My RS-1X is on the way at the time of writing this comment! After trying multiple lower model GRADOs, I've decided this is the headphone brand I'm primarily using moving forward for listening to music. I've never heard music reproduced the way that these headphones reproduce them. I can't wait to receive these and spend quality time with them.
I bought the SR80x the day it came out. The amount of bass you can EQ into these things is something to behold. Each pad roll creates a massive change in sound. These are truly one of the most versatile headphones you can buy. Oh, and the best part? Made in the USA, baby!
I see where some of the viewers have had sub-optimal service experiences with Grado. My experience was the exact opposite! Some years back I had one of their phono preamps and loaned it to an audiophile friend. He took it upon himself to detach the bottom plate and start modifying the innards. I don't know why and he never asked if he could. When he returned it, he said it stopped working and needed to be repaired. I changed the 9V batteries, but that didn't fix it. It had some wonky security screws in it to dissuade such tinkering (I guess), and after finding the proper screwdriver tip, I opened it to see if I could tell what was wrong. What a mess! I couldn't believe it! I contacted Grado and explained the problem - they said return it and we'll look it over. I did and they sent it back working and sounding great! No charge either! I later heard that my audiophile "Friend" had done similar things to others who loaned him equipment. Needless to say, no one loans him equipment any more not even the nearby dealers! Thank you Grado! I still use the preamp in a Vintage system in my office.
I appreciate your descriptions, I'm just getting into understanding a lot of this stuff (although older cynical audioheads might despair to hear I'm already addicted to grado), and the comparison between the RS-1X and the Audeze planar helped clarify to me some ways that audio people tend to talk about these things.
Two words I will use to describe the Grado RS1X; Sonic Bliss. Playing my old collection on my new RS1X with just average DAP brings out those liveliness in sounds that I did know they were there in the first place. Analogy that I will use to compare the RS1X and other so called 'audiophile' grade headphones is that those 'other' headphones plays back or reproduce the recorded music while the RS1X makes the music as they are being played live right there in realtime. In other words, it takes you there like time machine. Speaking of which, the review is very accurate. Lows however can use slightly more reverberation which can provide more 'being there' feel (now that would be something). With a good headphone amp, I think that can be achieved. To sum it up, it's a fantastic headphone for the price range.
Steve, I bought this headphone. Love it. Thanks for the suggestion. And yes, I listened to the Clapton on it as well as some orchestral music and some Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings…
Damn Steve! ... regarding headphones and hearing into the recording, ironically via my Westone UM50Pros ... your G.I. tract in action around the 17:30 mark renders a nice, solid, center image;) As always Thanks for everything
Wood, wood, wood does make a big difference in the sound of your headphones and cartridges. Anyone who has ever heard the Koetsu Rosewood models knows the absolutely beautiful sound that they retrieve from the grooves and the reason that the Grado has a line that are designed with wood casings.
@@keplermission4947 I don’t agree with you. Steve me where are unique shirts but I know a lot about men’s clothing and they are not quality shirts for the most part. My best friend from childhood had a company named Robert Graham which is sold. Those were expensive flashy shirts. $300, $500, $800. I don’t think Steve pays a kings ransom for his clothing. I may not understand why Steve won’t reply to my question but I am and will remain a giant fan of his because he has the right idea about how to make a presentation and he knows how to listen to music whether I like it or not. He’s a pro at what he does.
@@keplermission4947 I forgot about that. What I see about Steve is that so many people in the industry have a lot of respect for him and he can do long interviews with someone like Nelson Pass and others. I forgot about the Snell speaker issue. I certainly do not agree with him about some of the music that he loves like Brian Eno. Brian has a tremendous following but I find his music distasteful. I like straight forward jazz, blues and classical to name a few but the strange artists who have made a name for themselves and not my cup of tea. I totally respect him and all of the Eno followers opinions and feelings though. They don’t force me to listen to their music and they should enjoy with her like just as I enjoy what I like. As my uncle Saul used to say Two people that he disagreed with in his own retail establishment…”It’s Your America”. “Now get the hell out of my store” 8-)
I’ve just finished a home demo of the headphones and they aren’t going anywhere. I’m keeping them. The only thing I will say steve is that they are definitely not bright sounding in my setup. Just a very alive and exciting sound. Very enjoyable. Oh and the bass is lean but very textured. Just misses out on the lowest octaves. But considering what it does with the rest of the audio band, it’s the most enjoyable headphone I’ve ever heard. And I’ve owned quite a few of the summit-fi headphones.
Hi Steve, Thoroughly enjoyed that - thank you. I have always fancied a Koetsu, but I fall into the Champaign tastes on beer money category😉 That lovely Grado cartridge will be well worth seeking out. Thank you very much, Steve 👍👍👍
Thanks Steve - hoping you'll do more reviews of cartridges and turntables as I suspect there are many like me who are just now getting into analogue. Wondering if you've heard or are familiar with Hana MC cartridges? They have 2 MC cartridges around the same price as the Grado that have been well reviewed by others.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac thanks. One other suggestion - a video on your recommended approach for setting up a cartridge would be helpful. What alignment tool (if any) you recommend, and so on. Thus far, I’ve been underwhelmed by the sound I get from my turntable setup.
