Hey head-fi forumgoers, 
 
I have a bit of a choice on my hands. I'll be graduating college soon and as a graduation gift I want to get (of course) some audio equipment. I think the budget is around $1000. 
 
Right now my top pick is the Grado GS 1000i. However, if I went with something a little lower down - namely the RS2i (or even potentially the RS1i, though I've heard the difference between the two is rather slight and potentially not worth the extra $200) - I could get a Bifrost, too. I've been considering upgrading my current DAC - right now I'm running HD600's off a uDAC-2 and I'm thinking it might be time for something better. But then again, the Grados may only need the DAC part of the uDAC since they're relatively low-impedance, and I've heard the DAC is actually pretty good.
 
Advice?

Heya,
 
Get the best headphone you can afford.
 
I mean, I honestly think the Bifrost is over-rated. I say that as an owner. It's good. But I frankly am not really hearing any kind of serious improvement that makes my eyes open. I used it on several setups including the Asgard, Lyr, some tube amps from Little Dot, speakers amps, etc, with anything from Hifiman HE-500's to all the mid-fi cans you can think of. Good DAC. But again, not sure if $450 (usb included) is truly worth while here. I frankly didn't notice $200+ differences over something like an HRT Music Streamer II.
 
Right now I'm using a $250 DAC, the Maverick TubeMagic D2, since it's a Tube DAC with solid state and tube pre-amp outputs to my amp, with all digital connection types. And I've noticed a better more pleasing sound to my ears with this thing instead of my Bifrost. But that's just my preference. I find all this is preference driven. Technically "better" DACs do not always sound "better" to you.
 
I would get the Grado that you can afford with salad bowls. I've always wanted the GS1000i myself. G-cush bowls and wood. Comfort and style. Love it. Just haven't made the leap yet as I have too many headphones and having several high-ends can be an expensive hobby after all. But it's on my short list.
 
Alternatively I think you could also just scale the HD600. The HD600 really is a world class headphone, and even though it's a mid-fi headphone, might as well be treated like an entry level high-end. It's simply that good. And it scales with gear. You could look into a nice DAC & AMP setup, maybe an OTL Tube Amp. Put some serious voltage behind those HD600's and see what you think.
 
Very best,

Thanks for the advice. Alternatively, I could go with an option like the Audeze LC2. Perhaps the question should be "If you had $1000 to spend on audio, what would you get?"

Don't discount the RS-1i.  IMO the RS-2i and RS-1i have enough differences to make the RS-1 worth the extra cash.  You'll experience a little more instrument separation, soundstage and a tighter bass. 

all the answers here
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/634201/battle-of-the-flagships-57-headphones-compared-update-hifiman-he-400-added-12-24-12