[Plautus001]

I currently consider the Asgard 3, the class A mode used for lower output should work well for Grados I think. Did you try that one as well?

I have an Asgard OG, Asgard 3, a Darkvoice and a THX amp...

GS1000 OG.....the Darkvoice

SR325x, RS2x, PS500x.......Asgard 3

I am kicking the tires on the Vali 3...

The THX is good for balanced LCD2C, HE400i, NightOwl, and Aeon.

 

[plakat]

I have an Asgard OG, Asgard 3, a Darkvoice and a THX amp...

GS1000 OG.....the Darkvoice

SR325x, RS2x, PS500x.......Asgard 3

I am kicking the tires on the Vali 3...

The THX is good for balanced LCD2C, HE400i, NightOwl, and Aeon.

Thank you, sounds promising.
The Vali 3 looks tempting as well

 

[jonathan c]

I have an Asgard OG, Asgard 3, a Darkvoice and a THX amp...

GS1000 OG.....the Darkvoice

SR325x, RS2x, PS500x.......Asgard 3

I am kicking the tires on the Vali 3 ****

The THX is good for balanced LCD2C, HE400i, NightOwl, and Aeon.

**** it uses only one tube ....

 

[monkuboy]

I got the RS2x yesterday and after listening to various tracks, including my speaker/headphone evaluation playlist, I'm very pleased. Compared to the 325x, it has more clarity, detail and delineation and actually quite a nice sense of 3D in the soundstage. The 325x sounds thicker or fuller and has more bass. If there's something lacking with the RS2x, it would be it's slightly bass-light. That said, the bass notes, while not as visceral as the 325x or other cans, are very clean and precise. The RS2x is also very light and I was surprised, quite comfortable. I'm able to fit the earpads over my ears.

I'm using a Modi+ DAC and a Vali 3 amp. I replaced the stock tube with a GE5670 and have it on the low gain setting. The Vali 3 is a really nice amp. No noise floor and it has plenty of power to drive the Grados. On the high setting it easily drives my Senn 800's.

 

[Gradostax fan]

I got the RS2x yesterday and after listening to various tracks, including my speaker/headphone evaluation playlist, I'm very pleased. Compared to the 325x, it has more clarity, detail and delineation and actually quite a nice sense of 3D in the soundstage. The 325x sounds thicker or fuller and has more bass. If there's something lacking with the RS2x, it would be it's slightly bass-light. That said, the bass notes, while not as visceral as the 325x or other cans, are very clean and precise. The RS2x is also very light and I was surprised, quite comfortable. I'm able to fit the earpads over my ears.

I'm using a Modi+ DAC and a Vali 3 amp. I replaced the stock tube with a GE5670 and have it on the low gain setting. The Vali 3 is a really nice amp. No noise floor and it has plenty of power to drive the Grados. On the high setting it easily drives my Senn 800's.

The rs2x will gain some thickness in the bass over some time of usage. I quite enjoy it for rap.

 

[Delmonaco]

I got the RS2x yesterday and after listening to various tracks, including my speaker/headphone evaluation playlist, I'm very pleased. Compared to the 325x, it has more clarity, detail and delineation and actually quite a nice sense of 3D in the soundstage. The 325x sounds thicker or fuller and has more bass. If there's something lacking with the RS2x, it would be it's slightly bass-light. That said, the bass notes, while not as visceral as the 325x or other cans, are very clean and precise. The RS2x is also very light and I was surprised, quite comfortable. I'm able to fit the earpads over my ears.

I'm using a Modi+ DAC and a Vali 3 amp. I replaced the stock tube with a GE5670 and have it on the low gain setting. The Vali 3 is a really nice amp. No noise floor and it has plenty of power to drive the Grados. On the high setting it easily drives my Senn 800's.

Glad you already like it. It will improve a lot over time, softer and with more bass. You will have a lot of fun.

I almost return mine and it became my favorite one.

 

[BobG55]

Yup--this is my 4th PS1000. I definitely regretting selling them each and every time. Funny thing is--each of them sounded different and mostly regretted selling my 2nd pair which is why I bought the 3rd--but they didn't stack uo to my 2nd pair so I sold them. This pair is already stacking up to my 2nd pair without burn in--they're very balanced with beautiful mids. These are right up there with any TOTL headphone I've experienced in their own ways, just like all TOTL headphones.

I clearly identify with Joseph69’s 4th time purchase of his PS1000. In my case, it’s the GS1000i, which I also bought for the 4th time today. As with Joseph, I also eventually regretted selling my GS1000i and missed their unique sound. The pair I’ve landed are from the original owner who’s taken very good care of them. He has 275 transactions on Canuck Audio Mart with 100% positive feedback and quite pleasant in his communication. The drivers are the original ones which is a must for me & he assured me that they are indeed the originals and that he’s never had any issues with the HP. The GS1000i, as w/ Joseph’s PS1000, are to me, as his, are to him, right up there w/ TOTL headphones. What a crazy, enjoyable hobby.

