Grado GS1000...something's not right here (newbie)

[lucky]

Quote:

Originally Posted by robm321 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I think the point that you are missing is that there are headphones that are transparent and reveal what is in your system and what's in the recording. The K-1000 would sound like absolute garbage out of a laptop because that's what is being fead through it. A non burned in GS-1000 out of an op amp won't even give you an idea of what the GS-1000 really sounds like other than how bad it can sound.

But the OP isn't running these from a laptop, but from an amp already; specifically, this one:

Welcome to Musical Fidelity

(which, incidentally, is described as capable of running the K1000). Now it's possible the phones are lacking burn-in; I know I didn't really like my K701 until after 100 or so hours, but if the OP is already using a $500 amp and doesn't like the GS1000, why not recommend a different set of phones he's far more likely to enjoy than another $500 or $1000 amp to "fix" these phones?

 

[myinitialsaredac]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucky /img/forum/go_quote.gif I just don't view them as a useful means of compensating for a headphone's natural signature.

How would you know a headphone's natural signature if it was not amped properly

As to the OP, I would also recommend trying a different headphone, some people just dont like the flavor of a headphone.

Dave

 

[robm321]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucky /img/forum/go_quote.gif But the OP isn't running these from a laptop, but from an amp already; specifically, this one: Welcome to Musical Fidelity (which, incidentally, is described as capable of running the K1000). Now it's possible the phones are lacking burn-in; I know I didn't really like my K701 until after 100 or so hours, but if the OP is already using a $500 amp and doesn't like the GS1000, why not recommend a different set of phones he's far more likely to enjoy than another $500 or $1000 amp to "fix" these phones?

I did recommend different phones to the OP. I recommeded the RS-1 or SR225. And the GS-1000s don't need to be fixed. The laptop sound card does

if he wants a more refined sound. Otherwise earbuds will work and his soundcard should be just fine.

I was responding to your post that said a headphone's sound signature will sound the same regardless of what system it's in. I know there are headphones that are more transparent than others which do change more drastically and of course burn in plays as big a role on the GS-1000s as it does on the K701.

 

[vcoheda]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikongod /img/forum/go_quote.gif I agree, the GS-1000 are a far cry from the normal grado house sound. RS-1 are where its at if you liked the SR-80

x2

 

[cswann1]

I get you Lucky. I think good headphone and amp matching is the only way to get the most from both components.

But I think a person should start with a headphone that he likes and then find an amp to get the most from it.

 

[lucky]

Quote:

Originally Posted by robm321 I did recommend different phones to the OP. I recommeded the RS-1 or SR225. And the GS-1000s don't need to be fixed. The laptop sound card does if he wants a more refined sound. Otherwise earbuds will work and his soundcard should be just fine. I was responding to your post that said a headphone's sound signature will sound the same regardless of what system it's in. I know there are headphones that are more transparent than others which do change more drastically and of course burn in plays as big a role on the GS-1000s as it does on the K701.

Yes, I agree with you that the sound will change from amp to amp. And yes, burn-in could also play a hand in the OP's findings (though I suspect he's probably looking for a more traditional Grado sound, like the other two phones you mentioned).

Quote:

Originally Posted by cswann1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I get you Lucky. I think good headphone and amp matching is the only way to get the most from both components. But I think a person should start with a headphone that he likes and then find an amp to get the most from it.

Thanks cswann! And yes, starting with the liked phone and then getting the amp to build upon that seems like the ideal way to get the most from both. Build the foundation, and then the house on top of it.

 

[obobskivich]

I agree with lucky, get the 'phone you like, and improve upon it, don't try to turn something into something its not (in other words, don't buy GS-1000's and assume with better cables and amplification they can be R10's)

now to the OP, this sounds like defective hardware, not lack of taste for their flavour, when I heard the GS-1000's, they didn't do it entirely for me, but I still noticed the improvement over the SR-325i and SR-225 in all things, I just didn't agree with their pricing (and ended up happier with a non-Grado product ultimately)

in other words, I would consider having these replaced under warranty or similar, listen to them in their working state, THEN we can have the RS-1 vs GS-1000 arguement

 

[ruknd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Death /img/forum/go_quote.gif Wow. Domo arigatou for all the replies this far! =) I'm off for a while now, will digest all this information and return tomorrow. Edit: Right now it's PC (usb)-> X-CanV8 -> headphones

They may be too revealing for your source.

 

[Blackmore]

When I tried GS1k for the first time my impressions were bad as well. System was: CambridgeAudio 640 v2, Musical Fidelity X3.

