[Ambience]

Hey everyone, first post here. Anyway I've been bitten by the upgrade bug and am now looking to replace my MS-1s (equivalent of grado SR125?) with a nicer pair of open cans. Budget is about $500 incl. shipping (if necessary) to aus.
 
I listen to a lot of different music styles, mostly ambient, metal (and prog metal), rock and classical.
Source is FLACs through an Asus xonar essence STX.

 

[CEE TEE]

Used HF-2.
 
So far...bliss.

 

[CEE TEE]

Oh, sorry about your wallet!
 
Happy for your ears though...

 

[Ambience]

While i'm not doubting that the HF-2s are wonderful, it just seems like you're paying for their rarity... Looks like i could get a used pair of ms-pros or RS-1s at this price, or a new pair of RS-2s. hmm

 

[Bilavideo]

 

While i'm not doubting that the HF-2s are wonderful, it just seems like you're paying for their rarity... Looks like i could get a used pair of ms-pros or RS-1s at this price, or a new pair of RS-2s. hmm

That may have been the case last year, when some folks were selling their never-opened HF2s for upwards of $600, but when TTVJ started selling new HF2s for $429 (and Bs for $350), it brought prices back to Earth.  Given a choice between an HF2 and an RS2, I'd opt for the HF2.  It's a stellar headphone and a real gem.  It's the affordable PS1000.