Quote:
...I think a few big Grado supporters here stopped being supporters.
Not that it happened with respect to the HF-2 specifically, but this part of your post really applies to me. When I first started out in Head-Fi almost 5 years ago now, the first Grado I bought was the SR225, which I ended up liking a lot, and then eventually I wound up buying the SR60, SR80, SR325i, RS-1 (both versions, with and without the button), and HF-2. I also heard the HF-1, GS1000, PS1000, and the PS-1 too (each at meets). In general, I used to like (John) Grado headphones a lot and I definitely supported them and recommended them in many instances.
But today, my position on Grado is that I'll never buy one again - not just for one reason but for a variety of reasons. The well-photographed factory tour that someone posted years ago turned me off to their production values. Reported issues & controversies over the GS1000 (at the 2006 National Meet) and HF-2 (at CanJam 09) further turned me off to the company. And then there are a bunch of smaller, more personal reasons - the supra-aural design (which I've never found to really suit my listening style), the lack of presence on Head-Fi or at meets (as you mentioned), doubts on quality control & consistency, and finally the trademark sound signature which I've never really found to be very adaptable to multiple genres of music (as my CD collection has since expanded well beyond what I ever thought it would be).
The only Grado I've owned that I didn't really have too many qualms about owning was the (Joe) HP1000 because it came from a different era & a different designer and had a totally unique sound that fit a wider variety of genres for me - not
just rock, but also classical and jazz. But I sold it too because I found a replacement headphone that served my purposes for classical & jazz about as well and didn't really have its problems (mainly the supra-aural design).
I too think that Grado would hugely benefit by either establishing a presence on Head-Fi or attending meets (even if not CanJam, at least the regional NY meets). Most of the current MOTs & sponsors actively post on Head-Fi and attend meets - and I believe that this probably helps their business, as it adds to the personal element. By not doing anything, I think they're missing out on a huge opportunity.
Then there's also the factor of Grado having never raised prices except for the introduction of the "i" models and they don't allow dealers to sell below MSRP either. Granted, this approach does maximize profit for both Grado and the dealers, but it also reeks of overpricing, and if there's one thing I really don't like, it's buying something that's vastly overpriced. I'll assent that every business exists to make money, but IMO there's a point at which money-making turns into either sheer over-profit or greed.
If anything, I'd consider myself a Grado detractor now, at least as far as it's existed under John Grado. No offense intended at the company but I just don't see any compelling reasons to buy any of their models for myself or to recommend them when there are plenty of other viable headphones from other manufacturers.
