Grado Hemp Review - High on Mt. Grado, but still Grados

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  • Опубліковано 20 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 105

  • @MrAhuraMazda
    @MrAhuraMazda 3 роки тому +61

    Can we just admit Grados smell the best out of the box? Whatever cancerous chemical they spray on the pads and the box foam is magnificent

  • @mozphet3030
    @mozphet3030 3 роки тому +50

    Is it just me, or the camera, or has Andrew lost quite a bit of weight recently? Looking good bro! Great review.

    • @TheHEADPHONEShow
      @TheHEADPHONEShow  3 роки тому +31

      Andrew here, maybe just a bit. Thanks for noticing haha

  • @TombstoneTube
    @TombstoneTube 3 роки тому +15

    Good to see a mature review of these headphones.

  • @Bubbajo4378000
    @Bubbajo4378000 3 роки тому +10

    Comfort tip for the stock pads: bend the headband so the pads are hardly exerting any force on your ears. If they’re pushing on your ears they’re miserable. Don’t worry about the headband, you won’t hurt it and that’s how you make Grados fit. If they still hurt then yeah, get some bigger pads; I have both but I prefer the sound of the stock pads. Love these things!

  • @DMS3TV
    @DMS3TV 3 роки тому +6

    I will admit I do like a little extra spice in my treble sometimes ha. Excellent video man!

  • @YoZasuke
    @YoZasuke 3 роки тому +27

    I recently got the grado hemp. I cant really say why but I like them more than the 6xx, Sundara, Zeus, DT 1990 or 560s. But on the other hand I dont know if I would recommend them without hesitation. Its a headphone you have to try yourself to know if you will like it or not.

    • @MrAhuraMazda
      @MrAhuraMazda 3 роки тому +14

      It's cause it's a Grado. There is no other headphone brand on the planet with that midrange energy for guitars, vocals, woodwinds etc. Not Sundara, not Arya, certainly not the 6XX/600. Those all sound almost robotic in comparison. Grado is like a crunchy old JBL floor standing speakers hooked up to a good turntable. There's an energy to the sound no other brand can touch, and that includes their cheapest right up to the most expensive. It makes other headphones sound sterile.

    • @maxackerny7423
      @maxackerny7423 3 роки тому +2

      I know..... but my god the build suck ass

    • @WobblerRagdoll
      @WobblerRagdoll 3 роки тому +3

      Love them. Soon I'm going to be sending mine to a redditor who customized grados. Going to get a detachable cable mod done. I think they'll be nearly perfect for me then.

    • @artureff3046
      @artureff3046 3 місяці тому

      I like them more too....[40+ years experience; vinyl, cd, Tidal]

  • @metal571
    @metal571 3 роки тому +13

    I believe the OEM name for what Geekria is copying here is just known as "G Cush" pads

    • @MrAhuraMazda
      @MrAhuraMazda 3 роки тому +5

      You're a G Cush. Get over here you big lug

    • @loonation2185
      @loonation2185 3 роки тому +3

      Yeah, geekria is the same with the misodiko brand, they just bought some oem pads and price it 2-3 times higher lol.

    • @ResolveReviews
      @ResolveReviews 3 роки тому +3

      I just wish they had spelled it "Geekrrhea"

    • @metal571
      @metal571 3 роки тому +2

      @@MrAhuraMazda oh myyyyyyy

    • @krayozmines
      @krayozmines 3 роки тому

      @@loonation2185 how do you know? Just curious

  • @briang530
    @briang530 2 роки тому

    Great recommendation on pads! 2 months into owning a pair, and I find I've hardly touched my Sen HD6xx, Sundara, RS1e or even Focal Utopia Cans. The Sens or Focals might have these beat technically in some (or perhaps many ways), but these are probably the most fun, engaging, and musically entertaining cans I've ever tried*.
    More importantly they lose very little against a NAIM Unit Atom Headphone when powered by an AQ dragonfly from a cellphone, and although they lose a bit more un-amped straight out of an old Lenovo tablet, they're still great to listen to.
    * Apart from some Jazz, the big pads are really required in order to prevent listening fatigue and enjoy just about anything except "lounge jazz" for any length of time.

  • @martinfox2244
    @martinfox2244 3 роки тому +3

    I would be interested in how these compare to the new Grado 325X

  • @albertxion513
    @albertxion513 3 роки тому +5

    Those big pads are called G Cushions I believe, and they're on the more expensive grados by default (I think?)

    • @chronometa
      @chronometa 3 роки тому

      Yes. You are correct.

