I bought my RS2E about a year ago and they also do not have red drivers. The drivers are greyish. I bought them new from a reputable Grado dealer. For what it’s worth they also came in the redesigned packaging, not the old school pizza box. I am not sure when they stopped using red drivers or on...

Question for my fellow Grado fans: I’ve been using my RS2e at my computer as gaming headphones (in addition to music). For team games I’d like to add a microphone to my setup — I’d rather not invest in a gaming headset which will certainly have worse sound than my Grados. Has anybody solved...

It’s Grado, so of course not. John Grado probably thought they sound better this way. I don’t think Grado advertises this particular quality of the pads but it is something people have noticed comparing them to the knock off ones. They are probably more costly to manufacture so it’s reasonable...

B&H Photo and Video in Manhattan has them in stock and on display for demo purposes. B&H may or may not be close to your friend depending on where in NJ they live.

Seconding this. Get a decent DAC like the Schitt Modi or Grace Design Standard DAC, something that puts out a line level signal, and then plug your Vali 2 into that. Also, don't expect angels singing in your ears! You will only be disappointed. Expect music that sounds good and a small but...

Interesting, I can’t turn my Vali 2 past 7 or 8 o’clock on low gain without it sounding too loud, but I tend to prefer quieter listening when possible (I.e in a quiet room without too much outside noise).

I also would like to hear the comparison to the RS2e

Interesting. They look similar to the GH3 but it looks like with L-pads standard instead of S-pads. I wonder how they sound compared to the GH3 and the high end of the SR line.

Love my RS2e. Don't think I will ever upgrade. Don't want to hear anything better either :darthsmile:

If you can get an RS2e for the price of a 325e I would do it. I’ve never heard a flagship Grado so I won’t speculate on value beyond the RS2e, but having used both these models I think when you listen to the RS2e you know where the extra $200 went. For the same price as a 325e it’s a no brainer.

For what it's worth, I emailed Grado asking if there was an amp they recommended for my RS2e, and I got a reply that they like Schiit amps. I think the RS2e sounds pretty good from my Vali 2. Sounds pretty good straight from my iPhone also, but the Vali 2 noticeably puts more space between the...

If you were wearing them when it happened and it was loud enough to be damaging I'd be more worried about your ears than the driver

I recently bought the Vali 2 to go with my RS2e and I've been very happy with the combination. I listen on low gain at about 7 o clock on the volume knob and haven't heard any channel imbalance. Would be nice to have more headroom on the volume knob but otherwise no complaints.

Good deals, can’t wait to hear your impressions :)

Thank you for all of the advice. I decided to buy the Vali 2 from B-stock. Unlike my Fulla 2 (which drives my computer speakers) it won't be on all the time, will be far enough back on the desk he can't reach it, and he is always supervised when sitting at the desk anyway. I'll just have to...

I have a dumb question. I'm thinking of getting a Vali 2 from the current B-stock and wondering if the tube gets very hot or could burn somebody. My toddler uses my desk sometimes and I won't get it if there's any chance he could get hurt from the tube. Sorry again if that's a dumb question...

Re-upping this. Anybody know when the e series stopped using red drivers? Any sonic differences?

Has anybody here upgraded from a Fulla 2 to a full Modi/Magni or Modi/Vali stack who can comment on the improvements they saw by upgrading? Is a Fulla/Magni stack worth upgrading to, or does the stack really need a Modi DAC?

My new RS2e have gray or silver drivers, not the original red ones. Is the entire e series no longer using the red drivers, or just some models? I can take a picture later if anybody is interested.

Koss Porta Pros are my go to for when the recording is not good

I’m back to post some thoughts about my new RS2e, having spent about 10 or 15 hours listening to music with them. The level of detail and clarity that I can hear on well-recorded and mastered tracks is simply incredible. It’s easy to ignore the details when not focused on the music, but when I...

As of yesterday I am officially the owner of a brand new RS2e! Thank you everybody for your help in deciding my next Grado. No impressions yet since I’ve only listened for a few minutes, but I will be sure to post my thoughts later after I’ve had more time with them. Thanks again GFC :darthsmile:

According to the product page, the GH3 is meant to be an “entry-level” heritage series phone, and it’s priced at $325, $30 more than the 325e. From trying them both I would say the appeal of the GH3 is it is extremely comfortable and lightweight and sounds better than the other flat pad Grados...

Well, coming from the 125e, I will say the 325e certainly felt more substantial, but I wouldn't say it was heavy. I was also surprised about how big the L-pads were. I have the Earzonk ones and they didn't prepare me for how big the Grado ones felt in person. In all though the weight and the...

Yep, Audio46. They couldn’t have been more helpful or patient. Definitely recommended.