RS-2 impresses

[ghingus]

before I bought the RS-2 I had the HF-1, K81dj, and Koss A130. The HF-1 was definitely better than the A130 and K81dj - the K81dj being the worst (most congested and muddy sounding - still not bad, just doesn't compete with the A130 or HF-1).

Anyway, the HF-1 was better than the A130. It had a richer sound (especially in the mid-range), more refined bass and sharper detail (with bowls, not with flats). Nevertheless, the A130 still got some time because it had a larger soundstage and still sounded good in slightly more relaxed way.

All this to say, now that I have the RS-2, it doesn't coexist with the A130 at all. It's just way better. When the K81dj sounded not great after listening to the HF-1, it sounds really unlistenable after the RS-2. And the same actually goes for the A130. It simply blows them both away.

I'm very happy with the RS-2 - they have been the phones that have really taken me into another realm of headphone experience, and I've been through a few - see the following list:

K601
Dt990pro
SR225
HF-1
SR60
A130
K81dj
Shure e4, e2

None of the above are in the same league as my RS-2 from my source (sony d250 PCDP - unamped).

 

[BigSurSpoon]

I'm right there with you. While I haven't gone through as many headphones as you have, I have been through a few (DT880, E3C, HD280 Pro, SR80), the RS-2 has really brought everything to another level, and I just got them today! I can't wait until they are broken in. RS-2 Smile!!

 

[ghingus]

Good choice, BigSurSpoon. I've read that the HF-1 competes with the RS-2, but that wasn't my experience. Don't get me wrong, the HF-1 is truly unique and very cool headphone with great sound. RS-2s are just noticably better. RS-2s are the unsung heroes of the grado line, IMO. That being said, every time someone compliments the RS-2 they mention that no-one ever compliments the RS-2, and eventually that will no longer be true and we'll have to stop saying it.

 

[GSurge]

Ever get a chance to compare them to the newer 2005 DT990?

 

[ghingus]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSurge /img/forum/go_quote.gif Ever get a chance to compare them to the newer 2005 DT990?

No - I don't know if it was my source or what, but the dt990pros scared me off the beyer sound completely. I've heard that only some people can hear the beyer brightness (read piercing treble) and I'm one of those people, unfortunately.

 

[GSurge]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghingus /img/forum/go_quote.gif No - I don't know if it was my source or what, but the dt990pros scared me off the beyer sound completely. I've heard that only some people can hear the beyer brightness (read piercing treble) and I'm one of those people, unfortunately.

Beyer brightness? I'm surprised I've never heard of it. I would figure that a Grado would be brighter than anything else... learn something new, I guess.

 

[ghingus]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSurge /img/forum/go_quote.gif Beyer brightness? I'm surprised I've never heard of it. I would figure that a Grado would be brighter than anything else... learn something new, I guess.

yes, screeching, painful sibilance out of the dt990pros. I was very surprised by it, actually, because I had not heard of it before either, but then when I asked around some others had had the same experience. It may be a source thing. I don't know.

 

[GSurge]

Heh, you've got me a little (but not too) worried now, since I am soon buying some 990s and high brightness gives me a headache...

 

[ghingus]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSurge /img/forum/go_quote.gif Heh, you've got me a little (but not too) worried now, since I am soon buying some 990s and high brightness gives me a headache...

I have not heard brightness complaints on the new 990s. The dt990pros are a totally different beast from what I've read so hopefully you'll have a different experience. Plus, those new 990s look sweet, and that's what its really all about

 

[GSurge]

Alright, thanks, guess I'll stop derailing your thread...

or will I? Out of curiosity, about how much did the pair cost you? I could never justify the price tag to myself, and so ended up going for the 990.

 

[adanac061]

Imagine how much more the rs-1 would impress....

 

[ghingus]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSurge /img/forum/go_quote.gif Alright, thanks, guess I'll stop derailing your thread... or will I? Out of curiosity, about how much did the pair cost you? I could never justify the price tag to myself, and so ended up going for the 990.

My RS-2s were $390 shipped. I almost snagged some for $359 shipped, but that's another sad story. Yes they are expense, but I'm trying to put upgraditis to rest so I can move on with my life. I actually sold the HF-1s thinking I would just be happy with the A130s and stop spending money on the hobby...ah well.

 

[ghingus]

Quote:

Originally Posted by adanac061 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Imagine how much more the rs-1 would impress....

oh yes, and plus there are people like adanac061 who are always there putting evil thoughts into your head...

 

[lmilhan]

Congrats on your new toy.

I certainly hope the RS-2s sound better than the other phones you listed. Other than the HF-1s (and to a lesser extent, the SR-225s), the other phones listed aren't even close to being in the same league as the RS-2s. At least IMHO.

And yes, I've owned or heard all of the phones listed except for the E2s.

 

[BigSurSpoon]

To me, the RS-2s somewhat dark compared to the Beyer's brightness, but I love it, and I also love the Beyers, but I do think that they need some tubes to reduce the shrillness.