We know you love HD800s as you mention them many times in this kind of "review". Since your a senheisser boy i find it pointless that you "review" a flagship headphone of a company with a totally different phylosophy in making headphones. In this case, Grado is totally opposite in terms of design and sound. Can you please tell me what makes you believe why the hd800 (or any other sen phone) is not an overpriced phones??
@@eposlaboratory4228 I actually don't love the Sennheisers, I don't even own them. They're just great for what they are, and sound excellent fit those wanting an expansive soundstage, with excellent mids. Something that can't be said about these. My favourite headphones are actually closed backs, I could go into detail, but your attitude is poor. Ultimately, these headphones don't sound good for the money, while its competitors all do a far better job
@@TotallydubbedHD since you have "richer attitude" you have to go more into details and explain to us "poor attitude" people. But this time please go more in sound clarity and resolution and NOT to personal preferences for the cables weight , pads and even the sound taste.
Nice professional presentation! But, I have to comment, the comments on the sound are so dramatically different from, not only my long-term listening experience, but the general consensus about the "Grado sound", and the 3000e in particular, that I have to wonder if there was something defective in the review pair; something electrically mismatched in the system (though unlikely, as these are easy to drive, and the reviewer seems like a pro), or simply a matter of taste. Sub-bass is flat, in the acoustics sense; accurate, not accentuated, but true and in tune. Listening to the tones of the lowest instruments as a way of gauging strict frequency performance, the low E on a string bass, 33hz, has a solid, clean tone, nothing rolled off. "Sub-bass" is a misleading term - if you go by the tones of actual instruments, there is very little music below 40 hz; a pipe organ and some synth tones, sure - but the Grado bass is simply accurate to the music. Classical pipe organ, Saint Saens Organ symphony; Joni Mitchell "Cotton Avenue with Jaco's open bass note about a minute in; Drop The Bass by Magic Mike; Baduyzm by EBadu. Nothing is exaggerated for BOOM effect. Mid-bass and upper bass is what most people think of as bass, and these are - to my ears, but also by reputation - look for consensus in reviews -- one of the areas where Grado phones, and these and the PS2000e in particular, shine. Clean, true to the timbre of instruments, and deep. Texture, the "feel" of instruments, the physicality of them, surrounded by the "air", the sense of space and place, are stellar. Listening well into the night while I should be sleeping.... As the speed of attack, clean and controlled but resonant decay as the tones trail off, is a brand strength, these phones, as with most of the line, have a great sense of pace and groove. I've literally never heard anyone refer to Grado miss as "recessed". This sounds like there was something very wrong with the review pair. Just - not something one associates with these headphones. I'm listening alongside a pair of Audeze LCD-3 and Sean HD800; the "fun factor", the presence and rhythmic speed of the music, is a notch above. Reviewer speaks of a recessed midrange; Grados are most universally known for an extremely PRESENT midrange, reproducing voices, guitars, saxophones, etc, with unusual sense of "you are there". I respect the effort the reviewer makes here, but as a headphone nut with first-class electronics and good quality sound files (plus plenty of decent commercial mp3s, I'd recommend that you a) find a way to demo a pair and b)read other reviews. I think you'll find that this one is dramatically different. As long as his pair were working properly, thats fine, as you may have similar ears as the reviewer's. But don't make your choice based on one review. Read, and tell me if I've misrepresented anything. These are a bargain for a flagship headphone. And whichever way you go, enjoy the h--- out of the music!
Thanks. Well, it's funny you mention that, having talked to a few reviewers after doing mine, I found that the consensus was very much the same as what I made out in the review - would be odd if Grado sent reviewers a defective pair :) Also, I really can't think of anyone (be it owner or reviewer) that would describe these Grados (or any as a matter of fact, due to the 'Grado' sound signature) more forward sounding that a pair of HD800s...! Ultimately, I'm pleased you enjoy them, but I wouldn't ever recommend them, especially given there are so many better (and cheaper) options out there for people to pick - can not believe you called these a bargain haha. I also trust my own tests, and my own experiences, which pans for over a decade of reviewing audio gear, where I've got in excess of 400 audio-related devices under my belt.
