[AdamP]

First and foremost, the budget probably should be around $200-250US.

For current listening I have a DT-770/80.

I am looking for a sound that has prominent bass like the DT-770, but with a more refined midrange and high end.

I have searched around on here and it seems that maybe the Grado 225 is what I need. Some people recommended the HF-1 or something like that but all I can see on google is that this was a limited edition run.

I also kind of want to buy a Grado because I don't own one yet... heh.

 

[dag655321]

Warning: Personal preference to follow.

IMO the sweet spots in the Grado line are the SR-60 (Grado sound on the cheap), the SR-225 (the killer rock can), and the RS-2 (yeah I think I like them even better than the RS-1).

If you are looking to spend big bucks, you can often find a used RS-2 for about what you would have to pay for an HF-1 (since they were a limited run of about 500, and all have been sold). I picked up a pair for $400 in the FS forum. They are warm and bright cans with good extension on both ends. They wont have the bass of a DT-770, but to my ears the overall presentation is much more balanced and pleasing.

For about $150-$180 you can pick up a use SR-225. It has a little darker sound than the RS-2, but still has great mids and decent bass (again not as much as the 770). It is a great middle of the road can, and I do not find it harsh. Try some "comfy" pads (the ones that come with the SR-60) for a smoother, less harsh sound.

If you just want to hear what Grados sound like, the SR-60 is the obvious place to start. Both the SR-225 and the RS-2 have a warmer and fuller midrange, but the SR-60 is a good starter can, and will give you a window into Grado sound for around $50 used.

FYI, I thought the HF-1 had a bit more bass than the SR-225 and about the same mids and highs. I felt that it could not compete with the RS-2, and so I traded mine away. Personally I do not believe the HF-1 (just in terms of sound quality, not collectibility) is worth the money it currently sells for (often in excess of $400). For that kind of cash an RS-2 gives better sound, but not the esoteric value. The SR-225 come close in sound for less than half the money.

 

[milkpowder]

The higher up you go, the better. The SR225 is good and so is the HF-1. HF-1 go for $300+ where as the SR225 go for $200 new and $150+ used. You could get a pair of SR325i used for $250

 

[Akathriel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkpowder The higher up you go, the better. The SR225 is good and so is the HF-1. HF-1 go for $300+ where as the SR225 go for $200 new and $150+ used. You could get a pair of SR325i used for $250

Agreed. Just spend as much you can.

MS2i is another sweetspot btw. I would say 60,225, hf1,ms2i,rs1 are the sweetspots.

 

[nightfire]

My vote for the SR-325i and RS2, if you can find them used. Steer clear of the original SR-325, and the 125 doesn't seem to be a very good value. Can't go wrong with the SR-60/80. Go find a hifi shop and listen!

 

[glac1er]

The SR225 is very nice indeed.

You mentioned that you expect a prominent bass. I don't think SR225's bass is as powerful as the DT770's, so expect a little drop in bass dept. You'll get many other things in exchange though

 

[grawk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamP First and foremost, the budget probably should be around $200-250US. For current listening I have a DT-770/80. I am looking for a sound that has prominent bass like the DT-770, but with a more refined midrange and high end. I have searched around on here and it seems that maybe the Grado 225 is what I need. Some people recommended the HF-1 or something like that but all I can see on google is that this was a limited edition run. I also kind of want to buy a Grado because I don't own one yet... heh.

There are 2 grados I'd recommend for fans of DT770s.

HF-1s with flats (or zeta flat cpads)
PS-1s with flats (or zeta flat cpads)