HP-2 & HP-3 Owners Poll

[Xanadu777]

I don't think HP's are overpriced. They best both PS-1 and RS-1 in sound, build and posterity IMO. I remember when a '58-60 Flame Maple Les Paul went for $1500. Now they can go $35,000+. Why? Same reasons as above... sound, build and posterity.

If HP's came to market new right now, I would expect them to be in the thousand dollar or more range. They had a little lull after the bubble when the PS-1's came out, but are already increasing again. Get 'em while the gettin' is still reasonable. Those closest and Pawn shop pairs are getting few and far in between. Like an old guitar, once in awhile a pair will creep out of the closet for a good deal. Not that I've ever gotten one

 

[Jap]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xanadu777 I don't think HP's are overpriced. They best both PS-1 and RS-1 in sound, build and posterity IMO. I remember when a '58-60 Flame Maple Les Paul went for $1500. Now they can go $35,000+. Why? Same reasons as above... sound, build and posterity. If HP's came to market new right now, I would expect them to be in the thousand dollar or more range. They had a little lull after the bubble when the PS-1's came out, but are already increasing again. Get 'em while the gettin' is still reasonable. Those closest and Pawn shop pairs are getting few and far in between. Like an old guitar, once in awhile a pair will creep out of the closet for a good deal. Not that I've ever gotten one

[size=small]You're probably right at that since I can't argue with the build quality. However, I have invaded your thread long enough. As it is, I may be moving out of state in a few months due to new career possibility; so I may have to watch my spending for a while.

[/size]

 

[braillediver]

Within the last year JMT tried to sell a pristine pair of HP1’s for $700 and it took a week I think. Today someone paid $866 for a less than stellar pair of HP2’s. It seemed the only real proof they were HP2’s was the sellers word so things have changed dramatically again.

I think they are finally falling into peoples hands that really like them and fewer pairs are going to be changing hands because of this.

2 years ago during the last peak in prices a member posted wanted ads everywhere on the Internet. If you googled for the HP1’s you would find an ad from that member- everywhere. He told me he posted 3000+ ads. In the process he brought in at least 10 pairs of HP1000 headphones (if not more) as far as I could tell. He resold them for a profit and made a pretty penny but he also took the risk since most sellers were unknown and the condition of the headphones was also unknown. He kinda flooded the market over a 6 month period and I think this led to the reduction in price, reduction in interest and filled most peoples needs at the time being.

Now with the recent thread on the HP2’s it rekindled the Grado Love and introduced the headphones to newer members who weren’t here for the last upsurge in appreciation and desire. It’s an interesting cycle.


To me the key is “If” Joe Grado ever gets back into fixing them one last time an “If” he has any parts left and what those parts are? This will enable members with less than perfect pairs to get them repaired mechanically which is all that really matters.

I had my drivers and cable replaced by Joe 18 months ago so I’m good to go for another decade but I’m not too sure for a lot of the other pairs in circulation.


It’s interesting.

Mitch

 

[Jap]

Quote:

Originally Posted by braillediver Within the last year JMT tried to sell a pristine pair of HP1’s for $700 and it took a week I think. Today someone paid $866 for a less than stellar pair of HP2’s. It seemed the only real proof they were HP2’s was the sellers word so things have changed dramatically again.

[size=small]
I was offered some HP1000's for around $850 or so. I backed off then because I was taking care of so many other issues at the time. (I have strong computer and photo interests which demand my wallet's attention too.

) I may have to just go for it eventually once my career issues get resolved.
[/size]

 

[Xanadu777]

Quote:

Originally Posted by braillediver Today someone paid $866 for a less than stellar pair of HP2’s.

I was wondering what the conversion was in US funds, whoa... I suddenly have the urge to part with another pair

 

[recstar24]

Mitch,

you bring up some really good points, things that as a relative newb to this whole Joe grado thing i've just starting to think about. I do have 2 sets, but a part of me wants to unload one of them, but your points about longetivity and ability to get repaired have me worried somewhat. Sonically, they are perfect for me, they do everything i could ever ask from a can and more, and that is get the screw out of the way and let me listen to my music.

Do you all think i should reconsider unloading my extra set in the event that one of them goes bad?

 

[GoRedwings19]

Quote:

Originally Posted by recstar24 Mitch, you bring up some really good points, things that as a relative newb to this whole Joe grado thing i've just starting to think about. I do have 2 sets, but a part of me wants to unload one of them, but your points about longetivity and ability to get repaired have me worried somewhat. Sonically, they are perfect for me, they do everything i could ever ask from a can and more, and that is get the screw out of the way and let me listen to my music. Do you all think i should reconsider unloading my extra set in the event that one of them goes bad?

If you can afford to keep the extra pair then do so. With continous use any headphone will eventuall fail after a period of time. Seeming there are no spare drivers or if there is then they will be in big demand.

