PS1000 Impressions Thread

[lovleylady]

Cool!

 
Cheers!

 

[Gradofan2]

Well... as I've posted in other Grado threads... the PS1000's are truly SUPERB in all respects.  
 
But... to experience their full potential... you really have to have a source and amp to match their capabilities.  And... by the way... those don't have to be the most expensive alternatives.  
 
I'm listening to some Alabama recordings which I've stored on my iPod Touch 4G via the DAC in the Pure Audio i20 Digital Dock and my WA6 SEm.  Comparing the PS1000's to the PS500's and the DAC in the i20 vs my Monarchy Audio M24 Tube DAC - I'm finding the sound is spectacular with any combo... but... so much more detailed and clear via the i20 DAC and PS1000's.  That combo offers spectacular staging, imaging and positioning of the performers and instruments, portraying every detail and artifact in the recording session, allowing you to disceran every layer and element of the sound.  If you're an analytical, detail fan you will likely find no other combo, which offers more.  
 
The PS500's offer a lot of the same type of sound... but... are not quite so detailed and analytical - they offer a more cohesive, smooth sound, which some may prefer, because they conceal a lot of the artifacts of the sound.  I'm not sure which I prefer... but... I do find the analytical detail of the PS1000's facinating... and... very "real" - as if you were the engineer, siting in the studio at the recording session.  
 
The Monarchy Tube DAC, while detailed, tends mored toward the sound of the PS500's offering a warmer, richer, smoother sound... in contrast... to the amazing analytical detail of the i20 DAC.  
 
The Pure i20 Digital Dock is quite possibly the best value in Audio at only $99, in combo with the iPod Touch 4G as the music server transport.  You really need to experience these, if you haven't.  

 

[San Raal]

Quote:

Hello people !
A quick update.
 
Grado accepted to send me a new headband.
 
To replace it, you just have to take off the little black encaps on the sliding rods and slide them into the new headband. And put some glue.
 
Thanks Grado
 
Waiting for my MAD Ear + now !
 
PS : I'm listening to my PS1000 straight from my Macbook Pro for 2 weeks. I must say the difference is huge compared to my previous RA-1 on a Naim CD player (to be expected of course).
I happen to discover all the drawbacks mentioned tons of time : slightly harsh highs, slightly boomy bass. 
I guess that simply means you HAVE to listen to the PS1000 on a good setup before posting your opinion

 
I'm sure you wont be disappointed in your MAD Ear! 

 
I have a head-amp from the MAD Ear family and the synergy with Grado's is excellent. SR225, PS1000 all sound great with Lloyds amps.

 

[stacker45]

I just finish listening to the Gypsie Passion cd from Narada,with my PS1000,the music style is New Flamenco and it's well recorded,but as you might guess,the guitars can reach pretty high notes with those nylon strings so i was afraid it might be a little too much given that the PS1000's have no trouble reaching for the sky when it comes to treble,but it wasn't the case,now,i've owned this cd for a long time,and i've heard it through many different headphones,but it was the first time i heard it through my PS1000,and not only did i hear details in the music that i'd never heard before,also the soundstage depth was just amasing,and that was with my Yamaha DVD-S1800,and straight from the headphone output of my vintage Yamaha CA-610II,and this system has a higher noise florr,than my main system,wich consists of a Yamaha DVD-S2700 and a Musical Fidelity X-CAN V2,next time i listen to this cd,i'll give my main system a go at it.
 
I have to say,at first i wasn't too sure about the PS1000,i mean impressions are so biased,i've found that people either hate them,or they love them,well,i'm happy to report that so far,considering that perfection doesn't exist,they are the best headphones i've ever heard.

 

[BlackstoneJD]

So I am in the market for headphones and these are first on my list.  The HD800 is second. The amp will be the Bryston BHA-1, when it comes in, and the source will be an Ayre QB-9 fed by 24/96 files and lossless redbook files. 
 
Those of who who auditioned against the HD800, what swung you over to the PS1000? 
 
Also, are these comfortable for listening sessions of 2+ hours at a time?

 

[Gradofan2]

Quote:

So I am in the market for headphones and these are first on my list.  The HD800 is second. The amp will be the Bryston BHA-1, when it comes in, and the source will be an Ayre QB-9 fed by 24/96 files and lossless redbook files. 
 
Those of who who auditioned against the HD800, what swung you over to the PS1000? 
 
Also, are these comfortable for listening sessions of 2+ hours at a time?

 
Well... for me... it was that the PS500's and PS1000's just sounded so much more vibrant and dynamic... more like real live music.  The HD800's that I demoed at an audio shop, just sounded "flat."  They had no life, and they certainly didn't sound like real live music.  But... then... I don't think they had a well matched amp driving them (just the CA DacMagic Plus) - so, the demo was not a fair test of their capabilities. 
 
I should add... that my "new version" HD580/650's driven by my WA6 SEm do sound very vibrant and dynamic... very similar to my Grados, but not quite as much like "real live music" as my Grados. 

 

[lovleylady]

Quote:

...  
Also, are these comfortable for listening sessions of 2+ hours at a time?

 
I'd never recommend the PS-1000 for comfort. That is really the only thing not good with them. The stuffing in the headband is really lacking.
I had to sew on a small pillow on the headband, this however made them super comfy and I can wear them all day now.
 
Good luck.

 

[BlackstoneJD]

Can the PS1000 be terminated with a balanced connector?

 

[customcoco]

Quote:

Can the PS1000 be terminated with a balanced connector?

Yep, just like any headphones.

 

[sferic]

Yep, the fit is not the best. They aren't the prettiest girl in town. But like any great relationship the PS1000's will always surprise and delight you when you change other equipment. If they don't like it, they will nag you to death until you fix it. If they do, it's pure sex.

 

[Mortalcoil]

Great to see the PS1k getting some love.

 

[Gradofan2]

Quote:

 
Well... for me... it was that the PS500's and PS1000's just sounded so much more vibrant and dynamic... more like real live music.  The HD800's that I demoed at an audio shop, just sounded "flat."  They had no life, and they certainly didn't sound like real live music.  But... then... I don't think they had a well matched amp driving them (just the CA DacMagic Plus) - so, the demo was not a fair test of their capabilities. 
 
I should add... that my "new version" HD580/650's driven by my WA6 SEm do sound very vibrant and dynamic... very similar to my Grados, but not quite as much like "real live music" as my Grados. 

 
They're truly phenomenal in all repects... and... so much better than all others I've tried - though, I'm sure I didn't hear all of those with the best matched setups.   But... both the PS500's and PS1000's set themselves apart, when properly matched to the amp and source.  Too bad everyone is not able to hear these when properly driven - they're would be a lot more fans out there!
 
Update:  And... I must say... the RS-1's sound virtually as good... or... better!

 

[BlackstoneJD]

Well I compared them to the HD800s when I auditioned the new Bryston amp and they were a lot more transparent sounding. There was just something missing from the HD800 in comparison. The timbre of the music was all grey and veiled with the HD800 but with the PS1000 it was just there. I am just worried about comfort and build quality because I listen for like 2-3 hours at a time.

 

[priest]

I don't find them uncomfortable, so much as awkward and a little floppy. Sometimes there is slight pressure on the top of the head, but nothing like the K 702 bumps or anything. I wear them for an hour or two with no problem.

 

[San Raal]

Recently bought a Sennheiser Foam Headband Pad for HD600 / HD580 hopefully this should fit the PS1000 and improve comfort. Was using a Beyer pad but it looked rather odd as it clipped in place at the edge of the headband but not in the centre.