Grado GS2000e Loaner program

[DBX1]

Sounds like a winner. These are still on my list. The PS1000e is out for me. Just too bright for me

Not me.  I am keeping my PS1000e !!!!  I still want to hear the GS2000e though !!!!

 

[james6333]

Not me.  I am keeping my PS1000e !!!!  I still want to hear the GS2000e though !!!!

I have only heard the PS1000e once for about 30 minutes on an unfamiliar amp so I would not read into it too much. First impression was they were pretty bright/resssessed in the Mids. Still enjoyable but not sure I would pay $1700 for something so colored.

 

[DBX1]

I had an experience with listening to several models of Audeze LCD Headphones because of all the raves I read about them.  I had to audition them on two different occasions.  The first time I listened to their lineup of headphones is that the bass was deep, but I felt underwhelmed.

I went to audition them a week later.  I also asked to hear the Grado PS1000, the Beyerdynamics T1-V2, and the Sennheiser HD-800.

This time, I tried the Grado PS1000 first.  It was love at first listen.  I knew instantly that these were winners.  Then after listening to the PS1000s, I tried one of the Audeze LCD Headphones again - I could not get them off my head soon enough.

I also tried the Beyerdynamic T1s, and the Sennheiser HD-800.  All are winners.  I found the PS1000 and the HD-800 to sound the same with the exception that the PS1000 had bass.  The HD-800 did not.  The T1-V2 has a recessed midrange compared to the PS1000, but it too is a winner, which is why I purchased both the PS1000e and the T1-V2.  I don't think I will be giving up my PS1000e anytime soon.

 

[DBX1]

I have only heard the PS1000e once for about 30 minutes on an unfamiliar amp so I would not read into it too much. First impression was they were pretty bright/resssessed in the Mids. Still enjoyable but not sure I would pay $1700 for something so colored.

I do agree - it is very hard to justify spending $1700 on a pair of headphones.  Until you compare that you can spend $10000 on just a set of speakers.  And that doesn't cover the cost of the amp or preamp.

Ahhh... such delemmas.

If you get a chance - try to listen to the PS1000(e), hopefully on more familiar equipment.  I find it to sound like a very nice (uncoloured) headphone.  I think they sound like the way headphones should sound.

 

[joseph69]

  Then after listening to the PS1000s, I tried one of the Audeze LCD Headphones again - I could not get them off my head soon enough.

I couldn't agree more about the LCD-X.

 

[punkmanmatthew]

I find the PS1000e not bright enough.

 

[wormsdriver]

 
 
 
Here we go!

...  

.......

.................

 

[JoeDoe]

Incoming!

TL;DR: The new GS2000e sounds to these ears, like a Grado-ized HD800. It's fast, a little sweet, comfortable, and definitely a top tier can. For those who want a more neutral Grado experience, this guy is definitely one to consider!

I don't have a formal review for you guys, but I can offer the following:

Bass: Starting from the bottom... like many of the 'e' series Grados, the low end has traded in some of the impact from the 'i' series for a more 'audiophile' sound. I hear kick drums more than I felt them on the GH1, PS1000, or RS1i. Now, the low end is plenty extended to these ears, moreso than what I recall of the GS1000i when I had it, but it doesn't reach quite as deep as the sub-range of my Alpha Primes. Going from the XLR out of my Liquid Crimson, I didn't hear a significant change in the low end compared to the 1/4" out.

Midrange: To these ears, the mids aren't as pushed back as they are on the PS1000e or the older GS1000i. I'm sure part of this is because the low end isn't coming as far forward either, but I will say that those of you who've heard the mids on the RS1i, GH1, or any of the PS500 iterations, the 2000's mids aren't going to be quite as forward. Vocals on the aforementioned cans are more euphonic and forward, however, I would consider those pleasant colorations, rather than completely honest representation of the original recording. I didn't have a tube amp to try with the GS, but I imagine that most would impart a little warmth throughout the mids that might bring some of that magic forward if that's your bag!

Treble: Much more extended than any Grado I've heard, save the PS1000e. There were times when I was running this guy through the XLR out on the Cavalli where I had to take them off because I thought someone was saying something in the next room or a kitchen appliance was being used... Just like the low end, the meat of the upper end isn't as forward as it was on the GS1000i, but it's every bit as detailed, more refined, and much more extended. This was the only part of the frequency range where I felt like running them balanced made a noticeable improvement. In all honesty, I was reminded again and again of the desirable treble qualities of the HD800. Just sayin'...

Soundstage/Imaging: Very close to the flagship PS1000e. Nice and big with good depth and great width. Certainly a huge step up from anything in the Prestige or Reference Series. Once again, I'm immediately reminded of the HD800. It's not quite up to that level, but it's dang close. 

All in all, I'd rank my 4 favorite Grados in the following order:

1. PS1000
2. GH1
3. RS1i and GS2000e
4. GS1000i

That's not to say that the GS2000e is inferior to the two ranked above it, that's just my personal preference. I like hearing all of the detail in the low range that it offered, but I'd trade some of that detail to get back a little more thump. The mids are crystal clear and very smooth, however, they aren't going to impart that Grado magic the way the RS models and GH1 do. Treble is bested only by the PS1000e. Like I said before, if you're a fan of the HD800, or maybe you like 90% of what it does, but you're ready to try something else, I can't imagine the GS2000e wouldn't check off your boxes. It's the most 'audiophile' Grado I've heard to date, it's easy to drive, gorgeous to behold, and it's plenty comfortable. 