 

[headfry]

I clearly identify with Joseph69’s 4th time purchase of his PS1000. In my case, it’s the GS1000i, which I also bought for the 4th time today. As with Joseph, I also eventually regretted selling my GS1000i and missed their unique sound. The pair I’ve landed are from the original owner who’s taken very good care of them. He has 275 transactions on Canuck Audio Mart with 100% positive feedback and quite pleasant in his communication. The drivers are the original ones which is a must for me & he assured me that they are indeed the originals and that he’s never had any issues with the HP. The GS1000i, as w/ Joseph’s PS1000, are to me, as his, are to him, right up there w/ TOTL headphones. What a crazy but joyful hobby.

I love my GS1000i, which I bought used in Oct. 2015 (they were very lightly used). I also love the GR10e, a discontinued Grado IEM, which overall I think is for me musically on par with the GS, and which of course are much more efficient. I often alternate for periods between the two.

Both are Grado gems IMO and compliment each other well for me.

My SR225e are also very musical and enjoyable but not on the same level as the other two.

 

[Philimon]

Didnt need to remove that screw afterall. Shimmied out with some prying. Just have to maneuver out the prongs attached to driver sleeve which are also used for cup rotation. I did try the oil on the screw but didnt help which is why I resorted to violence.

I put the drivers into SR60 cups and was worried grill was pressing against back of driver so removed grill. Uncertain if was necessary but wanted to be careful. Ill replace with some metal mesh then i suppose though that is also not necessary. Inside the driver magnet vent there is some dust filter to protect the diaphragm.

Tried getting a photo to show how close the driver is to grill. I didnt compare closely but Nak driver sleeve could be shorter height compared to SR60.

First impression (F-pads, iPhone dongle): smooth mid-treble transition unlike stock enclosure… can sorta replicate stock enclosure by placing hands over cups. Definitely warmer when open-back. From memory comparison to SR60, Nak probably less bass extension in exchange for smoothed treble so win/lose, I think Id prefer SR60’s choice of compromises for short listening sessions. SR60 con was that it’s lower treble was a bit exhuberant but fatiguing over longer sessions. Unsure which is more detailed, Ill try comparing directly to 325x later.

 

[PlanarBunny]

Just showing a bit of love. I used to have a Grado Hemp when I lived in the States, but I moved to be with my partner in another country. I sold my Hemp for a bit of extra cash but I’m beating myself over the head now. I should’ve just kept it, they were quite special haha. Anyways, I missed having a Grado. Luckily someone nearby was selling their SR80e! They have a 325e and mostly just use that. Lucky me, I grabbed that deal real quick. I regret selling the Hemp but I’m glad it and the SR80e have been gateway drugs to the Grado headphones. Gonna keep my eye on the 325x for any sales in the near future

 

[Rebel Chris]

I'm using a Modi+ DAC and a Vali 3 amp. I replaced the stock tube with a GE5670 and have it on the low gain setting. The Vali 3 is a really nice amp

What more do we need? Great combination/synergy with Grado.

 

[joseph69]

I clearly identify with Joseph69’s 4th time purchase of his PS1000. In my case, it’s the GS1000i, which I also bought for the 4th time today. As with Joseph, I also eventually regretted selling my GS1000i and missed their unique sound. The pair I’ve landed are from the original owner who’s taken very good care of them. He has 275 transactions on Canuck Audio Mart with 100% positive feedback and quite pleasant in his communication. The drivers are the original ones which is a must for me & he assured me that they are indeed the originals and that he’s never had any issues with the HP. The GS1000i, as w/ Joseph’s PS1000, are to me, as his, are to him, right up there w/ TOTL headphones. What a crazy, enjoyable hobby.

Congratulations on your newly acquired GS1000i!
Glad you were able to reunite again with your favorite Grado that you, like I, have have bought and sold a few times and have come back full circle back to them to stay this time. Enjoy--and don't let them go.

PS: Listening to my PS1000 as I type this via my Schiit Modi/Magni desktop set up.

I love my GS1000i, which I bought used in Oct. 2015 (they were very lightly used). I also love the GR10e, a discontinued Grado IEM, which overall I think is for me musically on par with the GS, and which of course are much more efficient. I often alternate for periods between the two.

Both are Grado gems IMO and compliment each other well for me.

My SR225e are also very musical and enjoyable but not on the same level as the other two.

