[psy472]

I'm also in the camp of people who can't stand the L-pads on the RS1x. Honestly, I can't stand the L-pads and G-pads on any Grado headphones from the Reference or Prestige series anymore. If the F-pads didn't exist, I probably wouldn't be in this thread anymore. I've still got the GH1, and the only way I enjoy it is with the F-pads. Going from the G-pads to the F-pads transforms the GH1 from "meh" to "boom!" It's like my headphones did a superhero costume change lol

I dislike things pressing on my ears so I changed the F pads out. Maybe you have ears of steel (coupled with red cape and red and blue undies) so you can handle the pressure.

 

[jonathan c]

I like the way you think… currently trying to remedy that bug!

Then you must follow the advice of the great Irish playwright & poet, Oscar Wilde (1854-1900): "The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it."

 

[jase2k]

Then you must follow the advice of the great Irish playwright & poet, Oscar Wilde (1854-1900): "The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it."

I’m not here for a long time, a good time infact! My ADHD and impulsiveness have an unhealthy relationship so I am sure it’ll happen.

Really contemplating pulling the trigger on reference/professional series. Slapping some G cups on them as well to have in the office. We’ll see!

 

[jonathan c]

I’m not here for a long time, a good time infact! My ADHD and impulsiveness have an unhealthy relationship so I am sure it’ll happen.

Really contemplating pulling the trigger on reference/professional series. Slapping some G cups on them as well to have in the office. We’ll see!

Just know that the Professional Series (PS500 / 1000 / 2000) has been discontinued for some time. You may come across them in audio classified adverts. The Grado line 'above' the Reference Series currently is the Statement Series.

 

[jonathan c]

I dislike things pressing on my ears so I changed the F pads out. Maybe you have ears of steel*** (coupled with red cape and red and blue undies) so you can handle the pressure.

*** A great expression! That could be a whole new Head-Fi forum / thread. Topic: audio situations that you had to endure ... .

 

[jase2k]

Just know that the Professional Series (PS500 / 1000 / 2000) has been discontinued for some time. You may come across them in audio classified adverts. The Grado line 'above' the Reference Series currently is the Statement Series.

Yeah.. I’ve scouted quite a few. Don’t have any interest in paying retail brand new price just yet. Big guy of recycling used items!

 

[Guts390]

I dislike things pressing on my ears so I changed the F pads out. Maybe you have ears of steel (coupled with red cape and red and blue undies) so you can handle the pressure.

My favorite part of this thread is how everyone disagrees with each other, while also getting along lol. I'm one of the weirdos that loves the L pads. They are ear torture, but I love how they sound. I think they're not so bad once worn in tho. I still need to try the F pads on my RS1x. I keep putting it off. Interestingly I've seen some people say they're terrible on the RS1X, but others say they're the best.

 

[rids57]

My favorite part of this thread is how everyone disagrees with each other, while also getting along lol. I'm one of the weirdos that loves the L pads. They are ear torture, but I love how they sound. I think they're not so bad once worn in tho. I still need to try the F pads on my RS1x. I keep putting it off. Interestingly I've seen some people say they're terrible on the RS1X, but others say they're the best.

Same here, I've stuck with the L pads ever since I got my RS-1x, love the sound and don't even find them uncomfortable - the longest stretch so far is 8 hours. I have F pads on my SR325x so it would be trivial to try them on the 1x and I know it would increase the bass but the thing is, I like my 1x being more specialised than the 325x, I like them for fusion, jazz, prog-rock and acoustic recordings and putting the F pads on them might take some of that magic away. I have no doubt that I'll try them at some point but until then I'll enjoy them for what they do best.

 

[djevoultion]

Just ordered the Grado GH4 and Merino Hybrid Pads. My first grado. Previously enjoyed the Alessandro MS Pro. Currently have the Focal Stellia, Audeze LCD3 and HD800.

Impressions to come.

 

[jase2k]

Same here, I've stuck with the L pads ever since I got my RS-1x, love the sound and don't even find them uncomfortable - the longest stretch so far is 8 hours. I have F pads on my SR325x so it would be trivial to try them on the 1x and I know it would increase the bass but the thing is, I like my 1x being more specialised than the 325x, I like them for fusion, jazz, prog-rock and acoustic recordings and putting the F pads on them might take some of that magic away. I have no doubt that I'll try them at some point but until then I'll enjoy them for what they do best.

I have yet to try L-pads but very curious. Stuck on my Acid Purple Yaxi pads.

 

[psy472]

Just ordered the Grado GH4 and Merino Hybrid Pads. My first grado. Previously enjoyed the Alessandro MS Pro. Currently have the Focal Stellia, Audeze LCD3 and HD800.

Impressions to come.

The amps for Grado is going to be a bit tricky. Have fun exploring that.

 

[djevoultion]

The amps for Grado is going to be a bit tricky. Have fun exploring that.

I'm using a Focal Arche. Hopefully good enough

 

[psy472]

I'm using a Focal Arche. Hopefully good enough

It’s not about good enough. Grado is notorious for long burn in time and not working well with expensive SS Amps. Grados tend to do well with tube amps and strangely some cheap SS amps.

Considering most head-fi reviewers own expensive amps, they end up giving Grados bad reviews. Most Grado lovers like it because of its unique sound signature that strangely improves with age ( cause of the wood maybe?).

 

[Rebel Chris]

Grado is notorious for long burn in time and not working well with expensive SS Amps.

What makes you think this? Combination amp and DAC is more important I think personally.


The only really bad pairing I have had is the THX 789 amp and the apple dongle.

Chord TT2 was good, but the DAC was to analytical for me. For now Schiit BF2 and Asgard. Waiting for the new Valhalla 3 tube amp.

 

[G0rt]

I never expected or intended to become a Grado collector, but just started 2024 with my 9th pair, a newish, late, 'seldom used' RS-2e. Very pretty, and not expensive.

I was really just curious why they seemed so popular.

The stock L pads were flat from storage, and seemed a little boomy, so I swapped with spare G cush and ... Wow.

Slam AND air, with all the detail and clarity I expect from Grado, great timbre and overall tonal balance, which I wasn't expecting from the G pads, with generous head stage, which I sorta was.

Driving with Gumby(a1) and Mjolnir 3, and finding it all entirely satisfactory.