SR-60 vs SR-80 vs MS-1 - Bass QUANTITY

[sumitagarwal]

Hi, all!

So I've had my SR-60's for many years now and the comfies on them disintegrated long ago, plus I've lately been craving a bit more bass. i'm happy with the bass extension and detail, however. My question is this: which headphone has the most pronounced bass?

Since I would need to buy new pads for my SR-60's anyway if I stick with them, lets assume the same pads for each headphone. Which raises a question: which pads, between the comfies and the bowls, give the most bass? I know there are many mods and even other pad options, but for now I want to keep things simple and OEM... you know, baby steps so I can blow more money later =P

So what's the order of least to most pronounced bass for SR60, SR80, and MS1?

Least to most bass out of comfies, bowls, flats, and bagels?

If outfitted with bowls, would my SR60's have identical bass quantity as compared to an SR80?

Thanks! I'm looking forward to falling in love with my (or new) Grado's all over again!

 

[headphonejunkie]

I have not heard the ms1's but I would say the 80's will have the most refined bass.In comparison the 60's are bloated.

 

[BrookR1]

Of the three, the SR-80s, hands down, have the most bass. This quote is from Todd the Vinyl Junie's web site:
"The first step up from the SR-60 in the Grado line. To my ear it is a little too bassy but it still by far better than most headphones in this price category. The SR-80 benefits from the use of an amp or directly out of home equipment."

And from GoodCans.com "Knowing that most listeners these days like to hear their bass, I usually strongly recommend the Grado SR80’s to such a listener. They offer the detail the SR60's offer, but with a much improved bass."

 

[shooter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrookR1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Of the three, the SR-80s, hands down, have the most bass. This quote is from Todd the Vinyl Junie's web site: "The first step up from the SR-60 in the Grado line. To my ear it is a little too bassy but it still by far better than most headphones in this price category. The SR-80 benefits from the use of an amp or directly out of home equipment." And from GoodCans.com "Knowing that most listeners these days like to hear their bass, I usually strongly recommend the Grado SR80’s to such a listener. They offer the detail the SR60's offer, but with a much improved bass."

Not true, sr60s have more bass but it is rather more "flabby" I'd say. 80s have more controlled bass.

 

[BrookR1]

Were you using the same set of pads when comparing the two?

 

[MaZa]

Most difference of bass quality comes from the pads. Soft and foamy comfy pads smoothens out the whole sound, bowl pads make the sound brighter and more impactive and tighter but also reduces bass quantity a little bit, flat pads creates a "tunnel" to your ear, clearly pronouncing the bass and softening the highs. Add bowl pads to SR60 and it should sound very close to SR80 in quantitywise of both highs and bass.

Grados have boosted mid-bass where Alessandros have flatter frequency response.

 

[jayinhk]

Hey Maza, how do you like the MS1 with bowl pads? I really wanna put a pair on mine, but it's hard getting them outside the US...

 

[MaZa]

I liked them more with bowls than comfys, but thats just me. I like the opened-up and tighter sound of bowls more than restrictive and blurry comfys and.

 

[jayinhk]

Thanks Maza. I've read a few of your posts while lurking and I respect your opinion on the 'phones out there. Do you think it makes a significant improvement in bass? Have you ever tried the old school flat pads?

Man, do I ever want SR-80s now. Almost everyone says they're the bassiest.

 

[sumitagarwal]

So... there's no real consensus on whether or not the SR60's and SR80's have the same drivers? Has anybody directly A/B'd them using identical pads?

If I can save $80 and 'upgrade' my SR60's to SR80's by a simple pad swap, I'd prefer that to shelling out for a new set of headphones

But I guess different drivers would make sense if people more frequently recommend a dedicated amp for the SR80 but not the SR60. Of course, I suppose the amp might be recommended because of the decrease in apparent volume from the increased driver to ear distance.

I also note that these are the headphones I'm looking at because 1) they're Grado's, and after listening to my im616 IEM's for a bit I'm realizing I really do prefer the less-neutral Grado sound, and 2) these are the Grado's with 1/8" jacks. I know the 1/8" jack thing seems silly and arbitrary, but that's the point. Gotta build in some arbitrary limits to keep myself and my wallet sane (plus the added portable convenience).

My headphone 'rules' are: must terminate in a 1/8" plug and must perform fine with a portable source without a dedicated amp.

 

[jayinhk]

The drivers are the same AFAIK. The difference is the pads and the cable. I believe the SR-80 uses 4-point cables.

 

[MaZa]

Quote:

Do you think it makes a significant improvement in bass? Have you ever tried the old school flat pads?

With comfys the sound is bit more blurry and warmer, so it gives slight impression of more bass in direct comparison. Bowls give more tighter bass and more unrestricted sound. Quality is hugely improved, but some dont like the added brightness. Unfortunately not, only Grado I had both bowls and flats were with long gone SR225, and now im hunting for flats to try with my RS1.


Quote:

So... there's no real consensus on whether or not the SR60's and SR80's have the same drivers? Has anybody directly A/B'd them using identical pads? If I can save $80 and 'upgrade' my SR60's to SR80's by a simple pad swap, I'd prefer that to shelling out for a new set of headphones

There has been several tries and all of them what I have seen have said that they are almost exactly same when used with same pads. SR80 has better cable, so some sound difference can be attributed to that or to the normal variety of Grados between same models of headphones. Be it this or that, the sound difference was so minimal that its not worth to jump from SR60 to SR80, just add bowl pads and there... You probaply have SR78 in your hands or something.

 

[Punnisher]

Using the stock SR60 pads and an amp results in a huge amount of bass, I can't imagine wanting more. This is coming from a fellow basshead. Using bowl pads results in less bass QUANTITY and more bass QUALITY. I prefer the stock comfies.

Plus you can easily achieve ample bass on a portable, non amped source as I do.

My SR60s are recabled, so your application might sound slightly different, but that's my .02

 

[jayinhk]

I have MS1s with comfies and they are nice and bassy. I'm definitely getting bowls and/or comfies.

 

[sumitagarwal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaZa /img/forum/go_quote.gif just add bowl pads and there... You probaply have SR78 in your hands or something.

Hahaha, I like the way you think!

Thanks for all the advice, guys. Hugely helpful. I've ordered the bowls from TTVJ (sooo cheap with the first-time $10 discount!). I'm also getting a pair of Rat Shack pads so I'll have some variety.

Think the bowls and Rat Shack pads will last long before disintegrating like the comfies? Boy, those sure turn a funky color and make a real mess!