The Grado HF-2 Review/Comparison Thread

[iggy-starnuts]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fateicon /img/forum/go_quote.gif I hate Sennheiser headphones. Even the HD800 with film scores. I think they're dull, dark, and seem to keep the sound inside the speaker/driver or whatever instead of pouring it in like a Grado.

Me too. I feel exactly the same way, which is why I asked. Excellent description of it, btw. The sound does seem to stay inside the driver - it's like listening to drivers instead of to music! That's my experience of it, at least.

Quote:

I'm not saying the HF2 does that now, but it sounded like that in the first half hour or so. With some albums it seems that the HF2 retains everything that the RS1 does well and then some. With other albums it's the opposite. If the recording itself doesnt have enough soundstage or whatever to take advantage of the RS1s width, you won't notice it missing when you use the HF2. Something like Venom or Testament comes to mind. I'm noticing also that with albums like Alice Cooper/Hey Stoopid that the guitars sound controlled and correct. When I put the RS1 back on, the guitar on that album sounded messy by comparison. Overdubs are interesting too. With Lucky One by Laura Branigan, the chorus overdubs sound pretty thin on the RS1. Those overdubs are much more audible on the HF2. I'd say the HF2 are definitely something a Grado fan would want to have. It just depends on if you think the extra money is worth the effect.

Ok, thanks for the clarification. It still sounds like if you want just one good grado phone, the RS1's might be a better choice overall.

 

[DiscHead]

I am listening to QOTSA Rated R with an ancient set of SR-60 pads on HF-2 and holy crap, everything comes forward and the bass is just slamming. Best electric guitar headphones I have heard.

 

[jrosenth]

I've been listening to these a good deal lately.

Had previously been thinking about trading them for an RS-1 but they have been growing on me a good deal.

I don't know if that is my ears or burn in but I could swear the bass is tightening up significantly.

(with a modded Rotel RCD-02 and a Woo WA-1 they are playing together very nicely)

 

[wakeride74]

I've been putting in some time with these this afternoon and doing some A/B between my D5000 and also A/B with reversed bowls. Maybe it's the way the bowls cup my ears but the image just sounds a bit more accurate with reversed bowls. I'm really liking them and do not find they female vocals to sound nasaly anymore. I'm going to get some hours on them over the weekend and do some more listening next week but all in all I am very happy with the purchase and they are yet another nice alternative to the headphones I own.

 

[fateicon]

tried them with other stuff by King diamond, Laura Branigan, Ozzy, Emperor, Simon and Garfunkel,things of that nature. RS1 did them all better if you ask me, maybe with the exception of Emperor(only because Anthems has such anemic bass). No remasters, nothing newer than 1991 was used. HF2 was better with Testament's new album, which is basically brickwalled. Not that it sounded any good. HF2 just collapses/strangles the soundstage with a lot. Many old albums benefit from the more spacious, airy sound of the RS1. I don't find the RS1 grating or piercing with my components. HF2 is always smoother though.

 

[wakeride74]

For kicks try reversing the pads... I don't know that it made the soundstage larger but I felt the imaging was improved and there was a more definite position for the instruments and a discernible space between them.

 

[myk7000]

I've now had the Grado HF-2 for about a week and a half, listening to them everyday for 2-4 hours a day whenever I have spare time. I believe it's time that I write some of my thoughts.

I have owned many Grados up to this point. Started with the SR60, went to the MS1, SR225, RS1, RS1i, and GS1000.
Of them, my favorites have been the RS1i and GS1000 and I really loved both in their own ways.

Now the HF2 has entered the picture. I got to listen to these for about 10 minutes at CanJam 09 and had the fortunate opportunity to compare them with my RS1 side by side. I found that between the two, the HF2 had less clarity, couldn't do instrument separation as well, and couldn't extend as well into the highs. Don't get me wrong, the headphone was excellent but just couldn't do it against the RS1.

I ended up selling both the GS1000 and RS1 because I needed to purchase a pair of D7000 and a Pico DAC which I felt were better for my own tastes. I ordered the HF2 because of its "once in a lifetime" factor as well just so I could have a Grado around, despite my lack of enthusiasm for them previously.

I've burned these headphones in maybe about 100 hours now and I must say though, I enjoy them thorougly! In fact, by memory I'd say that these headphones are easier to get along with than the RS1s! The highs are less shrill, the bass is stronger, the mids are just as full and exciting and I also really love the design. Paired with bowls, these headphones are great and not as fatiguing as the rest of the prestige/reference series. People keep saying these depart from the Grado sound but to me these are CLEARLY Grado- just less fatiguing. Unfortunately though, with my flat pads, I don't think these are as good. They become much more muddy than I can handle- and I really enjoyed my RS1s with flats.

Overall I have become a fan of the headphone and can say that I enjoy them even more than my old RS1i. However, to be honest, I believe the GS1000 was a better headphone for me than the HF2.... Then I ordered the GS1000 jumbo pads.

