Recommendations for a Grado fan.

[Gnus]

So I'm looking at upgrading my current headphone, which is a measly SR-80

I really enjoy the Grado sound, however there are some things lacking in the SR-80 which I'm sure you guys all know, namely the not-so-great bass and the lacking soundstage (common drawbacks of Grados).

Therefore, I'm looking for a headphone that has the Grado sound (or anything dynamic) with good soundstage and bass. The dynamics of the headphone are good, but I like to feel immersed in the music as well. Perhaps I should just go straight for the RS-1s/GS-1000s?

Anyways, recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[lmilhan]

If you have the budget, then by all means go for the RS-1s or the GS-1000s. If you don't have that much cashola to drop, go for the Grado SR-225s. Nothing sounds quite like a Grado IMHO.

 

[mrarroyo]

It all boils down to $$$. I would suggest either the RS-1 or RS-2. These can be found used for $550 and $400 respectively. I am sorry to say that I can not recomend the GS1000 since it was all bass and trebble with no mids.

 

[sbulack]

If you think you might go for the SR225 (which I own and love, BTW), and you are looking for a full and immersive bass, try the flat pads or make yourself a set of VWAP-modded HD414 pads. My own enjoyment of the SR225 really kicked into high gear when I switched to a set of the VWAP HD414 pads. My other phones are the Senn HD580's, and I very much enjoy the spatial presentation of audio from the SR225's.

 

[incognitoedleon]

If you're looking for a relatively cheap upgrade, you might want to consider the Goldring DR150. There was a small following for them for awhile here. The DR150's are supposed to have a Grado-like sound with pretty good soundstage. I think you only get them by importing from England.

 

[Dash]

I can say without a doubt that a prefer the RS1 to either the Sr60 or the MS2.

 

[courierdriver]

To echo a couple of previous posts:

- If money is no-object, then I'd recommend the RS-1 or GS-1.

- If you'd like to get around 75-90% of that top-Grado sound (for about $200or less), then grab yourself the 225's. I got mine for $160-shipped...and I just love-em

.

 

[Zorander]

I went from a SR-80 to the MS-2. At first I thought there was not that much improvement but surprisingly I could never go back to the SR-80 (once I have gotten used to the MS-2).

 

[darkninja67]

The natural upgrade from the SR80 would be to the SR225, then up to the RS-1/2 and up to the GS1K. If you have the cash, go for the RS-1/2.

 

[GoRedwings19]

Gnus>Well I think the 225's would offer a little more bass and punch then the sr80's. The problem with the 225's which divides headfi opinion on them is that they were less grado sounding then most of the range i.e sr60-325i for ardent grado fans they might be a bit too recesssed for the non grado camp they were still grado's.

And then if you are considering the Rs-1 then they do have some of the grado traits but the mids are not gradoish per se.

I suggest you try the used forums and start off at the lower end. The 225's will not really improve on the sr-80's soundstage width. If you want more soundstage width then you will have to step up to the rs-1 plate. But even that is relatively constricted compared to other headphone manufacturers. The GS1k rectifies that somewhat but it depends if you like that headphone.

Is there anyone near you by chance that might have a set that you could take a listen to to get some insight.

Or maybe the sought after Hf-1 might suit you if you can find one for a price that you find acceptable.

Currently I am using a set of 125's+flats. So that helps a little in the bass dept although you sacrifice the little soundstage that there is.