Some questions about the Grado RS-1...

[Zombie_X]

Before I fully decide to buy the RS-1 I need to know a few things.Before I ask my questions I'd like to state that I'm upgrading from the Sennheiser HD600/beyerdynamic DT880. So I'm verry accustomed to the HD600/DT880 sound by now. So I've heard the 325i's in the past ( owned them for 2 days) and I know I loved the sound of those,so I hope the RS-1 is like way better!

- I mainly want to know how much treble the RS-1, like is it similar to the DT800 (treble quantity), and also is it airy and spacious.

- Since the Grado cans are colored, does it have a more forward sound? I'd like it if it did.

- The sound staging capabilities. Though it's the least important thing to me.

- Will RS-1 be good for Rock/Metal since the rest of the Grado line are?

- The bass amount, I hear it's like that of the HD650. Is it true?

- Are there any relatively easy way to bump up the comfort level? Like new padding?

I'm really excited to be getting this can. I've been saving up for months. I also have a Grado RA-1 (AC, High Impedance) amp on the way and I know that will really help them blossom out, also thought it was time to get a dedicated amp for my Sennheisers.

Thanks in advance...

 

[M0T0XGUY]

1. Treble quantity on RS-1s is very relative: in comparison to most headphones, the high-frequency range of these Grados is fairly pronounced; while in comparison to DT-880s and SR-325is, it is rather recessed.

2. Grados are known for their forward sound, and the RS-1s' warm midrange puts you smack in the middle of just about any recording.

3. It's a good thing soundstage is unimportant to you, because RS-1s are a real let down in this area; especially compared to HD-600s. The Grados have an intimate, enveloping sound which, by consequence, limits soundstage depth, width, and height.

4. Hell yeah.

5. Relative to other Grados, RS-1s strike most as being surprising bass-heavy for their reputation. In reality, Sennheiser's HD-650's still dominate the RS-1's in lower-bass quantity; however, it is generally muddier or smoother without expensive amplification.

6. Flat pads (available only at TTVJ for $35) are an improvement, to me, over the stock bowls because they apply a lessened, more even pressure across the entire ear. The pads are expensive, however, and may not suit your sonic tastes - especially if you enjoy a heightened treble response. Beyond pad changes, Beyerdynamic's DT-770 replacement headband has been fitted on sets of RS-1s with rather large amounts of difficulty. The replacement headband has significant padding and more evenly distributes the phones' weight across one's head.

Hope that helps,
Nick

 

[Brighten]

The first time I listened to metal through the RS-1s I almost cried- you might do the same.

 

[Henmyr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by M0T0XGUY /img/forum/go_quote.gif 1. Treble quantity on RS-1s is very relative: in comparison to most headphones, the high-frequency range of these Grados is fairly pronounced; while in comparison to DT-880s and SR-325is, it is rather recessed.

x2. The buttonless version of RS1 has got less treble than Beyers (DT880/990 05), but just slightly more than HD600. I've never found it's treble harsh in any way though, even with bowlpads.
Quote:

Originally Posted by M0T0XGUY /img/forum/go_quote.gif 2. Grados are known for their forward sound, and the RS-1s' warm midrange puts you smack in the middle of just about any recording.

x2
Quote:

Originally Posted by M0T0XGUY /img/forum/go_quote.gif 3. It's a good thing soundstage is unimportant to you, because RS-1s are a real let down in this area; especially compared to HD-600s. The Grados have an intimate, enveloping sound which, by consequence, limits soundstage depth, width, and height.

The headstage is smaller than HD600/DT880 when comparing them beside each other, but I'm very often impressed by the airy and expansive soundstage/headstage the RS1 has. When I had the MS2i, I always felt that the soundstage/headstage was a bit too small for my liking, but I've never felt this with the RS1. The headstage of the RS1 is probably smaller than that of other fullsized headphones, but it's soundstage is actually very impressive.
Quote:

Originally Posted by M0T0XGUY /img/forum/go_quote.gif 4. Hell yeah.

x2
Quote:

Originally Posted by M0T0XGUY /img/forum/go_quote.gif 5. Relative to other Grados, RS-1s strike most as being surprising bass-heavy for their reputation. In reality, Sennheiser's HD-650's still dominate the RS-1's in lower-bass quantity; however, it is generally muddier or smoother without expensive amplification.

x2
I felt that the buttonless RS1 had more lower bass than MS2i and a little bit more bass punch, but the HD600/HD650/DT880/DT990 generally "sound" more bassy. I've never felt that the buttonless RS1 is bass-light though, as I've sometimes felt with the AD2000. You won't get HD650 like bass where it sounds like the bass is all over the place at all times (though I seriously underpowered my pair when I had them, so my impression of them might not be fair) but instead a very focused and punchy bass.
Quote:

Originally Posted by M0T0XGUY /img/forum/go_quote.gif 6. Flat pads (available only at TTVJ for $35) are an improvement, to me, over the stock bowls because they apply a lessened, more even pressure across the entire ear. The pads are expensive, however, and may not suit your sonic tastes - especially if you enjoy a heightened treble response. Beyond pad changes, Beyerdynamic's DT-770 replacement headband has been fitted on sets of RS-1s with rather large amounts of difficulty. The replacement headband has significant padding and more evenly distributes the phones' weight across one's head. Hope that helps, Nick

x2. I would try bowls first, and if you don't like the sound, or think flats can improve it, try them. I think that the buttonless RS1 needs the bowls to sound the best they can most of the time (some recordings benefit from flats, but they are few). The flats increases the bass which muddies the sound. The vintage (brown headband) RS1 however works very well with both flats and bowls.