Thanks for saying that at the end. You were my first intro to the online audiophile community and then John Darko and I know it sounds corny but, I always feel like I’m warmly invited and hanging with the tribe over a great cup of coffee with both you guys. Most of my good friends and work colleagues see it is almost a bit eccentric and I only have one local comrade who I hope will share his system with you. On that note, off to the local record store in hopes of an “aha” find.
Nice words! Thanks for reviewing a Grado wood body cart! I have a Sonata 3 and I adore the sound. To me, Grado carts make vinyl worth bothering with - love the warmth and presence. I'm eager to hear their carts a few steps up the line. 'Poor-man's Koetsu' - LOVE IT.
First review of RS1X I’ve seen! I just got mine. Wanted a pair for years. Debating a detachable mod but as endgame considering moon audio to mod. Pad-rolled to G. I like that I can just use with ipad/iphone, but also built system to run them & Audio Engine HD3 & MoonDrop Blessing 2 Dusk via Schiit Magni Heresy-Modi Multibit fed by PC via toslink, blue ray via digital coax & occasionally the aforementioned ios :) I also plan to use a bit for gaming with mod mic lol. I do still use airpods pro for out-and-about & max when need to go into office but these RS1X feel like final piece to my listening setup!
I have been a Grado fan since my first Grado cartridge (an F3E+) that I bought in 1976. I have first and second generations Grado SR 225 headphones and feel no need for anything better. I had the original Platinum and Platinum-1 cartridges and miss them. Unfortunately, there is no Grado dealer in my area currently. I currently have an Ortofon Bronze (one step up from the Blue) and find that although the Bronze is more detailed than the Platinum, the sound of the Platinum is more musical and organic. I think the "poor man's Koetsu" description is valid.
I'm glad you did the Grado Cartridge review. A couple of years ago I think you did TOUR and I was hot for the product someday, but as you said there are a couple of other companies whose Cartridges are on almost every table it seems, and it made a dent. Doing this Review reminded me that any table I get in the future I'll have to own the Grado. Not to mention their Headphones as well :)
Compared to the 325x, the RS1x are, let's say, more cultural. Less competitive and tiring. Do they outperform them in terms of transparency and bass? Not necessarily. It's still that Grado sound, but as the price goes up, we get more calm and refinement. Exactly culture. 325x is a hooligan on a motorcycle. The RS1x has more refinement. He is less harsh on the way around. I believe that, after all, they are closer to the 325 than the GS series. This is my favorite Grado model. Is it worth the extra 400USD? You have to listen, compare and answer yourself.
OK yes these products can be polarizing. I will just keep listening to my vintage LCD-2s thru my vintage Violectric DAC/HP-Amp combo…winter is coming and I want to keep warm…🙂…and then…pardon my giggle 🤭…but a wooden cartridge called "Platinum"….interesting choice there? 😲 …but as ALWAYS…THANKS for the music Steve!!! 👍🏼
I had the original Audeze headphones, great sounding but so heavy I used to get headaches and jaw aches from the clamping so I got rid of them. I have the SR325e’s and love them but must admit these days am loving my new Austrian Audio Hi-X65’s more as they are more detailed but at the same time have better bass and warmth than the SR325e’s a great deal more comfortable as well but I will never get rid of the Grady’s as they are still wonderful cans. What I have found is that I do no miss the more expensive headphones I used to own, these two give me all I need and want. I would love to see you do a review of the Hi-X65’s Steve, a lot of bang for your buck I feel.
@Steve Guttenberg Huge thanks for your enthusiastic reviews. I've been watching a huge number of headphone reviews (So many are negative about lots of brands) and yours helped me make the decision to buy a pre-loved pair of Grado GS1000i. You've said they are a bit like Klipsch for your ears. I listen to music on huge Carfrae Horn replicas driven by Amp Camp Amp mono blocks so i'm keeping my fingers crossed that our preferences for musicality and liveliness are aligned. I have Naim Atom Headphone Edition that I use mostly as pre-amp but should be a fine driver for the Grado. Happy Xmas!!
I just got the Reference3 low output. So far so good on my 15 years old MMF-7. The wood part is huge and the cantilever is very small. So I waited for the right day to install it. I noticed right away it goes really low in the bass. Enjoy yours!
@@Borednlonely same here. I'm older so this probably will be my last cartridge. There's no need to upgrade. I spend a lot of time listening to Qobuz with a Node 2i/Denafrips Ares and FM with a Marantz Model Twenty, which are darn good. But when I play an album it's another world. I'm glad you got yours setup!
Almost didn't watch because was expecting way out of my price range. Just wanted to hear your voice and passion. Your positive attitude. But, I can handle those headphones. As long as my wife doesn't find out.
Love the review of the Platinum 3. I have always enjoyed the sound of Grado's, but found I had to be careful with what turntable to pair it with. In the past, with certain turntables I would hear hum. Especially if the motor was mounted in the middle of its plinth. This was with the Prestige Gold, have had an experienced anything similar?
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Thank you. Even though it is DD. That table has a lot of isolation around the motor. So not surprising, and very encouraging. Might look to mount something on my own 1200 GAE. Thanks again, the response was helpful.
