Well that's it, I'm in now! (new purchase)

[Aja]

Went to a high-end audio store this afternoon and demoed a pair of SR60s next to a pair of SR80s, both the closest I've ever come to high-end in the audio department.

I went home with the SR80s

They sounded more open and full compared to the 60s. Now at home, I'm still impressed. They are so much clearer and crisper than my MDRV300s (no surprise though). Maybe even a little too much high end, but the EQ on the Karma I'll be using can take care of that. Even with, it sounds incredible.

Chalk up another headphone enthusiast!

 

[Jahn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aja Went to a high-end audio store this afternoon and demoed a pair of SR60s next to a pair of SR80s, both the closest I've ever come to high-end in the audio department. I went home with the SR80s They sounded more open and full compared to the 60s. Now at home, I'm still impressed. They are so much clearer and crisper than my MDRV300s (no surprise though). Maybe even a little too much high end, but the EQ on the Karma I'll be using can take care of that. Even with, it sounds incredible. Chalk up another headphone enthusiast!

congrats! now listen to the cans for 40 hours total, buy some Senn HD414 yellow pads, cut a quarter hole in them, stick them on, and enjoy! Then run away from head-fi and don't look back!

 

[Aja]

What's this about 40 hours and new pads? Explain!

 

[_SLY_]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jahn Then run away from head-fi and don't look back!

I'd take his advice.......
Run as far as you can....I tried, but accidentally came back a couple months later...

 

[Jahn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aja What's this about 40 hours and new pads? Explain!

Soitenly!

Below is a shot of TTVJ Flat Pads on the Grados - imho the best open pads for Grados, but for $25 you might want to consider the Senn 414 pads instead which are like $6?

See how the hole is punched in the middle, to make the yellow pad look like the flat pad? That's the mod. I'm not sure if the SR80 comes with the bowl pad (the sideways pad in the pic) or the comfy pad (no hole in it at all) butmho both are inferior pads to the flats or the VWAPs (what we call the modded 414 pad). The flats/VWAP pads give more bass, halt the screechy highs, bring the mids in your face, and collapse the soundstage a bit, what there is of it.

40 hours is my approximation of how long it takes for grados to "open up" and start sounding like they can - they'll break in and be at their full potential by then, and you'll notice the bass kicking in, and everything sounding less muddy.

Edit - oops those are the original Joe Grado flat pads on there, but believe me the TTVJ pads are identical!

 

[Aja]

Okay, sounds good, especially for $6. Where do I get em? And what kind of music is best to break in the phones, and at what volume?

 

[mektarus]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jahn ...I'm not sure if the SR80 comes with the bowl pad (the sideways pad in the pic) or the comfy pad (no hole in it at all)...

The SR-80's come with bowl pads, which I personally can't stand. The modded Sennheiser pads are a huge step up in both comfort and sound quality. The flat pads by far the best sounding but are not as comfortable as the Senn padds (I swear Grado mixes sand into their foam). I stayed away from the flats for a long time because of the price, but finally gave in (upgraditis) and I believe that they are worth every penny.

BTW, congrats on your purchase...and say...wouldn't those sound even better with an amp and some custom interconnects...?

Welcome to Head-Fi, sorry about your wallet.

 

[Aja]

Hehe, thanks.

I'm sure they'd sound great with new gear, but for the moment every penny I earn is going towards next year's tution, so I'm not worried about caving. This was kinda like my last supper before the SAVING MUST START!

 

[kramer5150]

hook line and sinker!!! burn em in and enjoy.

Garrett

 

[Jahn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aja Okay, sounds good, especially for $6. Where do I get em? And what kind of music is best to break in the phones, and at what volume?

i would just listen to them normally and enjoy the ride while they break in. and someday it will kick in and you'll say THIS is a SR80?

you can buy pre-modded ones at the mall-fi thread here, or just goto the Senn website and order direct replacement parts. maybe headroom sells them too? i dunno.

edit - oops it was taken off mall-fi. anyone have the link for him now?

 

[mektarus]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jahn ...edit - oops it was taken off mall-fi. anyone have the link for him now?

Here ya go...414 pads

 

[Aja]

Says info is currently unavailable.

 

[joelongwood]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aja Went to a high-end audio store this afternoon and demoed a pair of SR60s next to a pair of SR80s, both the closest I've ever come to high-end in the audio department. I went home with the SR80s

Hey, I posted almost the exact statement about 5 years ago on HeadWize.
Congratulations, and leave now............or I am your future!

 

[wualta]

Try this.

Congrats on the SR80! Didja get a killer deal?

 

[RnB180]

I couldnt stand the Grado sound, after about 30 hours of continual burn in, the treble lightened up.

now that you have the sr-80s time to take them apart, make then detachable and build yourself a senn type cable, and take out the ugly plastic grill and install a metal one