@@TotallydubbedHD Thanks for writing back. I do respect your efforts. NO trashing, no "you clearly have bad ears".....and, no, Grado wouldn't send you defective units. Grado have a set of detractors who can be found easily. And the brand loyalty is also huge.....musicians and engineers heavily skewed. As patients, I have two auto guys, one recording engineer, the other mastering....both big time. Both will only use their favorite Grado....one, a 225, the other, a PS2000e, both citing the pinpoint accuracy and delineation of instruments in space, both referring to how details they use as references (such as where a castanets or clarinet is, whether they can hear the sound of a bass-drum beater on the head, distinct from the tone....and can you hear the tuning of the toms?). "Forward" though? Yes, like you, but reversed, I simply never heard of the opposite. Always PRESENT, for some ears, too much. Often called "bright", aggressive. They ARE also very revealing of what else is in the chain, but hard to get an electrical mismatch, unless you're using an OTL amp, or one with very high impedance. I find them unfailingly capable of getting me lost in the illusion of music in the room. Almost all the major print and online journals rave about them and use the same adjectives to a great degree. But though I'm thinking of ....all the major reviewers I know....we DO have a tendency to cluster to people who agree with us. Unconsciously. Good old confirmation bias. Most of all, though, I am using my own years of experience, and an absurd collection of headphones, solid state and tube amps, good quality dacs, a wide range of music. They are often compared to good horn speakers. Textured, present, jump-off-the-driver sound. Grooving bass, fast response. Other than borrowed sets, I've traded back everything but a pair of HD800s because they don't engage as fully. Impressive, but seldom as communicative. The Utopia and the Empyrean are amazing, but big bucks, and neither is any more engaging or detailed. Makes the Grados what they are called in m y dimension true bang-for-buck cans. Not gonna resolve this! Except that there are millions who buy them, who are brand loyal....and plenty of "non-believers" (LOL.....). All respect, totallydubbed....youre putting in the work.
I purchased the Grado GS3000 from Moon Audio, with the Premium Black Dragon cables. They will blow them all away!! You hear deep into the recording. All the subtle details come out lively, realistic, accurate, pure, balanced, low-distortion, natural. Don't waste your money on higher priced headphones that are not nearly as good as the Grado GS3000.
Wobbly bass?? Have you tried a proper amp like a Felkis, Linear Tube or Schiit Audio. These are not gaming headphones. They do require a more quiet setting than most other open backs. But when properly driven they are exquisite
I own the Grado GS3000e and listen to them through a Loxjie D50 DAC and Feliks Audio Espressivo or Cayin HA-1A MkII headphone amplifier. They are exquisite and definitely do NOT have “wobbly” bass. Just keeping it real.
Nope. They prefer their cables. But there is nothing proprietary about their cables, and they do not restrict their external dealers from re-cabling them, except with respect to the warranty related to the aftermarket labor.
What DAC, and amplifier did you use ? I have been led to believe the electronics leading up to the headphones can make a substantial difference in what is heard. Certainly the reviews I have read in the past in Stereophile and The Absolute Sound, or video reviews such as Steve Guttenberg's or Passion for Sound make mention of the attendant equipment used in the audio stream.
The chord 2 is an okay DAC but it's not a headphone amp. The Class A Mjolnir 3 is. You need to use an amp that's going to play well with those headphones. Using the Chord as your headphone amp is like judging a surfboard in a kiddie pool, not enough oomph. I'm not saying get a Warwick but a Schiit or McIntosh would do.@@TotallydubbedHD
Well, I have Audezes, Hifimans, Sennheisers, Beyerdynamics, Mezes and Focals and for some reason I always go back to my Grados, so imo your opinions are totally wrong. I'm already in 7th heaven with my R2Se and 325e so I'm pretty sure these would be even better. The rest of brands are highly overrated. NOTHING beats the Grado sound.