    • @BuzzinhornetCBR
      @BuzzinhornetCBR 3 роки тому +2

      They are a modified version of the G cushion actually, the original Grado G Cushion on the GS and PS line is much more Bowl shaped, they place the ear quite far form the driver, this kills all bass on non-GS/PS headphones.

    • @albertxion513
      @albertxion513 3 роки тому

      @@BuzzinhornetCBR Oh so they're not only cheaper to get, but also better?

    • @BuzzinhornetCBR
      @BuzzinhornetCBR 3 роки тому +2

      @@albertxion513 Definitely cheaper (aliexpress has them for $5) and better, I tried the Originals and I can't recommend them. I currently use shipibo pads and like them much more than the geekeria, they cost more though.

  • @ThinkDoTA
    @ThinkDoTA 3 роки тому +1

    Grado has a new headphones line up now called X series and the new 325x are using hemp stock pads.

  • @housepianist
    @housepianist 3 роки тому +5

    I purchased the Hemp back in December last year. You're right about the included pads (they're called F-cushions). They are thin and uncomfortable and destroy the soundstage. All you get is a wall of two-dimensional sound. As a side note, the recently-released X-driver series of the Prestige line has these thin pads as standard. I really don't understand that move at all.
    Like you, I did purchase the Geekria "G-cush" pads and they really do improve the sound quite substantially but to my ears, it really emphasizes the upper bass/lower midrange to the point that, depending on the track, muddies up the sound and subdues the highs more than I want (yeah, I'm a treble head).
    I then purchased the Geekria "L-cush" pads which were the standard pads for years on most of their offerings. It fits nicely between the wafer-thin F-cush and larger G-cush pads. They don't have the bass presence of the larger G-cush pads but they really bring back all of that glorious soundstage and clarity that makes Grados so addicting, assuming you like the Grado sound which could be considered an acquired taste.
    Also, another side note - I noticed that your sample has the white stitching on the headband. The ones I purchased late last year have black stitching. Not an issue really but since the new Prestige line has white stitching too (to denote its new drivers perhaps), I wonder if the drivers in the Hemp are updated. I'm sure they're not...but still.

  • @joewalluck1598
    @joewalluck1598 3 роки тому +1

    Resolve, you can adjust the tension of headband to make them fit more comfortably.

    • @BuzzinhornetCBR
      @BuzzinhornetCBR 3 роки тому

      Most people just bend them slightly to fit their head.

  • @SpaceOddity174
    @SpaceOddity174 3 роки тому +9

    I personally love the hemps (with the geekria pads) far far more than the Sundaras, where the hemps really feels like a true hifi experience that's just a joy to listen to.
    It helps me ignore how garbage the undetachable cables are 🙂

  • @R.Eg.S
    @R.Eg.S 3 роки тому +2

    I occasionally use my RS1X with g-cushions for gaming - modmic stuck next to where cable attaches. While I tend to agree with Crin that it won't make me any better it is if nothing else an enjoyable experience.

  • @fclp67
    @fclp67 3 роки тому +2

    Your reviews are the best in the industry rn

  • @slashvanyoung
    @slashvanyoung 3 роки тому +7

    Got the hemp. Got ALL the pads imaginable. Yes, the soundstage gets ridiculous with the G Cush. But they also introduce sibilance, suck out the mids and remove body from the bass. The tonal balance on the stock pads is excellent to me. L Cush are a nice compromise I wish more reviewers would try out.

    • @BuzzinhornetCBR
      @BuzzinhornetCBR 3 роки тому

      Have you tried the TTVJ Audio pads, many like the improved texture vs the F pads and they have the same sound and shape. I find the shipibo audio pads work best for me, sound and comfort wise. I've tried Original F, G and L pads, aftermarket S, G Cush, L and S pads.

  • @dasninjastix
    @dasninjastix 3 роки тому +2

    Geekria pads are surprisingly good. I put the Grado ones on my KPH30is (bowl and non-bowl ones) and I use their Sennheiser 598/599 series ones which I like better than the Sennheiser stock pads. I really like the "lamy velvet" pads for the 599.. whatever the hell lamy velvet is. I'm hoping Geekria starts making Beyer pads.

  • @fclp67
    @fclp67 3 роки тому +5

    That cable is hilarious. My vaccum cleaner has a cord this thick and these are tiny headphones

  • @ciaranleoghann5879
    @ciaranleoghann5879 3 роки тому +24

    I usually like your reviews, but reviewing headphones with low quality pads that ruins the sound...i don't get it. I agree that the stock pad gets painful on the ears but the G pad you're using are the worst thing you can do to the Hemp, it kills the sub bass and all the punchy sound the Hemp is now famous for. I prefer to suffer and enjoy a good sound.