I did think about at one time about offloading one of mine. But the very same points were raised by another headfier so for the time being I have kept hold of them.

 

[Jahn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by braillediver I think they are finally falling into peoples hands that really like them and fewer pairs are going to be changing hands because of this.

*Raises hand as one of those guys*

 

[Rhydon]

hey, dont u be polluting recstar's mind. After owning every Grado out there (except the PS-1). I am still waiting for a chance to own the HP-2's....

The idea that they will fail and need to be repaired after a certain amount of time is flawed. There should be NO reason why the driver fails, other then misuse or physical damage.


edited: spelling

 

[Jahn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhydon hey, dont u be polluting recstar's mind. After owning every Grado out there (except the PS-1). I am still waiting for a chance to own the HP-2's.... The idea that they will fail and need to be repaired after a certain amount of time is flawed. There should be NO reason why the driver fails, other then misuse or physical damage. edited: spelling

Is this true? Doesn't a driver fail after decades of normal use too? HP-1000s are already pushing over a decade as we speak...

 

[Rhydon]

I could see a speaker driver failing (an older one) because of the surround deteriorating. But now all manufactures practically use rubber or cloth. AND the HP series headphones, or any grado headphone ever made, have a seamless surface construction, with the surround of the driver being directly part of the driver diaphragm.

Again, i could see it failing cause of perhaps sand or dust getting in the driver, but then again to me that is misuse, any well kept phone should hold its function for a lifetime if not more.

To me, i think you guys should experiment with headphones a little more. Dont horde all the HP's to yourself. You might have a good collecting concept for now, but what happens in a couple years when theres no more HP's going around. No ones gonna be bragging about them, no ones going to be updating on their newest headphone "revelation" with their HP's. And without a constant refresh of the HP air, the cans will slowly but surely loose all their value and claim.

Keep the HP's alive.


Rhydon

 

[boodi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhydon To me, i think you guys should experiment with headphones a little more. Dont horde all the HP's to yourself. You might have a good collecting concept for now, but what happens in a couple years when theres no more HP's going around. No ones gonna be bragging about them, no ones going to be updating on their newest headphone "revelation" with their HP's. And without a constant refresh of the HP air, the cans will slowly but surely loose all their value and claim. Keep the HP's alive.

mm

mm

 

[GoRedwings19]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhydon I could see a speaker driver failing (an older one) because of the surround deteriorating. But now all manufactures practically use rubber or cloth. AND the HP series headphones, or any grado headphone ever made, have a seamless surface construction, with the surround of the driver being directly part of the driver diaphragm. Again, i could see it failing cause of perhaps sand or dust getting in the driver, but then again to me that is misuse, any well kept phone should hold its function for a lifetime if not more. To me, i think you guys should experiment with headphones a little more. Dont horde all the HP's to yourself. You might have a good collecting concept for now, but what happens in a couple years when theres no more HP's going around. No ones gonna be bragging about them, no ones going to be updating on their newest headphone "revelation" with their HP's. And without a constant refresh of the HP air, the cans will slowly but surely loose all their value and claim. Keep the HP's alive. Rhydon

I quite like the post you posted. It's funny and a wonderful attempt to free up some hp-phones.

When there are no more hp-phones left floating around then they will be in the hands of the people who love them the most.

Th hp-phones are bested by todays high end offerings in most sonical departments and not to mention not everyone "gets" their sound. I am sure you will find another phone to your liking.

Most headfiers at one time or another have experienced other phones besides the hp-series phones. They have experienced more phones then you can imagine. What would you suggest they experience? Would you have a suitable suggestion for me?

I think you are just pissed because you don't want to pay the piper to see what's all the fuss about.

I am not bothered if they lose their value or claim as they represent better value for money than any tier 1 headphone and they still are the most transparent that I have owned or heard. Fanboyism? Probably, but unless the qualia's, r-10's, he90's sell for $700ish and have the build quality of nuclear bunker your comments are at best lovespuds talk...

Don't worry about us HP-owners. I am sure we will get through this most difficult period while listening to the hp-phones...

This is for Jap and Rhydon. And in case you take offence the above post is just a windup. You will get your chance like most headfiers will. Or if us hp-fanboys have our way, you won't!!!!

Later Meatsticks

 

[Xanadu777]

I agree that in most cases a driver failure is nothing to worry about happening. If cans are misused, overdriven to extreme or subject to harsh conditions (sun, mostuire, possibly extreme humidity), then worry. I've purchased "failed" cans of different brands and usually the drivers are fine. A short or bad cable or a cold solder joint are the most common true failures.

Like anything, if they are good enough there will almost always be someone who has parts or can fix them. Unless they become obsolete and totally outclassed, peeps will always talk about them too.

 

[Rhydon]

damn....... well, if any of you HP owners feel needing for some cash, you kno who to call.



Rhydon.