[GasMaskMan]

I honestly don't find them that heavy, at first it felt odd because I had adjusted to the SR60is. They are heavier, but it really isn't bad.  
They sound -similar- (using that loosely) the to 60s, but are definitely better to me at least; then again the are $300.

I use them for are genres without any qualms, and even for gaming.
 
If you really want them, give them a shot!

 

[Focker]

Quote:

The way I've always described the Grado sound, is like I am up on stage with the band....as opposed to being out in the crowd and feeling the separation of the speakers.

That's a great way of describing it, cause that allows for proper imaging, which is what I'm hearing with them. I could picture myself up on stage with the band, as you said, facing the lead singer. The vocals are nice and centered, with the various instruments in their locations from right to left across the soundstage. Your description also allows for a "presence" about the music, which is another aspect of the Grados I've fallen for. But of course, no speaker or headphone is everyone's cup of tea, so thank goodness we have so many amazing products to choose from!

 

[LithoJazoSphere]

When I didn't really have any other basis for comparison the "onstage with the band" description seemed apt, but now after the SR-325is, the DT-770, etc., the low-end Grados just feel too smothering.

 

[obobskivich]

I forgot about HeadRoom and their return policy (and I was beating my head on the wall trying to come up with an authorized Grado dealer that does returns; JR was the only one I could think of) - yes that would be suitable too. 
 
Honestly I'd say go for it - if you want to try a Grado, there is nothing else quite like it; you'll know fairly quickly if you're a fan or not. 
 
 
 

 

[Focker]

Quote:

When I didn't really have any other basis for comparison the "onstage with the band" description seemed apt, but now after the SR-325is, the DT-770, etc., the low-end Grados just feel too smothering.

I have some BeyerDynamic DT880s sitting here staring at me...I don't have a proper means of amplification just yet (Meier amp on the way), so it'll be interesting how I end up comparing them to the Grados. Clearly the DT880s are at a different price point, and widely considered a better headphone, so I'm looking forward to firing them up. The build quality is fantastic on them and they are very comfortable. How they compare with the Grados will determine if my next step is to a T1 or a PS500.

 

[obobskivich]

I will say that Grado's price/performance paradigm doesn't align with anyone else. In other words, the SR-225 (which is a $200 headphone) can very truly sit at the table with many $400-$500 headphones (especially closed headphones); not many other ODMs can stand by that kind of reputation (unfortunately, their p/p paradigm flips over as you go "up the chain"). 
Quote:

I have some BeyerDynamic DT880s sitting here staring at me...I don't have a proper means of amplification just yet (Meier amp on the way), so it'll be interesting how I end up comparing them to the Grados. Clearly the DT880s are at a different price point, and widely considered a better headphone, so I'm looking forward to firing them up. The build quality is fantastic on them and they are very comfortable. How they compare with the Grados will determine if my next step is to a T1 or a PS500.

 

 

[Focker]

Quote:

I will say that Grado's price/performance paradigm doesn't align with anyone else. In other words, the SR-225 (which is a $200 headphone) can very truly sit at the table with many $400-$500 headphones (especially closed headphones); not many other ODMs can stand by that kind of reputation (unfortunately, their p/p paradigm flips over as you go "up the chain"). 


 

That makes perfect sense given the lower end Grados reputation as stellar bargains. I know that I felt my SR80is were much more to my liking than the Sennheiser 518s I had. I really can't wait to get the 880s fired up and compare them....it's also quite possible I may consider the DT880s the better headphone, but simply prefer the sound of the Grados. It wouldn't be the first time I have preferred the less expensive item in this hobby. I have Magnepan 3.6s currently, but back when I had the little Maggie MMGs ($550 at the time), I could not find ANYTHING else that I liked more...even speakers that were in the low 4-figure range. I just fell in love with the way Maggies reproduce music and have loved them ever since. I have sneaking suspicion I may be going down the same road with Grados...and that wouldn't be a bad thing.
 
 

 

[obobskivich]

Not to put too many ideas into your head, but if you're in love with how a Grado sounds, there's very little else that will even get close. Beyerdynamic is probably one of the few I'd consider to have a chance.
Quote:

That makes perfect sense given the lower end Grados reputation as stellar bargains. I know that I felt my SR80is were much more to my liking than the Sennheiser 518s I had. I really can't wait to get the 880s fired up and compare them....it's also quite possible I may consider the DT880s the better headphone, but simply prefer the sound of the Grados. It wouldn't be the first time I have preferred the less expensive item in this hobby. I have Magnepan 3.6s currently, but back when I had the little Maggie MMGs ($550 at the time), I could not find ANYTHING else that I liked more...even speakers that were in the low 4-figure range. I just fell in love with the way Maggies reproduce music and have loved them ever since. I have sneaking suspicion I may be going down the same road with Grados...and that wouldn't be a bad thing.
 
 

 

 

[Focker]

Quote:

Not to put too many ideas into your head, but if you're in love with how a Grado sounds, there's very little else that will even get close. Beyerdynamic is probably one of the few I'd consider to have a chance.


 

haha, I'm sort of preparing myself for that...I know I mentioned this in another thread recently, so forgive me if you've just heard me say it, but I honestly almost didn't even give the Grados a chance. I came across more of the "hate" posts from the whole "love/hate" populations. But it really might be that the Grado sound just does it for me....that's certainly the case thus far.
 