 

[Zombie_X]

Thanks guys... I'll buy them!!!!

 

[mrarroyo]

You will love your RS-1! Awesome cans. Here is a pic of mine, when you get yours post a pic as well.

 

[Zombie_X]

Are yours the vintage version? I thought the wood wasn't that dark....

Also I will post pics once I buy them which will be within a month- month 1/2.

 

[Jigglybootch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brighten /img/forum/go_quote.gif The first time I listened to metal through the RS-1s I almost cried- you might do the same.

Seeing that comment and being an avid fan of heavy metal makes the RS-1 sound very appealing. Now my headphone situation is even more hopeless.

 

[Brighten]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jigglybootch /img/forum/go_quote.gif Seeing that comment and being an avid fan of heavy metal makes the RS-1 sound very appealing. Now my headphone situation is even more hopeless.

Ha, I might have been exaggerating a bit on the "crying" part. But if you are a metal fan you really have to try them. They make it sound so smooth, fast, rich and clear.

The way I used to think about metal, was that even though I really, really liked it, I had to be in a certain mood to listen to the really heavy stuff. It just sounded like a bunch of mixed heavy guitar riffs and thick drumming- kind of really distorted because my listening gear at the time wasn't all that great. The RS-1 changes that preference completely. Although many around here say that the Grados are harsh and forward, metal just sounds so live and realistic- never overpowering.

When I made the RS-1 plunge, a comment Larry (HeadphoneAddict) had told me constantly ran through my head- "everyone else says the RS-1 are perfect for Rock, and that is due to the Grado's more upfront soundstage and ability to project the metallic electric guitar sound".

When I got the RS-1 that described them completely, I could hear all of the micro-detail of the notes being plucked on the guitars and the fingers sliding down the frets. I really loved that "metallic electric guitar sound".

 

[mrarroyo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zombie_X /img/forum/go_quote.gif Are yours the vintage version? I thought the wood wasn't that dark...

No, I bought mine new in September of 2005 from TTVJ.

 

[Acix]

I will take RS-1 over any Sen!

 

[Jigglybootch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brighten /img/forum/go_quote.gif Ha, I might have been exaggerating a bit on the "crying" part. But if you are a metal fan you really have to try them. They make it sound so smooth, fast, rich and clear. The way I used to think about metal, was that even though I really, really liked it, I had to be in a certain mood to listen to the really heavy stuff. It just sounded like a bunch of mixed heavy guitar riffs and thick drumming- kind of really distorted because my listening gear at the time wasn't all that great. The RS-1 changes that preference completely. Although many around here say that the Grados are harsh and forward, metal just sounds so live and realistic- never overpowering. When I made the RS-1 plunge, a comment Larry (HeadphoneAddict) had told me constantly ran through my head- "everyone else says the RS-1 are perfect for Rock, and that is due to the Grado's more upfront soundstage and ability to project the metallic electric guitar sound". When I got the RS-1 that described them completely, I could hear all of the micro-detail of the notes being plucked on the guitars and the fingers sliding down the frets. I really loved that "metallic electric guitar sound".

I was always curious about the RS-1, but I never took the plunge because I was afraid they wouldn't be comfortable enough. And of course, they're expensive and I didn't have the nice, high-paying engineering job back then. I'm starting to feel as though I should spring for the RS-1 and see what all the fuss is about.

 

[kugino]

of all the headphones i've bought and sold and traded over the years, i've only re-acquired two - the k501 and the rs1. the rs-1, even with its "faults", remains my favorite headphone.

 

[Shoreman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kugino /img/forum/go_quote.gif of all the headphones i've bought and sold and traded over the years, i've only re-acquired two - the k501 and the rs1. the rs-1, even with its "faults", remains my favorite headphone.

What might those "faults" be, in your opinion of course?

 

[kugino]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shoreman /img/forum/go_quote.gif What might those "faults" be, in your opinion of course?

all IMHO, of course

. my quibbles with the rs-1 mainly deal with cosmetic stuff. i hate the cable...i hate all grado cables. i've re-cabled mine (or alex did) to be balanced and that's not a problem anymore. (ironically, i used the rs-1 cable to recable my k501) i hate the packaging it comes in. doesn't match the wonderful headphones that are inside the pizza box.

sometimes the build can be iffy. BUT, if you can get past these things, i think they sound fantastic. i'm in the camp that thinks they sound best with bowls (minority, of course). these and the hf-1 i prefer with bowls. i think the bass can get muddy with the flats, but it's a personal preference.