[Kirosia]

OT, but I think you mean the flat pads, and there was a long period where you couldn't get them anyhere. But head-fiers viciously threatened the lives of joe, john, and todd, then viola!

Quote:

TTVJ has a 30 day money back guarentee, at the loss of shipping. So the prudent Head-Fier selling his/her HF-1's would sell them with a discount of at most the shipping cost ($6 in the US).

I don't expect the sell rush to happen that quick (if it does), maybe a lil over a month, perhaps two. Wait for the couple dozen "this is the s**t!" threads to end, followed by the "this is an okay phone with flaws" type.

 

[PATB]

Nobody in their right mind expects these to sound like RS-1s. At most, the HF-1 has the potential to sound close to an RS-2 because of same size driver housing, both wood driver housing, and tweaking by Grado.

I just compared the SR-225 and RS-2 side by side with a Meridian G08=>Rega Couple IC=>HR-2 and the main advantages of the RS-2 over the SR-225, to my ears, IMHO, etc. are: a) fuller sound, b) more bass, and c) overall cleaner/smoother sound. Todd reported that the HF-1 has fuller sound and more bass than the SR-225. Making me believe that the HF-1 has the potential to sound like an RS-2 without the looks. If so, the HF-1 at $200 is a way better deal than the RS-2 at $500.

Even if the HF-1 sounds similar to a stock SR-225, it is still a good deal as the SR-225 is an outstanding headphone for the price and probably the best deal in the Grado line up.

I do agree, however, that if you hate the Grado sound, the SR-225 is not exactly your cup of tea, or are not into collecting headphones, then the HF-1 is not for you. Surely, there will be some in the FS forum after the 30 day money back guarantee period is over.

---Pat

 

[kramer5150]

Im looking at it as though its an upgraded SR225. Tweeked by John to give a slightly different presentation than the standard SR225.

Im not into this as a collectable. Im gonna bust it open burn em in and enjoy them. Its really more of an " SR225i ", than anything else IMHO

Garrett

 

[J-Pak]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PATB Nobody in their right mind expects these to sound like RS-1s. At most, the HF-1 has the potential to sound close to an RS-2 because of same size driver housing, both wood driver housing, and tweaking by Grado. I just compared the SR-225 and RS-2 side by side with a Meridian G08=>Rega Couple IC=>HR-2 and the main advantages of the RS-2 over the SR-225, to my ears, IMHO, etc. are: a) fuller sound, b) more bass, and c) overall cleaner/smoother sound. Todd reported that the HF-1 has fuller sound and more bass than the SR-225. Making me believe that the HF-1 has the potential to sound like an RS-2 without the looks. If so, the HF-1 at $200 is a way better deal than the RS-2 at $500. Even if the HF-1 sounds similar to a stock SR-225, it is still a good deal as the SR-225 is an outstanding headphone for the price and probably the best deal in the Grado line up. I do agree, however, that if you hate the Grado sound, the SR-225 is not exactly your cup of tea, or are not into collecting headphones, then the HF-1 is not for you. Surely, there will be some in the FS forum after the 30 day money back guarantee period is over. ---Pat

Isn't the RS-2 pretty much 95% of the RS-1?

 

[omedon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by VR6ofpain Maybe I am alone, but I didn't buy them for the limited production aspect.

You aren't. I hope enough of these are made that every head-fier that wants them can get them. I think that was the idea anyways. Only as many made as there are head-fier's, that is the limit of the production.

People that buy things solely for 'collectibility' (read: profitabiltiy) bother me. If you are only buying these limited edition phones so you can sell them at a profit you are taking advantage of Todd & John who did all the work. Just my opinion.

If you buy the phones for other reasons and just happen to one day sell them at a profit that is cool by me. Like anybody needs my approval

 

[Kram Sacul]

My first reaction to the HF-1:

Cool. The headfreaks will have another excuse to empty their wallets for something "new" and "wooden". And it's a "limited edition".

::moves on::

 

[Jahn]

My 2nd reaction-

"If these ever hit ebay, the first one is going to sell for $1K if there is no info in the general public about it hehe."

My 3rd reaction-

"I wonder how many folks will register here, buy one, and leave? Especially the big non-headfi headphone communities once they get wind of this.

My 4th Reaction-

"I wonder if anyone is going to tell any of the audio mags. This makes for a nice story and good exposure."

 

[Teerawit]

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-Pak Isn't the RS-2 pretty much 95% of the RS-1?

No. They have different sonic signatures, ie. the RS-2 is more upfront sounding while the RS-1 is more laid back and has a bigger soundstage.

 

[recstar24]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teerawit No. They have different sonic signatures, ie. the RS-2 is more upfront sounding while the RS-1 is more laid back and has a bigger soundstage.

I concur, that pretty much nails it on the head. The RS2 sounds more like the 325 than the RS-1, its kind of in-between with it leaning more towards the 325 sound than the RS-1 sound.

 

[YngwieJMalmsteen]

It seems like a great deal to me, even though I'm not a grado fan I'm giving them some serious consideration. I almost put in an order "just in case" because I didn't think I'd have the opportunity to hear reviews or see pictures, but hopefully this means that I will have a chance to do just that. Luckily there are quite a few head-fiers whose opinions I respect in the top 25, I'd like to hear how they compare to the RS-1, which is the only grado phone I really like (and its certainly not 700$ of like). Oh yeah, I like the PS-1, too, and would probably love the hp-1000 series if I had ever heard them.

Maybe todd should keep them limited edition but increase it to 500 or so.

 

[Borat]

I wonder if people would still be "blah" about the HF-1 if John inverted the materials to have a wood outer shell and a plastic driver housing. Then we could separate the people who care more about the looks versus the people who just care about sound.

I guess I would be "blah" about the HF-1 if I already owned a higher end Grado like the RS-1/RS-2/PS-1. But I don't and I cannot afford those models so I am happy to buy this headphone and give back to head-fi at the same time. It's that simple.

 

[Jahn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Borat I wonder if people would still be "blah" about the HF-1 if John inverted the materials to have a wood outer shell and a plastic driver housing. Then we could separate the people who care more about the looks versus the people who just care about sound. I guess I would be "blah" about the HF-1 if I already owned a higher end Grado like the RS-1/RS-2/PS-1. But I don't and I cannot afford those models so I am happy to buy this headphone and give back to head-fi at the same time. It's that simple.

Yep - as amazing as the MS-2i and SR325i sound (and look!) for the money, with improved drivers and bigger housings- they still have plastic mounts for the drivers- the interior chamber. Having wood mounts with SR225 drivers should really sound cool - I can't wait to hear one someday and read impressions asap!

 

[Vkamicht]

I'm not worried at all. As long as I have fun with them I don't care. I'll pass my Alessandro love onto someone else, for it has served me well.

 

[J-Pak]

Yeah with you there it's a nice upgrade if you don't have a high end set of Grado's already.

 

[ilovesocks]

The driver housing is the only part that affects the sound right? And in the HF-1 that's going to be wood, so Mr. Grado has already taken care of the hard part - anyone can make a ring out of wood, right?

So could we make our own woodies or is it more complicated than that?

P.S.: I am definitely not trying to disrespect Larry of Headphile. He makes the driver housing and the outer part out of wood, right? Whatever the case, I don't doubt it takes much talent and skill - I'm just talking about the outermost ring.

If I'm totally wrong please tell me and I'll gladly shut my stupid mouth and delete this post!