    • @WobblerRagdoll
      @WobblerRagdoll 3 роки тому +1

      Tried both pads. I have to agree. 👍 I got used to the pads after a while. Its just not something I will wear all day, which is fine.

    • @kevinbirge2130
      @kevinbirge2130 3 роки тому

      I have the 325x, and the F pads don’t trouble me at all.

  • @donvittoriosierra
    @donvittoriosierra 3 роки тому +1

    interested in seeing graphs of the sr80 and 60 using those geekria pads

  • @malek8736
    @malek8736 3 роки тому +1

    I have health concerns keeping these foam pads on my skin

  • @khanhdang8342
    @khanhdang8342 3 роки тому +2

    Have the Hemp.
    Stock F pads are terrible.
    Bought the Grado G pads, big. Sounds better.
    Just bought the L pads. Sounds more balance and comfortable as on ear type....

    • @artureff3046
      @artureff3046 3 місяці тому

      love F pads [have all of them]

  • @BuzzinhornetCBR
    @BuzzinhornetCBR 3 роки тому +2

    Nice review. I have the Hemp as well and a few other Grado's. I also have the Focal Radiance to cover any bass cravings. I totally agree with you on the pads, the stock F pads are horrible, comfort is terrible. I use the same flat G pads from geekeria, except i buy mine on aliexpress since they are very common. About a month ago I bought pads from shipibo dot audio, these make the Hemp and other Graso's much more comfy and give them a slight bass boost which they can use. I use them also on my RS2e and PS500e and the improvement is there as well. At the same time I also swapped out the plastic rod block and gimbals for their slim aluminum sets, these also help with comfort as they change the angle the cups and pads sit on the head (less pressure above the ear). How do you compare the Hemp to the RS2e and RS1e you tried in a previous review?

    • @newkid7
      @newkid7 3 роки тому

      Hi PS500e owner here, do you think Hemp is an upgrade to PS500e? How different?

    • @BuzzinhornetCBR
      @BuzzinhornetCBR 3 роки тому +2

      @@newkid7 Hi I was surprised how different they actually are. I already had the Black SR325, GH3, RS2e and Hemp when I saw a deal on the PS500e and picked them up. My listening is all done using shipibo pads (I bough 2 sets). The simplest way to put it is, the PS500e has a fuller sound across the frequency range, it goes deeper but has less midrange emphasis vs the Hemp, on the Hemp I hear the guitar and vocals more forward and they seem to have more energy vs the PS500e, PS500e has a smoother overall sound delivery with bit more mid bass, but what bass the Hemp gives you has a more dynamic delivery. I listen mainly to Rock, Rumba and female rock (AC/DC, The Tragically Hip, Boston, Sarah McLachlan, Norah Jones, and Acoustic guitar Jesse Cook and Ottamar Lieber), that said the Hemp seems to come into its own when you turn them up, the louder they play, the more you like them. Switching back to back a few times, the 1st few minutes, I find the PS500e has more presence, going to the Hemp something seems missing (low end), after a few tracks just listening to the music, you forget all that. If you enjoy hearing the star of the show, guitar, highs and vocals, then the Hemp has just the right emphasis on them to enjoy. If you want a full sound, with the stars a bit more recessed in the mix, then the PS500e is a better choice. I'm planning to keep both, I pick the one I'm in the mood for teach day and stick with it. So is it an upgrade, probably not, does it offer something special in a Grado coloring, yes. Just make sure you break them in for a good 30hrs before deciding if you like them or not. And try some different pads, pads change the tuning of the PS500e and Hemp, all Grado's so much, its like a different headphone. Pads cost less than more headphones.

    • @newkid7
      @newkid7 3 роки тому

      @@BuzzinhornetCBR Thank you so much for the reply! Everyone seems to like the Hemp, but nowhere for me to audition in my city. I previously owned Sr225e, GH3, I enjoy most Grados expect black lable, white, I even enjoy and own their bluetooth GW100, they're very musical. Lately I found my Ps500e sub bass struggling with my Zen Dac, never have I noticed it's lacking before, but still very engaging sound. Do you think Focal headphones are as musical as Grados?

