[Blackmore]

Have been looking at AD2000 lately. Seems that folks who like Grado also likes AT AD2000. For the same reason, I guess, found myself liking ATH ESW9 very much, so if anyone can tell me how these two are doing, comparing to each other, would appreciate it.

THX

 

[ghzallen]

classic win:gs1000
pop win:ad2000
for me win:gs1000

ps:you need to send more on gs1000 eg,amp,source

 

[ghzallen]

ok,hoho,you got gs1000, so you'd better choose between rs1 and ad2000 IMO.

 

[Blackmore]

Just changed the topic, clearly now, I guess, thx.

 

[Gradofan2]

I had both phones for a brief time... and... I much preferred the AD2000s.

But... I think the GS1000s might have been defective, or may not have been adequately burnt in, or may not have had the right set up... or... something. Don't know, but they just didn't sound as good to me as the AD2000s, or my RS-1s.

I definitely didn't like the fit of the GS1000s - too loose, not close - which I think hampered their sound. I noticed they sounded much better when I pressed them to my ears - more like the RS-1s, with a bigger soundstage and more refined highs. But their headband spring isn't strong enough to hold them tight, and I wasn't about to do that with my hands all the time. In my mind... they have some major design flaws - which prevent them from being great phones.

Between the AD2000s and RS-1s... I think I prefer the AD2000s - though its close. They sound very similar... except the AD2000s have a bit larger, airier soundstage, and may be a wee bit cooler. A very tough decision between the two - except - wood instruments seem to sound a bit better with the RS-1s (may be placebo effect, imagined). Though, I much prefer the fit of the AD2000s.

Quite frankly... until very recently... the AD2000s weren't well known on Headfi. They're now beginning to be recognized for their truly exceptional qualities - and are considered among the best dynamic phones available (somewhat Stax like, with bass), very similar to the Ed9s. And a major bargain.

 

[Blackmore]

What amp have been used, when you had them, GS1000 I mean. And about the comfort, well, I am not having that issue at all, however can understand some of that if you have smaller head size.

What do you mean by cooler, like PS1? Are they up front, mid front or some distant sounding. I guess not distant.

THX


Quote:

Originally Posted by Gradofan2 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I had both phones for a brief time... and... I much preferred the AD2000s. But... I think the GS1000s might have been defective, or may not have been adequately burnt in, or may not have had the right set up... or... something. Don't know, but they just didn't sound as good to me as the AD2000s, or my RS-1s. I definitely didn't like the fit of the GS1000s - too loose, not close - which I think hampered their sound. I noticed they sounded much better when I pressed them to my ears - more like the RS-1s, with a bigger soundstage and more refined highs. But their headband spring isn't strong enough to hold them tight, and I wasn't about to do that with my hands all the time. In my mind... they have some major design flaws - which prevent them from being great phones. Between the AD2000s and RS-1s... I think I prefer the AD2000s - though its close. They sound very similar... except the AD2000s have a bit larger, airier soundstage, and may be a wee bit cooler. A very tough decision between the two - except - wood instruments seem to sound a bit better with the RS-1s (may be placebo effect, imagined). Though, I much prefer the fit of the AD2000s. Quite frankly... until very recently... the AD2000s weren't well known on Headfi. They're now beginning to be recognized for their truly exceptional qualities - and are considered among the best dynamic phones available (somewhat Stax like, with bass). And a major bargain.

 

[orkney]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gradofan2 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Between the AD2000s and RS-1s... I think I prefer the AD2000s - though its close. They sound very similar... except the AD2000s have a bit larger, airier soundstage, and may be a wee bit cooler. A very tough decision between the two - except - wood instruments seem to sound a bit better with the RS-1s (may be placebo effect, imagined). Though, I much prefer the fit of the AD2000s. Quite frankly... until very recently... the AD2000s weren't well known on Headfi. They're now beginning to be recognized for their truly exceptional qualities - and are considered among the best dynamic phones available (somewhat Stax like, with bass), very similar to the Ed9s. And a major bargain.

I think this is a great summary of the differences between the ADK/RS1. They're both wonderful headphones, and have a similar sense of musicality that makes them suitable for a wide range of music. I'd say that the AD2000s might be more accurate across a wider tonal range and that they "stage" sound differently, with the RS1s having a narrower focus but VERY realistic presentation of instruments -- a bowed violin/cello or strummed guitar is really precisely drawn by the RS1s, as are voices (esp. female).

I'd add that with the flat pads, the RS1 becomes 2 almost headphones in one and I do find myself swapping the pads fairly regularly. And I prefer the fit of the flat-pad RS1 to the ADKs.

But since you have the GS1000s, why not try a different (AT) flavour?

best,

o

 

[musicmind]

Thanks a lot GradoFan2 and Orkney, nice comparisons.

 

[tuatara]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gradofan2 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Between the AD2000s and RS-1s... I think I prefer the AD2000s - though its close. They sound very similar... except the AD2000s have a bit larger, airier soundstage, and may be a wee bit cooler. A very tough decision between the two - except - wood instruments seem to sound a bit better with the RS-1s (may be placebo effect, imagined). Though, I much prefer the fit of the AD2000s. .

Almost totally agree although I my case I find the Grados slightly more comfortable, but do use the AT's much more with all three amps.
I haven't owned the GS1000s but have spent some time with standard and heavily modded prs and much prefer the AD2000s.
There's certainly enough difference between the 2 listed by the OP to make a worth while pairing.

 

[mnemonix]

As you like the (closed) ESW9 why not try the W5000 ?

 

[riceboy]

I've owned all three (GS1000, RS1s, and AD2000). I've tried the GS1000s and RS1s with flats, bowls, big bowls, and HD414s. I must say that since you have the GS1000s I would definitely go for the AD2000s. They have a similar sound signature, but as mentioned earlier the soundstage is bigger on the AD2000 and they are a bit more laid back opposed to a RS1 (vocals are not as upfront as the RS1). The AD2000 is a pretty fun and enjoyable can. I do like the airy presentation it provides on all ranges from highs, mids, and lows.

 

[MaloS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mnemonix /img/forum/go_quote.gif As you like the (closed) ESW9 why not try the W5000 ?

If anything, AD2000 tonality is closer to ESW9, W5000 is much airier and fair bit weaker in bass delivery.

 

[riceboy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaloS /img/forum/go_quote.gif If anything, AD2000 tonality is closer to ESW9, W5000 is much airier and fair bit weaker in bass delivery.

Haven't heard the ESW9 yet, but I'm with MaloS on his W5000 impressions. The bass is weaker than the AD2000. I actually like the bass delivery with the AD2000s.

 

[Kees]

As others have said too: they are not really complementary. They are actually overall quite similar.