[kmhaynes]

Hi ..could you say what is the difference between the reference series? I want to buy my first grado.

The RS-1 has a larger driver and housing than the RS-2, however, the RS-2 is probably closer to the traditional Grado sound, IMO. The RS-1 isn't unpopular, but there are more people that say they didn't prefer the RS-1 sound than say that about the RS-2. I've only heard the RS-1 once, and I wasn't able to compare it to any other Grado at the time.

I did own the RS-2E for about a year and loved it, but needed to sell it during a down time, and am now back with the SR-325i, an older model.

The RS-2 sound is the typical Grado "lively", "dynamic" sound, but also very refined sounding. All Grado's make rock, esp. guitar rock sound it's best. But the SR-325 is also a great sounding phone, and really only just a hair behind the RS-2.

One other thing, the newer "X" series Grado's (RS-1X / 2X) are a bit "darker" sounding than the older "E" versions of the same phones. Many years ago, Grado's were accused of being "too bright" (esp. compared to boring Sennheiser phones!), so Grado has slowly been toning down the treble output, which IMO, is a shame. But it depends on what you are looking for.

Good luck searching!

 

[ojeda56004]

The RS-1 has a larger driver and housing than the RS-2, however, the RS-2 is probably closer to the traditional Grado sound, IMO. The RS-1 isn't unpopular, but there are more people that say they didn't prefer the RS-1 sound than say that about the RS-2. I've only heard the RS-1 once, and I wasn't able to compare it to any other Grado at the time.

I did own the RS-2E for about a year and loved it, but needed to sell it during a down time, and am now back with the SR-325i, an older model.

The RS-2 sound is the typical Grado "lively", "dynamic" sound, but also very refined sounding. All Grado's make rock, esp. guitar rock sound it's best. But the SR-325 is also a great sounding phone, and really only just a hair behind the RS-2.

One other thing, the newer "X" series Grado's (RS-1X / 2X) are a bit "darker" sounding than the older "E" versions of the same phones. Many years ago, Grado's were accused of being "too bright" (esp. compared to boring Sennheiser phones!), so Grado has slowly been toning down the treble output, which IMO, is a shame. But it depends on what you are looking for.

Good luck searching!

 

[ojeda56004]

Thanks for answering. I have the 6xx .... I think I prefer the Rs1x/Rs2x series, although in the classifieds section the PS500e catches my eye.

 

[David222]

The RS-1 has a larger driver and housing than the RS-2, however, the RS-2 is probably closer to the traditional Grado sound, IMO. The RS-1 isn't unpopular, but there are more people that say they didn't prefer the RS-1 sound than say that about the RS-2. I've only heard the RS-1 once, and I wasn't able to compare it to any other Grado at the time.

I did own the RS-2E for about a year and loved it, but needed to sell it during a down time, and am now back with the SR-325i, an older model.

The RS-2 sound is the typical Grado "lively", "dynamic" sound, but also very refined sounding. All Grado's make rock, esp. guitar rock sound it's best. But the SR-325 is also a great sounding phone, and really only just a hair behind the RS-2.

One other thing, the newer "X" series Grado's (RS-1X / 2X) are a bit "darker" sounding than the older "E" versions of the same phones. Many years ago, Grado's were accused of being "too bright" (esp. compared to boring Sennheiser phones!), so Grado has slowly been toning down the treble output, which IMO, is a shame. But it depends on what you are looking for.

Good luck searching!

This is a confusing post. Not sure I'd characterise RS1x as darker - even in comparison to other models. More controlled perhaps. It's a very forward headphone.

I disagree that Sennheiser are boring.

Hi ..could you say what is the difference between the reference series? I want to buy my first grado.

Might be useful to work backwards from your budget range. What are you thinking to invest on a pair ?

If you have the 6XX (darker) and enjoy - you very well might also enjoy the 500e (a slightly colder heapdhone) vs. the other Grados. It has tremendous body and heft.

 

[elvergun]

I'm still enjoying my GW100x greatly. I love this thing -- it is probably my favorite Grado.

I sold my GS3000e.

I will buy the GS3000x, but I'm thinking of playing around with the RS2x first...unless someone thinks this is a bad idea...

 

[Plautus001]

I'm still enjoying my GW100x greatly. I love this thing -- it is probably my favorite Grado.

I sold my GS3000e.

I will buy the GS3000x, but I'm thinking of playing around with the RS2x first...unless someone thinks this is a bad idea...

I really like the RS2x... nice accompaniment to my SR325x...

 

[ESL-1]

I'm still enjoying my GW100x greatly. I love this thing -- it is probably my favorite Grado.

I sold my GS3000e.

I will buy the GS3000x, but I'm thinking of playing around with the RS2x first...unless someone thinks this is a bad idea...

I recently got a pair of the GW100x and amazed at what it is capable of. The sound is real Grado, BT works great and since it has an input for direct to source playing it performs even better if you can plug into your source. I bought a stereo male 3.5mm to stereo male 3.5mm cable from Audiophile Ninja for $54 or so and is well made, sounds good and looks good too.
(Detachable Cable)

You will probably end up with the GS3000x which I think you will really like. Natural, airy, good bass with detail. I am liking mine very much.

Then again, with that detachable cable capability you can get the GW100x a cable for $500, $1,000, sky’s the limit!!

Oops my wallet reacted poorly to that last statement. ixnay states the wallet.

 

[jonathan c]

Thanks for answering. I have the 6xx .... I think I prefer the Rs1x/Rs2x series, although in the classifieds section the PS500e catches my eye.

… it could catch your ears, too !!

 

[elvergun]

I recently got a pair of the GW100x and amazed at what it is capable of.

You used to own one of the older versions, right? How does it compare to the that model?

 

[ESL-1]

You used to own one of the older versions, right? How does it compare to the that model?

I had the GW100 v2 which I enjoyed quite a bit. I was doing more audio books, podcasts with a little music listening. As I got to like it even more the new x series appeared and getting good notice.

The x is more open and spacious and even better bass (which was already good on the v2.

It really is a special product with it’s own niche.

 

[David222]

I'm still enjoying my GW100x greatly. I love this thing -- it is probably my favorite Grado.

I sold my GS3000e.

I will buy the GS3000x, but I'm thinking of playing around with the RS2x first...unless someone thinks this is a bad idea...

I am so curious about the 3000x - but remain emotionally attached to my 3000e

perhaps soon

 

[jonathan c]

I am so curious about the 3000x - but remain emotionally attached to my 3000e

perhaps soon

x …. the better mousetrap …. ….

 

[David222]

x …. the better mouse trap …. ….

... indeed

 

[ESL-1]

I am so curious about the 3000x - but remain emotionally attached to my 3000e

perhaps soon

If it fits the budget and the timing right purchase the 3000x (with a return policy) while still having the 3000e and have your own showdown. Return or sell the the loser. I also liked my 3000e quite a bit but eventually the 3000x just proved to be my preference by a good margin. If I was not still looking to trim down what I have I probably would have held onto the 3000e.

Have fun should you eventually get some comparisons in.

 

[ESL-1]

I surely hope that one of you Gradoers rewards yourself with the PS500e that @ESL-1 has listed. It is special; a somewhat different take on the Grado sound. BE ASSURED: the sound is still Grado - with a filled out bass / midbass (akin to GH2 & to Hemp). Maybe a picture will nudge … I certainly enjoy PS500e !

Thank you, good set of impressions.

It is a very unique and high quality sound. Real bass and details. Any questions please pm me.