[wormsdriver]

Some fun news for you all, I don't have a Turbulent Labs driver/build yet but I just finished getting

A gorgeous Magnum V7 build and a Grado RS2E and RS-1 Buttoned, so here shortly with @DavidA 's help I'll likely compare 4 Grado Style Drivers [my 3[Nhoord Red V1, Magnum V7 Ypsilon G1] + his Ypsilon R1 ] to the two existing Grado's I have, as I feel the RS2E is really the epitome of the modern Grado offerings, I really like it every time I hear it and it's priced right around the same price as a budget Grado Style Driver build from on of the three companies, an I'm hoping the RS-1 will give me a good flavor of classic Grado sound, as I'm curious how the Modern Grado Sound, Modern Grado Style Drivers both compare to classic Grado sound...

Plus honestly, the RS-1 Button I have is BEAUTIFUL! It's in PRISTINE CONDITION, an it's SOO much prettier than the RS2E, the cups are polished better, the stain is much nicer and darker, the wood buttons just everything! It's so pretty, and honestly when I pay 400+ for a grado or grado style build I want the sound + the prettiness, so hopefully it sounds as good as it looks! But I'm curious to see if people who want pretty Grado Style cups are better off hunting for a Vintage or going full custom, likely full custom as you can choose how you want your headphone to sound but still, it should be a fun comparison either way! I'll have a pic of all 5 as soon as my Magnum V7 build arrives!

You recently scored a Rs2e and a classic Rs1? NICE! Congrats!

I totally agree on the Classic buttoned Rs1, best looking Grado type can ever!

Looking forward to your comparison. I have a Magnum V7 in a sr325 shell that i aplied dynamat to that should sound different to the v7 you have if you're interested in borrowing.

 

[Makiah S]

You recently scored a Rs2e and a classic Rs1? NICE! Congrats!

I totally agree on the Classic buttoned Rs1, best looking Grado type can ever!

Looking forward to your comparison. I have a Magnum V7 in a sr325 shell that i aplied dynamat to that should sound different to the v7 you have if you're interested in borrowing.

Sure! I don't mind having more Grado Style Cans to compare, I'll like to one comparison with just the 3 I own and my 2 R series Grados then maybe another with different variants of the DIY Drivers, so like the Ypsilon R1 and your V7 at a later date.

 

[mgh24]

There are some who only use the OEM G-pads while I'm one that only likes the generic G-pads due to comfort mainly and they are $4-6/pair on ebay from many different vendors but I suggest trying a few different vendors since the QC of the generic G-pads is not the greatest and you can't tell from pictures. The differences are usually the density of the foam, distance from the face of the driver to the bottom of the bowl and the depth of the bowl which all have some effect on the sound. To me most of the generic G-pads don't affect the sound in a bad way but since I do other mods (dynamat in the cups, sorbothane or dynamat on the back of the driver, sometimes dynamat strips on each side of the vent holes, felt on the back of the button if there is one, and I've tried an attenuation ring made of sorbothane in my Nhoord Red V2 which I'm starting to like which seems to act like a bass port on a speaker its hard to say. Some say the generic G-pads make the bass muddy and overly warm but maybe since I do all the other tweaks I don't seem to get muddy bass. OEM G-pads reduce the bass in general, they are not as comfortable due to the harder foam used and don't breath as well due to higher density foam used but they do seem to give slightly better soundstage and imaging because of the higher density foam.

DavidA - when I search on ebay I only find G-cush for around $17. I tried different search terms, but still could not find any other options. Do you have a link to those you have liked best?

Thanks - M

 

[mgh24]

Maybe a little off-topic here, but I may be looking for a universal IEM that has a Grado-like sound, and wondered if anyone had suggestions.

I need something with excellent isolation so that I can use them at work, so my Grado headphones are out, unfortunately.

Not looking to spend a lot of money, as I would prefer to put my money to work on headphones

If there is a better place to post, let me know, don't want to clutter up this great thread!

Thanks

 

[DavidA]

@mgh24, here are a few links
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-Ear-...590075?hash=item2a8c20dbbb:g:IfwAAOSw23NZpoZD

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Replacemen...m=253147371557&_trksid=p2045573.c100508.m3226

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Durable-Ea...m=162017767341&_trksid=p2045573.c100508.m3226 (these are pretty well made for the price)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Replac...147673?hash=item3afb980719:g:XdsAAOSw7FRWaucV

https://www.ebay.com/itm/EarPad-Ear...095065?hash=item236594a259:g:-NEAAOSwLpdW9K16

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Replacemen...m=202067230596&_trksid=p2045573.c100506.m3226

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Replacemen...m=222642270062&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

Don't forget to add in the cost of shipping to find the best deals.

