Grado's SR-80 Not feeling it?!

[Enthusia]

I just bought some used grado sr-80's and have been using them for about a week now. I hear all these crazy good things about the phones on how they are great for rock and such and their highs are too much for alot of people. I don't know, I just don't feel it, I have been using a pair of hd555's with the HWC mod and I think I like them better overall, especially because I like the wide soundstage. I just replaced the stock bowls with some yellow hd414's, more bass, but not much change. Help?!

 

[Citizen86]

You like what you like and you don't like the Grado sound?

I assume you're listening to rock music, but you seem to like the wider soundstage, which Grado lacks in... no soundstage to speak of, it's all in your face.

I'm guessing it's a completely different sound then your Senn's, so maybe give it longer than a week to see if you do like the sound, but if not, then stick with your HD555's.... nobody's forcing you to like the SR80's

 

[captainzoli]

If you like a wide soundstage, the SR-80s won't be for you, imo.

 

[Enthusia]

Make me like the grado sound signature please! Alright well I am going do the quarter mod on the hd414's. Lets hope everything will turn out for the better, by the way what type of cutting instrument do you use, just regular scissors?

 

[Citizen86]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enthusia /img/forum/go_quote.gif Make me like the grado sound signature please!

lol.... anybody have a voodoo doll?

 

[steviebee]

If you didn't like SR80 w/ bowls, what's the difference you're seeking w/ 414s? Of the two pads, bowls will give you more of what you're seeking I would 've thought...

 

[GonArm76]

Have you tried cross feed? It may help a lot with sound staging, and get rid of the "in-your-face" sound. As far as bass goes, it is pretty much non-existent below about 30Hz. You could try the tape mod (do a search) to increase bass, but I personally noticed little difference. Some people seem to swear by it, though.

 

[Tomikans]

bowls give more soundstage than 414 pads. Reverse modding 414 pads will only open up the highs while keeping some of the bass increase.

It took me around two weeks to get fond with the grado signature.

 

[Cankin]

I started this hobby with SR80 and I hated it too, but after owning cans from different brands (K701, Proline750....etc), I prefer Grado sound now.

Just give yourself some more time to adjust your ear, Senn and Grado are at two extremes.

Edit: If you want Grado with soundstage, try GS1000, it's soundstage is even larger than HD650.

I have never done this mod but people said it improves bass and soundstage:

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/ale...arning-323271/

 

[mstorie]

Grado phones have the smallest sound stage of any phone I've heard, which makes for a very "intimate" setting. The RS-1 has the widest sound stage yet. You would need to get into some serious mods to expand it more, and I dont think it would ever come close to that of the Senn's. There are lots of grado mod/pad threads on here... but most folks like the Grado sound already before modding, and I dont know much $$ you are willing to spend on that.

 

[pbirkett]

I've had SR-80s both with bowls and flats.

In both cases, I found the comfort and build quality poor. The comfort was poorer with flats. That was a shame because the flats sounded better to my ears, a much punchier and more fun sound - in other words, they actually had some bass. Not the last word in sophistication mind. With the bowls though, I personally think they are very thin and painful to listen to for extended periods.

 

[moogoob]

Try washing and taping your bowls.

That's what turned them from good phones to great phones, in my personal experience.

Of course, you may just not like the Grado sound. As a last-ditch resort, try listening to them alongside a pair of good-quality speakers. Really expands the soundstage- not as effective as doing it with a K701, but still an interesting effect.

 

[-=Germania=-]

Having owned Grados and heard every single one of them - sans the MS Pro (HF-1, PS1, and HP1000 included). I can say that there is serious varience even within the line.

I can say that I do not care for the RS2, Sr60, SR80, SR125, 325i, PS1, *new* RS1's

I can say that like: *vintage RS1*, MS1, MS2i, GS1k (which I changed my mind on after listening to appropriate music), HP1000 (loved these), HF-1 (good but not for the price they are going now), and the 225 is undecided after hearing Very well burnt in pair and relatively new ones.

Just understand that they are not for everyone.

Now, I may just make one of those MS1000 things....after I get my amp and headphone stand projects done......

 

[AudioCats]

try recabling them to silver/teflon and see....
But if you do, might as well use the SR-60 for the project.