[ruthieandjohn]

I love ogling your Grado GS1000es.  I have them too, and in fact am listening to them at this moment.  Mine are amplified by my V-MODA VAMP VERZA DAC/amp driven by my iPod Touch 6 Generation and playing big band music, wonderful to showcase the large sound stage of the GS1000e.  I am using the V-MODA because I am actually working in the kitchen, so I need the portability to listen there.

 

[GrouchoMarx1933]

My Vali 2 is here!
 
It hasn't been on for very long, so my impressions might change, but as of right now with the 225e here's what I'm noticing:
 
The sound is a little more crisp and clear, with slightly better instrument separation and definition, and maybe the soundstage is also a teensy bit wider than on my Geek Out V2. We're talking degrees here, not feeling like I have a whole new pair of headphones or anything.
 
If there's one downside, it's that I feel that just a bit of the energy is dampened, but I also noticed that songs that were feeling peaky before ("Going For The One" by Yes for example) are much more manageable through the Vali 2.
 
I have ordered a different current production tube to try with it, and I'm eyeing some relatively inexpensive NOS tubes as well. I'll report any particularly good synergy if I hear it.
 
If you're currently using the Grado without a dedicated amp, the Vali 2 will definitely be an improvement. If you already have an SS amp and want to try tubes, the Vali 2 is an inexpensive way to do it and sounds good with the 225e. If you already have a decent SS amp and think the Vali will be a big step up, I doubt it will be, unless your SS amp is simply a bad match for the Grados.

 

[jaywillin]

new addition today, the family is growing 
have to say i'm pretty impressed with the 80e
 

 

 

[jaywillin]

anyone notice we just passed page 2000 ?? 

 

[Loving[MAX]Sound]

  new addition today, the family is growing 
have to say i'm pretty impressed with the 80e
 

 

 
Are those the Sennheiser pads on the SR80e? If yes, how do you like them?

 

[Loving[MAX]Sound]

  anyone notice we just passed page 2000 ?? 

 
I just realized after replying to your previous post! Woo! Odometer roll-over!

 

[jaywillin]

   
Are those the Sennheiser pads on the SR80e? If yes, how do you like them?

yes, quarter modded senn pads, this is my first experience with them, i haven't had enough time to form an opinion really, i do have the comfies and L's to try on them
they are comfortable

 

[Loving[MAX]Sound]

  yes, quarter modded senn pads, this is my first experience with them, i haven't had enough time to form an opinion really, i do have the comfies and L's to try on them
they are comfortable

 
I like the contrast of the yellow/black. I saw a pair of those pads for sale at a shop here in Waterloo a while ago, was thinking of getting them to try them out on my SR80i. Did not get them, and have sold my SR80i since, I still have my SR80 original. I actually have them in my office on campus as a second pair of headphones, my main headphones here are the SR850

 

[GrouchoMarx1933]

  anyone notice we just passed page 2000 ?? 

You don't say...
 

 

[jaywillin]

 
You don't say...
 

i'm hypnotized !!

 

[JoeDoe]

So who wants to chime in on this one: fed from a MAD Ear, do I go PS500e or RS1i?

 

[whirlwind]

So who wants to chime in on this one: fed from a MAD Ear, do I go PS500e or RS1i?

You already have RS1 ?

 

[JoeDoe]

You already have RS1 ?

Yep, but I've decided to go back to the i version.

If there's anyone out there who'd be willing to trade, holla at ya boy!

 

[Loving[MAX]Sound]

So who wants to chime in on this one: fed from a MAD Ear, do I go PS500e or RS1i?

Based on what I have read, a good tube amp will tame the analytical nature of the PS500, a warm up the RS1i. However, those whom actually have that amp with those headphones are in a better position to answer.

 

[jaywillin]

So who wants to chime in on this one: fed from a MAD Ear, do I go PS500e or RS1i?

well, i'd say "it depends" on what sound your looking for you know, the rs1i and ps500(haven't heard the "e") do sound different no matter what amp you're using
 
BUT the mad ear + the rs1i = magic, but you should know that bud,