I'm not a Grado fan and am a musician, though definitely a classically trained musician. I think the reason that I don't enjoy the up-front nature of the Grado's has something to do with my concept of acoustic properties. I've always been taught that music sounds radically different off stage than off. When I play trumpet on stage, several times the director tells me I'm way too loud, and I'm thinking, "What mate?" But it is a huge difference off. For example, I distinctly remember coming late to a performance by our pepband. When playing on stage I thought we were sort of lackluster. Offstage I realized why we were one of the best high school bands in the state, the balance and sound blew me away.
I love playing with an ensemble, but hearing them play from the audience, a good ensemble sounds so much more amazing. This is why I prefer a more laid back sound, closer to the Senn sound.