@@TotallydubbedHD I don't know, is it the wood? Or the design? Something about these special headphones attract me. I also like old pop songs and classical so the midrange boost is good
What amp did you use with them? Contrary to popular opinion, I find Grado headphones are extremely picky to sound their best. They are the LS3/5a of headphones.
I've never had a pair of Grados fall part or go defective. And I listen for hours every day. They are hand built, they have great consistency from unit to unit....and, again....nothing has ever gone physically wrong with a set. The constructions simple....uses gorgeous woods and finishes, and they are a great company when it comes to repairs and exchanges for whatever reason.
@@mortcola I have a feeling keeping the same structure for all their headphones also means they can fix them cheaper and faster unlike say Focal where you can expect to wait 1-2 months to get it back and if it’s out of warranty, a few hundred dollars to repair.
Cool video! Honestly I didn't knew of any other Grado stuff except their most famous SR80e. I really like stuff from BeyerDynamic when it comes to closed-back, and AKG for open-back. You should really give a try at chi-fi IEMs, there's really affordable stuff in that category that sounds absolutely astounding, and some other stuff that sounds horrible. Moondrop has amazing models specially their Blessing 2. I personally have a Fearless S8Pro and their detail and clarity is mind-blowing.
i've never experienced so much subjective waffle as online audio reviews. just get a good return policy and trust your ears. i can hear people talk about me through 2 shut doors. says it all. not to mention "esteemed" reviewers trolling people over their hard earned high end choice.
My experience is precisely the opposite; as soon as i put the G pads on my RS2e it transformed them completely. Can't go back to the L cushions, too shrill.
Fair review. Fixed, thick cables are standard across all grados - but standard doesn´t mean it´s good / worth the price. Same for the earcups. You like it / deal with it, or hate it. But I think you are wrong on tearms of "longevity". I own RS1 for almost 10 years now, and the "up and down element" will not wear out and become loose. That is because the metal bar inside it will always have a little bit of pressure on it when you wear the headphones, so it would need to slid up and down at a slight angle, which it will not, because ..physics. :)
Yep. Heard one. Grados are still crap. That was on the back of a Bryston DAC into a Woo WA23 - so no one can ask how good the equipment was, lol. Flat, and nothing special. The HD660S2 was better.
Great review. I agree even the best Grado does not have the soundstage or resolution. Still, there are some charms to Grado. For one thing, I dig the Grado look. I once seriously considered DIY swap the driver of $1400 GS2000e with the driver with Philips SHP9500. Because to my ears $85 Philips sounds better than it.
Thanks for this video, I just bought about 50 pairs of these headphones. I'm not sure what you mean by overpriced, they're quite cheap, if I do say so myself.
Grados sound signature is typically love it or hate it ~ i really loved it (own the GS1000 and GS1000e) BUT i agree... the price range is just disgusting. Max USD1000.00 would be fair... for MSRP, no thanks.
If you are sentimental and wanna hear how old crapy drivers sounded in the past go ahead and buy Grado, they are for old peoples and old songs :) but anyway there are other headphones that gonna be better at that department haha
@@TotallydubbedHD just imagine what you can get for price of gs3000, anything that quality level is superior sound/build wise to Grado, and guess what every other option got detachable cable 🤣🤣 and real bass shelf whoa mind blown 😅
It seems to me that any Grado priced above ps500e does not purchase you much more value above that. It is puzzling why Grado engineering does not even care to provide more value to customers by improving qualities on their cheap plastic suspension, cables, headband comfort etc. It does not take space science to do those, and it is their attitude that often bothers me.
Completely agree. The PS500 is Grados best product. Only issue is their pads are fifty cent scratchy rubbish and puts pressure on the ear. That's why I sold mine.
