elmoe said:

  Funny how the SA5k and SA3k measure exactly the same yet you like the SA3k enough to own a pair, yet the SA5k sounds terrible 

 
I'll stop feeding the troll now.

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They may be similar but they don't really measure exactly the same.
The 300hz plot on the SA5000 looks way better with the second ring being significnatly lower in amplitude when compared to the SA3000 having both of them at the exact same amplitude.
I must say though they both actually look pretty messy, (especially the double ringing in the first oscilation) though it doesn't bring any conclusions.
 

Yes, you would have to be pretty stupid to base your opinion of a headphone's sound on measurements anyhow - and considering how many people have Grados and love them.

elmoe said:

  Funny how the SA5k and SA3k measure exactly the same yet you like the SA3k enough to own a pair, yet the SA5k sounds terrible 

 
I'll stop feeding the troll now.

Click to expand...

I sold the SA3000 a LONG time ago. It never really saw much use because I simply had gear that surpassed it already when I did own it. I only used it for gaming, when comfort was a priority, and once I needed money again it was gone. 
 
Regarding the SA3000's different 300Hz, I suspect that to be due to the SA5000 having a less resonant enclosure, which is why I said I wanted to at least hear it before tearing it apart for a DIY project. I don't expect liking it any more than I liked the SA3000, but who knows, Sony has surprised me before.
 
And regarding Grado: I don't like their stuff either. I tried an RS2i and absolutely hated it, and since every modern Grado has the same driver... yeah no. The only Grado I'm interested in is the HP1000, and we all know that's not happening. Treble cleanliness has become a deal breaker for me in a headphone; even my TH600 doesn't get much use because of that. 
 
I'm not trying to troll. I'm just displeased at the current condition of the headphone industry. The fact that even flagships can have these kinds of problems and still get people who think it's worth the price is ridiculous. My 4AAA from 1974 has cleaner treble than the SA5000. I paid $40 for it. That's ****ed up.