I like the SR60 over 325i, totally confused

[Cerebral_Mamba]

I bought my SR325i a month ago and here are the serious problems I am facing. Day before yesterday, whole day I refrained from listening to music because my left ear was hurting very badly. The pain is coming from inside, but I really don't know if it is because of the headphones. I used to listen for hours with my previous SR80 without fatigue and I don't think i am listening at volume levels that are dangerous. Anyway, yesterday I sat whole morning & afternoon with the cans and now the pain is real bad and I am thinking of going to a doctor.

Anyway, I had convinced my roommate to order an SR60, which came day before yesterday and yesterday night I put it to test against my 325i. Despite being prejudiced and fully expecting the Sr325i to show significant improvement, I was surprised to realize that the SR60 was giving a more forward presentation, somehow I felt it much more fun & with the pain in my ears I can really feel it less fatiguing (my ear drums now seam very vulnerable and sensitive).

The moment I switch to the Sr325i, I feel my pain is increasing (I really don't know if its psychological.. but I don't think so). I did the tests with both the cans having Bowl Pads (I kept switching the bowls between the two) and both powered by the Total Bithead I have. Yes, the SR325i did have a bigger soundstage, but I still liked the SR60 overall.

I could go on an attempt to try out different amps and see if any will mellow down the SR325i, but instead I thought I could spend that money and get the RS1. Since I really don't want to be buying and selling headphones, i want your sincere help in clarifying a few points first.

1. I really enjoyed the more forward presentation of the SR60 and for that very reason, I feel that the Alessandro may not be of my complete liking. Am I wrong in that assumption?

2. I would like to know if the RS1 has a more forward or laid back presentation. I have read several conflicting views and really have no clue of the reality.

3. Most importantly, I would like to know how the RS1 performs with Rock and Metal music. Some of what I listen to often are Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Pink Floyd, Pearl Jam and likewise. I have read over and over that RS1 is perfect for woodwind instruments, but nobody did mention of it for Metal.

I strongly feel that the SR225 will satisfy my needs, but since I already bought a more expensive one, I am a little inhibitant to go down the ladder again. The only reason I went for the 325i was because it looked cool and I really did not expect this much of a difference

Please Help.

 

[Cerebral_Mamba]

deleted....

 

[Cerebral_Mamba]

And if anyone is selling their Hp1s or Hp2s, it would be a blessing in disguise .. though I know it ain't going to happen

.. I just wish I got into this quality headphone stuff much earlier and perhaps I would also be having one of the Joe Grado cans

 

[Jazper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cerebral_Mamba And if anyone is selling their Hp1s or Hp2s, it would be a blessing in disguise .. though I know it ain't going to happen .. I just wish I got into this quality headphone stuff much earlier and perhaps I would also be having one of the Joe Grado cans

were the headphones (the 325's ) amplified?

 

[chrisfromalbany]

I have questions along the same lines. And wonder why more people don't have the MS-PROs. I am looking to get the RS-1s as well for rock but wondering if I should MS-PRO.

 

[Cerebral_Mamba]

I did the test by amping both the headphones via Total Bithead. I would assume it does an acceptable job for driving the Grados. One main reason i like the SR60 over the 325i was beacuse of a more forward presentation. It just was more nicer following the guitar rifts and less fatiging. MS-Pro is more laid back from what I hear, so I am as of now prefering the RS1. I really want to get some reviews of the RS1 with Metal & Rock music.

 

[Murdoch]

I also found Grados painful, with pain IN my ear, just like you. The good news is, stop using Grados, and the pain goes away!

Apparently Grados aren't for you, I suggest you try senns or akgs instead. (Beyers are also rather bright, so I recommend avoiding them.)

 

[Cerebral_Mamba]

Quote:

Murdoch I also found Grados painful, with pain IN my ear, just like you. The good news is, stop using Grados, and the pain goes away! Apparently Grados aren't for you, I suggest you try senns or akgs instead. (Beyers are also rather bright, so I recommend avoiding them.)

i would have thought so, but I used the Sr80 for 4 months on an minimum of 6 hours a day and I believe at higher volumes than I did with my 325i and had absolutely no issue. Its just that the 325i is TOOO sharp and I hope I have not caused any permenent damage to my ears.

 

[Usagi]

Just keep using the 325is. You'll develop a slight hearing loss that will counteract the pain you feel with the Grado highs.

 

[Murdoch]

I used grados without incident for about a year, but then the ear pain suddenly started happening.

I still think avoiding grados is best, but maybe you'll find a different one that doesn't give you pain. I think its unlikely though.

 

[Murdoch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Usagi Just keep using the 325is. You'll develop a slight hearing loss that will counteract the pain you feel with the Grado highs.

I hope you're not serious. That's crazy talk.

 

[Cerebral_Mamba]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Usagi Just keep using the 325is. You'll develop a slight hearing loss that will counteract the pain you feel with the Grado highs.

Luck for me I ain't crazy enough to believe

..

Quote:

Murdoch I used grados without incident for about a year, but then the ear pain suddenly started happening. I still think avoiding grados is best, but maybe you'll find a different one that doesn't give you pain. I think its unlikely though.

Its strange though.. what exactly could be the problem. Could you please specify what Grado you had this issue with.

Believe it or not, yesterdy afternoon due to the pain i was just thinking that if I did incure some ear damage and the doctor some how confirms that it was due to the uncontrolled highs of the 325i, i would not waste an effort to sue Grado to whatever limits possible by me. As much as I am a devotee and absolutely love their house sound, they are not to release any potentially harmful cans.

But it was just a passing thought that occured in my head due to the pain I was feeling and I'll surely put off with the 325i before that stage. I really want to know if the RS1s have this miserable highs and whether they have a forward presentation for Metal & Rock music as the SR60s.

 

[hentai]

Believe it or not , rs-1 is the most comfortable ( in sound sense) to listen to.

 

[fogia.4]

Sueing Grado? LOL...

I'll be the first to testify that after over a year of usage of almost only Grado cans (sr60, sr325 silver, sr325i) my hearing has not diminished at all nor do my ears hurt. You people have sensible ears...

 

[Silfer]

I should go to the docter first. If the pain in you ear is caused by blocked sinusses then that would explain a lot.
Because then you won't be able to hear details and other better things of your sr325is over the SR60s and all you're left with two cans that sound the same in quality but you like the sr60s sound signature better.

I have had a mild cold for weeks now and the ksc75s with hole in the foam mod sound almost as good as my RS-1s at the moment. Rs-1 is just fuller and better headstage but the details and such are lost on me ATM.

So if I were you I'd visit a docter first and then start thinking of upgrading.