominent. Matched with a long decay rate of notes it makes a seductive listen although it may not appeal to you. The Ps-1's midrange is a nice smooth midrange but ultimately I prefer the Rs-1's over the Ps-1's.

Most people who like warm sounding cans find the rs-1's a little extreme. Most people prefer the Ps-1's. I belong to a very small minority who prefer the Rs-1's. I mean the rs-1's bass control is hardly hp-series tight so why the Rs-1's? Because no other can has THE fuzziest sound I have heard so far.

I find the Rs-1's to be more musical than the Ps-1's but then again I think the Ps-1's would be more suited for your taste in genre's.

But you really need to listen to them. Then your ears will tell you which one is for you. Buy used.

ps-1 (used)> gilmore lite > rega planet 2000 (used)

You will have to have alot of patience to wait for a used PS-1

LOL, too true, the owners don't seem to be selling!

I'd go for the PS-1s

Wow, close race. After listening to the RS/PS-1 at the meet I'm not sure if it was the different tracks or what but the balanced Gilmore PS-1 sure raised my eyebrows.

I 2nd the VDA-1/VAC-1 combo

Get the PS-1s and don't look back.

You guys are a real help. You pretty much plit the vote down the middle. I need the scale to tip in one direction or the other!

This is not going to happen for two reasons.
1. The wait would be too long.
2. I wouldn't be able to sleep at night knowing I just handed over $1000+ to a private seller/total stranger. After I deliver the money, I would imagine him/her purchasing a 1st class ticket to Hawaii, staying in a 5 star hotel, relaxing on the beach, complete with a Mai-Tai and my PS-1s nicely placed on his/her head. (unless the sender is willing to send the package first.)


I also don't prefer CDs. It's too inconvenient. If I purchased one, I would never use it, so it would just be a waste of money. I'm just going to have to squeeze every last ounce of accuracy out of my Lossless format.