First it was the looks that got me to buy my Grado SR125s. Then the sound and the story behind. I like my current Shure cartridge. But I do want a Grado carttridge someday because I like the brand.
Back in the early 80s I had one of GRADO's tone arms. I had completely lost track of time and the three hour time difference between NY and LA (Perhaps with the help of some adult grape juice) I called the Grado phone number with some question abut the arm, The phone was actually answered by Joe himself and he asked me if I knew what time it was as I had woken him up. He answered my moronic question with apologies from me. I remember the written instructions that came with the arm. The first words were "Don't be stupid" It was a caution about damaging the bearings by mishandling the arm. heh
Big fan of Grado for decades now, and being from Brooklyn highly biased, specially at the prices they go for. As a former RS1 and RS2, now PS500 user myself I do find the type of music you listen to greatly changes my experience. I generally find it pleasing for music with slower tempos, and music with instrumentation such as classical, folk, jazz, rock. Basically music with instruments that are played. These days Ive found more modern music, faster tempos, and electronic music's full frequency space peeking all the time, more challenging for standard driver-based headphones. I have come to find most planner magnetic headphones more forgiving while also interpreting the songs more accurately. Does anyone else besides me feel the same way about this? Great vid, takes me back to what got me into audiophile equipment in the first place, aside from the AKG K1000's
Looking at the starter system in the "Viewer System of the Day." In your previous video you were saying how you needed more submissions but I was thinking needed to have a super fancy rig with Krell monoblocs, VPI turntable and Wilson speakers to qualify....Maybe I will send some pics of my system....
Great and helpful review. I own the Hemp, and just ordered the RS-1X. I hope the treble is not too, too, bright for my tastes. I'm guessing the Hemp's treble isn't as bright as the treble on the RS-1X. I hope I will like the sound of the RX-1X as much as I like the Hemp (even with the different sound).
Thanks for the review! Came here to see a review of the RS-1X. I owned the RS-1e, and it's been a controversial headphone for a while, to the point where many would call it a mistake. I found its balance very strange. Music that was mostly acoustic faired well, but anything heavy suffered greatly, and the headphone flat out could NOT do sub-bass. That information was just gone. The GH-2 has been my go to Grado thus far. Have you or any commenters here heard both the RS-1e and the RS-1x? I really hope Grado corrected some weird frequency issues there.
This reminds me, ... during the Grado shop tour, their listening room system had tall thin wood towers, and it appears as if they've implemented their headphone driver elements into a line array... Not really anything like it, but they reminded me of Roger Russell's IDS-25 line arrays. Any further thoughts or comments about the line arrays in Grado's room?
How does the Grado Platinum 3 compare to the Ortofon 2m Bronze? They are very close in price. I currently have the 2m Blue on a Fluance RT85 turntable with the Schitt Mani 2 phono stage and was thinking about an upgrade. I am pairing it with a Wilsenton R300B tube amplifier and Klipsch Forte II speakers. I would also like to see a review on the Wilsenton R300B tube amplifier. I personally think it's fantastic but it's the only tube amp I have heard or owned.
Hi Steve, I bought my first turntables 2weeks ago, a goldnote valore 425plus with a Grado Gold3 cartridge and I discover that I like this kind "analog stuff" even if it full of crack and pop. I like this "relaxed ad warm" sound but I want to bring it to an upper level so I'm thinking to change the cartridge. The question is how and where are the changes from a gold3 to a platinum3? And related to an Ortofon quintet blue or bronze (MC)? Thank's a lot for your video and contribution to the audio community
Excellent review as always, Steve. I was wondering if you would be able to share your thoughts on how these compare to the SR325X aka the top of the Prestige line. Or perhaps you'd find the time to do a vertical review/comparison of the whole X line starting from the SR60X and up to the RS1X. Would love to watch that.
how you philiac good today lol looking at the Goulding ethos seems to be outstanding you going to do a review? people say it's good as a $4-5,000 cartridge what do you feel about that? I'm thinking about putting it in a wooden body! rosewoods my favourite I haven't tried purple heart, might give that a go! What wooden body cartridge do you like?
i loved my Grado 225 but sadly the cable became faulty and was replaced once by Grado but soon became faulty again. i still have a pair of 60's which i use at times on my computer set up. my DAC ( audio engine D1 sometimes seems to have trouble driving some of my other headphones). i have a hankering for another pair of Grado's and am thinking about the new 325X model. thanks for the review steve!
I hear you on Grado. I used to have a pair of RS-1, and ran a Sonata2 high output. Now I run a Reference2 high output. But you use Ortofon Cadenza Black on your SME ?. So you must prefer Ortofon?. Greetings from Denmark .
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Ok, fair enough. I hope you get around some time to review the Grado Lineage series......that'll tip the scales a bit when it comes to affordability compared to the Ortofon Cadenza range :-)
Question how do you change stylus on Grando platinum 3? Do you have to ship it to them? I really want that Grando platinum it's beautiful 😍 the weight will add more power thanks for review!
Steve the way you describe cartridges makes me think of DAC's and how they each portray a slightly different sound signature. Curious on how changing the stylus alone would make a difference on a less expensive cartridge or are they designed to a specific stylus?