Thanks for the honest review. I just saw a gs3000e sold for about 1000 USD on audio mart so I come to check review. Grado headphones overall is a joke, especially their high end models. I had two grado before the gr10 first which sent to me instead of gr10e, the high is extremely sibilant, making a regular hd800 extremely warm in comparison lol. 2 years after that I got a store demo gh2 limited edition it was 33% off so I thought gave grado another try. It was not as bright as the gr10 but still similar to hd800 and mid and low is garbage. Sony z7 first gen which you can get for half of gh2 is like 10 times more enjoyable. The build quality is really a joke they try to sell as handmade, lol. Headphones you cannot stick with old tech. I had a lot of headphones as well including mid range electrostatic like stax 4170. Japanese and German headphones is just on a whole different level. Enough said, I sold all my audeze due to their weight even though I miss the bass. Right now just have a hd820, T1 first gen, z7, U12 Adel, JH16a+jh3a (got cheap and fits me with eartips), Fiio x7 ii, chord Hugo, audio GD reference 10.32 modified to drive these headphones. After many years of rolling equipment, settled for these, for now haha. But no more grado. I wouldn't mind trying the gs3000e, but I'm sure it will be disappointing like most of gears I try these days. Once you get to 1000 to 2000 range they all sound good just different signature. Still got to give zmf a try. Oh and focal headphones. You get to try everything without money loss when you get on audio mart and when you are done with them want to try something else flip on eBay to break even or make some money. I sold the audeze xc and added a little more to get an used hd820. It didn't wow me which I know already but just a nice headphone for long listening session and movies. Later probably sell it and try sony z1r. Maybe it will wow me. But won't be night and day difference with z7 from what I read.
@@hpol3603 glad you liked the review! Well some of their other headphones, which are cheaper, offer a unique sound signature that no other manufacturer really offers. So if you're into rock music, they're pretty good at their price - again some of the cheaper alternatives that is!
@@hpol3603 grado headphones have a unique sound and their limited edition, prestige series and reference series are worth it. Gs looks pretty nice, ps is just bs
Alternatives to consider (linked below go to Amazon):
Open-back:
-Sennheiser HD800S: locally.link/4sWw
-HiFiMan Jade II: amzn.to/2GnIe4W
-Audeze LCD-3: locally.link/BlHm
Closed-back:
-Sennheiser HD 820: locally.link/nZ0L
-Fostex TH900: locally.link/NhUw
-E-MU Teak: fave.co/30UtaUJ
We know you love HD800s as you mention them many times in this kind of "review". Since your a senheisser boy i find it pointless that you "review" a flagship headphone of a company with a totally different phylosophy in making headphones. In this case, Grado is totally opposite in terms of design and sound. Can you please tell me what makes you believe why the hd800 (or any other sen phone) is not an overpriced phones??
@@eposlaboratory4228 I actually don't love the Sennheisers, I don't even own them. They're just great for what they are, and sound excellent fit those wanting an expansive soundstage, with excellent mids. Something that can't be said about these.
My favourite headphones are actually closed backs, I could go into detail, but your attitude is poor. Ultimately, these headphones don't sound good for the money, while its competitors all do a far better job
@@TotallydubbedHD since you have "richer attitude" you have to go more into details and explain to us "poor attitude" people.
But this time please go more in sound clarity and resolution and NOT to personal preferences for the cables weight , pads and even the sound taste.
@@eposlaboratory4228 I would, but it's explained in the video, ironically.
This headphone is outstanding. Energetic, live like sound, open, deep soundstage. True in your ears and be happy!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Nice professional presentation! But, I have to comment, the comments on the sound are so dramatically different from, not only my long-term listening experience, but the general consensus about the "Grado sound", and the 3000e in particular, that I have to wonder if there was something defective in the review pair; something electrically mismatched in the system (though unlikely, as these are easy to drive, and the reviewer seems like a pro), or simply a matter of taste. Sub-bass is flat, in the acoustics sense; accurate, not accentuated, but true and in tune.
Listening to the tones of the lowest instruments as a way of gauging strict frequency performance, the low E on a string bass, 33hz, has a solid, clean tone, nothing rolled off. "Sub-bass" is a misleading term - if you go by the tones of actual instruments, there is very little music below 40 hz; a pipe organ and some synth tones, sure - but the Grado bass is simply accurate to the music. Classical pipe organ, Saint Saens Organ symphony; Joni Mitchell "Cotton Avenue with Jaco's open bass note about a minute in; Drop The Bass by Magic Mike; Baduyzm by EBadu. Nothing is exaggerated for BOOM effect. Mid-bass and upper bass is what most people think of as bass, and these are - to my ears, but also by reputation - look for consensus in reviews -- one of the areas where Grado phones, and these and the PS2000e in particular, shine. Clean, true to the timbre of instruments, and deep.