Associated Gear:
Headphones: GS2000e, PS1000e, PS1000, Alpha Primes, GH1
Amps: Cavalli Liquid Crimson, Emotiva DC-1, Chord Mojo
Sources: Emotiva DC-1, Chord Mojo, MacBook Pro running JRMC21



I'd certainly like to thank Todd for the opportunity to play with this beautiful headphone! Looking forward to my remaining time with it and to impressions to come!


PS - Happy 4th to everyone!

 

[james6333]

Incoming!

TL;DR: The new GS2000e sounds to these ears, like a Grado-ized HD800. It's fast, a little sweet, comfortable, and definitely a top tier can. For those who want a more neutral Grado experience, this guy is definitely one to consider!

I don't have a formal review for you guys, but I can offer the following:

Bass: Starting from the bottom... like many of the 'e' series Grados, the low end has traded in some of the impact from the 'i' series for a more 'audiophile' sound. I hear kick drums more than I felt them on the GH1, PS1000, or RS1i. Now, the low end is plenty extended to these ears, moreso than what I recall of the GS1000i when I had it, but it doesn't reach quite as deep as the sub-range of my Alpha Primes. Going from the XLR out of my Liquid Crimson, I didn't hear a significant change in the low end compared to the 1/4" out.

Midrange: To these ears, the mids aren't as pushed back as they are on the PS1000e or the older GS1000i. I'm sure part of this is because the low end isn't coming as far forward either, but I will say that those of you who've heard the mids on the RS1i, GH1, or any of the PS500 iterations, the 2000's mids aren't going to be quite as forward. Vocals on the aforementioned cans are more euphonic and forward, however, I would consider those pleasant colorations, rather than completely honest representation of the original recording. I didn't have a tube amp to try with the GS, but I imagine that most would impart a little warmth throughout the mids that might bring some of that magic forward if that's your bag!

Treble: Much more extended than any Grado I've heard, save the PS1000e. There were times when I was running this guy through the XLR out on the Cavalli where I had to take them off because I thought someone was saying something in the next room or a kitchen appliance was being used... Just like the low end, the meat of the upper end isn't as forward as it was on the GS1000i, but it's every bit as detailed, more refined, and much more extended. This was the only part of the frequency range where I felt like running them balanced made a noticeable improvement. In all honesty, I was reminded again and again of the desirable treble qualities of the HD800. Just sayin'...

Soundstage/Imaging: Very close to the flagship PS1000e. Nice and big with good depth and great width. Certainly a huge step up from anything in the Prestige or Reference Series. Once again, I'm immediately reminded of the HD800. It's not quite up to that level, but it's dang close. 

All in all, I'd rank my 4 favorite Grados in the following order:

1. PS1000
2. GH1
3. RS1i and GS2000e
4. GS1000i

That's not to say that the GS2000e is inferior to the two ranked above it, that's just my personal preference. I like hearing all of the detail in the low range that it offered, but I'd trade some of that detail to get back a little more thump. The mids are crystal clear and very smooth, however, they aren't going to impart that Grado magic the way the RS models and GH1 do. Treble is bested only by the PS1000e. Like I said before, if you're a fan of the HD800, or maybe you like 90% of what it does, but you're ready to try something else, I can't imagine the GS2000e wouldn't check off your boxes. It's the most 'audiophile' Grado I've heard to date, it's easy to drive, gorgeous to behold, and it's plenty comfortable. 

Associated Gear:
Headphones: GS2000e, PS1000e, PS1000, Alpha Primes, GH1
Amps: Cavalli Liquid Crimson, Emotiva DC-1, Chord Mojo
Sources: Emotiva DC-1, Chord Mojo, MacBook Pro running JRMC21



I'd certainly like to thank Todd for the opportunity to play with this beautiful headphone! Looking forward to my remaining time with it and to impressions to come!


PS - Happy 4th to everyone!

Good review, just what I was looking for.

 

[grizzlybeast]

@JoeDoe thanks for the impressions. 
 
I feel really out of place since I have not much experience with Grado. I have a strong feeling I am going to enjoy it.

 

[joeq70]

I have taken receipt of the GS2000e! I'm currently charging my camera and giving the headphones a preliminary listen. So far they are quite good! More to come soon...

 

[joseph69]

  I have taken receipt of the GS2000e! I'm currently charging my camera and giving the headphones a preliminary listen. So far they are quite good! More to come soon...

 

[mtoc]

  I found the PS1000 and the HD-800 to sound the same with the exception that the PS1000 had bass.

 
God....

 

[DBX1]

God....

Yes mtoc -

What is it you wish to add to the discussion?

 

[joseph69]

@DBX1 
 
I agree with you 100% in favor (preferrence) of the PS1K vs the 800S…but the 800S is an excellent sounding HP as well, no doubt.
I can see why many people love the 800/S but I just can't justify keeping the 800S which I have in my possession at the moment.