Look into the Audio Technica VM95 series. I can't recall if the cartridge bodies are all exactly identical, but they have a range of styluses that are all interchangeable making it easy to "upgrade". Stylus shape and construction generally does have a large effect on the sound of the cartridge.
I got the mspro e model, very much rs1e. It's the best headphone I've heard, compared to dt1990 and 6xx. I was interested in the x model but i read the treble is even lower compared to the e model. I felt e was pretty polite as is. Also the rs1 when up in price, making the upgrade /side grade an expensive one.
Ho un technics sl-1200mk2 vorrei montarci una testina calda e piena , pemsavo ad una grado ma ho sentito dei problemi con alcuni bracci che provocava ronzii, secondo lei è una buona accoppiata? Amplificatore ma6300 diffusori proac 140
One of my very first audio purchases was a pair of Grado 225 headphones which I still have. I was surprised by two things. 1. How cheaply they are made, and 2. How little I ever used them They cost over $200 CAD. But the light little bit of cheap molded plastic would be consistent of something purchased at a Dollar store. When ear pads turned to dust, I replaced them with ebay knock offs. Still $25. This was my first big purchase, and to this day it disappoints me. They do sound good. But uncomfortable and the flimsy open back design means everyone in the room hears what you hear. I only use headphones so I can listen in the same room as my wife. She is instantly shouting ..."turn that thing down you must be damaging your ears". Since I bought the Grados 20 years ago I have used them maybe 8 hours. I have worn out several pairs of HD Pro 280s though which work well and cost half. They seem like good value. I comfortably use them 8 hours a day hanging out with my wife. When I want amazing sound, I go listen to my big rig in the man cave. Grados still collect dust.
Thanks for showing the thrift store system, it was very cool. It took me back to the 60's when a friend of mine had found his whole system sorting through other people's trash, back in the days when everything went (no recycling) out on trash day. He ended up with two different speakers and in its own strange way, it sounded good. Today he has a second to none system and yet he tells me that he had the most fun with the odd speaker system.
I had a rather unfortunate experience with Grado a few years ago when, after being very happy with a set of inexpensive Grados for portable listening, I purchased the original RS2s for professional purposes for help in mastering records which I've been doing for over 20 years. Despite comfort issues-the headband pinched my ears, a muted sound quality and the fact that they are open backed headphones so any background noise will interfere with careful listening, I continued to try and use them. Then after a while the foam started to deteriorate and finally an obvious audio problem caused me to visit their office in Brooklyn where I live to try to resolve these problems. I believe I spoke to John Grado who had no solution to the earpad foam problem and would only fix the headphones at a high cost. I was so aggravated that I walked out leaving my $900 headphones behind. I hope they've improved the design and customer service since my experience, but I learned to never buy an "audiophile" piece of equipment again for my professional work because the standards of durability are simply not the same as in the professional market. Having a non replaceable cable on these headphones is a perfect illustration of that point.
I could not wait to get my Grado headphones sadly after 4 months they fell apart.I paid alot of money for them, I most likely would not recommend them Before I bought them a friend of mine warned me about this probem.I do not recommend them.Yes nice sound but not worth the HIGH END PRICE.
@@keplermission4947 Your comment eludes reason IMHO. You are calling him Greedy because he expected an expensive product to work as advertised and the manufacturer to make good on it's failure? If you called Grado greedy for producing this crap at inflated prices and then ignoring their customer I'd have been with you. Computers are a different beast. Unlike headphones, computers are expected to be obsolete in 5 years and everyone knows that going into the purchase. And BTW, you can buy a damned good computer for $900 and if it fails in the first year, they'll replace it, no questions asked.
You have to handle Grado’s with great care, I have a 125e and I love the sound quality. The last Eric Clapton of which you have mentioned I have had a listen to it streaming from Apple Music in High Resolution via my IPad and using a dragonfly cobalt with my Grado and the sound was fantastic, a great recording. But I won’t buy a higher priced model Grado. I have a Hifiman Sundara and the sound is more relaxed. I have the intention to buy a closed headphone, probably from Meze. Grado must upgrade their build quality and then I am in the market to buy a higher priced model. Ludo
Thank you great video Steve .grado makes great product period I love there business model great products and all price levels.ps guest a music lover not a rep.
Hello Steve, thank you for this review! I designed and manufacture replacement earpads for Grado that improve the comfort and alter the sound signature of any Grado's - would you be interested in giving them a try and letting me know what you think of them? You're long time Grado reviewer and your opinon would be very precious to me! If you're interested please let me know can I get in touch with you! :) Warmest regards, Przem
The Grado Platinum cartridge does not sound like a Koetsu by any stretch of the imagination. The only thing they have in common is a somewhat warm and mellow sound. Apart from that they are nothing alike.
"Played Out", "Tired" tracks make the best reference material! MTV Unplugged Layla is one of those tracks! Walk of life, What a fool believes, Reelin in the years, etc etc..... Been meaning to get into Grado with an entry level cart & cans though!
