So I need a bit of advice you guys. I got a pair of GH-1's for my brother's 30th birthday in April. I ordered them early because they're a limited edition and I wasn't sure when supply would run out. Naturally, when they arrived I had to open them up and listen to them, you know, just to see if they work ; ) Well they work alright, and I've enjoyed the **** out of them for the last week or so.
I actually don't own a pair of Grados (other than these, temporarily) and I've grown quite fond of their sound. I'm going to have a hard time giving them up. So my question is this: if I give these away what other set of Grados would most closely replicate their sound? I don't mind spending a bit more if necessary. I've never heard the GS1ke but they get a lot of very positive reviews as well as a lot of **** talking. Then there's the PS1Ke (more than I want to spend).
Anyway I got the GH1 for my brother with the stock pads as well as G-cush. They sound great either way. If I can find a way to give these up, what would be the best replacement set for myself? Thanks in advance.
It is indeed possible to get another GH1 for yourself, either from the stores mentioned or as used (there is at least one classified ad for a pair here on head-fi.org). However, I understand the desire to respect the "Limited Edition," so that your brother gets the GH1 and you get something else.
Did you listen to the GH1 with the over-ear G CUSH pads (which you would have to add and/or change yourself), or just the on-ear L bowls that it comes with? Unlike nearly every other Grado, the GH1 is actually*improved,* at least in some ways, by going to the G CUSH pads. They are also more comfortable.
I ask because I have been in the midst of trying to burn in my 10-month-old GS1000e headphones. These are truly over ear (G CUSH), and so if you are amenable to over ear headphones, they would to my mind be your best candidate. They require a PHENOMENAL amount of burnin (use) before they reach their full potential -- I am at about 170 hours, and they still continue to improve. They are not quite as good as my GH1s, but they are getting closer. Eventually, they have the potential of surpassing them, as they have 50mm drivers (rather than the 44mm of the GH1) and a 12-conductor cable (I think GH1 is 8). But they would be my recommendation if you are comfortable with over-ear pads.
The PS500s are a good candidate, although I would actually recommend the RS2e as closer to the GH1 if you were committed to the original on-ear pads (putting on ear pads on the GS1000e will degrade their sound - you don't want to do that). The PS500e is actually a wood cup, though it is encased in a metal outer cup, to reduce resonances, according to Grado. They use this same technique on their top of the line PS1000e, as well. But the PS500e, while having more bass than the GH1 or RS2e, also is less transparent and has less treble - it is closer to a "normal" headphone sound and has less of the Grado transparency of any other Grados.
The RS1e is liked by some, disliked by others. Again, it may be a challenge of burn in, as they use the same 50 mm drivers as the GS1000e. There are also new versions that have less protrusion than the 3/16" that the first RS1e had, where the tube that holds the drivers has a rim that extends above the border of the wood cup and toward the ear (the GS1000e and the PS1000e also have this protrusion). For the RS1e, lower protrusion and higher serial number (newer) are better. Generally though, folks prefer the older RS1i, which you can still find used.
Hope this helps!