 

[mgh24]

@mgh24, here are a few links
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-Ear-...590075?hash=item2a8c20dbbb:g:IfwAAOSw23NZpoZD

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Replacement-Ear-Pads-Grado-Headphone-G-Cushion-GS1000i-GS1000e-PS1000-PS1000e/253147371557?_trkparms=aid=555019&algo=PL.BANDIT&ao=1&asc=20150817211856&meid=3300c6508a9c4452b4a04c1204040482&pid=100508&rk=1&rkt=1&&itm=253147371557&_trksid=p2045573.c100508.m3226

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Durable-Ear-Pad-Cushion-For-GRADO-SR325IS-GS1000I-PS1000-RS1I-RS2I-Headphone/162017767341?_trkparms=aid=555019&algo=PL.BANDIT&ao=1&asc=20150817211856&meid=a42d005a2a4f4412b76c46d2efe3c8e3&pid=100508&rk=1&rkt=1&&itm=162017767341&_trksid=p2045573.c100508.m3226 (these are pretty well made for the price)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Replac...147673?hash=item3afb980719:g:XdsAAOSw7FRWaucV

https://www.ebay.com/itm/EarPad-Ear...095065?hash=item236594a259:g:-NEAAOSwLpdW9K16

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Replacement-Ear-Pads-Cushion-For-Grado-GS1000i-GS1000e-PS1000-PS1000e-Headphone/202067230596?_trkparms=aid=555019&algo=PL.BANDIT&ao=1&asc=20150817211709&meid=49646402bc0e476192f44c8635790a62&pid=100506&rk=1&rkt=1&&itm=202067230596&_trksid=p2045573.c100506.m3226

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Replacement-Ear-Pads-Cushion-For-Grado-GS1000i-GS1000e-PS1000-PS1000e-Headphone/222642270062?_trkparms=aid=555018&algo=PL.SIM&ao=2&asc=44040&meid=69fa5b3671a24bb08867048f1be34614&pid=100005&rk=1&rkt=6&sd=252978456039&itm=222642270062&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

Don't forget to add in the cost of shipping to find the best deals.

Beautiful! Why I could not find them, I can't explain.

Thanks!

 

[Jazmanaut]

I did post this to the other grado topic too, but i figured, that this belongs here too, or even better:

There is so much speculation about Grado cushions out there, and especially, how do bulk aliexpress L-pads compaire to original Grado L-pads, that are made of two different material. So i did some measurements, with my heavily modded Grado SR325is, and the difference was huge. Actually it was so huge, that i re measured them with my original SR60:s as well, and differences remained huge.
So there is six different pads measured:

Blue -Bulk L-pad (Tapemod)
Green -Bulk L-pad
Red -Bulk S-cushion
Orange -Original S-cushion
Magenta -Bulk G-pad
Light blue -Original L-Pad Tapemod

 

[Oscar-HiFi]

Finally got round to fitting SMC connectors to my Shipibo build with V8 drivers. I used the Lavricables cable I have for internal wiring, it is solid core silver and sometimes a pain to work with (solid core silver breaks easily)

 

[seanc6441]

I did post this to the other grado topic too, but i figured, that this belongs here too, or even better:

There is so much speculation about Grado cushions out there, and especially, how do bulk aliexpress L-pads compaire to original Grado L-pads, that are made of two different material. So i did some measurements, with my heavily modded Grado SR325is, and the difference was huge. Actually it was so huge, that i re measured them with my original SR60:s as well, and differences remained huge.
So there is six different pads measured:

Blue -Bulk L-pad (Tapemod)
Green -Bulk L-pad
Red -Bulk S-cushion
Orange -Original S-cushion
Magenta -Bulk G-pad
Light blue -Original L-Pad Tapemod

I’m not master at charts or anything but the Bulk G Pad looks good I think? Also the bulk L pad for a bassier preference (maybe too bassy!?)

Is that peak at 3k troublesome? The bulk L and G pads seem to avoid most of that.

How about the 10k peak, I’m guessing that will come across as ‘airy’ and extended. But the 3k peak will affect tonality and balance?

 

[cathee]

I did post this to the other grado topic too, but i figured, that this belongs here too, or even better:

What a great reference this is. Can you share how you're making these measurements? I've always wanted to measure my Grado mods to have a more scientific approach to minor changes.

Also any chance you'll measure the TTVJ flat pads?

 

[johnnyb]

Also any chance you'll measure the TTVJ flat pads?

I'll second that!

 

[Jazmanaut]

Well my measurement "rig" is as simple as a dodgeball, with proper measuremic in it. It´s skin is quite similar to human skin and diameter is same as average human head, between ears. Costs 10€:s + 100€ mic and is actually suprisingly good and gives quite even results. Obiviously there is no pinnae and such involved on this (i do have those kind of too, if needed) but its actually easier to make comparisation like this: Keeping it simpple.

Never heard about TTVJ flatpads, and not going to order those to here Finland. If someone insist to send me a pair, wont argue tho
What makes those physcally different, from turning L cushs around, or making punch mod to S-cushions?

 

[johnnyb]

TTVJ pads are the flattest of the bunch, keeping the drivers very close to your ears. The foam is very dense as well. The effect seems to be that the Grado notch in the 2-3khz range is suppressed and the presentation emphasizes the low end. Obviously the soundstage is very narrow too.

 

[mgh24]

I just got a pair of these generic G-cush from China. The dimension I have marked with the arrows is a full 1/4 inch, increasing the distance between the ear and driver. The pair of EarZonk G-cush I have, that distance is only 1/8 inch. I think the EarZonk sound better, but it is probably only me trying to hear some difference.

Can someone compare the EarZonk G-cush to a genuine Grado G-cush? After seeing the big difference in the two G-cush I have, I am wondering about the differences in the EarZonk to Grado.

Thanks for any help.

 

[cathee]

I've found that the generic G pads are more large on-ears with a fairly shallow "cup" and the OEM Gs are more over-ear.