[pearljam5000]

Well after buying my first real headphones,i am finding their sound to be damn nice considering the price.
my question is how much better does it get from here?how much do i have to spend to have MUCH better sound?i'm not talking 10%...something around 50% or more.

 

[mrdeadfolx]

The general concensus will tell you, the more you spend, the less value you get for your dollar. $500 headphones will probably not sound TWICE as good as $250 ones, rather often only slightly better. If you are content with your phones and dont get the itch to upgrade, thank your God of choice and move along happily

 

[The Actual]

It is hard to measure in terms of percents, I think.

For me, subtle differences between, for example, my Stax SR-404 and AKG K1000 are incredibly important. Being a self-described audiophile, it is the small things that make me love listening to music on my current rig.


I would say that the SR-80s are only the beginning. I would recommend some detailed IEMs next, like the Etymotic ER4P.

 

[Sherwood]

What I assume you're looking for is a similar upgrade from the basic headphones you had before. I'm guessing your original headphones cost about $10 and your new SR-80's cost $100. For a twofold improvement in sound, you paid 10 times as much. I think it's not unreasonable to expect roughly the same scale again.

For an improvement such as the one you're looking for, you should expect to pay $1000 dollars.

 

[Ahobaka]

Once you pass, lets say $1-200 step it's not really massive improvements, overall the SQ will increase as you go up, but the headphones all have their different coloration of the sound. Some have great focus on mids and bass, others on highs, some are very balanced in their sound etc.

Do some auditioning on local hi-fi stores that sell headphones and hear for yourself if you can

 

[Zanth]

If you are really loving the Grado sound...then staying within the line would be the best bet to get improvements. That said, www.goodcans.com has really nice writeups about the various models, particularly the SR60's and the RS-1's and GS-1000's. I think what they have written is pretty spot on. Starting with the SR60's (the SR80's in my opinion are slightly better and start to show some signs of improvement when used with an amp) one gets a heck of a lot of sound for the money. I'd wager that I'm enjoying 75% or so of what the RS-1's offer, maybe as high as 85% depending on the type of music I'm listening to.

At 1/10th the cost...I'm at a pretty sweet spot, 3/4 the performance or more at 1/10th the money. Spending to go higher up in the chain will offer performance improvements but 50% more? Not overall, but certainly in some areas of reproduction and heck maybe even more than 50%.

The SR60's already offer excellent resolution and a wonderful midrange. They can get a bit harsh up top and their bass is plump (but darned fun). The SR80's have a tighter bass, and more controlled top end while retaining the lovely midrange.

Jumping up to say th 225's, you get tight solid whomping bass, that same wonderful midrange with more instrument separation, more resolution and a richer sound all the while having in my opinion, the best top end of the Prestige line.

What doesn't dramatically improve then is the midrange overall, the imaging and the soundstage. Of course, dropping in an amp one will notice the 225's seem to take better advantage of the cleaner power than the SR80's.

So that leaves the Reference and Statement Series to really demonstrate what is possible from Grado.

Larger cups = larger headstage, and quite a bit larger soundstage. Resolution is incredible at this point and the tightness of the bass, wonderful top end (no harshness) rich tone and timbre and the layering of the sound is so much better in my opinion. So, are these traits that you are looking for? If not, then spending more may not equate to ultimate satisfaction. You might not view these aspects of the sound as ultimately important (though most around these parts do of course). It seems that to many of us, maxing out these aspects of sound is really what audiophilia is all about because they are notoriously difficult to achieve. However, this may then equate to a full 50% or more in enjoyment of the music because it sounds that much more real. For me, though many transducers can get me 75% or more of the sound...it takes the really good stuff to approach the 90%+ and therein lies the cost. Getting closer to 100% (if that is ever to be possible) will at least at first...cost an arm and a leg. For many that is what they are trying to achieve, hence the megabuck systems.

That said, don't discount the greatness of the SR80's. Definitely a great set of cans, but if you want even more of the same and some extra stuff you aren't hearing...go for the 225's or if you can splurge...the RS-1's. Of course for the ultimate experience...grab the GS-1000's, but they sound a bit different from the "Grado House Sound"

 

[J-Pak]

Well said Zanth. The SR-60 are amazing headphones.

 

[epaludo]

I love my SR-60 also.
Really impressive it's quality for the money spent ...

