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325i or RS-2? - Page 2

post #16 of 43
10/4/07 at 7:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by milkpowder View Post
Regarding the heaviness of the SR325(i), the use of the Beyerdynamic snap-on headband really helps alleviate the weighty feeling.
new SR325i and MS2i come with the wider (more padded) 'RS'-style leather headband... which is more comfortable than the older thinner type, but which on the other hand will not allow the use of the beyer headband (unless you don't mind it looking sloppy)
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post #17 of 43
10/4/07 at 7:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Televator View Post
new SR325i and MS2i come with the wider (more padded) 'RS'-style leather headband... which is more comfortable than the older thinner type, but which on the other hand will not allow the use of the beyer headband (unless you don't mind it looking sloppy)
I had the newer type SR325i and I still didn't think the padding was adequate I'm under the impression that the Beyer headband may just about fit (although I haven't tried!). If you have one lying around, see if you can attach the headband with just the two end buttons fastened, leaving the middle ones unfastened. That way the middle of the headband is much wider and spreads the weight over a larger surface area.
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post #18 of 43
10/4/07 at 8:04pm
how about rs-2 vs hf-1?
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post #19 of 43
10/4/07 at 8:06pm
I do not have the beyer headband, but there were a couple of discussions (with pics) of ppl trying to fit them on... the trick with the two outermost buttons worked, but the headband was forced open quite widely in the middle and it looked very sloppy and definitely ghetto (unlike the beyer band on the older style grado bands, which looked quite ok)

there have also been some guides to making your own padded grado headband and that might be a better solution if the standard one doesn't suit your needs... for me it is adequate however
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post #20 of 43
10/4/07 at 9:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by kamal007 View Post
how about rs-2 vs hf-1?
The HF-1 is different kettle of fish altogether. It's got a seductively powerful bass. I would consider them more RS-2 than SR325i, but what distinguishes the HF-1 is, again, its bass. It's quite broad and noticeably "bigger". A lot of rock music is therefore slightly more enjoyable because of the bigger but still extremely well controlled bass. However, the rest of the sound isn't quite as refined as the RS-2, which makes choosing between the HF-1 and the RS-2 quite a headsplitting decision. Part of me wants to go for the bigger bass, but the other me wants more details and more realistic timbre. Which to choose? Can't say there is a clear winner. This is why I don't really consider the RS-2 a clear upgrade to the HF-1. Sure, the former is more expensive (just), but ultimately, both offer a surprisingly similar level of sound, yet have different strong points. When push comes to shove, I would go for the RS-2 simply because I value overall refinement over bass, but this certainly wouldn't be an easy decision. An extended head-to-head comparison is definitely recommended before purchase but at this level, neither will disappoint.
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post #21 of 43
10/4/07 at 10:19pm
i thought you were talking about cars for a second: bmw 325i and Mazda rs-2/ or rx8 whatever...
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post #22 of 43
10/4/07 at 10:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by acp6s View Post
i thought you were talking about cars for a second: bmw 325i and Mazda rs-2/ or rx8 whatever...
Just think how I feel.

Recall the Toyota MR2(sometimes refered to as "Mister 2"). I have the MS2i....and she's been INJECTED!!
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post #23 of 43
10/4/07 at 11:29pm
The HF-1 and the GS1000 are the only Grados of recent production I have not owned. I remember my RS1s being recent production models and the QC was just not on the same level as my RS2s. I think there are three variations in the Grado house sound. The current line tends to pair with a like sounding partner. For instance, the SR125 and SR325i are kindred spirits, as are the SR225 and RS1s. The SR80 and the RS2 are mates. The SR60 to me is the odd man out. It is most assuredly a Grado but seems to be a echo of the whole family. The SR60s has remnants of all the family members but a particularly enduring sound never surfaces. Perhaps that is its effectiveness as a gateway can.

As for the OP initial question, I don't know. The RS series is such a different animal from the metal Grados. They are the Cain and Abel of the Grado house, firmly seated at opposite ends of the table. To my ears, a MS2i with flat pads is the common ground between the SR325i and the RS2. I know it's not exactly half way between but it does fall between.
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post #24 of 43
10/5/07 at 12:16am
DON'T get the SR325i. Worst Grado ever. Sibilance at its best!

If I was on a budget, I'd go for the MS2i. RS-2 don't sound that better, and MS2i sound really good with proper amping. Much more balanced and enjoyable.

Else if you want the wood touch for cheap RS-2 are a great choice, but why not get the RS-1 directly then?
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post #25 of 43
10/5/07 at 12:20am
Wood on a budget, HF-1. But I liked the MS2 better.
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post #26 of 43
10/5/07 at 1:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by larryminator View Post
DON'T get the SR325i. Worst Grado ever. Sibilance at its best!

If I was on a budget, I'd go for the MS2i. RS-2 don't sound that better, and MS2i sound really good with proper amping. Much more balanced and enjoyable.

Else if you want the wood touch for cheap RS-2 are a great choice, but why not get the RS-1 directly then?
Really? I personally preferred the 325i to all below it. For me RS-2 is topped only by HP-2 but I know I'm in the minority. That being said, I really need to hear some Allesandros. I have only owned a pair of woodied MS-1s.
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post #27 of 43
10/5/07 at 1:05am
What are the prices on all of these different headphones? HF-1, RS-1, MS2i, SR325i. I'm buying some HD580's this weekend and a tube amp soon, but my purchase after that will be a higher Grado model. I love my MS-1s, but the soundstage and separation leaves a good bit to be desired. However, they have great bass when amped

Edit: What's a USED price on the FS forums. Not new
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post #28 of 43
10/5/07 at 7:59am
Just from the top of my head:
RS-1s are around 450-550. I would aim for 500 for a low s/n one, but collectable, vintage ones (eg. tan headband, wooden pizza box, etc) may command more.
SR325i around 240-280. MS2is probably similar, but don't take my word for it.
HF-1 aim for 350 +/- 40 I seem to remember a pair for sale at 300 not too long ago.

All of the top-end Grados (bar the GS1k which I haven't heard) are very competent. It comes down to taste and not which one is technically better. Careful component matching (from source to amp to cables) is required to get the most out of each.
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post #29 of 43
10/5/07 at 9:18am
Damn, I meant RS-2! I know RS-1 is a bit out of range for now
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post #30 of 43
10/5/07 at 9:29am
RS-2 is around 350-400 (I've seen some for even less, but those are pretty rare deals). I paid a little more than 400 altogether because shipping from US to UK was pretty costly.
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