Texture, the "feel" of instruments, the physicality of them, surrounded by the "air", the sense of space and place, are stellar. Listening well into the night while I should be sleeping....
As the speed of attack, clean and controlled but resonant decay as the tones trail off, is a brand strength, these phones, as with most of the line, have a great sense of pace and groove. I've literally never heard anyone refer to Grado miss as "recessed". This sounds like there was something very wrong with the review pair. Just - not something one associates with these headphones. I'm listening alongside a pair of Audeze LCD-3 and Sean HD800; the "fun factor", the presence and rhythmic speed of the music, is a notch above. Reviewer speaks of a recessed midrange; Grados are most universally known for an extremely PRESENT midrange, reproducing voices, guitars, saxophones, etc, with unusual sense of "you are there".
I respect the effort the reviewer makes here, but as a headphone nut with first-class electronics and good quality sound files (plus plenty of decent commercial mp3s, I'd recommend that you a) find a way to demo a pair and b)read other reviews. I think you'll find that this one is dramatically different. As long as his pair were working properly, thats fine, as you may have similar ears as the reviewer's. But don't make your choice based on one review. Read, and tell me if I've misrepresented anything. These are a bargain for a flagship headphone. And whichever way you go, enjoy the h--- out of the music!
Thanks.
Well, it's funny you mention that, having talked to a few reviewers after doing mine, I found that the consensus was very much the same as what I made out in the review - would be odd if Grado sent reviewers a defective pair :)
Also, I really can't think of anyone (be it owner or reviewer) that would describe these Grados (or any as a matter of fact, due to the 'Grado' sound signature) more forward sounding that a pair of HD800s...!
Ultimately, I'm pleased you enjoy them, but I wouldn't ever recommend them, especially given there are so many better (and cheaper) options out there for people to pick - can not believe you called these a bargain haha. I also trust my own tests, and my own experiences, which pans for over a decade of reviewing audio gear, where I've got in excess of 400 audio-related devices under my belt.
@@TotallydubbedHD Thanks for writing back. I do respect your efforts. NO trashing, no "you clearly have bad ears".....and, no, Grado wouldn't send you defective units. Grado have a set of detractors who can be found easily. And the brand loyalty is also huge.....musicians and engineers heavily skewed. As patients, I have two auto guys, one recording engineer, the other mastering....both big time. Both will only use their favorite Grado....one, a 225, the other, a PS2000e, both citing the pinpoint accuracy and delineation of instruments in space, both referring to how details they use as references (such as where a castanets or clarinet is, whether they can hear the sound of a bass-drum beater on the head, distinct from the tone....and can you hear the tuning of the toms?). "Forward" though? Yes, like you, but reversed, I simply never heard of the opposite. Always PRESENT, for some ears, too much. Often called "bright", aggressive. They ARE also very revealing of what else is in the chain, but hard to get an electrical mismatch, unless you're using an OTL amp, or one with very high impedance.
I find them unfailingly capable of getting me lost in the illusion of music in the room. Almost all the major print and online journals rave about them and use the same adjectives to a great degree. But though I'm thinking of ....all the major reviewers I know....we DO have a tendency to cluster to people who agree with us. Unconsciously. Good old confirmation bias. Most of all, though, I am using my own years of experience, and an absurd collection of headphones, solid state and tube amps, good quality dacs, a wide range of music. They are often compared to good horn speakers. Textured, present, jump-off-the-driver sound. Grooving bass, fast response. Other than borrowed sets, I've traded back everything but a pair of HD800s because they don't engage as fully. Impressive, but seldom as communicative. The Utopia and the Empyrean are amazing, but big bucks, and neither is any more engaging or detailed. Makes the Grados what they are called in m y dimension true bang-for-buck cans. Not gonna resolve this! Except that there are millions who buy them, who are brand loyal....and plenty of "non-believers" (LOL.....). All respect, totallydubbed....youre putting in the work.
