GS1000 vs. RS1 vs. RS2

[MayiBorrowaQUART]

Firstly, my apologies if this thread has been done. I did a quick search and couldn't find my answer.

Originally, I was set to buy Grado 325is but I can spend a little more money now, so I'm looking into Grado's upper line. So that brings me to GS and RS series.

I know audio is a personal preference, but I can't seem to find an authorized dealer in my area (recommendations in South Florida also, please) to audition them live. Assuming a live audition can't be arranged and money is no object, which of the listed headphones is really the best. I'd lean towards the GS 1000 of course, but is it really that great of an improvement over the RS series? I understand more comfort was engineered into the GS then in previous models and that alone could break the deal for me.

Though I have interest in home audio DIY, at the moment I have no interest in headphones DIY. Right now I'd just like to have a wonderful sounding headphone that is well crafted and can match--if not improve--the sound of my home set up. I'm sure eventually that side will come out in me and I will want to mod...


Thanks in advance for all answers.

Happy listening

 

[blessingx]

I think the GS1000 is a significant level above the RS series, but only if you have matching equipment as they are extremely finicky cans (with an inverse response curve that has to be dealt with to boot). The RS1 is much much easier to find synergy with.

And the GS1K really doesn't sound like the rest of the line depending on what you're after. They're aren't RS1+. I'm no Grado fan for instance.

 

[Blackmore]

Well, welcome to the head fi

If you can buy an RS1 old school version, go for it. Of course RS1 will be the one that most advised up here. So, I gues the gold middle is a good start.

 

[Varcharz]

If you want well crafted, you may want to look elsewhere, but I'm just speaking from what I've read on these very forums.


Here's more of that:

The RS line and the GS-1000 are supposedly quite different. The GS does not share many characteristics with the rest of the Grado line, and are often characterized as a perfect "quiet" phone. The RS models, on the other hand (especially the RS-1) are more of the in-your-face Grado sound that initially draws many people in, with warm colouration and clear, crisp highs.

 

[MayiBorrowaQUART]

Quote:

Originally Posted by blessingx /img/forum/go_quote.gif I think the GS1000 is a significant level above the RS series, but only if you have matching equipment as they are extremely finicky cans (with an inverse response curve that has to be dealt with to boot). The RS1 is much much easier to find synergy with. And the GS1K really doesn't sound like the rest of the line depending on what you're after. They're aren't RS1+. I'm no Grado fan for instance.

ATM I do not have an amp. Were I to buy Grados, I would buy the matching amp aswell. Mostly, though, I would be playing from an iPod or computer as a source. Very rarely would I hook it up to the Marantz and listen from there.

Transparent seems like a good word to describe what I'm looking for. There are days where I'll listen to Jazz for hours, and days where I'll listen to classical for hours. I like classic and modern rock as well, so I'd like a nice balanced, tight bass response.

I'm a music major in college and I like being able to hear every ambience in the music. Being able to hear the clang of saxophones keys just makes it seem all the more real and like I could close my eyes and be there.

Basically, the purest sound possible.

 

[MayiBorrowaQUART]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackmore /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well, welcome to the head fi If you can buy an RS1 old school version, go for it. Of course RS1 will be the one that most advised up here. So, I gues the gold middle is a good start.

Thank you

I've thought about ordering from eBay but I'm still weary. What are the advantages of the old school RS1s? If it comes down to it, I'll search the classifieds in th forum (that's available here, right? lol) for an old school RS1.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Varcharz /img/forum/go_quote.gif If you want well crafted, you may want to look elsewhere, but I'm just speaking from what I've read on these very forums. Here's more of that: The RS line and the GS-1000 are supposedly quite different. The GS does not share many characteristics with the rest of the Grado line, and are often characterized as a perfect "quiet" phone. The RS models, on the other hand (especially the RS-1) are more of the in-your-face Grado sound that initially draws many people in, with warm colouration and clear, crisp highs.

Really? Because one of the things that attracted me to Grado was the craftsmanship. Aesthetically pleasing is almost as important as sonically. I really do like the look of the Grado line. I also like the fact that they're handmade in a small apartment in NY. IDK just the sentimental in me.

Hm. That just confuses me even more. I didn't really want an in-your-face headphone.

 

[Kees]

Your musical preference (jazz and classical) points to GS1000 rather than RS1. RS1 are rock cans, with a lot of energy and very nice mids, but not the soundstage you (I at least) need for other music.

 

[Blackmore]

Well, he listen to the rock as well. But if your preferences JAZZ&CLASSICAL only, GS1000 all the way.
But be aware, you have to buy a matched amp for them. If you look at amps forum, you will find a lot of that info.

Personaly I bought SR225 just for my Rock music, cos GS1000 do not do it for me.

Cheers.


Quote:

Originally Posted by Kees /img/forum/go_quote.gif Your musical preference (jazz and classical) points to GS1000 rather than RS1. RS1 are rock cans, with a lot of energy and very nice mids, but not the soundstage you (I at least) need for other music.