 

[pearljam5000]

thanks for the very helpful post,and thanks everyone else!

this is exactly my goal....headphones that would sound as real as possible.
i read some good things about GS-1000 regarding how real it sounds.
is this true?
and would you say that headphones that sound as real as possible are also the headphones that are the most speaker like sounding?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zanth /img/forum/go_quote.gif If you are really loving the Grado sound...then staying within the line would be the best bet to get improvements. That said, www.goodcans.com has really nice writeups about the various models, particularly the SR60's and the RS-1's and GS-1000's. I think what they have written is pretty spot on. Starting with the SR60's (the SR80's in my opinion are slightly better and start to show some signs of improvement when used with an amp) one gets a heck of a lot of sound for the money. I'd wager that I'm enjoying 75% or so of what the RS-1's offer, maybe as high as 85% depending on the type of music I'm listening to. At 1/10th the cost...I'm at a pretty sweet spot, 3/4 the performance or more at 1/10th the money. Spending to go higher up in the chain will offer performance improvements but 50% more? Not overall, but certainly in some areas of reproduction and heck maybe even more than 50%. The SR60's already offer excellent resolution and a wonderful midrange. They can get a bit harsh up top and their bass is plump (but darned fun). The SR80's have a tighter bass, and more controlled top end while retaining the lovely midrange. Jumping up to say th 225's, you get tight solid whomping bass, that same wonderful midrange with more instrument separation, more resolution and a richer sound all the while having in my opinion, the best top end of the Prestige line. What doesn't dramatically improve then is the midrange overall, the imaging and the soundstage. Of course, dropping in an amp one will notice the 225's seem to take better advantage of the cleaner power than the SR80's. So that leaves the Reference and Statement Series to really demonstrate what is possible from Grado. Larger cups = larger headstage, and quite a bit larger soundstage. Resolution is incredible at this point and the tightness of the bass, wonderful top end (no harshness) rich tone and timbre and the layering of the sound is so much better in my opinion. So, are these traits that you are looking for? If not, then spending more may not equate to ultimate satisfaction. You might not view these aspects of the sound as ultimately important (though most around these parts do of course). It seems that to many of us, maxing out these aspects of sound is really what audiophilia is all about because they are notoriously difficult to achieve. However, this may then equate to a full 50% or more in enjoyment of the music because it sounds that much more real. For me, though many transducers can get me 75% or more of the sound...it takes the really good stuff to approach the 90%+ and therein lies the cost. Getting closer to 100% (if that is ever to be possible) will at least at first...cost an arm and a leg. For many that is what they are trying to achieve, hence the megabuck systems. That said, don't discount the greatness of the SR80's. Definitely a great set of cans, but if you want even more of the same and some extra stuff you aren't hearing...go for the 225's or if you can splurge...the RS-1's. Of course for the ultimate experience...grab the GS-1000's, but they sound a bit different from the "Grado House Sound"

 

[Davesrose]

"Better" is a bit of a misnomer in audio I think.....you could spend hundreds of dollars on other headphones and wind up not liking them as much as your SR80s. Every brand has its own sound signature that you'll either like or not like.

For me, I like a Grado sound that emphasizes detail and clarity, while still offering dynamic slam. So the SR325i is it....I think it's worth it to spend the extra for it over the SR60 (subjectively speaking of course). I found the SR60's resolution and quality to be on par with $70 studio monitor headphones: offering the some extended treble, but similar resolution as other headphones in its price range (Sony MDR V6 in particular).

If you want to upgrade your current headphone, try out the SR225 or SR325i...they have similar sonic signatures as what you like, but offer more refinement.

 

[Zanth]

I think the GS-1000's provide the most life-like sound from what I have heard. I've never heard the Sennheiser Orpheus setup, nor the AKG K1000 earspeakers.

I do feel that headphones that present a sound closer to speakers do in fact reach a level of realism beyond what other headphones are capable of. The GS-1000's retain much of the beloved Grado sound characteristics while in my opinion giving far more for the money.

In my system, I've been told that the GS-1000's sound more neutral than the PS-1's, a feat that isnt' echoed too often around these parts. The GS-1000's are surprisingly neutral sounding when powered properly. They have a massive soundstage and headstage. Likely the largest of any headphone save the AKG K1000's which are better termed Ear Speakers vs. Headphones.

The GS-1000's have the most resolving power of any Grado from lows to highs. They surpass everything I've heard personally save for the Etymotic 4 series.

The GS-1000's offer the best tone and timbre of any phone I've listened to, on par with the RS-1's yet better in the bass and treble and slightly superior to the R10's.

The bass is powerful yet controlled in my system, the highs extended yet smooth.

They are my current choice as ultimate headphone and it is what I listen to most often. I own the PS-1's, RS-1's and SR60's as well.