Off-topic, I wish you would have given the Quad Planer Headphones more break-in time because you dismissed him out of hand. When the absolute sound, a magazine that Stereophile reviews headphones and Positive feedback all gave them Incredible reviews it’s sort of cooked my grits because I objectively believe that they are spectacular to this day. Every other day I usually agree with your reviews but you never gave the Quad’s another listen and neither does any one else lately.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac I understand that Steve. What I don’t know is if you gave them enough break-in time since you spoke about the Grado’s needing over 100 hours of break-in. There was even a four person double blind shootout between three Audeze models including the ‘X’ model headphones and the QUAD’s were chosen by three of the four listeners over the other three Audeze models. That being said, I was never a fan of any QUAD Speakers even though they have a spectacular, fast and articulate mid range. Never owned anything made by Quad until I read the reviews on these cans and they are being driven by the PASS Headphone amp in my system. I am really trying to be objective about this not subjective and we can still have different taste but I just got the feeling that you never gave them an adequate trial. I’ll leave it at that because you are correct we each have different tastes.
@@JonnyGators seems like he’s not the only one. The reviews were so spectacular and now they’ve pulled several of them so I don’t know what’s going on with quad but I do know that they are spectacular sounding and I never disagreed with what Steve has to say I’m usually very happy with his reviews because they’re very accurate in my opinion.
Rs1x are pretty and tempting with triple wood but from what you are saying they sound much like my RS1e, besides you in USA got price 750 and dumb europe 900 euro, that really throw me away from buying
Oh Please. uncomfortable, over priced,. I must confess to giving into the hype, bought a pair, sold within a month. Nothing excuses the silly compromises , headband etc. There is a reason why they are not well reviewed. And please again... wooden cartridge. you devalue all your high end reviews ....
If you don’t like them, that’s cool, but the company has been around for almost 70 years, so they must be doing something right. And hasn’t felt the need to build their products overseas. But again if you don’t like them, that’s fine with me.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Grados are very reasonably priced compared to what we are seeing among their competitors. I have heard a ton of headphones at many different shows and own a lot of them. Grados hold their own in their price range and usually deliver a presence and intimacy to the recording that is rarely found at any price. I disagree with Stephen Charlton, Grados are actually very well reviewed. If they we not well reviewed, then what hype did Stephen Charlton give into? Grados are usually polarizing so people who buy them often are not sure if they will like them but often end up loving them. There is a reason for that. And their opinion is just as valid. By the way my 20 year old RS1 have had lots of use and they are in great condition. In practice, build quality is actually very good compared to other headphones I have used.
Just because you didn’t like it or it didn’t suit your system doesn’t mean it’s overpriced. Comfort issues fair enough but they obviously have a design and manufacture philosophy that they don’t deviate from.
False. It is something that you can measure. it is very real with dynamic drivers. There are examples you can find with measurements changing with speaker breakin.
@@snowpuppy77 yeh, but the extent to which "burn in" is "real" alongside, or re-labeled as, listener accommodation and/ or placebo effect is close to immeasurable once those variables are considered. My opinions of audio devices may change after "new," but I would not credit the "change" to "dynamic" effects in the hardware caused by use, i.e., playing music.
My RS-1X is on the way at the time of writing this comment! After trying multiple lower model GRADOs, I've decided this is the headphone brand I'm primarily using moving forward for listening to music. I've never heard music reproduced the way that these headphones reproduce them. I can't wait to receive these and spend quality time with them.
Loved the small system you showed today. Great review as well. Thank you!
I bought the SR80x the day it came out. The amount of bass you can EQ into these things is something to behold. Each pad roll creates a massive change in sound. These are truly one of the most versatile headphones you can buy. Oh, and the best part? Made in the USA, baby!
YEAH BABY THAT'S WHAT WE'RE WAITING FOR! MADE IN USA!
I see where some of the viewers have had sub-optimal service experiences with Grado. My experience was the exact opposite! Some years back I had one of their phono preamps and loaned it to an audiophile friend. He took it upon himself to detach the bottom plate and start modifying the innards. I don't know why and he never asked if he could. When he returned it, he said it stopped working and needed to be repaired. I changed the 9V batteries, but that didn't fix it. It had some wonky security screws in it to dissuade such tinkering (I guess), and after finding the proper screwdriver tip, I opened it to see if I could tell what was wrong. What a mess! I couldn't believe it! I contacted Grado and explained the problem - they said return it and we'll look it over. I did and they sent it back working and sounding great! No charge either! I later heard that my audiophile "Friend" had done similar things to others who loaned him equipment. Needless to say, no one loans him equipment any more not even the nearby dealers! Thank you Grado! I still use the preamp in a Vintage system in my office.
Steve's smile lights up when he talks cartridges!
I appreciate your descriptions, I'm just getting into understanding a lot of this stuff (although older cynical audioheads might despair to hear I'm already addicted to grado), and the comparison between the RS-1X and the Audeze planar helped clarify to me some ways that audio people tend to talk about these things.
Two words I will use to describe the Grado RS1X; Sonic Bliss. Playing my old collection on my new RS1X with just average DAP brings out those liveliness in sounds that I did know they were there in the first place. Analogy that I will use to compare the RS1X and other so called 'audiophile' grade headphones is that those 'other' headphones plays back or reproduce the recorded music while the RS1X makes the music as they are being played live right there in realtime. In other words, it takes you there like time machine. Speaking of which, the review is very accurate. Lows however can use slightly more reverberation which can provide more 'being there' feel (now that would be something). With a good headphone amp, I think that can be achieved. To sum it up, it's a fantastic headphone for the price range.
