[jonathan c]

The newest Grado sibling chez moi.

[The 6J5 tubes - a pair to go in one adapter - are for the Lyr 3 which will be the initiation h/p/a.]

 

[ESL-1]

I've seen others on this thread with a difference of opinion. Notice I said opinion! LOL. I have had the RS1x for about a month or so. A couple hundred hours on them. They have most definitely improved in the bass response. Now, is it a DT 700 look a like? Nope. But for my sensibilities, I'm not looking for any more bass. The bass with the RS1x is tight, and controlled. I'm using the stock L pads and my opinions are based on such. Anyway, really liking these Cans and, if I ever get around to it, I want to do a comparison between the X and the e. I think that the X's having a wider sound stage, better instrument separation, and as I've said above, better bass extension. YMMV

Leo

Yes, yes & yes, they are very refined and the improved bass is part of how they evolve. The x will prevail over the e is my thought.

Enjoy……

 

[jonathan c]

A little change of plan from post #50,552. The adapter for the 6J5 tubes will not be here until 21-JAN . So….

• Early impressions on the Hemp with G-cushions ==> an analogy. To me, the Hemp is to the RS-1x what the ZMF Aeolus is to the ZMF Auteur.
• There is a warmth and extension in the Hemp lower bass which makes more palpable the upper bass and lower midrange - very gratifying and adds ‘heft’ to their delivery. The ‘weight’ of vocals really benefits in terms of realism.
• As for upper midrange and treble, I just bask in the right mix of note, overtone, and harmonic for brass and strings.
• More to follow: inquiring ears (mine!) want to hear….Hemp + Gilmore Lite II, Hemp + Lyr 3 (with 6SN7 or double-6J5)…

 

[zazex]

Received a pair of PS500e today. Really strange initial impressions, there’s some stuff that they do so well but the bass is, for me, basically nonexistent. They have the L pads on, I’ve tried with the S pads too but that wasn’t a good pairing, increased the bass a bit but at the (too great) cost of muddying the overall picture.

I’d love an over-ear pad solution, but I’ve tried some third-party G cushions and found those (with SR80) to lead to some nasty treble + reduced bass.

Kind or surprised at your take on the 500e's. Over the past 5 years or so I've had them, I've felt they've always come through
and performed admirably in the bass, and in fact throughout the spectrum. Very clear. light in weight, dynamic with a
full presentatiion.

They're among my favorite headphones whether driven from a Lehmann, a JDS Labs El Amp II, or even a Mayflower O2
Desktop amp.

Surely there are worthy competitors, but in my few very few open back headphones.

Finally, wondering what amp(s) you use. I've found they like a little but of punchy power,
with no rear of clipping when pushed. This solution works very well with the 500e's. IMO.

 

[Stevko]

hi Folks. Long time lurker, first time poster.
I recently purchased the sr80x earlier this month as I’ve always wanted to try the “Grado Sound”. Ive got some other toys to play with (lcd x, blessings, timeless and x2hrs) and wanted something different. I immediately fell in love! Of course, like many of you, I’m already drinking the kool aid and wanted to try something up the line to see the differences.

yesterday I got my 225x to try. I was a tad disappointed. Don’t get me wrong, technically they are the better performing of the two, but they are missing something. Noticed it immediately on some tracks that the cymbals and guitars seemed much more relaxed. Eagles unplugged “Hotel California” or Steely Dan “Cousin Dupree” highlighted right away. The high hats and pluck of the guitar are just not the same.

Would moving up to 325x or higher bring that “sparkle” back?

thanks for any help.

ps: running from modi3+>vali 2+ or ieMagni

Maybe you should try the old «e»?

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/grado-labs-sr225e.20231/reviews#review-27193

 

[Glokta]

yesterday I got my 225x to try. I was a tad disappointed. Don’t get me wrong, technically they are the better performing of the two, but they are missing something. Noticed it immediately on some tracks that the cymbals and guitars seemed much more relaxed. Eagles unplugged “Hotel California” or Steely Dan “Cousin Dupree” highlighted right away. The high hats and pluck of the guitar are just not the same.

Would moving up to 325x or higher bring that “sparkle” back?

I'm afraid they won't, I'm in the same boat as you, I have the 325x and I find them too relaxed and not enough treble, I guess I'll get myself an 'e' that can properly shred my brains.
You can get more sparkle with the Geekria G pads but it changes the sound signature, maybe you'll like them depending on what music you listen to, try them.

 

[Tensen]

I'm afraid they won't, I'm in the same boat as you, I have the 325x and I find them too relaxed and not enough treble, I guess I'll get myself an 'e' that can properly shred my brains.
You can get more sparkle with the Geekria G pads but it changes the sound signature, maybe you'll like them depending on what music you listen to, try them.

Yup tried the G, L and S as well as the senn yellows. Very relaxed any way I try them. Not in a bad way but just not quite what I was hoping for. I love the way acoustic guitars sound on the 80x, the pluck, attack is like sitting in the front row of an unplugged show in a small venue. Throwing the Gs on them moves you back to maybe 10th row. I’ll look for an “e” and see if it’s my cup of tea. Recommendations for 225 or 325 Or just stick with my 80s for now and wait and see what comes in the future? I’m impatient lol but can wait.

 

[ian91]

I'm afraid they won't, I'm in the same boat as you, I have the 325x and I find them too relaxed and not enough treble, I guess I'll get myself an 'e' that can properly shred my brains.

It's interesting how this varies though. The 325x sits just at my tolerance level for long sessions of listening. Any more and I wouldn't enjoy the experience.

 

[bozebuttons]

I am currently listening to Alabama greatest hits with my GS1000 prototypes I picked up from John at the 2006 international meet in queens Ny
driven by My Ibasso 300 max SS which has great synergy with Grade phones.Lost in the music

 

[Stevko]

Sounds exciting with Grado

https://tidal.com/album/86900993

https://tidal.com/album/153115788

 

[jonathan c]

Grado RS-1x (G-cushion) << Woo Audio WA6SE (Mullard GZ34 / RCA 13DE7) << Mojo Audio Mystique DAC << Audiolab CDT-6000:

[Reprise: July, 1966.] …with the RS-1x, I am there!…across land and across time…

 

[TooFrank]

Grado RS-1x (G-cushion) << Woo Audio WA6SE (Mullard GZ34 / RCA 13DE7) << Mojo Audio Mystique DAC << Audiolab CDT-6000: [Reprise: July, 1966.] …with the RS-1x, I am there!…across land and across time…

This is so brilliant - I think - no matter the gear - it will always sound terrific

 

[ESL-1]

This is so brilliant - I think - no matter the gear - it will always sound terrific

I agree, one of my favorites, great sound quality too…..

 

[jonathan c]

• The RS-1x continues home delivery of the musical goods! It does really get better over time / break-in. New / prospective owners, patience is indeed rewarded! Absolutely no regrets in my case.
• RS-1x after a little polish/wax at the headphone spa:

 

[Benno1988]

What does the G pads do to the sound?