[jccoto]

Hi, everyone.  First post here (I've been reading the forums for quite a while but haven't posted yet) - so please excuse me if I do something incorrectly.
 
I've been looking for the best entry level headphones I can get for a small budget (<$100) and have pretty much settled on the Grado SR-60.  I've liked them for a while back and think they're what I'm looking for based on comments here.  I want something I can drive amp-less for a while, with an iPhone.  I'm also looking for comfortable, open back and fun.  Listen mostly to rock, not a basshead.
 
My concern, though, is that the current version is SR-60e.  I've read about the 60i's and don't know if there's a difference that's worth knowing.  Also, I'm not sure that new is better, so it could be better to look for i's instead of e's.  Finally, I also read somewhere that the current build quality of grados is bad.  It could be hearsay, maybe a bad thread or forum or whatever, or true.  Anyone know what's up with that?
 
Thanks very much for your time and help.  I appreciate it!

 

[KG Jag]

The e versions (of all Grado cans) are so new that few--probably very few--have heard them yet.  No one even mentioned the e cans at the Dallas Head-Fi meet early this month, probably because no one knew they were about to be released.

 

[KG Jag]

P.S.
 
You might want to follow this thread:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/722571/grado-e-series

 

[jccoto]

Thanks, KG.  I'll check it out.

 

[kramer5150]

I have both the SR60 and the 60i.  The difference I think is noticeable.  The "i" model is less "edgy" in the upper mids... more smooth and easier on the ears.  Its STILL a Grado, with all the energy and dynamics though.  Bass extends deeper and the whole signature overall is slightly more tipped towards the bass-end of the pool.  Its also more refined and detail revealing.  Theres also more energy and detail resolution towards the ends of the audible spectrum.  Where the SR60 drops off, the 60i lights it up more.  Treble has more air/breath and sparkle, sub-bass is more pronounced, more present and resonant.
 
The 60i, seriously encroaches on my HF1 in all of these regards, and I am a big fan of it (well both of them really).
 
The 60e definitely has my interest.

 

[jccoto]

 I have both the SR60 and the 60i.

 
Interesting.  Pardon my ignorance but what's the difference between the SR-60 and SR-60i?  Is the i a later iteration of the SR-60 model, or is it a different one altogether?

 

[KG Jag]

 

 I have both the SR60 and the 60i.

 
Interesting.  Pardon my ignorance but what's the difference between the SR-60 and SR-60i?  Is the i a later iteration of the SR-60 model, or is it a different one altogether?

See:
 
http://www.headfonia.com/the-grado-sr60i-compared-to-the-sr60/
 
and
 
http://www.stereophile.com/headphones/grado_sr60i_headphones/

 

[jccoto]

 
See:
 
http://www.headfonia.com/the-grado-sr60i-compared-to-the-sr60/
 
and
 
http://www.stereophile.com/headphones/grado_sr60i_headphones/

 
Awesome.  I would assume, following this logic, that the e series would be an improvement over the i.  On another note, are there different / better pads to be had for the SR-60(e)?  The second site mentions "large" pads, but I haven't found any myself.  Any ideas?

 

[KG Jag]

Grado offers three different sized pads.  Beware that change of pad types also changes the sound.

 

[jccoto]

Awesome.  Do you know where I can find them for purchase online?  How do they affect the sound?
 
Thanks!

 

[KG Jag]

  Awesome.  Do you know where I can find them for purchase online?  How do they affect the sound?
 
Thanks!

You can get earpads from Amazon, most Grado dealers and probably from the official Grado web site.
 
They affect sound stage and bass.  For more information check out the Grado appreciation thread and others on specific Grado cans.

 

[BWAS1000]

Just like to pick the out an SR60i with a red driver is actually an SR60e. So if someone with a Red SR60i could give us some impressions.