Cool poster in the background. I suggest it has good effects on room acoustics. Nice to see you reviewing headphones again!
Steve, I bought this headphone. Love it. Thanks for the suggestion. And yes, I listened to the Clapton on it as well as some orchestral music and some Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings…
Wow..Wow..Wow
Made in Brooklyn 🇺🇸 😎 !!!
I love you Grado .
Damn Steve! ... regarding headphones and hearing into the recording, ironically via my Westone UM50Pros ... your G.I. tract in action around the 17:30 mark renders a nice, solid, center image;)
As always
Thanks for everything
Wood, wood, wood does make a big difference in the sound of your headphones and cartridges. Anyone who has ever heard the Koetsu Rosewood models knows the absolutely beautiful sound that they retrieve from the grooves and the reason that the Grado has a line that are designed with wood casings.
@@keplermission4947 I don’t agree with you. Steve me where are unique shirts but I know a lot about men’s clothing and they are not quality shirts for the most part. My best friend from childhood had a company named Robert Graham which is sold. Those were expensive flashy shirts. $300, $500, $800. I don’t think Steve pays a kings ransom for his clothing.
I may not understand why Steve won’t reply to my question but I am and will remain a giant fan of his because he has the right idea about how to make a presentation and he knows how to listen to music whether I like it or not. He’s a pro at what he does.
@@keplermission4947 I forgot about that. What I see about Steve is that so many people in the industry have a lot of respect for him and he can do long interviews with someone like Nelson Pass and others. I forgot about the Snell speaker issue. I certainly do not agree with him about some of the music that he loves like Brian Eno. Brian has a tremendous following but I find his music distasteful. I like straight forward jazz, blues and classical to name a few but the strange artists who have made a name for themselves and not my cup of tea. I totally respect him and all of the Eno followers opinions and feelings though. They don’t force me to listen to their music and they should enjoy with her like just as I enjoy what I like. As my uncle Saul used to say Two people that he disagreed with in his own retail establishment…”It’s Your America”. “Now get the hell out of my store” 8-)
I’ve just finished a home demo of the headphones and they aren’t going anywhere. I’m keeping them. The only thing I will say steve is that they are definitely not bright sounding in my setup. Just a very alive and exciting sound. Very enjoyable. Oh and the bass is lean but very textured. Just misses out on the lowest octaves. But considering what it does with the rest of the audio band, it’s the most enjoyable headphone I’ve ever heard. And I’ve owned quite a few of the summit-fi headphones.
Hi Steve,
Thoroughly enjoyed that - thank you. I have always fancied a Koetsu, but I fall into the Champaign tastes on beer money category😉 That lovely Grado cartridge will be well worth seeking out. Thank you very much, Steve 👍👍👍
Hi Steve now that was a great review. Comparing to other headphones and cartridges that's valuable stuff man.
I remember selling Grade cartridges back in the late 70s and early 80s. Damn fine pickups!
GRADOS are AMAZING Products...just GREAT..
Great shirt today.
Thanks Steve - hoping you'll do more reviews of cartridges and turntables as I suspect there are many like me who are just now getting into analogue. Wondering if you've heard or are familiar with Hana MC cartridges? They have 2 MC cartridges around the same price as the Grado that have been well reviewed by others.
Yes, I’ve listened to Hana carts a few years ago, didn’t light my fire. That said, many of my friends really enjoy those cartridges.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac thanks. One other suggestion - a video on your recommended approach for setting up a cartridge would be helpful. What alignment tool (if any) you recommend, and so on. Thus far, I’ve been underwhelmed by the sound I get from my turntable setup.
Thanks for mentioning the Eric Clapton album. It’s a great one sonically and musically.
Thanks for saying that at the end. You were my first intro to the online audiophile community and then John Darko and I know it sounds corny but, I always feel like I’m warmly invited and hanging with the tribe over a great cup of coffee with both you guys. Most of my good friends and work colleagues see it is almost a bit eccentric and I only have one local comrade who I hope will share his system with you. On that note, off to the local record store in hopes of an “aha” find.
That’s so nice to hear, thank you.
Nice words! Thanks for reviewing a Grado wood body cart! I have a Sonata 3 and I adore the sound. To me, Grado carts make vinyl worth bothering with - love the warmth and presence. I'm eager to hear their carts a few steps up the line. 'Poor-man's Koetsu' - LOVE IT.
The wood makes the headphone light, never thought about it, brilliant.
First review of RS1X I’ve seen! I just got mine. Wanted a pair for years. Debating a detachable mod but as endgame considering moon audio to mod. Pad-rolled to G. I like that I can just use with ipad/iphone, but also built system to run them & Audio Engine HD3 & MoonDrop Blessing 2 Dusk via Schiit Magni Heresy-Modi Multibit fed by PC via toslink, blue ray via digital coax & occasionally the aforementioned ios :) I also plan to use a bit for gaming with mod mic lol. I do still use airpods pro for out-and-about & max when need to go into office but these RS1X feel like final piece to my listening setup!
