Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWayofWay
Somebody cracked it open to use the shell for a PIMETA. Firstly, it had cheap components with solder burns. Second, it was stuffed inside and filled up with glue. I guess it won't matter much if you just want to use it, but I suspect you could build something very very similar for much less.
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*Yawn*
Same old argument. First of all, it seems many jump on the bandwagon of DIY or DIYFP. The sad reality is, that if one doesn't know what they are doing, DIY is not a viable option, then one heads for DIYFP groups. There are some startups that have proven themselves and this is fantastic! Great value price/performance and reliable customer service. That said, there have been plenty of folks who have closed up shop, or worse, stay open but just don't have the ability/know-how/patience/business sense to actually work with a customer. The point? You often get what you pay for.
Many people omit R&D. How long did Grado work to get the sound they wanted with their models? How many hours? How many parts purchased? I value my time. The customary hourly wage of someone in my profession is 250/hour. Should I then undervalue my time to make some folks happy? No. One pays for that education/experience because it is a valuable asset. Grado has certainly lived up to that and has time and time again provided quality, musical products.
Also, just because "parts" are lower in cost doesn't mean the overall sound is not worth it.
Ear-Yoshino, one of the most revered companies in the biz prides itself on using moderate to low cost parts to achieve stellar sound. Their amps are some of the most expensive amps in the world, their sound is often said to be on par with the best, if not the best (subjective of course) and yet...no one seems to complain. Likely because their amps rarely if ever fail...their build quality is top notch. Actually, just like the RA-1. Very few RA-1's ever need servicing.
The sound of the RA-1 is excellent with all Grados I have heard and certainly sounds amazing with the RS-1's. If you can have a listen go for it.
Oh yes...one other thing...they retain their value. Try selling a Meta42 now for anywhere remotely close to what one paid. Yet..buy an RA-1 for 350 and one will get 50%+ what was paid. Something to consider.