[MajorCockUp]

I got them today, used and burned-in. A bit dissapointed. I lsiten to losless from an unamped Cowon S9.. Is it  because of that? Can you guys advice towards some amp and DAC? Is Hifiman HM-800 any good? Friday Im getting paid again
 
Bilavideo was right, modding SR80 would get them close to RS1. Not very close but still a huge bargain. I have the feeling my RS1 isnt worth the 400£ (600$) I spent.There is much more detail and much fermer bass and unlike my old modded SR80 it doesnt throw bass into everything else. But is seems a lot more fatiguing at same EQ settings. Maybe I suffer from flat-fish-ears sindrome? Or maybe I should have gone for SR325 or HF-2?
 
 
Can I please get some advice on what to pair RS1 with?  
 
 
 
ps: FALSE ALARM, IT ONLY HAD 20HRS OF USE
 
 

 

[logwed]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I believe that a great headphone should not be awe inspiring at first listen. Give it a couple weeks of listening to it exclusively, and then try going back to your SR80s. I think that you'll be more impressed.

 

[Zombie_X]

I would recommend listening to them longer as well. I know my old set did not initially impress me at all, but they grew on me over time though I ended up selling them in favor of a DT880. Also the RS1/i is extremely efficient and does not need any amping at all so it's not your Cowon as they will drive them fine.
 
If you do still want an amp I would recommend a Little-Dot 1+ as it's a hybrid amp (tube sound, solid state power) though it's a desktop amp. A good portable amp that mates with them well is the Little-Dot MK1+.

 

[ButtUglyJeff]

Did you get the RS1s with or without the button?  There is a difference...

 

[wind016]

If you find the RS1s fatiguing, avoid the 325s like the plague.
 
If you want something to contrast the Grado SR60, I recommend you take a look at the Sennheiser HD598. Excellent mid range balance and soundstage that is unrivaled at the price of $175.

 

[alphaphoenix]

Quote:

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I believe that a great headphone should not be awe inspiring at first listen. Give it a couple weeks of listening to it exclusively, and then try going back to your SR80s. I think that you'll be more impressed.

 
Well said and 100% agree.
 
 

 

[WhiteCrow]

hmm the sr80i's gave me the mother of all headaches, the sr325is through the -RS series were like butter to my ears and I loved them. I got the RS-2 as I really didnt hear much difference between the RS-2 and RS-1
 

 

[Happy Camper]

The Grado line has been reported to be a match with the Mapletree amps. I have liked them with the Millet Hybrid and the Pico. A tube or hybrid will tame some of that piercing Grado highs. I use them as a road can with the Xin portable and directly from an ipod.

 

[WhiteCrow]

Little Dot MKII+ is a darker amp, with a new OP amp*10$ for 2* its even smoother and darker sounding and a perfect match

 

[MajorCockUp]

Yes my model is buttonless. What does it mean?  I had a listening session last night. SR80 used to be fatiguing too until I vented their drivers. Ive listened to them again and you guys were right, what a difference! Even male voices have bass in them. Probably RS1 is much darker than a standard SR80 and since I dont have one to compare it with....it is still brighter than mine. I seriously doubt my taste. Bill say something here.
 
Little Dot amps seem to be in the affordable zone.  I dont think I will ever spend more than 500£ on amps, but again I thought I would never spend more than 200£ on hp at the time of buying DT880. Is there a good portable amp that can double as DAC? How do you guys rate the HD800? Is there a place in London where I could test equipment? The shops Ive tried never stock enything besides Sony and the occasional AKG. I cant spell Shenheisser.
 
I must be going mad, nothing sounds good anymore and everything has fat price tags. I mean how can they justify asking 1000£ for 2 drivers and a cable?
 

 

[MajorCockUp]

GOOD NEWS, IM NOT GOING MAD. THEY HAVENT BEEN BURNED-IN !!!!!!
MUHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHA.. wallet saved
 
disregard my last comment. i didnt delete it because it looks kewl. as a matter of fact disregard this whole thread. i seriously need to get a life and stop editing my own posts

 

[Uncle Erik]

Do not buy an OTL for Grados. The vast majority have an output impedance higher than the headphone impedance. That's just asking for messy bass.

If you're on a budget, go solid state. It has a nice, low output impedance. If you must have tubes, buy an amp with output transformers. The only commercial OTL exception is the Zana Deux. Its 6C33C tubes have a nice, low output impedance.

 

[cloudlea]

i strongly recommend u must get a amp for rs1, if you want to take rs1 to street , a portable amp is necessary. If u listen music at home , an good dac + ra1 amp will be fine, you will feel pure Grado sound

 

[Mad Max]

lol
I did find SR325is somewhat awe-inspiring upon first listen.  They have only continued to grow on me over the past couple of years.
I get tired of other headphones' sound because of it, lol.  Well, except for A2kX.
If I spend too much time with my other 'phones, I end up missing my Grados and love them a bit more when I finally return to them.
 
OP, if you don't like your Grados, you can always give them to me.  =p

 

[KneelJung]

Quote:

 
 
Can I please get some advice on what to pair RS1 with?