Quote:
Good for you, and the way i see it, when you get to the $500-$600 price point,, the law of diminishing returns really start to rear it's hugly head, so, i believe that you're still getting the lion's share with your SR225.
Right on. Fact is My Grados are my only real reference point. Oh, I've heard briefly a few Sennhiesers, AKG's, etc. But, this was first time to hear some higher end HPs from different companies I've read about on Headfi. I can see there is a bias against Grados. I really wanted to hear some RSI1 and PS500's-but none were there. I did get to do an A-B-C listen though which was interesting on some nice DIY tube amps:
A)My 225i- with tape mod
B)Grado 325
C) Hifiman 500
I left thinking the HE 500 might be a nice different set of cans to compliment my 225. And it was interesting to hear the arguments that my 225 are my "bright", have more "sizzle" and that the HE 500's are more-"polite", perhaps more refined searching for the right word here-maybe more nuanced, layed back, more sound stage. I could hear some of that. But still for hard driving music-I was able to hear some Led Zeppelin and Metallica on a couple of set ups-I think my 225's are hard to beat. I also thought they sounded really strong w/ Nora Jones. There is a foreword presentation that I like-I think that's just what I'm used to at this point. The 500's sounded better with classical IMO. I forget her name, but a popular recording of a young violin vituoso who combines violin with hip hop sounds-TBH, I didnt' think my Grados did her justice compared to the HE. Funny thing is, if I listen to my Grados at home, I think they are amazing. Then, throw on some pricey other HP's and sweet gear-some $3-5,000 set up and I think-OK, yeah these are pretty sweet. But, they should be for the cost!
The HE 400 sounded good for base heavy hip hop, EDM, but I'm not really a fan of those styles.
I did get to hear some Audeze LCD 2 and 3. But, I would not be willing to spend upwards of $2,000. The Audeze sounded pretty darn good, I have to admit.
[size=10pt]
Finally, I will say the STAX SR-009 won the day. Absolutely hands down-blew EVERYTHING else away. Just a different experience. When I put them on, it just took me to a different head space. Like listening to music live with awesome acoustics. When I think of "hi fi" that would be it. Just exquisite. The HE/Audeze didn’t even come close. Then, I looked at the price....definitely out of my price range. Yikes![/size]
Now, I'd like hear the RS1i and PS 500 and see how I think they stack up to the HE-I liked the Audeze. But, I'm not willing to go above $5-800 at this point.
