I have been following the whole HF-1 saga, since it began several weeks ago. I own SR 125's, and with a few minor quibbles, really enjoy their sound. I have read reviews, and seen some great pics of the HF-1 here on HeadFi, and was all ready to get in on this sale. Only problem was, I was a little short on the "cha-ching"; so I decided to not get in on this one. In a month (or better yet, two...for my birthday); I'll be in a better position to upgrade to better Grado's.
As much as I was disappointed that the timing didn't work for me, this sale has been an eye-opener for me in many ways. I've read discussions, and seen pics of my favourite brand of cans. I discovered the beauty of some modded Grado's (done by the Master...Larry, at Headphile).
I have enjoyed the forums and discussions, and come up with some ideas, about what I'm looking for, in my next Grado purchase. I even had a chance to communicate via email with Todd; and Larry, of Headphile. Both answered my emails and seem very nice to do business with. Both, will receive mine, in the very near future.
With that said, I would also like to say thanks to Jude, for this site.
Several months ago, I was a sad veteran audiophile of 26 years, who had just sold his entire beloved system. I have loved music for all of my life, and knew that there was no way I could live without anything to listen to; so I thought I'd "settle" for an MP3 player/computer/headphone-based set up. After discovering the PA2V2 head-amp on Ebay, and RnB180 (aka RnBaudio)'s link to this site...I discovered a whole new form of high end sound possibilities. Truthfully, I would never have thought a headphone-based setup, could sound anywhere as good, as what I'm presently experiencing with my modest portable components.
Turns out, I don't feel I've settled for anything; in fact, I feel I've gained, since headphones aren't prone to the listening-room problems a speaker-based system has. It's also easier to get good sound, for WAAAAYYY-less money. I haven't been a member here long, so I've held off on becoming a contributing-member. I wanted to check the site out, to see what it was all about.
Even though circumstances didn't allow me to get an HF-1, I'd like to thank Todd for his idea of contributing $25 of each HF-1 he sold, to Jude, here at HeadFi. I'm gonna follow his lead.
Jude, I will send you my contributing membership next week. This is a great site; and worth at least the price of a magazine subscription...or about 1/4 of an HF-1...LOL!