Immediately, I felt that these were the pads that were meant for the HF2. The jumbo pads are absolutely excellent with the HF2. Maybe this is logical seeing as how the bowls were better than the flats for me by leaps (meaning the ears are further from the drivers). Due to the extra distance now from the jumbo bowls, it makes sense that these sound even better!

The comfort is greatly improved of course, the soundstage is much, much larger, the bass feels deeper and in higher quantity (which seems to be going against what others thought), there's better balance in the headphones, and so much more. Another thing I observed is that the highs are extended further with these pads and normally with another grado this would be too much for me, but with the HF2 which originally doesn't extend as high by default, it actually helps the headphone!

Overall the HF2 is a very, very good headphone and looks like it might be a keeper- my last Grado. I would like to compare it to the PS1000 one day but in the meanwhile, I am happy with this purchase and recommend anyone to also get a pair of jumbo pads along with it to get the full extent of joy!

As John Grado says on his box, happy listening!

 

[SemiAudiophile]

Quote:

Originally Posted by myk7000 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've now had the Grado HF-2 for about a week and a half, listening to them everyday for 2-4 hours a day whenever I have spare time. I believe it's time that I write some of my thoughts. I have owned many Grados up to this point. Started with the SR60, went to the MS1, SR225, RS1, RS1i, and GS1000. Of them, my favorites have been the RS1i and GS1000 and I really loved both in their own ways. Now the HF2 has entered the picture. I got to listen to these for about 10 minutes at CanJam 09 and had the fortunate opportunity to compare them with my RS1 side by side. I found that between the two, the HF2 had less clarity, couldn't do instrument separation as well, and couldn't extend as well into the highs. Don't get me wrong, the headphone was excellent but just couldn't do it against the RS1. I ended up selling both the GS1000 and RS1 because I needed to purchase a pair of D7000 and a Pico DAC which I felt were better for my own tastes. I ordered the HF2 because of its "once in a lifetime" factor as well just so I could have a Grado around, despite my lack of enthusiasm for them previously. I've burned these headphones in maybe about 100 hours now and I must say though, I enjoy them thorougly! In fact, by memory I'd say that these headphones are easier to get along with than the RS1s! The highs are less shrill, the bass is stronger, the mids are just as full and exciting and I also really love the design. Paired with bowls, these headphones are great and not as fatiguing as the rest of the prestige/reference series. People keep saying these depart from the Grado sound but to me these are CLEARLY Grado- just less fatiguing. Unfortunately though, with my flat pads, I don't think these are as good. They become much more muddy than I can handle- and I really enjoyed my RS1s with flats. Overall I have become a fan of the headphone and can say that I enjoy them even more than my old RS1i. However, to be honest, I believe the GS1000 was a better headphone for me than the HF2... Then I ordered the GS1000 jumbo pads. Immediately, I felt that these were the pads that were meant for the HF2. The jumbo pads are absolutely excellent with the HF2. Maybe this is logical seeing as how the bowls were better than the flats for me by leaps (meaning the ears are further from the drivers). Due to the extra distance now from the jumbo bowls, it makes sense that these sound even better! The comfort is greatly improved of course, the soundstage is much, much larger, the bass feels deeper...there's better balance in the headphones, and so much more. Another thing I observed is that the highs are extended further with these pads and normally with another grado this would be too much for me, but with the HF2 which originally doesn't extend as high by default, it actually helps the headphone! Overall the HF2 is a very, very good headphone and looks like it might be a keeper- my last Grado. I would like to compare it to the PS1000 one day but in the meanwhile, I am happy with this purchase and recommend anyone to also get a pair of jumbo pads along with it to get the full extent of joy! As John Grado says on his box, happy listening!

congrats, i agree with your description for the most part.

can you do a comparision between the HF2 with jumbo's vs. the GS1000? i take it that you like the HF2's better, but i wanted to get an idea of how they compare.

 

[Sean H]

Can one of you guys see if you can look through the back of the cans and tell if there is a "blob" of resonance dampening material applied to the back of the driver? Would be very interested to know. Thanks! (Maybe this has been determined already)

 

[MadMan007]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sean H /img/forum/go_quote.gif Can one of you guys see if you can look through the back of the cans and tell if there is a "blob" of resonance dampening material applied to the back of the driver? Would be very interested to know. Thanks! (Maybe this has been determined already)

Yes, mine have a blob of black material on the back of the transducer. It takes up about 1/3 of the transducer although it's not exactly the same size on both sides.

 

[DoYouRight]

interesting, i may just have to fork over some cash for jumbos. all this pad changing lately jeez.