    • @soulfulfool
      @soulfulfool 3 роки тому

      radiance is for the look dont lie 🤣 for bass there are proper planars

  • @JTB--
    @JTB-- 3 роки тому +8

    It's kind of a head scratcher that Grado has not yet partnered with a pad maker to make bigger and better pads for their headphones. The stock pads just flat out suck. Besides bad comfort... the non detachable cable is a dealbreaker with the Grado's

    • @LyK0sa
      @LyK0sa 3 роки тому +3

      They don't even need to partner with anyone, they already have these exact pads for the GS1000.

    • @JTB--
      @JTB-- 3 роки тому +3

      @@LyK0sa Then it makes even less sense that Grado hasn't offered better pads on most of their headphones

    • @LyK0sa
      @LyK0sa 3 роки тому +2

      @@JTB-- I know, crazy, isn't it?

  • @adultsupervision5014
    @adultsupervision5014 3 роки тому

    Has anyone experimented with alternate pads other than the Geekria's? Are there any other options?

  • @shadouxg7150
    @shadouxg7150 3 роки тому +2

    Are u planning to review the Abyss 1266 tc?

    • @TheHEADPHONEShow
      @TheHEADPHONEShow  3 роки тому +1

      Resolve here - those are really difficult to get ahold of. I'd like to review it, but I don't have access to one at the moment.

  • @roastedturkey
    @roastedturkey 3 роки тому +1

    Just out here leaving a comment despite being sad about not winning the LCD X 2021.

  • @ixoye56
    @ixoye56 2 роки тому

    The non-detachable cable is the biggest reason I haven't bought these headphones.

  • @maxackerny7423
    @maxackerny7423 3 роки тому

    I think what you mean is gs1000 pads...

  • @LyK0sa
    @LyK0sa 3 роки тому

    The hilarious thing about those pads is they're actually clones of grado's own GS1000 pads. So grado already has these pads, and yet they still don't ship them out as standard. Why, grado? Why?

    • @flaviovizeu_
      @flaviovizeu_ 3 роки тому +3

      Because they're not the same as the G cush Grado sells, and they do not sound the same. These introduce a massive mid bass bump, while Grado ones do not, and result in a completely different sound signature
      Plus, Grado prefers the Hemps with the flat pads. The Geekria pads are just a trend Zeos started, they're not objectively better

    • @BuzzinhornetCBR
      @BuzzinhornetCBR 3 роки тому

      @@flaviovizeu_ G Cush have been around a lot longer than ZEOS. Years longer.

    • @steviesteve750
      @steviesteve750 2 роки тому

      Because the Hemp tonal balance is largely due to F pad. Put a Geekria or Grado L cush and you're back into conventional Grado territory. I really like my Hemps, but they're a mile from accuracy. I prefer Sundara and LCD-X for the music I prefer, rock , EDM etc.

    • @LyK0sa
      @LyK0sa 2 роки тому

      @@steviesteve750 true, pads are a pretty significant aspect of the tuning in any headphone. But still, in terms of comfort alone the majority of people seem to prefer the larger pads, so there wouldn't be anything stopping grado from working on variations of that style that offer different tunings.
      Then again, this is grado, and they're not the kind of company to submit to consumer demand, as is evidenced by the new X series still not having detachable cables.

  • @dhruvmeena96
    @dhruvmeena96 3 роки тому

    why not make your own grado with symphones v9 magnum driver, custom wood shell with damping and beautiful audio leather pads

  • @sonhouse9636
    @sonhouse9636 3 роки тому

    Did you try to Eq ?

  • @ogharaei1
    @ogharaei1 3 роки тому

    What is it plugged into on (your) right? Looks snazzy.

  • @tibormichalcik9381
    @tibormichalcik9381 3 роки тому

    What is there sitting next to you on the desk? I know what it is! And I WANT IT! :)

  • @DonHamlin
    @DonHamlin 3 роки тому +1

    Grado recently announced a revision to their entire Prestige series and one of the changes is that they will all have the same flat pads as the Hemp. No more L pads. It would seem that a year of rave reviews/product of the year awards for the Hemp may have influenced that decision.

  • @johnhayes8476
    @johnhayes8476 3 роки тому +3

    Those stock pads look delightful! Would need a ton of weed to make those comfortable.

  • @marksafe5463
    @marksafe5463 3 роки тому

    Thanks for this! Wasn’t sure about getting this one. I think I’ll just get an amp for my 6xx. Any recommendations?

