[lauthoerer]

HP8 MkII Signature is my favourite h/p/a !!!

Your posts here and in the HP8 thread had a significant impact on my decision

 

[jase2k]

I apologize for the dusty nightstand but... my 'new' bedside setup.
Little Dot MKII with factory tubes (soon to be rolled), Schiit Modi+, Grado RS1i.

This thing is killer.

 

[Plautus001]

Checking in while listening to the PS500x's...

Started listening to them 4 hours ago, very comfortable, can't take them off... I was going to compare them to other headphones, but it's Friday and these are just too fun to listen to...

Over on the Schitt Forum, someone suggested

Amaro Freitas​

new album on Qobuz... very wide soundstage and super quick on the PS500x.

Also I would like to give a shout out to Richard Grado for calling AND emailing me regarding my FedEx issues.. Grado Rocks!

 

[Philimon]

Grado 325i with 325x drivers and new version of x-series cable (left, below).

Grado assured me that my 325’is’ would be repaired with ‘e’ series drivers. Instead they installed x-driver and x-cable. Im not too mad assuming 325x driver because the new x-cable they installed is much improved over my old 325x’s cable. Anyways, 325ix sounds awesome! Will compare against 325x later but presumably same sound assuming same driver. The drivers look identical at least. Grado did not inform me of repair details.

- 325’is’ repair though different than described by Grado turned out to be a good surprise for me and was swift at ~ 1week turn around time.

- RS2x repair is encroaching now on 2months. I dont miss it much because 325x preferable anyway, and the metal cupped Grados seem less susceptible to cable microphonics.

Will compare PS500e to 325x later.

Apparently I missed limited PS500x. well schiit

 

[Delmonaco]

Grado 325i with 325x drivers and new version of x-series cable (left, below).


Grado assured me that my 325’is’ would be repaired with ‘e’ series drivers. Instead they installed x-driver and x-cable. Im not too mad assuming 325x driver because the new x-cable they installed is much improved over my old 325x’s cable. Anyways, 325ix sounds awesome! Will compare against 325x later but presumably same sound assuming same driver. The drivers look identical at least. Grado did not inform me of repair details.

- 325’is’ repair though different than described by Grado turned out to be a good surprise for me and was swift at ~ 1week turn around time.

- RS2x repair is encroaching now on 2months. I dont miss it much because 325x preferable anyway, and the metal cupped Grados seem less susceptible to cable microphonics.

Will compare PS500e to 325x later.

Apparently I missed limited PS500x. well schiit

Wow, I want a repair just to have this new cable!

Looks like a lot less bulky and nicer.

 

[Delmonaco]

Wow, I want a repair just to have this new cable!

Looks like a lot less bulky and nicer.

Maybe it's just the version of the 80x?

 

[Philimon]

Maybe it's just the version of the 80x?

80x has thinner cable? So did I likely get 80x drivers too?

 

[Philimon]

I just sent an email to Grado service. Will update.

 

[jonathan c]

If you’re like many of us on this thread, your wallet will eventually have nothing but lint, dust balls and moths in it.

... but as long as the leather aroma persists, who cares?

 

[lowrider007]

Actually, I’m hoping to retain the sound of the amp, but save 1k on the DAC unit I don’t actually need. The analog section should be pretty similar, no? When I got a separate tube amp (Cayin HA-6A), I consequently added a separate DAC (Nuprime DAC-9) and quite enjoy the added versatility the 100 step volume control of the DAC-9 gives me in combination with the HA-6A.

Now, the idea is to run all inputs (Vinyl & Streaming via Linn Selekt DSM and CD-9) into the DAC and from there to the Violectric V222 and an Icon Audio HP8 MK2 SE, replacing the HA-6A, and when the mood strikes to my Grado RA-1. Yeah, I know, lotsa levers being shifted here…

I have a V222 and a HP8 incoming next week. Absolute worst case scenario: they’re both worse than what I already got, then they’ll go again. If they do what I hope they do, I’ll be selling the two bigger amps and hopefully have „saved“ 2K from when I started…

From everything I've read moving from the V590 to the V222 you will experience a different sound signature, more bass impact, slightly rolled of highs, and less soundstage, imo you'd be better off going to the V550 if you want to retain the same sound, but then moving from the 590 to the 550 you obviously not going to save a lot, that being said you may like the sound of V222 so worth a listen.

 

[lauthoerer]

I hear you. And I agree, going to the 550 doesn’t make that much sense, as the 590 Pro is such a complete package, that the versatility will retain the money that I spent on it. And I have to admit that while liking the DAC-9, it’s not like I tested enough standalone DACs that I can reliably say it’s my favorite.

I’m doing several things at once, I guess, so probably have a harder time doing it
When I bought the 590 Mk2 Pro, I was looking for the best all in one package, now I want the same level technology with more versatility… maybe that’s apples and oranges…

At least now, I’m pretty much set on the phones used

 

[lauthoerer]

That new X cable looks pretty interesting. The one used on the Hemp (the thicker one, I guess) was just horrible

Which is why I had it modded for detachable cables, which made them infinitely better

 

[Philimon]

I was only listening to unfamiliar albums so dont have subjective comparison. Will try comparing later.

^ measured without messing with any settings and trying to be as similar with positioning on coupler. Those are averaged curves but were very consistent anyway owing to snug fit and round interior.

Compare to L-pad peaks measured per Marv which pattern my velour bowl peaks (4-5kHz, 10-13kHz).:
https://www.superbestaudiofriends.o...-review-and-measurements-and-sr80x-too.13837/

Anyone know how to tell the physical difference between 80x and 325x drivers and cables? Or are drivers the same between 80x and 325x?

I emailed Grado and they said they would get back to me. Will update.

Aside: Wondering if 80x and 325x use the same drivers, and if sonic differences are just cup or cable related.

 

[AeroX]

I was only listening to unfamiliar albums so dont have subjective comparison. Will try comparing later.


^ measured without messing with any settings and trying to be as similar with positioning on coupler. Those are averaged curves but were very consistent anyway owing to snug fit and round interior.

Compare to L-pad peaks measured per Marv which pattern my velour bowl peaks (4-5kHz, 10-13kHz).:
https://www.superbestaudiofriends.o...-review-and-measurements-and-sr80x-too.13837/

Anyone know how to tell the physical difference between 80x and 325x drivers and cables? Or are drivers the same between 80x and 325x?

I emailed Grado and they said they would get back to me. Will update.

The website says that SR80x has 4-conductor cable and SR325x has 8-conductor cable. I don’t know about the drivers though, Grado was always silent in that matter.

 

[Philimon]

The website says that SR80x has 4-conductor cable and SR325x has 8-conductor cable. I don’t know about the drivers though, Grado was always silent in that matter.

Lack of transparency is typical of most audiophile brands so Grado passes as acceptable.

Im not going to dissect the cables to compare if 4 vs 8. Any exterior physical difference like cable sleeve thickness?

Madness? This is Head-Fi!