[Rebel Chris]

Grado GH2 has the same pads as the GH4, L pads.

 

[G0rt]

Grado GH2 has the same pads as the GH4, L pads.

Until you change them. I like my GH2 with G cush best, and my GH1 now have L pads, for some contrast.

But today, HF2 with G cush.

 

[Gippy]

In the last few days I had to admit to myself that the current Grado models (possibly with the exception of the GS2000e, which I have not yet tested) are simply too dark for me in terms of sound. I know that I'm more of an exotic here with this preference, but that's how it is.

With everyone gushing over the Hemp, yeah it seems that way haha. I feel I'm more in the middle, as I find some models too bright and shrill, but also find the Hemp and the Harman EQ curve to be too dull.

 

[VinMAC]

With everyone gushing over the Hemp, yeah it seems that way haha. I feel I'm more in the middle, as I find some models too bright and shrill, but also find the Hemp and the Harman EQ curve to be too dull.

It always depends on the electronics used. And mine sounds rather full and warm, but detailed. Gippy, besides the GS2000e, do you have any suggestions for me for older models on the used market?

 

[Gippy]

The 50th anniversary limited-edition Gold SR325i released in 2003 is allegedly the holy grail of brightness. Might be overkill. Haven't heard it myself.

 

[Bernard23]

Speaking of tonal balance, I've now got the Geekria version of the F pad. Sounds very similar, and is less irritating to wear so could be interesting alternative. I took some pics to compare the Grado F pad, the Geekria F pad (could also be the S pad with a hole in it), and the Geekria LL pads, which are somewhere between F and L stock pads.

EDIT: Phone added them in a random order, so pic 1 is stock F and Geekria F, 2 is side on F and Geekria LL, 3 is side on F and geekria F, last one is F and LL.
They all feel different on the ear, and Flat >> L/LL is a noticeable change in tonal balance. As far as I can tell, they don't change the level of detail (other than any psychoacoustic effects of raised treble etc), not the pace or dynamic impact.

 

[kmhaynes]

I have Gh2's so I'm interested to know what gave the RS2E's the edge for you over the GH2's, for you to keep those instead? I've not had a chance to hear the RS2E's

I posted my thoughts here: Grado Fan Club! | Page 3017 | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org (head-fi.org)

 

[kmhaynes]

In the last few days I had to admit to myself that the current Grado models (possibly with the exception of the GS2000e, which I have not yet tested) are simply too dark for me in terms of sound. I know that I'm more of an exotic here with this preference, but that's how it is. I'll keep my GS1000i and the old RS2 because I just like the old Grado sound better (more high frequency energy and transparency). That's why I'm selling my GH2 and the RS2e. Both are as good as new. Bought at official grado dealers and only a few months old. If you are interested, please contact me.

Yes, I think with most of the 'e' series models, Grado has specifically toned down the treble spiking. Many years ago I listened to an older SR325 and remember sort of getting what people meant when they said "ice picks in the ears!!" But, about 6-8 months ago I had the 325e version for a couple of months and it was much more balanced. Bass was still good but the treble was smoother and very nice.

 

[Joaquin Dinero]

The 50th anniversary limited-edition Gold SR325i released in 2003 is allegedly the holy grail of brightness. Might be overkill. Haven't heard it myself.

I have those, and I'm inclined to agree. The upper mids/ treble region is well detailed, clean and clear. Quite lovely at times. But no bass. I'll EQ the bass way up anytime I use them and even that only goes so far.

 

[VinMAC]

I have those, and I'm inclined to agree. The upper mids/ treble region is well detailed, clean and clear. Quite lovely at times. But no bass. I'll EQ the bass way up anytime I use them and even that only goes so far.

thank you. Does anybody know also a wood grado with detailed treble and a minimum of bass?

 

[funkymartyn]

The 50th anniversary limited-edition Gold SR325i released in 2003 is allegedly the holy grail of brightness. Might be overkill. Haven't heard it myself.

Had mine when they came out , only with a not so wide head band . And for comfort stuck a senn HD 580 head foam on via velcro. Playing them now with my old Sony mp3. Sounds very good. Wouldn't sell any off my 4 grado.

 

[clundbe1]

Hi. Finally pushed buy on the Hemp.. My big fetisj are limited Grados I guess. Got cold sweat when realizing that they will stop selling them in near future.. Somebody should burn my mastercard.

 

[frozenOx]

Speaking of tonal balance, I've now got the Geekria version of the F pad. Sounds very similar, and is less irritating to wear so could be interesting alternative. I took some pics to compare the Grado F pad, the Geekria F pad (could also be the S pad with a hole in it), and the Geekria LL pads, which are somewhere between F and L stock pads.

EDIT: Phone added them in a random order, so pic 1 is stock F and Geekria F, 2 is side on F and Geekria LL, 3 is side on F and geekria F, last one is F and LL.
They all feel different on the ear, and Flat >> L/LL is a noticeable change in tonal balance. As far as I can tell, they don't change the level of detail (other than any psychoacoustic effects of raised treble etc), not the pace or dynamic impact.

Flip the Geekria F pad so that the larger hole is over the driver. Then they're practically the same as the stock pads. These are what I use quite often just to keep the stock pads fresh.

 

[Gippy]

Does anybody know also a wood grado with detailed treble and a minimum of bass?

That's tough because wood typically mellows the sound when compared against the Prestige models. Other than the GS2000e which you mentioned earlier, you may want to try the White/WH1. I haven't heard it but the few reviews out there state it's very treble-forward.

The GH3's wooden cups are the smallest so there isn't much room for the bass to resonate. Ask Okrelayer about that one because I'm pretty sure he's the only owner of those in this thread lol.

 

[Bernard23]

Been loving the Hemp with music that isn‘t well produced, and it’s the perfect headphone to listen with when i get home from a busy day at work. It’s more laid back and relaxing as compared to the RS2e which I’ve been bringing out after dinner. Loving these two headphones

I'm becoming more tempted by having another brother or sister for the Hemps and 325e, and the RS2e is a scratch that's getting itchier. I also want to stop using my Hemps all of the time, as I'm afraid I'll kill them prematurely. How does the RS2e differ to hemp, I'm getting the impression that it's a more detailed precise sound, with a brighter treble (maybe close to the balance I have with Hemp + Geekria pads). My worry is they are too similar, and might as well get another pair of Hemps, or just save up and go further up the range.