Quote:
Other than the elusive brown headband / no serial number RS-1, I've never cared for the RS-1. It's been months since I've heard Ari's pair at the NYC meet, so I wouldn't want to compare. But I did do a direct comparison of a friend's HF-2 to my DIY-modded HF-1. The HF-2 is definitely in the same family of sound, but struck me as a noticeable improvement on pretty much all fronts. The HF-2 has (significantly) more bass extension and punch, mids are similarly wonderful, but with better instrument separation there's and a smoother, more detailed treble presentation. It's definitely a winner in my book, and I've preferred my HF-1 to all non-vintage RS-1 Grados before, including the PS-1 (too much bass), GS-1000 (sucked out mids, peaky treble), HP-1000 (technically proficient but lifeless... and heavy and awkward on my head). While the HF-2 is heavier than my all-wood HF-1, it's not at all uncomfortable, even with new bowls. The cup appears to have less metal material the the 325i I had before, and as such, isn't at all uncomfortable for me. Preliminary impressions lead me to believe that the HF-2 will be my preferred Grado for the foreseeable future, though more time would be needed for a more detailed comparison.
And I'm more than little curious to hear what an all-wood HF-2 might sound like...
Originally Posted by Mat Bon 0013 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Have you any experience with the RS-1/HF-1? How do they compare?? |
Other than the elusive brown headband / no serial number RS-1, I've never cared for the RS-1. It's been months since I've heard Ari's pair at the NYC meet, so I wouldn't want to compare. But I did do a direct comparison of a friend's HF-2 to my DIY-modded HF-1. The HF-2 is definitely in the same family of sound, but struck me as a noticeable improvement on pretty much all fronts. The HF-2 has (significantly) more bass extension and punch, mids are similarly wonderful, but with better instrument separation there's and a smoother, more detailed treble presentation. It's definitely a winner in my book, and I've preferred my HF-1 to all non-vintage RS-1 Grados before, including the PS-1 (too much bass), GS-1000 (sucked out mids, peaky treble), HP-1000 (technically proficient but lifeless... and heavy and awkward on my head). While the HF-2 is heavier than my all-wood HF-1, it's not at all uncomfortable, even with new bowls. The cup appears to have less metal material the the 325i I had before, and as such, isn't at all uncomfortable for me. Preliminary impressions lead me to believe that the HF-2 will be my preferred Grado for the foreseeable future, though more time would be needed for a more detailed comparison.
And I'm more than little curious to hear what an all-wood HF-2 might sound like...