Grado RS-1 EBAY Auction

[GoRedwings19]

You are missing the point.

This set of Rs-1's sold for less than what they are worth. It's not about the box, the fancy coloured lettering, or the brown colour headband, it's not about the current production Rs-1's either.

There are 4 headfiers name I recognize on there. Kenb, NeilPeart, Larry from headphile and another.

These people did their research on knew exactly what they were bidding on. This set of RS-1's is highly collectible and very rare.

 

[seeberg]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpr703 The reply I got back. "Magic."

That's the reply I'd get if I ask out a girl and she explains why she won't go out with me. "magic"... Bullsh**

Late,
Abe

 

[some1x]

What makes that particular RS-1 collectible? Please enlighten us.

 

[seeberg]

The only thing I thought as collectable in that auction would have been the flat pads those cans would be sporting(if they even had them at all) and that fantastic box. RS-1's are expensive, but I've never seen ones worth collecting for more than the fact they are awesome headphones.

,
Abe

 

[GoRedwings19]

Quote:

Originally Posted by some1x What makes that particular RS-1 collectible? Please enlighten us.

I have been talking to a few headfiers about this and other Rs-1's of this type.

AFAIK There are at least 3 types of Rs-1's in circulation, maybe more. There is the one that was on ebay, the dark mahogany coloured ones and the light coloured ones (current production). I have the dark mahogany coloured ones. Now there is no difference in SQ between the dark and the light coloured versions. Or at least I can't hear the difference.

So what makes the ones that sold on ebay getting crazy bids???? I have talked to Zanth (he owns a pair like those sold on ebay) and NeilPeart (his friend has a pair). The ones that sold on ebay have the hp-1000 derived drivers. This will of been Joe Grado's last bit of involvment in the production of headphones. So what does this mean as in regards to SQ? Some people find the Rs-1's highs a bit much. These ones because of the hp-1000 drivers have rolled off highs. And that's why you have Larry from headphile and NeilPeart gunning for them. They did their research.

You are not bidding on current production Grados, and like my earlier post the box, the fancy lettering. It's the headphone. And that's why it went for the price it did. And it went for less than what it is worth.

There was another one of these for sale on Ebay UK. I think it went for about UK£350-370. It went to an ebayer in Germany. The box was in okay condition and the headphones had been well used.

NeilPeart regard this as the best Grado ever. And I know he is more of a Hd650/he60 person. Larry of headphile searches for hp-series phones and stuff. Zanth is the only headfier I know who has a set.

 

[some1x]

Interesting. Doesn't Grado have NOS HP-1000 drivers? Wouldn't it be possible to put HP-1000 drivers in RS-1s for a price

To be honest, I don't think I'd do it without hearing the difference.

Its kind of hard to know for sure whether the cups are dark or light unless the seller carefully color matches the photos. I think Grado should have their RS1 cups produced in Cremona

 

[GoRedwings19]

Quote:

Originally Posted by some1x Interesting. Doesn't Grado have NOS HP-1000 drivers? Wouldn't it be possible to put HP-1000 drivers in RS-1s for a price To be honest, I don't think I'd do it without hearing the difference. Its kind of hard to know for sure whether the cups are dark or light unless the seller carefully color matches the photos. I think Grado should have their RS1 cups produced in Cremona

You have a good point there. But seeming these are so rare, you have to take the risk.

It is a lot of work to get a pristine condition box, hp-1000 drivers (especially if its NOS), then the brown leather headband just for the sake of an extra $$. But Grado's are expensive outside US so the winning bidder might have got it cheaper on ebay US and without realising it, got a pair of one the rarest Grado's around especially if it's NOS as these haven't been in production for years. Might be worth Emailing them to see if they sell!!!!

I think all the Grado hp-1000 driver have been used up now. And even if you could get them I expect you would have to send your headphones into Grado.

 

[Jonoh]

Thanks GoRedwings19 for the info....this is interesting.

I noticed the Grados and the wood box with no idea that this was not even a current production model. I did think the wood was darker and better looking IMO, than the ones I heard at a local store. I thought these would go for $550 or less which seems to be what NIB RS1s were/are going for on eBay when they come up. In fact, I was going to bid on them before I found one for sale in the forum at a good price...btw, I have that pair on right now...no wood box but I am a happy camper!

 

[seeberg]

So now you're a Gradomotic fan too, eh?

+

=bliss,
Abe

 

[GoRedwings19]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonoh Thanks GoRedwings19 for the info....this is interesting. I noticed the Grados and the wood box with no idea that this was not even a current production model. I did think the wood was darker and better looking IMO, than the ones I heard at a local store. I thought these would go for $550 or less which seems to be what NIB RS1s were/are going for on eBay when they come up. In fact, I was going to bid on them before I found one for sale in the forum at a good price...btw, I have that pair on right now...no wood box but I am a happy camper!

I suppose you can consider these the r-10's, he60, he90's, w2002, w100's of the Grado range. Very Rare and hold their value.

Don't get me wrong I am not saying they are better/worse than the current production models but headfiers I have talked to, believe they are. I couldn't comment as I have never heard a set.

 

[seeberg]

I wonder how they'd stack up to your PS1's?
Hmmm...

,
Abe

 

[GoRedwings19]

Quote:

Originally Posted by seeberg I wonder how they'd stack up to your PS1's? Hmmm... , Abe

truth be told I prefer the rs-1's. Ps-1's just offer a smoother refined listen compared to my rs-1's. But that is just my opinion. Ps-1's not worth the money for what it offers.

 

[seeberg]

Then again, what $1500 headphone is?

 

[GoRedwings19]

Quote:

Originally Posted by seeberg Then again, what $1500 headphone is?

my he60+hev70 combo....

 

[seeberg]

That goes for $1500? I had no idea. Are Stax's in that price range as good?

,
Abe