[shawntp]

Hey folks ...I have a set of Grado RS-1's with an RA-1 that I really do like but they are not getting too much usage these days. I am always on the go / here / there / etc and find that I enjoy the time I get with them but at this point in my life I am not very likly to sit down and listen to a dedicated music headphone system.

I bought these for really cheap used so if I unload I am sure I won't lose money and am not concerned about that. I also am sure if I resell these I could grab the new Shure e500's or some other micro-headphone that I could use on the go.

Anyone make a similar transition? Sounds like the Shures will have a different sound but everyone seemed pretty excited. I am not exactly dead set on any specific sound signature ...I just want to load up lossless music on an ipod these days and go but have a nice detailed musical sound.

 

[aluren]

Have you ever used IEMs before? If not, then you might not want to go straight to the top without giving IEMs (in general) a try. IEMs are in a different league than headphones and there's almost zero soundstage. I had the e3c's for over a year and thought they were the greatest thing until I got the Beyer DT880. Since then, I've not used the e3c's unless I'm at a starbucks or out somewhere. It's a valid reason if you're never going to be home to switch to IEMs... I'm thinking of getting the e500 too, but never once have I thought about selling my DT880 for them. And in your case, the RS-1 is not some cheapo $50 headphones, and plus its amped properly with teh RA-1. So giving that up for IEM might be a bitter pill to swallow. Hope this helps.

 

[elnero]

I'm actually thinking about making a similar transition. Due to some financial concerns I'm looking at downgrading my setup to a decent portable rig. I was lucky enough to get a somewhat extended audtion of the E500's and I personally felt that while they obviously sound different they were roughly in the same league as the RS-1's. Sonically I liked the RS-1's a bit more but for me the E500's run a close second (of all the headphones I've heard) and the E500's ease of use and versatility makes them actually come out ahead of the game for me.