[plastick]

Hello! 
 
What do you guys think my next step should be from the Grado SR225i? I love these headphones and I want to know what will give me the most improvement for my money on my next set of cans. My budget is strictly $600. 
 
All opinions are appreciated!

 

[GREQ]

Get a 2nd hand HE-500.

 

[Me x3]

RS2i or PS500 maybe.
 
Good Luck!

 

[plastick]

Quote:

Get a 2nd hand HE-500.

I was looking at the HE-400. Is the extra $200 worth it for the 500s? I do love the Grado sound however sometimes the highs can be a bit harsh. I wouldn't mind trying a darker-sounding headphone. 
 
Also I hear you have to stay away from Rev 3? There is some sort of defect with the driver? 

 

[Lorspeaker]

take a break...with a hd650, chillout.

 

[plastick]

Quote:

take a break...with a hd650, chillout.

I used to own a pair of HD590s and I did enjoy them. They remind me of the Grado sound with how bright they were. I listen to a lot of electronic and vocal electronic so those and the 225s suit me very well. However I feel the 225s were more detailed and smoother. Their attack is also amazing.
 
However I've read nothing but the highest praise for the HD650, and the biggest seller for me is the sound stage. I'd love to hear that widened soundstage. The 225s are very in-your-face whereas (from what I am told) the HD650s are floaty.. and I'm sure better at most other things considering their price. 
 
I just don't want to end up spending $600 on a pair of PS500s/RS1i and feeling like it wasn't worth it.

 

[GREQ]

Quote:

I was looking at the HE-400. Is the extra $200 worth it for the 500s? I do love the Grado sound however sometimes the highs can be a bit harsh. I wouldn't mind trying a darker-sounding headphone. 
 
Also I hear you have to stay away from Rev 3? There is some sort of defect with the driver? 

If you mean HE-400, there are said to be problems on Rev.1 and 3, so getting these 2nd hand is more risky than HE-500 which hasn't had consistent problems reported. 
If you get a new HE-400, Hifiman will repair for free any problems, as any other company would under warranty.