  • @MrAhuraMazda
    @MrAhuraMazda 3 роки тому +5

    The brand new SR125X is the best headphone I've ever heard under $1500. And thats not even the 225X or the 325X. It's an absolute pleasure to listen to whatever tuning they did on these new drivers is great. They make any planar under the Arya or sound metallic and off. It destroys the 6XX and Sundara. Only the Audezes sound nice with their warmer sound. If youre gonna buy the 6XX, get a SR225X and those bowl pads or the TTVJ Flat Pad.
    You get a Hemp and LCD Classic and it's game over. End game. For what? $1200 total? End Game. Unless you want to spend $5000 or whatever on that Abyss.

  • @memoryerror
    @memoryerror 3 роки тому

    I wonder what it is like with the S Cushion by YAXI (for Grado).

    • @BuzzinhornetCBR
      @BuzzinhornetCBR 3 роки тому +1

      There's a thread on hifiguides which discusses the Purple Yaxi on the Hemp. Have a look. The theater didnt like them so much until he put a hole.in them.

  • @steviesteve750
    @steviesteve750 2 роки тому

    Hemp + L pad with tape mod was best for me. The Geekria chamfered donut pads are a close second.

  • @rogerhuston8287
    @rogerhuston8287 3 роки тому +6

    No removable wire, no deal for me.

    • @rem792
      @rem792 3 роки тому +2

      I know, right? It's 2021 damn it....

    • @maxackerny7423
      @maxackerny7423 3 роки тому +1

      Agree

  • @sandydennylives1392
    @sandydennylives1392 3 роки тому

    It looks like it cost $4.20 in build quality, like HiFi man, which is a deal breaker for me, I'm a bit rough and tumble with 'phones and tend to leave 'em in unsavory areas, so I need high build quality.

    • @soulfulfool
      @soulfulfool 3 роки тому

      for you there are only cheap headphones xD I know destroyers like you

    • @sandydennylives1392
      @sandydennylives1392 3 роки тому

      @@soulfulfool I'm trying not to sleep on my Senn 560's but it's touch and go. They sound quite nice as well. It's 99% my Hi Fi these days, I'm such a caution.

  • @himanshutiwari90
    @himanshutiwari90 3 роки тому +4

    Bad looking , non detachable cable , bad stock comfort , no subbass , wonky grado upper mids stock or harsh upper treble , 420$ .

    • @thelastrhino2581
      @thelastrhino2581 3 роки тому +1

      Also, arbitrary price not reflecting the ~$20 it costs them to produce this.

    • @94jmbottaro
      @94jmbottaro 3 роки тому

      wtf dude you clearly havent heard them . they might not have the deepest subbass (gets much better with g pads but not my point)compared to other headphones but EVERYTHING ELSE is probably the best you can find in the 0- infinity price market

  • @Masimo_Yovanni
    @Masimo_Yovanni Рік тому +2

    Absolute bullshit! These hemps work with all genres. Metal and EDM sound fine with these.
    The way you describe these, maybe your set is faulty or your ears are out if whack.
    These are great headphones. Treble is great and not sibilant

    • @soulfulfool
      @soulfulfool 8 місяців тому

      haha yea Grado fan boys get aggressive

  • @loonation2185
    @loonation2185 3 роки тому

    Better buy a 60e/80e and mod it.

  • @anthonycarlos2095
    @anthonycarlos2095 3 роки тому

    Y

  • @aceofspades6667
    @aceofspades6667 3 роки тому

    Stoner cans... seems like such a desperate attempt to be relevant just like the knock off Bob Marley weed headphones. Hard pass for me!

  • @prabinpaudel5572
    @prabinpaudel5572 3 роки тому

    Hipster gaming headphone.. 😂

  • @carlsitler9071
    @carlsitler9071 3 роки тому +1

    Who wears headphones with a hat? The hat obviously ruins the frequency response.

    • @ResolveReviews
      @ResolveReviews 3 роки тому +5

      Not like I'm wearing the hat while evaluating the headphones over the course of the week... nor is it being placed on the rig when measuring it haha.

  • @johnhayes8476
    @johnhayes8476 3 роки тому +1

    Your ears are getting very demanding.

    • @ResolveReviews
      @ResolveReviews 3 роки тому +1

      My ears are always demanding haha. But yes, it's a bit of a philosophical play on words - at least within the question of what counts for perception and the locatedness of that perception. Properly speaking, ears don't 'want' anything, nor do they perceive anything. People do. It's just common to colloquially speak as if the proprioceptive device (like an ear) is doing the perceiving.

    • @johnhayes8476
      @johnhayes8476 3 роки тому

      @@ResolveReviews woah, that’s deep.

  • @nxxxxzn
    @nxxxxzn 3 роки тому

    IME grado can't be recommended for their technology, their gear barely competes in the market... I had their gold phono cartridge, stock sounded better.