@@mortcola cheers bud, enjoy :)
I agree with the review. I have had the grados and while the sound is good, they do not scale well for price. At $3k,you expect more from build
I purchased the Grado GS3000 from Moon Audio, with the Premium Black Dragon cables. They will blow them all away!! You hear deep into the recording. All the subtle details come out lively, realistic, accurate, pure, balanced, low-distortion, natural. Don't waste your money on higher priced headphones that are not nearly as good as the Grado GS3000.
Hmm lol.
@@TotallydubbedHD yes lol
Says the guy who wasted money on a fucking cable that does nothing for the sound. You're probably a troll anyways.
I agree; this man does not know headphones.
Fully agreed.
Wobbly bass?? Have you tried a proper amp like a Felkis, Linear Tube or Schiit Audio. These are not gaming headphones. They do require a more quiet setting than most other open backs. But when properly driven they are exquisite
I mean if you consider the Chord Hugo 2 DAC a 'bad' amp, you have issues somewhere else lol.
@@TotallydubbedHD not a bad amp but certainly not the best match for GS3000e. Even a IFI is a better match
Grado headphones are low impedance and high sensitivity. You don't need very much power to properly drive them.
I own the Grado GS3000e and listen to them through a Loxjie D50 DAC and Feliks Audio Espressivo or Cayin HA-1A MkII headphone amplifier. They are exquisite and definitely do NOT have “wobbly” bass.
Just keeping it real.
.Grado cables are not removable because the headphones are designed to work with those cables only
That's....a pretty poor excuse lol.
@@TotallydubbedHD that comes straight from John Grado himself.
@@joepiermatteo3083 which is silly!
Nope. They prefer their cables. But there is nothing proprietary about their cables, and they do not restrict their external dealers from re-cabling them, except with respect to the warranty related to the aftermarket labor.
@@joepiermatteo3083 I'm sure John Grado is a good guy, but that's just plain wrong.
What DAC, and amplifier did you use ? I have been led to believe the electronics leading up to the headphones can make a substantial difference in what is heard. Certainly the reviews I have read in the past in Stereophile and The Absolute Sound, or video reviews such as Steve Guttenberg's or Passion for Sound make mention of the attendant equipment used in the audio stream.
The Chord Hugo 2 was the main one used, but I did try with a few others too. Indeed, a DAC can make a notable difference.
and the amplifier ? and the data source: streaming, lossless files ? @@TotallydubbedHD
@@michaelhunter2577 it's also an amplifier, source my own files and streaming from the likes of Quboz and Tidal.
The chord 2 is an okay DAC but it's not a headphone amp. The Class A Mjolnir 3 is. You need to use an amp that's going to play well with those headphones. Using the Chord as your headphone amp is like judging a surfboard in a kiddie pool, not enough oomph. I'm not saying get a Warwick but a Schiit or McIntosh would do.@@TotallydubbedHD
@@michaelhunter2577 sigh, I'm happy with my setup. You're welcome to disagree or go down a rabbit hole! Best of luck going forwards.
Well, I have Audezes, Hifimans, Sennheisers, Beyerdynamics, Mezes and Focals and for some reason I always go back to my Grados, so imo your opinions are totally wrong. I'm already in 7th heaven with my R2Se and 325e so I'm pretty sure these would be even better. The rest of brands are highly overrated. NOTHING beats the Grado sound.
Lol okay, pleased for you buddy.
This headphone is way out of my league. But if I have the money I'd probably buy these over focal or hd800s or hifiman Arya
I wouldn't buy them over the HD800s; why would you pick these?
@@TotallydubbedHD I don't know, is it the wood? Or the design? Something about these special headphones attract me. I also like old pop songs and classical so the midrange boost is good
@@albertweedsteinthethuggeni7797 fair enough :)
@@TotallydubbedHD can 500 pound headphones rival the gs3000e in terms of sound?
