[spdsk8]

I have been using the Etymotic ER4P (with and without the 4s converter) for a year or so and love them.....no surprise there. I thought I might experiment with the Grado line and was wondering which model to start off with. My setup includes iPod (4G photo and Mini) and a JMT built Meta42 amp and most of my music is Lame encoded APS. I have about 50% rock and 50% jazz...I enjoy a tight bass line but hate the muffled boomy bass sound. Starting budget is $200 or so but could be swayed higher. I notice several of the Head-Fi vendors have differing opinions with regard the the various models. At first I thought I might go right to the max with the RS-1 but considering the cost now I don't think so. What do you think...SR-125, SR-225, SR-325?

thanks for any feedback
-Rob

 

[Kirosia]

My blind recommendation. The grado sr-225 or Alessandro MS2. If you want say, a complete opposite to the er4, try the sr-325. The RS1 is overkill, eve more so than the other phones listed. But hey, it's your money.

Edit: I've had the 4P and sr-325 at the same time, much different sounding. Both do have quite a bit of treble though.

 

[h-man]

I think the 225s would best suit your purpose (coming from another dedicated ety user). They have a wonderful lively sound with a taut bass.

 

[BRBJackson]

I would agree, the 225 or MS2 would be great places to start your Grado journey. If you aren't satisfied with the stock can's bass response, a switch to Todd Flat or vwap pads would be the next logical step.

 

[jpr703]

The 225s are the way to go IMHO. The 60s are good if you're on a tight budget and the RS-1s are great if the sky's the limit. For the rest of us, the 225s do nicely!

 

[Jam_Master_J]

SR-225s sound very nice. They are bit less bright than the 325s. One thing to consider though, once you get into the metal Grados (325 and MS-2) you get a pretty big boost in construction quality over the ABS models (SR-60 to SR-225).

 

[spdsk8]

Thanks for the great feedback

Question though... the Alessandro MS2, is this an old Joe Grado model as I have never seen this model listed in the Grado line?

Thanks again
Rob

 

[Anarchris]

The Alessandro's are Grado cans that get shipped to a seperate warehouse to get tweaked. I believe the MS-2 is a modified 325. Though I must say that is where the resemblence ends.

http://www.alessandro-products.com/main.html

I bought the Sr-225's and then upgraded to the MS-2's and it was the best decision I have made.

 

[KenW]

I agree...the 225's will be the ticket.

 

[X14Halo]

yep...i have the 225's and they are amazing. For the 1st week I was a little iffy...but now they sound better and better every day. And I would definetly recommend the flatpads...they add alot of bass and tighten it up. I then turned on the bass boost on my computer, and I am now in heaven...