grado observation - do you agree

[astroid]

I was at my local music store and was testing my sr80i against the rs2 , sr325i and the gs1000.
The owner and I were discussing them and he reckoned that the 80i was roughly 85% as good as the rs2.
I was surprised how different the gs1000 sounded to all the other grados.
The rs2 was my favourite.

 

[paaj]

Not heard the RS2, but had the SR125/325i and RS1i and I agree, but that last 15% you get from moving up are some sweet extra percents

 

[estreeter]

I'm envious of the fact that you can audition a pair of GS1000s - I am hoping to be able to do so in Singapore in December, but even at their prices I would be hard pressed to be able to justify the cost for a single pair of headphones. I'm not entirely sure that signature headphones were ever meant for common folk like myself, but I'd still like to hear them. Had no interest in the K701 until I got the K501

 

[Dinan]

I would say that each big jump in the line is about 15% (so from the 60 to the 125, from the 125 to the SR325, from the SR325 to the RS2) and well worth the money. I love the RS2 and they are WELL worth the money over the SR80 and the other options in the line. The GS1000 is amazing and I love mine. It is true that both the GS1000 and PS1000 are very different from all the lesser Grados which is a very good thing (I have both) but I have never heard a Grado that I am not happy with.

BTW, If you really like the GS1000, you could always go used and make me an offer on my mint pair that are still under warranty or find another pair. A big jump for not too much more than RS2 money.

 

[Drubbing]

Subjective tagging of percentages are meaningless.

I've got the MS1 and RS2. And the RS crap all over the MS1 every which way.

For the money the MS1 is terrific, and still very enjoyable. But not in the same league.

If the RS2 is 'only' 15% better, then that 15% must be where all the cream is.

 

[nhancakes]

Think of it like a klondike bar. the majority of it is vanilla ice cream. that extra percentage is the chocolate shell that makes it heaven.

 

[voltraizer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by astroid he reckoned that the 80i was roughly 85% as good as the rs2.

grado sr80 is 'bang for the buck' product considering the pricepoint.

most entry-level model gives you the house sound or signature sound. the rough 15% estimate would account for the refinement in SQ presentation when one goes up the product line.

imho...

 

[krmathis]

I totally agree GS1000 sound different to the other Grados.
As for the SR80i delivering 85% of the RS2 I do not know, as I have not heard any of them. But it may be right, as you over a certain point pay a lot extra for the last % improvements.

 

[watchluvr4ever]

Having owned much of the Grado line I feel that percentage would be much higher, at least to my ears. After getting the RS-1 I realized just how much I was missing in my music. Every time I moved up the Grado ladder I received more of that revelation.

 

[Head Injury]

This is pretty much how it is with most brands. The improvements between Grado might be less impressive, but that's because their lower offerings are so impressive to begin with.

And don't underestimate 15%. You can buy a car for $20,000, but if someone offered you 85% of a car for $2,000 would it really be worth it?

 

[El_Doug]

The GS1000 definitely sounds different from the rest of the pack - and imho, much worse. I honestly prefer the SR60 to the GS1K, the latter of which has an overhyped soundstage that is still minuscule, recessed mids, and poor bass impact.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Head Injury /img/forum/go_quote.gif And don't underestimate 15%. You can buy a car for $20,000, but if someone offered you 85% of a car for $2,000 would it really be worth it?

yes, it would be TOTALLY worth it! you should see my '95 corolla

 

[wavoman]

As has been noted by other posters in other threads before, changing pads on the GS1000 can make a huge difference -- tame the highs, in particular. I would not have thought so -- bass response change I would understand, but why should reducing the chamber size tame highs?? I don't get it --but it does.

I bought used but mint GS1000's for about 90% of list, sent them immediately to Stefan Audio Art to be balanced (work actually done by Grado Labs, I believe, with Stefan cable) -- lots of money invested ... and then when I got them back hated the sound on many CDs with lots of treble (but loved it on others).

I worked with Larry at headphile to make me flatter pads, just got them back, and my world has changed! Maybe it's the novelty, but I when I use my dynamic rig now I am reaching for them more that my beloved 880/600s !!