I have been a Grado fan since my first Grado cartridge (an F3E+) that I bought in 1976. I have first and second generations Grado SR 225 headphones and feel no need for anything better. I had the original Platinum and Platinum-1 cartridges and miss them. Unfortunately, there is no Grado dealer in my area currently. I currently have an Ortofon Bronze (one step up from the Blue) and find that although the Bronze is more detailed than the Platinum, the sound of the Platinum is more musical and organic. I think the "poor man's Koetsu" description is valid.
I'm glad you did the Grado Cartridge review. A couple of years ago I think you did TOUR and I was hot for the product someday, but as you said there are a couple of other companies whose Cartridges are on almost every table it seems, and it made a dent.
Doing this Review reminded me that any table I get in the future I'll have to own the Grado.
Not to mention their Headphones as well :)
Is there big differences in soundquality between RS1x and RS2x?
Hey Steve, could you compare the RS1x against the Sr325x?
Compared to the 325x, the RS1x are, let's say, more cultural. Less competitive and tiring. Do they outperform them in terms of transparency and bass? Not necessarily. It's still that Grado sound, but as the price goes up, we get more calm and refinement. Exactly culture. 325x is a hooligan on a motorcycle. The RS1x has more refinement. He is less harsh on the way around. I believe that, after all, they are closer to the 325 than the GS series. This is my favorite Grado model. Is it worth the extra 400USD? You have to listen, compare and answer yourself.
OK yes these products can be polarizing. I will just keep listening to my vintage LCD-2s thru my vintage Violectric DAC/HP-Amp combo…winter is coming and I want to keep warm…🙂…and then…pardon my giggle 🤭…but a wooden cartridge called "Platinum"….interesting choice there? 😲
…but as ALWAYS…THANKS for the music Steve!!! 👍🏼
Great vid thanks Steve
Those NYC boys stick together :) I'm surprised Steve didn't spin some Lou Reed for these reviews
I had the original Audeze headphones, great sounding but so heavy I used to get headaches and jaw aches from the clamping so I got rid of them. I have the SR325e’s and love them but must admit these days am loving my new Austrian Audio Hi-X65’s more as they are more detailed but at the same time have better bass and warmth than the SR325e’s a great deal more comfortable as well but I will never get rid of the Grady’s as they are still wonderful cans. What I have found is that I do no miss the more expensive headphones I used to own, these two give me all I need and want. I would love to see you do a review of the Hi-X65’s Steve, a lot of bang for your buck I feel.
@Steve Guttenberg Huge thanks for your enthusiastic reviews. I've been watching a huge number of headphone reviews (So many are negative about lots of brands) and yours helped me make the decision to buy a pre-loved pair of Grado GS1000i. You've said they are a bit like Klipsch for your ears. I listen to music on huge Carfrae Horn replicas driven by Amp Camp Amp mono blocks so i'm keeping my fingers crossed that our preferences for musicality and liveliness are aligned. I have Naim Atom Headphone Edition that I use mostly as pre-amp but should be a fine driver for the Grado. Happy Xmas!!
I’ve just bought the timbre series reference 3 high output cart. Cannot wait until I set it up.
I just got the Reference3 low output. So far so good on my 15 years old MMF-7. The wood part is huge and the cantilever is very small. So I waited for the right day to install it. I noticed right away it goes really low in the bass. Enjoy yours!
@@chrish.4067it’s taken a year but I’ve finally set it up and it’s sounding really good. I can’t imagine a better sound.
@@Borednlonely same here. I'm older so this probably will be my last cartridge. There's no need to upgrade. I spend a lot of time listening to Qobuz with a Node 2i/Denafrips Ares and FM with a Marantz Model Twenty, which are darn good. But when I play an album it's another world. I'm glad you got yours setup!
Almost didn't watch because was expecting way out of my price range. Just wanted to hear your voice and passion. Your positive attitude. But, I can handle those headphones. As long as my wife doesn't find out.
Love the review of the Platinum 3. I have always enjoyed the sound of Grado's, but found I had to be careful with what turntable to pair it with. In the past, with certain turntables I would hear hum. Especially if the motor was mounted in the middle of its plinth. This was with the Prestige Gold, have had an experienced anything similar?
No, as I said I used the Technics SL 1200 GR
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Thank you. Even though it is DD. That table has a lot of isolation around the motor. So not surprising, and very encouraging. Might look to mount something on my own 1200 GAE. Thanks again, the response was helpful.
I'm curious how this Grado cart stacks up against my Sumiko moonstone cart.
Yeah, same here.
I have them both. One can't tell the difference between them. They are so close.
First it was the looks that got me to buy my Grado SR125s. Then the sound and the story behind. I like my current Shure cartridge. But I do want a Grado carttridge someday because I like the brand.
Grado love the attention to detail
Why did Grado stop manufacturing amplifiers for headphones?
