[TwoTrack]

Trying to decide on my next set of cans. I've narrowed it down to new pair of 325is or a used pair of RS-1s at a steal. So I have some questions for ya...

1. Is the new RS-1i a big step up in sound quality over the older RS-1?

2. Would the 325is get close to the old RS-1 in sound quality terms?

3. If I get a chance to buy the RA-1 amp cheap as well should I do it regardless of which model I choose? Does having that change the answers to the questions above?

Many thanks for your headphone expertise.

 

[Sherwood]

The RS-1 is an excellent headphone, much better than the SR-325i. The general consensus is, with a few exceptions, the older the better. I haven't heard the RS-1i yet, but I doubt it will be drastically different either way.

The RA-1 amp is designed for RS-1s, ideally. It's nothing special, really -- you could build one for about $25. It does sound pretty good with RS-1s, but so does most stuff.

I'd jump on the RS-1 and sort out the amp later.

 

[TwoTrack]

Thanks Sherwood.

Any other opinions?

 

[tim3320070]

I had the RS-1i after my 325is. The 325is is no slouch but the RS-1i is definitely more refined. IMO, not worth the money at all (for either model), though they sound good, don't get me wrong, just not at those prices. For $150 less (at J&R), the Denon D7000 is much better (for me). Please don't waste your cash on the RA-1. All kinds of amps out there would be a seriously better choice over that thing. Again, IMO.

 

[SemiAudiophile]

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/rs1...s-rs1i-419738/

i don't think anyone owns both to make a detailed comparison. however, the general consensus is that the older vintage models sound better than the classic RS1's and the RS1i's sound clearer than the classics. it narrows down to preference, i like my RS1i's though and i like the 325i's just as much. again it's preference because both have its strengths and weaknesses.

 

[3X0]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim3320070 /img/forum/go_quote.gif For $150 less (at J&R), the Denon D7000 is much better (for me).

Am I missing something? Doesn't J&R sell the D7000 for $999?

 

[Mr.Borismo]

sr325i -- USD295
rs2i -- USD 495
rs1 - USD550
rs1i -- USD 695

Rs1i, is indeed a steep jump. Is the USD400 between the 325is and rs1i really worth it?

am about to pull the trigger on the rs1i and this is bugging me.

 

[TwoTrack]

Wow, I did not realize the cost of the RS's went up so much.

 

[Scooterboy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Borismo /img/forum/go_quote.gif sr325i -- USD295 rs2i -- USD 495 rs1 - USD550 rs1i -- USD 695 Rs1i, is indeed a steep jump. Is the USD400 between the 325is and rs1i really worth it? am about to pull the trigger on the rs1i and this is bugging me.

I would say that it depends on the rest of your system and your source. Thr better they are the more the RS1i would be justified IMHO.

 

[scytheavatar]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwoTrack /img/forum/go_quote.gif Wow, I did not realize the cost of the RS's went up so much.

Uh, the RS1 has always gone for $699. I haven't heard the RS1i but I don't think the RS1 is worth even $550, $400-$500 would be about how much it's worth at best when it's a semi-marginal upgrade from the SR225. So the RS1i isn't worth $695 unless there's a big improvement of it from the RS1.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Borismo /img/forum/go_quote.gif sr325i -- USD295 rs2i -- USD 495 rs1 - USD550 rs1i -- USD 695 Rs1i, is indeed a steep jump. Is the USD400 between the 325is and rs1i really worth it? am about to pull the trigger on the rs1i and this is bugging me.

Do you actually own the SR325 or any of the lower end Grados before? If you don't you should get them and see if you actually like the Grado sound enough to pay for the RS1. If you do own the SR325 you can always experiment with the other headphone brands, the Grados are not the end-all of exciting headphones, unlike what many make them out to be.

 

[winwin]

Check my post in the RS1 vs RS1i thread and click the link. There's a small comparison there.

 

[Mr.Borismo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by scytheavatar /img/forum/go_quote.gif Uh, the RS1 has always gone for $699. I haven't heard the RS1i but I don't think the RS1 is worth even $550, $400-$500 would be about how much it's worth at best when it's a semi-marginal upgrade from the SR225. So the RS1i isn't worth $695 unless there's a big improvement of it from the RS1. Do you actually own the SR325 or any of the lower end Grados before? If you don't you should get them and see if you actually like the Grado sound enough to pay for the RS1. If you do own the SR325 you can always experiment with the other headphone brands, the Grados are not the end-all of exciting headphones, unlike what many make them out to be.

Thanks for the advice. Have the sr60 and the sr225. Did not like the sr60 as it cant handle lf very well. I actually love the sr225 and this is why I am looking at the rs1i. My love affair with the 225 made me realize i would eventually upgrade sooner and later. But the way the grado's are priced makes me think twice.

So what would you recommend to a grado fan, with say a 450USD budget. Using it with a portable amp.

Thanks again,

 

[scytheavatar]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Borismo /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for the advice. Have the sr60 and the sr225. Did not like the sr60 as it cant handle lf very well. I actually love the sr225 and this is why I am looking at the rs1i. My love affair with the 225 made me realize i would eventually upgrade sooner and later. But the way the grado's are priced makes me think twice. So what would you recommend to a grado fan, with say a 450USD budget. Using it with a portable amp. Thanks again,

For more bass, you can look at the Ultrasones, they have that Grado aggression in them. Or you can look at the open back ATHs, although I am not sure if the AD700 is better than the SR225 to you and the AD2000 is probably out of your price range. Or for something bright, quick and very detailed you can look at the SA5000. Or for a better soundstage the DT880 is a good choice. If you are looking for something all rounded you can go for the HD600 or D2000/D5000. If you are looking for something mellow for jazz or classical music the HD650 and K701 can be considered.

 

[userlander]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Borismo /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for the advice. Have the sr60 and the sr225. Did not like the sr60 as it cant handle lf very well. I actually love the sr225 and this is why I am looking at the rs1i. My love affair with the 225 made me realize i would eventually upgrade sooner and later. But the way the grado's are priced makes me think twice. So what would you recommend to a grado fan, with say a 450USD budget. Using it with a portable amp. Thanks again,

The HF-2.

Too bad they are sold out. Grado should make a comparable model to fill that price gap between the 325i and the R series. They would make a boatload of money. Otherwise, yeah go with used RS-1.

 

[Cankin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Borismo /img/forum/go_quote.gif So what would you recommend to a grado fan, with say a 450USD budget. Using it with a portable amp. Thanks again,

Used RS-1, see the FS forum or audiogon. They can be driven by portable amp and will show your the improvement when you upgrade your amp or source.