[jpr703]

RS-1 for me--love 'em!

 

[saturnine]

RS-1. Looks like I'm currently in the majority here.

 

[boodi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by aerius Started with the 225, still on the 225.

vote 225 then

i saw you didn't vote

lazy boy ( or lazy girl )

 

[gordie]

I've had the HP-2s since they came out (I forget when I got them, maybe 1992?) - and I have the HPA-1 amp that was sold at the same time.

I also purchased some RS-1s a few years back, which have their pluses and minuses. The RS-1s have awesome impact, and sound rich and full. They are very easy to drive, and with the Grado amp they have tons of punch (amazing punch), and with an Earmax Pro they are lush and sweeten up a bit.

I love the RS-1s when they're on their game, but for me, they are way too uncomfortable for long term listening, and they also seem fairly colored - they definitely put their sonic signature on the sound.

Which brings me to the HP-2s. I actually have full pads on them, mainly for comfort. It rolls off the highs a bit, and since these cans are already a bit subdued, they are definitely dry and smooth set up like this. However, they have great detail, even with the pads, and are very comfortable and non-fatiguing.

Compared to the RS-1s, they don't have the same punch, or go as deep, and they aren't as bright and lively, but overall I prefer listening to them, and can listen longer. Right now I'm driving them with a Hornet, but I also drive them with the Grado amps. The Hornet is doing an amazing jobs with these hard to drive cans! As you would expect, they are a great match with the Grado HPA-1 amp, I'd do a head on comparison between that amp and the Hornet, but I'm enjoying listening too much to get scientific with my listening.

The RS-1s are exciting and do a great test drive. Most people who hear them at my place really love them. For me, though, they can be fatiguing, and the comfort factor is really bad. I'm glad to own them, and would never sell them, but they're not my main rig - actually that honor goes to a Stax 3030 system, but the HP-2s have been on my head longer than any other phones (since I've had them so long) and they see frequent use connected to my computer through one of the amps.

 

[kin0kin]

highest end grado I've ever auditioned/owned would be the ms2i, have spent lots of time with everything below it. at this point, I'd say none are a keeper. maybe the rs-1/hp-1/ps-1 are worth it...gotta audition them one day.

 

[kramer5150]

SR40, HF1, MS2, RS1 for me.

SR40 was just the gateway drug.

HF1 Great guitar tones, sounds a little weak at the extreme ends of the spectrum. Warm wooly sounds, THICK and rich tones.
MS2, somewhat neutral, less aggressive midrange, and less bass bloat. Very good energy / dynamics at the ends of the spectrum, with better extension than the HF1. Less colored than the HF1/RS1
RS1, combines both HF1 and MS2 into one can. Very good extension, and dynamics at the ends of the spectrum (like the MS2). Colored presentation, aggresive mids and moderately bloated bass like the HF1.

RS1 is More airy and articulate than the other 2, although the MS2 is closer to the RS1 than the HF1. RS1 is much quicker than the HF1 and better at resolving details. HF1 is wooly and warm compared to either RS1 or MS2.

HF1 is the easiest of the 3 to like IMHO, very warm and rich sounding, thick sounding.
RS1 has the best soundstage of the 3.

Note also that my RS1 is still new and probably needs more time settling.
Garrett

 

[discochan]

Just got my MS-1 and I love them

 

[grawk]

My PS3000s are pure heaven...

 

[daba]

I heard both the HP-2 and the PS-1, but I liked the PS-1 better.

Not really a fan of the HF-1.

 

[boodi]

if the poll should go on and keep on top for a time ( days ) we could have a count of how many headfiers use grado cans

 

[boodi]

I would bet the top tier on votes will be contended between hf-1 and rs-1 ( and maybe the sr-225 , who knows )

 

[wush]

Currently enjoying my MS-1s on the first step of the ladder.

..I can see myself climbing higher given time!

 

[HiWire]

Jumped from MS-1 to HP-2... why settle for less?

 

[AndyKatz]

I fibbed in the poll. I put "RS 1" because it is the best that I have sonically, but I don't take it out. I take my HF 1 out. So it gets way more listening time than the RS 1, therefore the 'phone that's listened to the most is the best.

Actually the K1000 I passed along to another headfier had the best sound, imaging to die for ... but who's going to wear that while commuting to work in the am?

Andy

 

[SK138]

Falling in love with 325i and XCan amp with some Russian 6922 tubes