Jazz1
1000+ Head-Fier
Sorry to revive an older post, but I'm still learning about Grado headphones. I'm so glad to have search this forum for Hemp vs. RS1x. I recently added both to my headphone stable.Hemp v. RS1x
• To me, Hemp sound is fun, jaunty, rhythmic and true to the music spirit. Hemp is warm, notably in the bass/midbass. This is not overdone, it is quite pleasing. Hemp reminds me of the ZMF Atticus in this respect. The Hemp midrange, treble, and soundstage are clear, have dimensionality, maybe lack that ‘nth’ bit of detail.
• RS1x is rhythmic and true with rather greater atmosphere, detail, spatiality. RS1x has deeper, slightly leaner bass/midbass and cannot be deemed anemic in this regard. RS1x overall reminds me of the ZMF Auteur.
• I own both Hemp and RS1x. Why? To me, they are complementary: similar but not to be confused with the other. I prefer Hemp over RS1x on various recordings (CDs); on other recordings (CDs), RS1x over Hemp. I do not use ‘electronic’ EQ; headphones are my EQ (and ‘room correction’).
RS1x v. GS3000e
• See post #50,136 on page 3343 of this thread.
I hate to admit it here, but I've avoided Grado headphones for many years after giving a listen to some model of the 500. I just didn't understand the wide nuances/spectrum of Grado sound back then, and really didn't give the brand a fair chance. That is on me, and I paid the price of getting to enjoy the Grado line-up for too, too long!
So today I started switching up listening sessions, with the same songs, between my RS1x and Hemps. I think Jonathan C is right on regarding these two Grado headphones. It occurs to me that headphone comparisons are a bit like wine tasting. It helps if you have some guidance while you are imbibing to fully understand what you are experiencing. Maybe some of us are born with this ability. For me the good folk in these forums help me get the most out of my headphone listening experiences.
So in the end, I'm glad I got the Hemps first and then shortly thereafter added the RS1x. The Hemps sucked me in, and the RS1x made me even better understand Grado headphones.