Grado SR125 soundalikes?

[arto]

Hi there

Are there any dynamic cans that have the same exciting up-front sound as my SR125s but with a wider soundstage (and more comfort)? Better build quality would be a bonus too. I run the Grados directly from my Marantz CD player at a fraction of the available volume so I don't feel the need for an amp just yet ...

Unfortunately I have never fallen in love with the Grados. So ugly and so uncomfortable! I use the comfy pads, but they seem to reduce the soundstage (I can't check - the bowls have crumbled into horrible black sand).

I listen to pop-folk like The Decemberists and Sigur Ros. From reading here I am leaning towards the DT990 but am I dreaming? This is my first post so sorry if I'm repeating anything ...

Thanks!

 

[EvilDwarf]

I think the HD 595s or K240S might be for you. They are quite forward cans with good soundstage. But you must know, that the Grado sound cannot be copied. Have you tried washing the bowls with soap to soften them and bending the headband out a bit? My Grados are as comfortable as it gets. In fact, I find them more comfortable than my 595s.

 

[arto]

Thanks. I never thought to wash my bowls! It's too late now. I should buy another pair, but here in NZ they cost about US$40! That's the Grado distribution policy for you. It seems Grados and their accessories are only affordable to residents of the USA.

I tried the 595s in a shop the other day. They're quite good value over here for some reason. They had the soundstage but they sounded quite dark and the lower mid-range was odd - male vocals seemed to boom. Mind you, they were fresh out of the box. And I was listening to dark, reverby Chris Issak (the only disk in the shop). Comfortable though!