[dsavitsk]

Yeah, I know this has been rehashed, but I am wondering if anyone with experience with both of these can give me a sense of the difference.

Here is where I am coming from, which may be helpful.

First, my current setup is a CAL sigma DAC, audioquest python connectors, a Melos sha, and etymotic 4Ps. This setup sounds delightful for almost everything (I posted a while back about the melos and the etys not working together, this was wrong.) (There is also a Cary 308T in there, but it is on vacation for now.)

I am now needing a second set of phones because where i sit has moved further from the stereo (so i need a longer cord) and the etys are going to the office. (My sense is that etys with a long cord is an accident waiting to happen.)

So, anyhow, I picked up some senn HD-600s, and I don't like them at all. On Butch Vig productions (thick and bass heavy) they sound great, (and also on electronica like Felix da house cat or Miss Kittin) but on anything where the vocals are what matters, they are just too weak. For instance, the recordings which stick out as showing off the dismal sound are recent PJ Harvey, and old emmylou harris albums. Also, dynamics are weak, particularly attacks on acoustic guitar strings. They slur into the sound rather than hitting it. I would suspect the other gear, except the etys do none of this. they are clear, involving, balanced, and razor sharp. (they are lacking some of the deep bass smoothness, so adding that in would be a real plus.)

So, while I am not thrilled about the comfort of grados (i owned 80s a few year ago) I am guessing that this is the sort of sound I am looking for. To that end, I am considering RS-1's and RS-2's, and I am looking for information about the real differences. what does one get for an extra $200, and would I be better off investing that in an amp for the office?

Oh, one last thing, as another source of comparison, I have tried the ety 4s, and while I am still comparing, i think i like the 4p better, even out of the melos. (another last thing, my power amp is a sumo which is mosfet and produces a smooth bass heavy sound not unlike the senns. it does it, however, without laying off the mids so much. this is more the balance i am looking for.)

Thanks,

-d

 

[Canman]

I can not tell you the difference between the RS-1 and RS-2, but I do want to say that I thought the Melos amp has great synergy with Grado RS-1. I tried them with the SHA-Gold reference that I had and Hirsch's Carlo modded SHA-1. For some reason the RS-2 doesn't seem to be a popular can around here, as I never see anyone talk about it.

 

[kuma]

I am familiar with those fones as I have upgraded RS2 after 2 years to RS1 earlier this year.

dsavitsk,

First thing I've noticed was RS1's tonal balance is lot thicker than RS2. At first listen, I thought i lost the speed of of RS2, but, as RS1 broken in it picked up the speed nicely.

Another thing is that RS2 has a slightly sharper leading edge. Acutally, treble extension of RS1 is better and has a nice organic feel to 'em.

The bass authority, RS1 has lot more weight than RS2. And midbass is touch more *plump* over RS2. I see some prefer RS2 over RS1 as the latter really needs something that can control the low end of business otherwise, it can sound wooly and heavy.

Listening both fones right off the computer, I really don't hear much difference. Both have incissive in your face trebles and out of control muddy bass. But as you upgrade the electronics/cabling, RS1 keeps up better than RS2.

With CAL or Cary front end, you might want to give RS2 a shot.
I am not familar with Melos amp, but, I can see RS1 might be better suited with something fast and neutral.

so for extra 200 bucks, you do get a better frequency extension and spacious stage ( well, for Grado standard anyways ) albeit, a tonal balance shift might be too much for some and sysetems. So, RS1 can be a wild card.

oh.. one more thing, RS1's headband is more comfy than RS2.

but boy, if you use Etys regularly ( i have the 4s ), it's a rude awakening for you with Grado.

 

[dsavitsk]

Quote:

but boy, if you use Etys regularly ( i have the 4s ), it's a rude awakening for you with Grado.

Thanks for the reply. I am not sure what this quote means. is it rude cause grado is so much better, or so much worse, or because i am literally more likely to be awakened (rudely) now that i can hear noise around me?

There is also a weird update to my question ... I switched power outlets*, and now the senns are bright and harsh, as are the etys. Also, both phones have lost their bass. the audioquests are pretty new to me, so i thought that in all the switching around that they might be the culprit. I went back to Kimbers, and while they were less bright, they weren't that much less (+ they were tons less detailed).

so the senns are still unacceptable, but in a totally different and confusing way.

* the outlet the headphone amp was in was the UPS that my computer is running from. Now it is just in the wall.

 

[kuma]

Quote:

Originally posted by dsavitsk I am not sure what this quote means. is it rude cause grado is so much better, or so much worse, or because i am literally more likely to be awakened (rudely) now that i can hear noise around me?

I just meant that they have totally different disposition. They are both good at what they do and I enjoy both. ( altho, i use Etys strictly as portable use )

Quote:

the outlet the headphone amp was in was the UPS that my computer is running from. Now it is just in the wall.

Actually, i prefer plugging amps to the outlet directly. You might experience dulling down of trebles with most filtering device. I hear better transients. It's odd that you lost bass, too.

I am not familiar with recent Audioquest cabling. but something must be amiss if Senns and Etys sound bright.