Cool_Torpedo
1000+ Head-Fier
My bad Peter, probably I misunderstood you or my memory betrays me, which happens more often than I'd like.
Originally Posted by MontyW /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hi, I managed to get to listen to the Grado GS-1000 and RS1 a day early. Having had a pair of RS-1 in the past and finding them not quite to my liking I really didn't know what to expect from these headphones. Like many pieces of hi-fi kit they seem to polarise opinions and there is a lot of conflicting information about them. I was advised by the guy in the store that straight out of the box the GS-1000 and there other top models need a long, long burn in before reaching their potential. The ones I tried where his and therefore were burnt in, so should perform at its best and consistently. GS-1000 seemed to portray a greater sense of space and sepeartion between instruments than the RS-1. These headphones sound very much more like my previous Merlin speakers and both headphones are transparent and when listening to live music you really do feel you are the gig. Both Grado's have great attack and decay, but the decay seemed a bit over emphasised - even exaggerated. The treble very well extended but perhaps a little harsh. Now considering the GS-1000 were well burnt in and the RS-1 not, the mid range on the GS-1000 although transparent becomes a bit raw and squawking. I felt the mid range on the RS-1 was more to my liking. The bass on both models was reasonably good, they're certainly not perfect to me. The bass is quite weighty and flat, but lacks grunt. Sorry grunt is the best way I can explain what I'm looking for here. My demo of the GS-1000 lasted about 45 minutes and these babies are light and comfortable as are the RS-1. Both pairs of headphones are amazingly transparent and detailed. I think the GS-1000 gives you more refinement and texture, without loosing detail and resolution. I have to admit I found the GS-1000 a better headphone for acoustic rock and the RS-1 better for the bulk of my listening rock & blues. The RS-1 is a great performer given how close it is in performance to the GS-1000 and how much cheaper it is. So will I buying a pair of Grados - not yet. Why? Well I want to see if there are better headphones that will come closer to my JBL monitors, will portray a Gibson Les Paul acurately, will deal with tone and timbre and low level detail in the bass. The search goes on. Monty |