@@albertweedsteinthethuggeni7797 Nope; my Sundara for example, or let's say the Denon D7200 wouldn't rival the GS
What amp did you use with them? Contrary to popular opinion, I find Grado headphones are extremely picky to sound their best. They are the LS3/5a of headphones.
Chord Hugo 2 and ifi xDSD
You missed the verdict timestamp in the description ;)
Haha legend, I'll amend that :)
Edit: done :D
Grado headphones are not for everyone as is obviously the case here .
I had the sr325 and the gh2. They sound right but they do not scale well with price. If I'm paying more than $1k for these, I expect better build
Thanks for sharing!
I've never had a pair of Grados fall part or go defective. And I listen for hours every day. They are hand built, they have great consistency from unit to unit....and, again....nothing has ever gone physically wrong with a set. The constructions simple....uses gorgeous woods and finishes, and they are a great company when it comes to repairs and exchanges for whatever reason.
@@mortcola I have a feeling keeping the same structure for all their headphones also means they can fix them cheaper and faster unlike say Focal where you can expect to wait 1-2 months to get it back and if it’s out of warranty, a few hundred dollars to repair.
Cool video! Honestly I didn't knew of any other Grado stuff except their most famous SR80e. I really like stuff from BeyerDynamic when it comes to closed-back, and AKG for open-back. You should really give a try at chi-fi IEMs, there's really affordable stuff in that category that sounds absolutely astounding, and some other stuff that sounds horrible. Moondrop has amazing models specially their Blessing 2. I personally have a Fearless S8Pro and their detail and clarity is mind-blowing.
Will look into them at some point, thanks for sharing :)
i've never experienced so much subjective waffle as online audio reviews. just get a good return policy and trust your ears. i can hear people talk about me through 2 shut doors. says it all. not to mention "esteemed" reviewers trolling people over their hard earned high end choice.
So, what are you doing exactly on UA-cam or the internet, posting such comments? Smells like a Belgian waffle.
Its so strange... But my ps1000e still feels the same as when I got it 5 years back... That being said i take very good care of them!
Thanks for sharing!
Again...the driver is designed for close orientation to the ear. Aftermarket pads ruin the sound
My experience is precisely the opposite; as soon as i put the G pads on my RS2e it transformed them completely. Can't go back to the L cushions, too shrill.
@@alexvlach4897 L cush should be called "ear killers" designed by fools... for unfit and discomfort
Fair review. Fixed, thick cables are standard across all grados - but standard doesn´t mean it´s good / worth the price. Same for the earcups. You like it / deal with it, or hate it. But I think you are wrong on tearms of "longevity". I own RS1 for almost 10 years now, and the "up and down element" will not wear out and become loose. That is because the metal bar inside it will always have a little bit of pressure on it when you wear the headphones, so it would need to slid up and down at a slight angle, which it will not, because ..physics. :)
Thanks for sharing!
its cheap crap
Yep. Heard one. Grados are still crap. That was on the back of a Bryston DAC into a Woo WA23 - so no one can ask how good the equipment was, lol. Flat, and nothing special. The HD660S2 was better.
Great review. I agree even the best Grado does not have the soundstage or resolution. Still, there are some charms to Grado. For one thing, I dig the Grado look. I once seriously considered DIY swap the driver of $1400 GS2000e with the driver with Philips SHP9500. Because to my ears $85 Philips sounds better than it.
Haha now that's some statement!
@@TotallydubbedHD I read GS3000e sounds better than other Grados. so, I’ve been tempted, but haven’t tried it yet.
@@klaymoon1 not sure I would, given my review of them
Thanks for this video, I just bought about 50 pairs of these headphones. I'm not sure what you mean by overpriced, they're quite cheap, if I do say so myself.
How did I know you were going to troll?
@@TotallydubbedHD Clairvoyance, maybe?