I am not sure in which way X8 is better than X3, but X3 is a terrible partner for GS1000, they just dont match at all. Maybe Cambridge didnt have enough authority as well, not sure about that

All I know, from reading, that both X3 and X8 needs NOS tubes at least, before you even look at them, so, maybe you have to try some nice Telefunkens or Mullards, before you return them.

But the most important things are the source and the quality of the record. So, I would advise you to make some visit to hi fi shop and ask them to build you the nice system and then back with us with your new impressions, if you like of course...

ps Try NAD C542 as an source at least, but MUCH better to try some musical sounding source instead of cold and analytical, maybe Linn OR something with TUBE OUTPUT STAGE, like Audio Aero Prima or Unison Research Unico, which I own and love. I do believe they would be happy to help to choose some nice one

Good luck to you.

 

[obobskivich]

I heard them through a McIntosh preamplifier (one of the tubed ones), and the sound was good right off the bat, so I guess I can agree with blackmore saying they like tubes (never heard them via an SS amp though, just know they sounded good off that Mcpre)

the X8 is supposed to be a massive improvement from the X3 in terms of sonic qualities, but just like blackmore, I don't know what they actually changed, I just know they've said its much better, and I've read that echo'd by various reviews (and the new and improved price)

 

[vvanrij]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cswann1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I get you Lucky. I think good headphone and amp matching is the only way to get the most from both components. But I think a person should start with a headphone that he likes and then find an amp to get the most from it.

But thats flawed logic. The headphone won't sound the way it should without this proper amp, thus you can't judge the headphone if its to your liking or not. If I was to judge all headphones under-amped, then all the best headphones would be 'not to my liking', and I would end up with all the (grado's RS1's exception) cheaper models who sound better without a good amp. This way I would however really be missing out. Long story short, you need a good amp to judge a headphone.

 

[Death]

Many thanks for the many impressions this far! After some pondering, I've decided to order the RS-1's to see if I like them better, as many have recommended.
But I'm keeping the GS1000's for now, I will take them to a hifi shop and compare them to another pair, they will probably also have more "suitable" equipment to try them out on, then I'll find out whether or not they're faulty as some have suggested - I can't see any visible flaws on them though, the solder joints look very tidy and the drivers look spotless.

Quote:

Originally Posted by robm321 /img/forum/go_quote.gif They really need a system built around them. They don't sound as good as the cheaper Grados out of a PC. And the Xcans is not the best match for them. However, there should have been an improvement over no amp at all???

I did some back and forth testing to verify my impression and I was wrong, when listening carefully there is a *slight* improvement with the amplifier. It's a bit hard to describe what the difference is, but some sounds (or frequencies) gets more room. A downside with the amp is that it seems to be very sensitive for vibrations, it's a bit like putting a balloon to ones ear and flicking it with a finger. If it's on the same table as the keyboard and no sound is on I will hear the tap of every key in the headphones - no problems tho, easily remedied, just a funny detail. =)

Quote:

Originally Posted by kboe /img/forum/go_quote.gif What I dont hear anybody saying is that the GS1000s were meant for low volume listening, try turning down the volume to just above too quite and then see if you like the sound better. Turning down the volume makes the GS1000s FR graph level out to a nice curve. Plus, anybody who believes in absolutes knows absolutely nothing. Kevin

Ah, yes. I noticed this... at least I don't seem to gain anything from turning up the volume.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drumonron /img/forum/go_quote.gif Only Sith Lord's deal in Absolutes! Sorry...couldn't resist!

LOL

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grimspoon /img/forum/go_quote.gif "Oh, and the PC has a standard AC'97 sound circuit, in case someone wants to know" That could be the source of your problem, right there. You're using an integrated sound, right? That should be your first priority ATM! I think a dedicated sound card will go a long way in your case, and you don't have to spend a few hundred dollars for whatever Creative is billing as their best sound card either. What you really want is a sound card with the CMI8788 chipset. Much better sound reproduction than what Creative is using. Here are a few soundcards that use the CMI8788 chipset: HT Omega Claro Bluegears B-Enspirer (What I use) Auzentech X-Meridian Asus Xonar There are a few others, but most can be had for under a hundred bucks. You'll only be doing yourself a favor by upgrading if you are using a PC as your main audio source!

I've been thinking about changing the soundcard, or at least test another to see if there's any difference. But when using the X-Can DAC the soundchip is disabled, no?

 

[vvanrij]

Yes it should be. The X-Can doesn't have a good DAC, but probably better then your soundcard. Very wise choice imo to keep the GS1000 and also a RS1 (see my sig

), its smart to give it a more thorough look before discarding it.

 

[m0ofassa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Death /img/forum/go_quote.gif Wow. Domo arigatou

*facepalm*

 

[SleepyOne]

PS. RS-1 you do need 2 or so to run in and the headband does get much more comfortable after a month or so.