 

[Ethenolas]

Hey all,
 
Just got my PS500 today!  I had demoed a bunch of headphone over the past few months and decided on these.  Currently, I am running them simply off my HT Claro + sound card (they sound surprisingly bad powered by headphone out of the amp powering my speakers (B&K)).  I do have a few questions...
 
What is expected:
 
1) For break in.  They sound more brassy than I remember.  I'm hoping that fades...
 
2)  Improvement if I do the whole DAC/AMP route.  I know you'll probably tell me the same thing I've been hearing all over...but I do feel like I'm missing something and maybe I need a bit of reassurance in spending the extra 3-500 on a DAC/amp combo

.    I'm not worried about portability.  And have read so many reviews over the past few months my head is spinning.   I saw a few recommended earlier, if I don't care about portability do those recommendations still stand?
 
 
Thanks!
 
 
 

 

[obobskivich]

It's not absurd to dislike a receiver/integrated amp's headphone jack - they're usually not put together with much concern. Can't tell you much regarding the "brassy" sound - haven't heard the PS500. Burn-in *may* change them slightly, but I've never experienced Grado headphones to really "care." Maybe the PS does. I doubt a DAC will be a good tone control; an amp may or may not do something for you (I forget if the Claro+ has the headphone amp, I want to say it doesn't (I think that would be the Halo, but I may be wrong)). Give them some time, see if your opinion changes as you adapt to them. Maybe try playing with the EQ settings on the Claro. 
 
 

 

[Ethenolas]

They HALO is the one with the headphone amp.  Mine is just has a standard 1/8". 
 
They have calmed down a lot since I first plugged them in, which is relieving.  Maybe the drivers were cold from being outside???  I still can't believe the UPS guy just left them at my door (I live in an apartment complex) I would have been more than a bit annoyed if they were stolen.

 

[KneelJung]

Quote:

Thanks for all the responses guys.  As I have been reading it really does seem that there is a love/hate relationship people have with these cans.  I think I will probably go with the 325is as I think that is all I really want to spend.  I didn't know you could "convert" them to woodies.  Is this a process Grado will do for you?

A couple of thoughts if you havent pulled the trigger yet. Dont rule out a used pair of HF2's or even a new pair of PS500's. The biggest difference being the wood driver housing versus the plastic one in the 325. The 325 has a plastic driver housing that extends all the way through the aluminum cup of the 325. In that regard the driver housings of the 225 and the 325 are exactly the same. So IMO the aluminum on the 325 functions more for aesthetic purposes than a sonic one. Also if you sort of have an idea in the back of your head that you want to woody your Grado at some point the 225 makes more sense. Finally if you're not in a hurry, a Magnum build might be your best bet. A pair of Magnum drivers from Rhydon, and some wood cups from Marty, or the new kid on the block Orenholz. Rhydons drivers are like $120, ditto for some custom lathed wood cups with the tonewood of your choice. Add in a custom cable and a leather headband and you're only spending the kind of money you would be spending on a cookie cutter product from Grado. This pair belongs to pbstefandwich who was gracious enough to loan them to me
 

 

[Chris J]

Quote:

I have some BeyerDynamic DT880s sitting here staring at me...I don't have a proper means of amplification just yet (Meier amp on the way), so it'll be interesting how I end up comparing them to the Grados. Clearly the DT880s are at a different price point, and widely considered a better headphone, so I'm looking forward to firing them up. The build quality is fantastic on them and they are very comfortable. How they compare with the Grados will determine if my next step is to a T1 or a PS500.

I have a pair of DT880/600 ohms.
Compared to Grados they are very neutral to slightly warm sounding. They are also very comfortable.
I normally use my DT880s with a La Figaro 336C tube amp.
 
In comparison the various Grados I have heard (SR-60i to RS-2i) are very vivid and energetic and technicolor.
 
I wouldn't say that DT880s are better than SR-325is or RS-2i, they are just different.
 
 


Quote:

It's not absurd to dislike a receiver/integrated amp's headphone jack - they're usually not put together with much concern. Can't tell you much regarding the "brassy" sound - haven't heard the PS500. Burn-in *may* change them slightly, but I've never experienced Grado headphones to really "care." Maybe the PS does. I doubt a DAC will be a good tone control; an amp may or may not do something for you (I forget if the Claro+ has the headphone amp, I want to say it doesn't (I think that would be the Halo, but I may be wrong)). Give them some time, see if your opinion changes as you adapt to them. Maybe try playing with the EQ settings on the Claro. 
 
 

Yeah, most receiver headphone jacks are shyte.
They usually have a very, very high output impedance: 120 to 330 ohms.
Or they use an el cheapo Op Amp
I guess they are OK if you are hardcore bass head.
 

 

[Focker]

 
Quote:

I have a pair of DT880/600 ohms.
Compared to Grados they are very neutral to slightly warm sounding. They are also very comfortable.
I normally use my DT880s with a La Figaro 336C tube amp.
 
In comparison the various Grados I have heard (SR-60i to RS-2i) are very vivid and energetic and technicolor.
 
I wouldn't say that DT880s are better than SR-325is or RS-2i, they are just different.
 
 

Thanks, Chris...I'm glad to hear that the BeyerDs and the Grados are that different...I've learned that a lot of folks on here like to have different sounding headphones to maintain a variety, so that sounds like I'm on the right track. I have a Fiio E9 arriving on Monday to play around with until my Meier amp gets here from Germany, so I'm looking forward to logging some hours on the DT880s. It will be fun to contast and compare with the Grados.