Grados sound signature is typically love it or hate it ~ i really loved it (own the GS1000 and GS1000e) BUT i agree... the price range is just disgusting. Max USD1000.00 would be fair... for MSRP, no thanks.
yes price is ridiculous for such flawed product with bad construction
If you are sentimental and wanna hear how old crapy drivers sounded in the past go ahead and buy Grado, they are for old peoples and old songs :) but anyway there are other headphones that gonna be better at that department haha
Ha!
@@TotallydubbedHD just imagine what you can get for price of gs3000, anything that quality level is superior sound/build wise to Grado, and guess what every other option got detachable cable 🤣🤣 and real bass shelf whoa mind blown 😅
@@soulfulfool 😂
one of the best sounding headphones, the worst designed headphones (no "one of" in the front).
It seems to me that any Grado priced above ps500e does not purchase you much more value above that. It is puzzling why Grado engineering does not even care to provide more value to customers by improving qualities on their cheap plastic suspension, cables, headband comfort etc. It does not take space science to do those, and it is their attitude that often bothers me.
I've only heard a few of their headphones and it's a mixed bag. These just weren't any good vs its competitors that's for sure!
Completely agree. The PS500 is Grados best product. Only issue is their pads are fifty cent scratchy rubbish and puts pressure on the ear. That's why I sold mine.
Hifiman Arya is a better choice as well!
That's true
in that price xD so many headphones are way better
Thanks for the honest review. I just saw a gs3000e sold for about 1000 USD on audio mart so I come to check review. Grado headphones overall is a joke, especially their high end models. I had two grado before the gr10 first which sent to me instead of gr10e, the high is extremely sibilant, making a regular hd800 extremely warm in comparison lol. 2 years after that I got a store demo gh2 limited edition it was 33% off so I thought gave grado another try. It was not as bright as the gr10 but still similar to hd800 and mid and low is garbage. Sony z7 first gen which you can get for half of gh2 is like 10 times more enjoyable. The build quality is really a joke they try to sell as handmade, lol. Headphones you cannot stick with old tech. I had a lot of headphones as well including mid range electrostatic like stax 4170. Japanese and German headphones is just on a whole different level. Enough said, I sold all my audeze due to their weight even though I miss the bass. Right now just have a hd820, T1 first gen, z7, U12 Adel, JH16a+jh3a (got cheap and fits me with eartips), Fiio x7 ii, chord Hugo, audio GD reference 10.32 modified to drive these headphones. After many years of rolling equipment, settled for these, for now haha. But no more grado. I wouldn't mind trying the gs3000e, but I'm sure it will be disappointing like most of gears I try these days. Once you get to 1000 to 2000 range they all sound good just different signature. Still got to give zmf a try. Oh and focal headphones. You get to try everything without money loss when you get on audio mart and when you are done with them want to try something else flip on eBay to break even or make some money. I sold the audeze xc and added a little more to get an used hd820. It didn't wow me which I know already but just a nice headphone for long listening session and movies. Later probably sell it and try sony z1r. Maybe it will wow me. But won't be night and day difference with z7 from what I read.
Haha what an amazing story! Thanks for sharing mate
If hd800s sub base sounds more prominent than this, then this one is fucked...
Haha
I actually think HD800 has a pretty good amount of sub bass. Just not as exaggerated as other brands.
Seems you really stirred up the hornets nest lol - I appreciate your review and commend you for covering such a controversial topic ;)
Haha, pleasure! Thanks for the kind words :)
Just by looking at the picture, I already know it's overpriced :D
Haha
Rs2e probably sounds just as good
Just as good :D?
or better!
I dont know why anyone would buy a Grado headphone?! Crap build and sound.
some of their other products are great though.
totallydubbedHD
Other manufacturers offers better sound and build for same or less money, so why choose Grado?
totallydubbedHD
Great review though 👍
@@hpol3603 glad you liked the review! Well some of their other headphones, which are cheaper, offer a unique sound signature that no other manufacturer really offers. So if you're into rock music, they're pretty good at their price - again some of the cheaper alternatives that is!
@@hpol3603 grado headphones have a unique sound and their limited edition, prestige series and reference series are worth it. Gs looks pretty nice, ps is just bs