 

[MayiBorrowaQUART]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kees /img/forum/go_quote.gif Your musical preference (jazz and classical) points to GS1000 rather than RS1. RS1 are rock cans, with a lot of energy and very nice mids, but not the soundstage you (I at least) need for other music.

That's pretty much what I was figuring. And I figured I'd end up talking myself into the GS1000 anyway lol

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackmore /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well, he listen to the rock as well. But if your preferences JAZZ&CLASSICAL only, GS1000 all the way. But be aware, you have to buy a matched amp for them. If you look at amps forum, you will find a lot of that info. Personaly I bought SR225 just for my Rock music, cos GS1000 do not do it for me. Cheers.

I just love all kinds of music. Because of this, I think I'm going to go with the GS1000 for the immediate and add to my collection later for rock listening.

 

[feh1325]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MayiBorrowaQUART /img/forum/go_quote.gif What are the advantages of the old school RS1s?

i've read of better build quality
but also, different looks

i believe the new rs1 have a different housing. no more button, different font
lighter wood?

as for sonic differences...i'm not sure
never heard an rs1

but if you're considering the rs2, i can say that its a nice grado, but i don't know if its right for me. compared to my ms2i, its a bit warmer and laid back. my ms2i are really detailed, upfront and present electric guitars and drums better

 

[Asr]

There's an upcoming South Florida meet on October 27th!

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=258745

 

[Mindless]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MayiBorrowaQUART /img/forum/go_quote.gif Transparent seems like a good word to describe what I'm looking for. There are days where I'll listen to Jazz for hours, and days where I'll listen to classical for hours. I like classic and modern rock as well, so I'd like a nice balanced, tight bass response. I'm a music major in college and I like being able to hear every ambience in the music. Being able to hear the clang of saxophones keys just makes it seem all the more real and like I could close my eyes and be there. Basically, the purest sound possible.

Sounds like GS1000 is your can. Listening to classical for hours won't be a problem since that's what they do best in my opinion. Tight bass won't be a problem either as that's probably their strongest point. The lower end control and precision is just amazing. I think they work great with rock too, especially older progressive / melodical rock like Pink Floyd, Boston and Asia but people would probably disagree.

GS1000 is like a portable concert hall. I have yet to hear a can that beats GS1000 in instrumental 3D positioning. You'll 'be there' eventhough you don't close your eyes.

Of course, this is providing you have a proper source and amplifier, without either, I'm quite sure it won't even be remotely as enjoyable as it could be.

 

[kontai69]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MayiBorrowaQUART /img/forum/go_quote.gif ...one of the things that attracted me to Grado was the craftsmanship. Aesthetically pleasing is almost as important as sonically. I really do like the look of the Grado line. I also like the fact that they're handmade in a small apartment in NY. IDK just the sentimental in me .

IME, with Grados, the craftsmanship tends to vary. I've seen some significant wood defects in a couple of GS1000's on display at the 2007 HeadFest meet. At the same time, other than a few bad initial samples, the redesigned RS-1/2's looks to have great woodworking/finish. If cosmetics are critical to you, I advise buying any Grado in person or at least buying from a place that will inspect the cans before sending them out to you. Or better, buy used from someone who posts hi-res pics of their cans.

 

[MayiBorrowaQUART]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mindless /img/forum/go_quote.gif Sounds like GS1000 is your can. Listening to classical for hours won't be a problem since that's what they do best in my opinion. Tight bass won't be a problem either as that's probably their strongest point. The lower end control and precision is just amazing. I think they work great with rock too, especially older progressive / melodical rock like Pink Floyd, Boston and Asia but people would probably disagree. GS1000 is like a portable concert hall. I have yet to hear a can that beats GS1000 in instrumental 3D positioning. You'll 'be there' eventhough you don't close your eyes. Of course, this is providing you have a proper source and amplifier, without either, I'm quite sure it won't even be remotely as enjoyable as it could be.

Thank you for this answer. I'm thinking this will definitely be my choice of can now.


Quote:

Originally Posted by kontai69 /img/forum/go_quote.gif IME, with Grados, the craftsmanship tends to vary. I've seen some significant wood defects in a couple of GS1000's on display at the 2007 HeadFest meet. At the same time, other than a few bad initial samples, the redesigned RS-1/2's looks to have great woodworking/finish. If cosmetics are critical to you, I advise buying any Grado in person or at least buying from a place that will inspect the cans before sending them out to you. Or better, buy used from someone who posts hi-res pics of their cans.

Though this has me a little worried. I'll post an add in the forum looking to buy used while I find a dealer in Florida.



BTW - Still having trouble finding a South Florida dealer.

Anyone know of a good one? I'm willing to drive.

 

[MayiBorrowaQUART]

I need 44 more posts until I can post an add. :[