As I am reading through this thread and sitting here listening to Pink Floyd's Comfortably Numb through my RS1i......I cant help but smile as I am not analyzing any frequencies, or feel like I have to listen really hard to hear separation and detail and bass.
I have at times thought about a Senn HD600 or HD650, as I hear the good Dr. Peppard was sort of making the MAD EAR to be the butter to the Senns bread, so to speak.
For me it always seems to come down to , will I actually ever give another can much head time....for me, I usually don't.
I have heard other nice headphones, and I even dabbled in iem's....actually I really like the sound from Hifiman RE-400.....but it is just that....I like it....but I don't love it.
Having all of the Grado pads makes it much easier to change the sound of your cans in just a minute or two.....I can make my RS1i have a lot larger soundstage by throwing on some G-cushions, and I do every now and again.
As soon as I put the L-cushions back on and listen....I realize ....this is the sound I wanted when I bought this headphone.
I can see how Grado is a love/hate relationship with people....if you like it....you will eventually love it......but if you don't love it, you might not even like it.
I do think that a lot of people do give up on a headphone too fast, because they have not found the right synergy for it.
I mean , most people know if they like the Grado sound signature or not....without an amp.....just the first few minutes will make you smile or not.
Now, if you smile....get them and go find the synergy that takes them to the next level.....you have to be patient...it is not a sprint.....eventually you will get the same feeling when finding the right synergy as you did when you put the headphone on for the first time.
I don't care for a lot of bass that overwhelms my detail and I am not much for a large soundstage either.......I love detail and midrange and tight fast bass, and I also like my cans to be light and comfortable....I don't want my ears to sweat, I don't like to have to keep adjusting them on my head.
I guess the RS1i was just basically made for me ....thanks Grado
......the most important thing for me is, I want to enjoy my music and I want to smile and tap my feet.
I may someday get a Senn HD600 or HD650 to pair with my MAD.......just to see if the synergy is there.
Everybody's equipment and ears are different...so what sound like something to someone, may sound way different to someone else......understandably really.
For me personally..I really look forward to an hour before bedtime, when I slide on the RS1i...I know I will be smiling, and enjoying and not analyzing my music.....at times...it is the best hour of the day.
I must replay Comfortably Numb.....as that is what I am
Rock On.....Enjoy your music.....smile for awhile each day!
Jay....congrats on 1000 post!