[Welly Wu]

Okay, it is 3:31 AM EST and I drank too much Starbucks coffee tonight. This is intended to boost fanfare of any and all Grado headphones. Please post why you decided to buy a pair of Grado headphones, which ones you bought, and why you love them to death.

I bought my Grado RS-1s from Yidimsum because I got bored to tears with my previous cans -- Sennheiser HD600s with George Cardas Headphone Cable. There was this "veil" thingie and they were way too laid back for my tastes. So, I wanted the opposite and just happened to get a pair of RS-1s. And I love them to death! I love how they put me so close to my most beloved musicians that I can almost bite the female soloist's ass. I love how tonally balanced they are and I love how retro / classy they look. I also love how comfortable my RS-1s are after bending outward the headband (took me awhile to figure that one out by myself) and how lightly they feel on my large noggin. I love the deep, fast, and tight bass slam. I love the rich, luscious midrange the most. I love the clear, extended trebles. And I love the specially cured Mahogany earcups. Finally, I love how I bought mine for less than $700 USD!

Now, it's your turn...

 

[usc goose]

i love my rs-1s too. my first and only grados. i tried to get in on that 225 deal a while back but we all know how that ended up.

but yeah, i love the "being on stage with the band" feeling. deep tight bass and soaring highs. i have the flats now but i think i actually prefer the bowls. i don't think these are the most tonally balanced but they just might be the most fun.

and that's what it's all about in the end isn't it?

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

I do indeed love my SR325, which I bought from phadrus as part of my quest to find the best heavy metal headphones (which I could afford). Above all, they make electric guitars sound absolutely amazing, with an energy I've never heard outisde of a concert. Of course the speedy, slamming bass, clear midrange, and ever-so-detailed highs all help out as well. Even with the dreaded bowl pads, they've always been comfy enough and only sibilant when the recording has been. Pretty much everything I was looking for. Those awesome brushed aluminum air chambers match nicely with my Lian-Li PC case, an added bonus to a great pair of cans.

 

[Welly Wu]

Dear USC Goose,

I've been debating whether to get the Grado Flat Pads myself. I really don't like the bowl pads whatsoever because it creates a wider gap between the musicians and me. Plus, they're like really uncomfortable after awhile. I got a really cheapie pair of Radio Shack Pads and cut a big hole in the middle. It's much better than the bowls. But, I wonder how far can I really take my RS-1s with the Flat Pads, you know?

I can afford the $35 USD charge to get myself a pair but we are talking about THIRTY-FIVE USD for two pieces of foam!

I know that you're still debating over which sounds better but just in case you don't like your Flat Pads, sell them to me for cheap (it's an Asian thing).

By the way, how do you all like my temporary avatar?

 

[Hunter_Killer]

I think Grados are BMWs(exciting and fun) and Senns are probably Mercedes(for more "mature" users with less emphasis on excitement factor)

But I could be BSing since I havent heard top of the range Grados

 

[hempcamp]

I started out with the SR-60 because I wanted something a little less laid back than my HD-280 Pro for rock 'n roll.

Then, I broke out in hives, began to shake and sweat, I couldn't sleep, couldn't eat, and was eating aspirin like candy. I went to the doctor to see what was wrong, and the doctor said, "Son, you have a severe case of upgrado."

His recommendation was that I immediately find a new pair of cans. I settled for the SR-225, but a deal came along on a pair of SR-325s that I couldn't refuse.

A few days later I found out that all of the tickets for Simon & Garfunkel were sold out. "No problem," I thought to myself, "those rich creeps might have bought up all the good seats, but with my SR-325s I get my own private concert, Art and Paul are right here in my living room." Groovy!

--Chris

 

[the terabyte]

the sad thing is that these 325s just gave me enough to want more. HP-1000 or bust

 

[Welly Wu]

I decided a long time ago not to try and bother getting the Joe Grado HP-1s with the UWB cable. I'd rather save that money for a truly "universal" DVD-Audio/Video, SACD, HDCD, and Redbook CD source like the Denon DVD 5900.

 

[Jasper994]

Quote:

Originally posted by Welly Wu By the way, how do you all like my temporary avatar?

It's cool but who is she?

I have Grado SR60's and they're really nice, I picked them up from Definition Audio recently and am very much enjoying them. I can't say I like them better then my HD 590's or my HD 280 Pros, but I do really like them and it's nice to be able to switch between cans based on what you're listening to... It's like with tools and knives, it's always nice to have the right one for the job.

 

[Welly Wu]

Jasper994:

She is Catherine Bell, a former model and an actress on JAG (CBS). I might decide to ditch her by the end of this week.

It's funny that you mentioned the analogy between headphones and tools such as knives because I'm in a pickle to find the right match air rifle for the expressed purpose of training myself. Hence, that is why I didn't go off and buy the Sennheiser HD-650 or AT W2002 cans.

"For every disciplined effort, there are multiple rewards." -- Jim Rohn

 

[fractus2]

Got my SR80s for a trade and after bending the headband to loosen it's grip on my head, then turning the bowl pads around, and finally getting a pair of of sennheiser pads, they were ready for some serious listening. The Grado sound works well with my music, sources, and amps. My SR225s just came in today and will be breaking them in. They only needed the bowls reversed and feel fine after a short listen. Next mod are two pairs of flat pads en route.

 

[Rob N]

HP2's with standard cable are the best

....Or perhaps HP1 with UHB cable

 

[Spent&Bent]

When I auditioned the 125's in the store I had a few cd's which sounded pretty good with the cans so I bought them.

The real fun came when I got home and played "whole lotta rosie" by ac/dc.... not really my style at all but when I heard the song with the 125's I knew these phones were special.

I really like the grado "flavour" a lot. Right now I'm upgrading to RS-2 see if I like those as much as my 125's if not I will sell them and try 325 or RS-1.
One of these will be the keepers for years to come, alongside another type of cans (stax?) that will give me another perspective on the music.

 

[Chinchy]

My fascination started with the SR-60. The Grado sound, the intimacy, the look, all lured me in. From there it became almost an obsession. Next was the SR-225, the SR-100, and the HP-2. I'm still looking to pick up the RS-1 at some point if it shows up for the right price. And then I'd have to restore the balance of John Grados and Joe Grados by adding some HP-1s and SR-200s.

 

[jinxed84]

i statrted off by purchasing a pair of SR60's from headroom, and i loved them, the difference from my crappy sonys that i had before was simply mindblowing. then they developed "grattle" in the left channel so i sent them back to headroom for an exhange but while they were there i got a case of "upgrado" and ordered a set of SR225s and i couldnt be happier. well yes i could but not for the money i spent.

im currently awaiting the delievery of my flat pats from Todd(ahh the suspense!). i really hope they change the sound; not that i dont like th sound, but something different just from pads would be awesome. id love to get my hands on a pair of RS1's or HP's but i dont think i can really justify that right now with my current source and lack of amp. i just wouldnt be using them to thier full potential. i know im not even getting the most out of my 225's but thats less of a crime than doing it to the more expensive sets.