 

[wakeride74]

Quote:

Originally Posted by myk7000 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've now had the Grado HF-2 for about a week and a half, listening to them everyday for 2-4 hours a day whenever I have spare time. I believe it's time that I write some of my thoughts. I have owned many Grados up to this point. Started with the SR60, went to the MS1, SR225, RS1, RS1i, and GS1000. Of them, my favorites have been the RS1i and GS1000 and I really loved both in their own ways. Now the HF2 has entered the picture. I got to listen to these for about 10 minutes at CanJam 09 and had the fortunate opportunity to compare them with my RS1 side by side. I found that between the two, the HF2 had less clarity, couldn't do instrument separation as well, and couldn't extend as well into the highs. Don't get me wrong, the headphone was excellent but just couldn't do it against the RS1. I ended up selling both the GS1000 and RS1 because I needed to purchase a pair of D7000 and a Pico DAC which I felt were better for my own tastes. I ordered the HF2 because of its "once in a lifetime" factor as well just so I could have a Grado around, despite my lack of enthusiasm for them previously. I've burned these headphones in maybe about 100 hours now and I must say though, I enjoy them thorougly! In fact, by memory I'd say that these headphones are easier to get along with than the RS1s! The highs are less shrill, the bass is stronger, the mids are just as full and exciting and I also really love the design. Paired with bowls, these headphones are great and not as fatiguing as the rest of the prestige/reference series. People keep saying these depart from the Grado sound but to me these are CLEARLY Grado- just less fatiguing. Unfortunately though, with my flat pads, I don't think these are as good. They become much more muddy than I can handle- and I really enjoyed my RS1s with flats. Overall I have become a fan of the headphone and can say that I enjoy them even more than my old RS1i. However, to be honest, I believe the GS1000 was a better headphone for me than the HF2.... Then I ordered the GS1000 jumbo pads. Immediately, I felt that these were the pads that were meant for the HF2. The jumbo pads are absolutely excellent with the HF2. Maybe this is logical seeing as how the bowls were better than the flats for me by leaps (meaning the ears are further from the drivers). Due to the extra distance now from the jumbo bowls, it makes sense that these sound even better! The comfort is greatly improved of course, the soundstage is much, much larger, the bass feels deeper and in higher quantity (which seems to be going against what others thought), there's better balance in the headphones, and so much more. Another thing I observed is that the highs are extended further with these pads and normally with another grado this would be too much for me, but with the HF2 which originally doesn't extend as high by default, it actually helps the headphone! Overall the HF2 is a very, very good headphone and looks like it might be a keeper- my last Grado. I would like to compare it to the PS1000 one day but in the meanwhile, I am happy with this purchase and recommend anyone to also get a pair of jumbo pads along with it to get the full extent of joy! As John Grado says on his box, happy listening!

Interested in what kind of distance that gives the vocals? I rather like the presentation of the vocals and don't know that I would want to pull them back too far to gain soundstage. Would you mind comparing the jumbos to the reversed bowls and give some feedback wen you have a chance?

I think I am in a similar boat where the drivers sit too close to my ears with the standard pads but reversed does yield some positive improvements as I seem to get a little more space between them. Flats seem like just an all around bad choice for these.

Additionally I am enjoying the pairing with my Mustang but I feel a Pico DAC joining the team soon.

 

[elnero]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wakeride74 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Flats seem like just an all around bad choice for these.

I think pad selection will also be reliant to degree on the rest of the gear in the audio chain as well as personal preference. For me out of bowls, reversed bowls, flats or reversed flats, standard flats have proven to be the best with the Pico but I'm fairly sure based on experience with my MS2i's that if I were to use them with my friends Compass I'd probably have to use bowls or reversed bowls.

 

[lousyreeds1]

I'd love to keep shifting pads, but I can't afford it!

I've enjoyed the flats, especially reversed, because immediacy and fullness of tone are more important to me than soundstage or bass clarity. If this matches your priorities, try the reversed flats, and if not, stay away! One of these days I might get some donuts, but with my preference for flats over bowls it would probably be a step in the wrong direction.

A question for those in the know: would moving from a Grado RA-1 amp to a Woo WA6 or 3+ change the presentation on these drastically? My hope would be to gain that immediacy and fullness of tone through the Woo and perhaps to return to bowl pads, evening out the response and improving bass control. Does that make any sense? Other ideas? Thanks!

 

[subtle]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fateicon /img/forum/go_quote.gif I hate Sennheiser headphones. Even the HD800 with film scores. I think they're dull, dark, and seem to keep the sound inside the speaker/driver or whatever instead of pouring it in like a Grado. I'm not saying the HF2 does that now, but it sounded like that in the first half hour or so.

I'd be interested to know what source and amp you were using with the HD800s? Describing them as dull and dark leads me to believe that they were either not up to the job or that you ended up with an HD800 that had massive issues and was not functioning properly.

I've owned the HF1, HF2, RS1 (true vintage), GS1000, multiple PS1s, and still own an HP2. The HD800 pours on the music better than all of them.