Grado GS1000i vs Grado RS1i

The GS1000 is more bassier with wider soundstage and clarity in midrange and highs are almost same on both.

I owned the GS-1000 and RS-1 at the same time, I sold the GS-1000. IMO the RS-1 is the better sounding phone but the GS-1000 has a big following among classical music fans because of its wide sound stage. 

 

 Buy a PS1000 and watch your K701 gather dust

My two favourite John Grado headphones are the HF-2s (haven't heard the PS500, but they measure very closely) and the RS1/RS1i. I wasn't a huge fan of the "U" shaped GS1000s. While the PS1000s were better than the GS1000s, I'd still take the RS1s. YMMV.

 

 Really comes down to what you value between these two criteria

 

 Sound stage depth and width versus a really nice and forward mids presentation.

 

 If it's the former and you want a different flavor on the K701 then the GS1000i is the answer

 whilst if it's the latter and you'd like a very different sound signature with a sophisticated mid bass hump

 and nice forward vocals - RS1i.

 

 As for the highs - there is no question that my PS1000 has the RS1i beat in that department, they're

 airier and more detailed - never harsh.

 Sounds like the RS1i is for you mate in my opinion.

If you are still considering what to buy, I would respectfully offer that you consider the PS500's. I have and love RS1i's and Hifiman HE500's, and just got a pair of PS500's. I specifically requested the demo pair from the store to assure that any breakin necessary would be done or at least well on its way...

 

These rock! Very upfront while not harsh, and they bring out detail very well. I have thoroughly evaluated them using Evanescence and Trans-Siberian Orchestra and they do a great job with complex  layering.   Good luck and good listening!

what about getting a pair of custom magnums:)

Thank you - all of you for helping me choosing between the RS1i and GS1000i. 

 

I am huge fan of Quad electrostatics, and really love the "clean sound". However, after trying the GS1000i and PS1000 i really was never convinced. They are really nice on classical music just like electrostatics. However, I do like opera - and the vocals are really, in my opinion, much better on the RS1i vs. GS1000i. It is like the music is not "alive" on the GS1000i - with exception of pure classical music (preferable when listing for several hours - the design is very comfortable).  

 

Furthermore, rock, jazz and pop music is considerable better on RS1i. In my opinion is it not even comparable.

 

I wonder - if you consider to pursue the pure and clean sound - why not purchase a pair of electrostatic head phones?

 

Please not that i have only tried the phones a few hours (demo versions). I will come back with a better review when i have received the Mapletree ear+hd amp.

Either choice you make, I think you will be pretty happy.

 

I listen to a lot of Beatles on my RS1i and it sounds fantastic...I have not heard the GS1000i, but I hope to some day.

I had the GS1000i and currently have the RS1i and the PS500. The RS1i i use out a Mapletree Ear+ Super II. This is my favorite set up for most of what I listen: jazz, rock, folk, indie. I like the closeness, the on-the-stage feeling. Besides, the tubes helps loosen the highs without taking out the details. Very dynamic HP, miles ahead - IMO of course - of the GS1000i that had a better soundstage I agree but not much more ( I don't listen to classical music ). The PS500 I use direct through my DAC/Pre, they are very good for ECM jazz, women voices, acoustic music. I'd say it really depends what you are looking for... Want to rock, be right there with the musicians? RS1i is the one.
Edited by Yippedidou - 5/5/13 at 5:31pm