Improvements between Grado models

I'll rate 325s as 100 since they are the I've heard so far.

Grado SR-80 - 55
Allesandro MS-1 - 75
Grado SR-325(Re-cabled) - 100

Both the SR-80 and 325 sound very similar in general tonal qualities but the 325 just does things better overall. MS-1 is right in between, more neutral then either but not as fun as the 325s.

Hmm, take my ratings with a big grain of salt, as I've only first heard the sr200, rs1, and hp2 this weekend. Luckily I'll get to spend a lot more time with the hp2 from now on

ipod earbuds: 0 Lifeless, no imaging, no bass impact, extreme roll-off
sr-225: 65 I've used all 3 pads - sonic signature differs greatly, but overall quality stays about the same. Can't do deep & tight bass at the same time.
sr-200: 85-90 Very clean and airy sound signature. Deep & tight bass
rs-1: 90-95 A bit warmer and lusher than sr-200. Bass is also deep and tight.
hp-2: 100 Similar to sr-200, but "more better"

Harder to distinguish the last 3, except I know that the hp-2 is the best

Used to be a Grado-hater; now I'm somewhat converted. I had the sr-225 for the longest time, and they're hard to like in the long-run since they don't really do any of the "little things" right. The other 3 cans listed above seem to keep most of the Grado fun factor while simultaneously doing most of the little things right.

Stock iPod buds: 5
SR 60: 95
SR 80: 100
Ety ER 6i: 90

I know you didn't ask about the Etys, but I figured that since I own them, I'd toss 'em into the mix anyway.

While it will give you an indication of how much people enjoy the various Grado models, the 0-100 scale isn't particularly meaningful. It's too numerous and too vague. You might consider modifying the scale by adding some common variables and taking ratings on a 0-10 scale (e.g. soundstage: 5; bass response: 8; highs: 7; mids: 6; etc.).

Just a suggestion.

Oh, and the 80s get a 100 not because they're the best, but rather because they're the highest model I've heard.

HP2 - Could have been my favorite Grado, but didn't spend enough time with it.
RS1 - Favorite Grados
MS1 - My first Grados (and first $100 headphones), they were good but were unrefined when I started comparing them to more $$$ headphones.

this thread tortures me. i think my SR200s are the "Baby HP-2s" as well. rats, I need more money to get the bass and the wider soundstage!

How much do the HP-2 cost? Are they even better than the FOTMish PS1's?

I'm not sure if $1400 headphones can be a FOTM....kinda expensive

Thoughts...

The Grado HP-2 is a member of the HP-1000 family; these were Joe Grado's top-of-the-line 'phones intended for studio mastering.

The HP-1 is the top model, with its polarity switches; it was $595
The HP-2 is the HP-1 sans the polarity switches; it was $495
The HP-3 is the HP-2 with lesser-matched drivers; it was $395

The neutrality of the HP-1000 was legendary and resulted in the street price hovering around $1000 for a while; the introduction of the PS-1 (a John Grado design, probably based on a synthesis of the RS-1, MS-Pro and HP-1000) reduced the HP-1000's market value, IMO. I think the HP-1000 is probably the most technically proficient of all the Grados (even the PS-1), but the PS-1 is more euphonic and fun. The RS-1 is the grooviest of all Grados, IMO but it certainly lacks the finesse of the PS-1 and HP-1000. I think of the PS-1 as the perfect blend of Grado schools; it lacks the ultimate bass detail and neutrality of the HP-1000 but it comes close and is a lot more fun, and it demonstrates RS-1-style presentation. The PS-1 is a bit too bassy for me, even with bowl pads and really powerful solid-state amplification, but I still prefer it to the sleep-inducing HP-1000 and the too-colored and resolution-lacking RS-1.

Resolution:
HP-1000
PS-1 Pro
MS-Pro
RS-1

Fun:
PS-1 Pro
RS-1
MS-Pro
HP-1000

Comfort:
RS-1/MS-Pro
HP-1000
PS-1 Pro (too heavy for prolonged use IME)

My overall ranking (though I do find the HP-1000 the "best" 'phone technically):
1. PS-1 Pro
2. RS-1
3. HP-1000 (and HP-2 is my choice of the 3 HP-10000s)
4. MS-Pro

The PS-1 has been around too long and is too costly to be an FOTM.

I think of the sr200's as baby hp-2's. If you want the wider soundstage and more bass check out the new ms-2i.........These might be up your street......

I can make a process out of one headphone!

SR-80 stock 45% (not pretty out of the box)
SR-80 burned in 70%
SR-80 amped, burned-in 100%

(improvement with amplification entirely based on source used, this example with my AV-710. With my MZ-S1, it's more like 95%, then 100%, seriously)

Neil! You're back! Man, do I miss your posts!

I agree with your clearly laid out assessments. I have to alternate between my PS-1s and my HP-1000s, for the reasons you enumerate. Interesting take on the HP vs. PS signatures... yeah, sometimes 'best' is boring. The PS-1's from the G08>SR-71>PS-1s rig doesn't pull the bass to the bottom of the sea like some other configs (I'm going for a Dynahi soon, and want to hear what happens with * that *), and it is killer musical, as is the 4G iPod>Lossless>Sik Din>Cardas mini-to-mini>SR-71>PS-1s... although if Meridian ever introduces a DAP, I'll be first in line...

I'll push for that place, you know?

Cheers