Also have the GR10e which I use with my Schiit Modi/Magni desk top set up.
My first ever IEM and I enjoy them very much--thanks to @ESL1 who gifted them to me BNIB. Thanks again, Joe!

 

[Shane D]

Well, it's Monday, so it's time to change headphones. But as I do so I Have to comment on the past week:

The GH2's were perfect in every song and every genre. I had gone more than three months without using them and it was kind of an out of sight, out of mind situation. But WOW, did I ever miss them. I started off with my recent purchases and then spent two days on a best of the 80's playlist, one day on 70's rock (my teen years), one full day on jazz and even one day on 60's pop. Nothing sounded bad or even bass light. Vocals, drums, guitar and horns all sounded perfect.
My oldest set of headphones and they will NEVER leave the collection.

Just felt the need to write this down.

 

[Philimon]

Some of @devouringone3 ‘s fantastic sleuthing and description of how Nakamichi SP-7 and Grado HP-1000 drivers share unusual driver characteristics (seemingly unlike latter day Grado), here and here. Both were made by same Japanese company Primo. Joe Grado ordered his with custom specs for his HP-1000, model number DH-57. SP-7 is model number DH-40 as seen printed on drivers.

DH-40 is a 5 years older beast, visually near identical but still unheard of on Head-Fi; its sound grade isn't as perfect as HP 1000's (I would say 95% of it, called DH-57 on Primo's then website), but the godly “envelop” / sound characteristics are all shared, like twin brothers.

Quick comparison of 325x vs Primo DH-40 featuring F-pads + iPhone dongle. See earlier posts for driver transplant info.

- intro to 325x: like a warmer (bassier) and darker (less highs) RS2x minus some ability to resolve smaller gradations in detail. 325x is relatively neutral but could use a tiny bit more bass or lose a tiny bit more upper-mids… because a more v-shaped frequency response is supposedly more useable for low volume listeners like me according to Equal Loudness Contour and I agree ime. fyi, I did not get along with RS2x despite trying many alternate pads for sonic or comfort reasons however I did not try Beautiful Audio pads.

- Primo DH-40 relative to 325x: less bass extension on DH-40, and a little more mid-forward. The reduced bass extension was noticeable on music employing lots of bass. For example, bass roll off was obvious on Bjork but much less so on Curtis Mayfield. Perhaps related to bass extension, percussion instruments on Curtis Mayfield tracks lacked a tiny bit of impact on DH-40 compared to 325x… but I dont think that’s bass extension issue but related to upper harmonics as I think Grado tend to have peaks that accentuate perception of impact and definition.

- As far as I could tell both headphones resolved finer gradations in detail pretty equally, which is to say very well for “mid-fi”. Grado Reference series, Stax Lambda, Audeze LCD-X (2022) is much more obvious jump to next level nuance.

- Bass dynamics seemingly good but not an obvious strength like maybe Monoprice-AMT or ETA O2. Primo DH-40 lacks some extension so never going to be satisfying for wider swaths of music.

I prefer 325x. However I wonder if pad or upstream component synergy could alter judgement.

Despite SR60 being slightly fatiguing due to slightly spicy lower treble I think it is otherwise a more balanced listen than either. I think Ill sell 325x and Primo DH-40 / Nakamichi SP-7. 325x’s metal cups and ridiculous cable hurt portable convenience which is a major con.

edit: addendum 05/16/2024

Comparing 325x and SR60 directly:
- SR60 slightly spicy and fatiguing lower treble can sometimes come off as sounding grating or peaky, while 325x sounds smoother and fuller in the treble.
- SR60 seems to have very slightly more bass which is preferable
- 325x percussion instruments can sound as having a little more impact and definition, perhaps related to cleaner bass or perhaps hint of frequency response peaks like upper mids
- which do I prefer? If based on sonics only, then 325x
- ymmv, hrtf, etc

 

[monkuboy]

Last night I compared my Meze headphones to the Grados, using two tracks - Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing" and "Sir Duke." The differences between the two brands was quite significant. At the beginning of "Don't You Worry..." Stevie is talking a bunch of nonsense trying to impress a girl. With the Grados, it is like he is facing me and talking up close but with the Meze, it is more like he has his hand in front of his mouth or he is turned away and talking. Everything is much more up front with the Grados. As to the difference between the Grados, it is like my earlier impressions. The RS2x has more detail but the 325x more bass. The bass drum at the beginning of Sir Duke has more oomph with the 325x as does the bass line that goes all over the frets, while with the RS2x it sounds more delineated. The comments in this thread say that the bass will increase in the RS2x so I'd like for that to happen but not at the expense of any clarity. These bring out all the details.