 

[Televator]

I love my SR-60's: been having a blast walking along the beach today on a pretty cold evening (so I was practically alone) while playing my own (+/- binaural) live registration of Japanese postrock legends Mono over my MZ-RH1 > LDM+ > SR-60 w. quarter modded HD414 pads... the pads (and the music) kept my ears warm, the openness let the natural sounds in (which suited the music very brilliantly) and I didn't need to worry about a bit of sand or being mugged as these are my throw-about pair

So do I miss anything? No! I could have (/should have?) stopped right there... hadn't I read more H-F and gotten curious about the other materials you can make grado/alessandros from: metal and wood. I really dig industrial design, don't have an unlimited budget by far and was intrigued by the descriptions of Alessandro's neutral-grado approach... so I got myself some MS2i's ... wow! For $299 (which is about 2.5x an SR-60 in Belgium) I really have gotten my money's worth... indeed more neutral, but also much more detailed, clearer, blacker between notes, deeper (but less muddy) bass, realistic highs but also a very slick look and a very solid feel (I prefer the 'heavy' MS2i to the lightweight SR-60, PX100 and most definitely to the horribly fitting KSC75's)

So is there a need to upgrade? Of course not, you've already spent more on headphones than most people will ever do and you have already obtained great sound. Is upgrading unnecessary? Well, only if you think any of the above reasons (mine and the previous posters') aren't important enough to empty your wallet for.

Go and listen to some higher level stuff (at a meet or a store) with an open mind... if you don't think it is worth it, ok, give yourself a break and be happy with what you've got and do not try to hear differences (your wallet will thank you) ... if you do, well, you already know where to turn to for shopping tips

 

[pearljam5000]

I do belive you that they are amazing.
but why do you think that they ars so unpopular(relativley speaking) and alot of people seem to hate them?
a small group LOVE them.
so it seems that people's opinions regading GS-1000's sound is are very ploar.
so it's kind of odd to me.
Quote:

Originally Posted by Zanth /img/forum/go_quote.gif I think the GS-1000's provide the most life-like sound from what I have heard. I've never heard the Sennheiser Orpheus setup, nor the AKG K1000 earspeakers. I do feel that headphones that present a sound closer to speakers do in fact reach a level of realism beyond what other headphones are capable of. The GS-1000's retain much of the beloved Grado sound characteristics while in my opinion giving far more for the money. In my system, I've been told that the GS-1000's sound more neutral than the PS-1's, a feat that isnt' echoed too often around these parts. The GS-1000's are surprisingly neutral sounding when powered properly. They have a massive soundstage and headstage. Likely the largest of any headphone save the AKG K1000's which are better termed Ear Speakers vs. Headphones. The GS-1000's have the most resolving power of any Grado from lows to highs. They surpass everything I've heard personally save for the Etymotic 4 series. The GS-1000's offer the best tone and timbre of any phone I've listened to, on par with the RS-1's yet better in the bass and treble and slightly superior to the R10's. The bass is powerful yet controlled in my system, the highs extended yet smooth. They are my current choice as ultimate headphone and it is what I listen to most often. I own the PS-1's, RS-1's and SR60's as well.

 

[pearljam5000]

My problem is,i just can't live with nothing less than the very best when it comes to things i love(such as music,and as a result-audio),and knowing for a fact that there are much better headphones out there is driving me nuts

Quote:

Originally Posted by Televator /img/forum/go_quote.gif I love my SR-60's: been having a blast walking along the beach today on a pretty cold evening (so I was practically alone) while playing my own (+/- binaural) live registration of Japanese postrock legends Mono over my MZ-RH1 > LDM+ > SR-60 w. quarter modded HD414 pads... the pads (and the music) kept my ears warm, the openness let the natural sounds in (which suited the music very brilliantly) and I didn't need to worry about a bit of sand or being mugged as these are my throw-about pair So do I miss anything? No! I could have (/should have?) stopped right there... hadn't I read more H-F and gotten curious about the other materials you can make grado/alessandros from: metal and wood. I really dig industrial design, don't have an unlimited budget by far and was intrigued by the descriptions of Alessandro's neutral-grado approach... so I got myself some MS2i's ... wow! For $299 (which is about 2.5x an SR-60 in Belgium) I really have gotten my money's worth... indeed more neutral, but also much more detailed, clearer, blacker between notes, deeper (but less muddy) bass, realistic highs but also a very slick look and a very solid feel (I prefer the 'heavy' MS2i to the lightweight SR-60, PX100 and most definitely to the horribly fitting KSC75's) So is there a need to upgrade? Of course not, you've already spent more on headphones than most people will ever do and you have already obtained great sound. Is upgrading unnecessary? Well, only if you think any of the above reasons (mine and the previous posters') aren't important enough to empty your wallet for. Go and listen to some higher level stuff (at a meet or a store) with an open mind... if you don't think it is worth it, ok, give yourself a break and be happy with what you've got and do not try to hear differences (your wallet will thank you) ... if you do, well, you already know where to turn to for shopping tips

 

[Televator]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pearljam5000 /img/forum/go_quote.gif My problem is,i just can't live with nothing less than the very best when it comes to things i love(such as music,and as a result-audio),and knowing for a fact that there are much better headphones out there is driving me nuts

well, I am quite the opposite... I set my price-limit, did my research, bought the intro-can and then went for the definitive set... I will be enjoying my Marantz CD 5001 > HeadFive > MS2i for a long time!

never say never, but I won't be upgrading soon