Back in the early 80s I had one of GRADO's tone arms. I had completely lost track of time and the three hour time difference between NY and LA (Perhaps with the help of some adult grape juice) I called the Grado phone number with some question abut the arm, The phone was actually answered by Joe himself and he asked me if I knew what time it was as I had woken him up. He answered my moronic question with apologies from me. I remember the written instructions that came with the arm. The first words were "Don't be stupid" It was a caution about damaging the bearings by mishandling the arm. heh
Big fan of Grado for decades now, and being from Brooklyn highly biased, specially at the prices they go for. As a former RS1 and RS2, now PS500 user myself I do find the type of music you listen to greatly changes my experience. I generally find it pleasing for music with slower tempos, and music with instrumentation such as classical, folk, jazz, rock. Basically music with instruments that are played. These days Ive found more modern music, faster tempos, and electronic music's full frequency space peeking all the time, more challenging for standard driver-based headphones. I have come to find most planner magnetic headphones more forgiving while also interpreting the songs more accurately. Does anyone else besides me feel the same way about this? Great vid, takes me back to what got me into audiophile equipment in the first place, aside from the AKG K1000's
Try the Rs1x, it’s even faster sounding than the 1266 phi TC
Looking at the starter system in the "Viewer System of the Day." In your previous video you were saying how you needed more submissions but I was thinking needed to have a super fancy rig with Krell monoblocs, VPI turntable and Wilson speakers to qualify....Maybe I will send some pics of my system....
Retro is cool :-) Nice to see a system that took me back. Not yet another 6000 USD amp :-)
Holding out my plate for phono/turntable reviews and discussions. "More, please?"
Love the look of the Grado wood carts just wish they used more exotic stylus shapes.
Great and helpful review. I own the Hemp, and just ordered the RS-1X. I hope the treble is not too, too, bright for my tastes. I'm guessing the Hemp's treble isn't as bright as the treble on the RS-1X. I hope I will like the sound of the RX-1X as much as I like the Hemp (even with the different sound).
Thanks for the review! Came here to see a review of the RS-1X. I owned the RS-1e, and it's been a controversial headphone for a while, to the point where many would call it a mistake. I found its balance very strange. Music that was mostly acoustic faired well, but anything heavy suffered greatly, and the headphone flat out could NOT do sub-bass. That information was just gone. The GH-2 has been my go to Grado thus far. Have you or any commenters here heard both the RS-1e and the RS-1x? I really hope Grado corrected some weird frequency issues there.
I enjoy my Grado been a Grado Fan since I had that Grado that everyone wanted at one time...... Grado Signature 8
I still have my RS1 from 2003 also. (No more buttons on the X I notice. I always wondered if that was a functional design choice.)
Steve. Its between the RS1x and the Audeze LCD-X. What are your thoughts?
If you're doing more cart reviews any chance you could do some London Deccas? ~Peace
I wonder if there is a big difference in sound between the high output and low output.
This reminds me, ... during the Grado shop tour, their listening room system had tall thin wood towers, and it appears as if they've implemented their headphone driver elements into a line array...
Not really anything like it, but they reminded me of Roger Russell's IDS-25 line arrays.
Any further thoughts or comments about the line arrays in Grado's room?
How does the Grado Platinum 3 compare to the Ortofon 2m Bronze? They are very close in price.
I currently have the 2m Blue on a Fluance RT85 turntable with the Schitt Mani 2 phono stage and was thinking about an upgrade.
I am pairing it with a Wilsenton R300B tube amplifier and Klipsch Forte II speakers.
I would also like to see a review on the Wilsenton R300B tube amplifier. I personally think it's fantastic but it's the only tube amp I have heard or owned.
Hi Steve, I bought my first turntables 2weeks ago, a goldnote valore 425plus with a Grado Gold3 cartridge and I discover that I like this kind "analog stuff" even if it full of crack and pop. I like this "relaxed ad warm" sound but I want to bring it to an upper level so I'm thinking to change the cartridge. The question is how and where are the changes from a gold3 to a platinum3? And related to an Ortofon quintet blue or bronze (MC)?
Thank's a lot for your video and contribution to the audio community
Excellent review as always, Steve. I was wondering if you would be able to share your thoughts on how these compare to the SR325X aka the top of the Prestige line. Or perhaps you'd find the time to do a vertical review/comparison of the whole X line starting from the SR60X and up to the RS1X. Would love to watch that.
how you philiac good today lol
looking at the Goulding ethos seems to be outstanding you going to do a review?
people say it's good as a $4-5,000 cartridge what do you feel about that?
I'm thinking about putting it in a wooden body! rosewoods my favourite I haven't tried purple heart, might give that a go! What wooden body cartridge do you like?
i loved my Grado 225 but sadly the cable became faulty and was replaced once by Grado but soon became faulty again. i still have a pair of 60's which i use at times on my computer set up. my DAC ( audio engine D1 sometimes seems to have trouble driving some of my other headphones). i have a hankering for another pair of Grado's and am thinking about the new 325X model. thanks for the review steve!
Thanks Steve, love all you do !..just curious what tracking weight you used for the cartridge ?
1.8 grams
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Thanks Steve !
Dear Steve, What amp do you recommend for RS-1x? Something under 500. All best and thanks for your great videos!
Felix Audio, under 500kg, but over £500 🎉
Grado PS500e is my main headphone inspite of owning a number of cost no object headphones.
Thanks Steve! Great review! Question…how can I submit my system for consideration?
Thanks for watching! Audiophiliac@mail.com
What is the optimal tracking wt for the platinum 3 ?
Have you tried the HarmonicDyne Zeus open back headphones?
I hear you on Grado. I used to have a pair of RS-1, and ran a Sonata2 high output. Now I run a Reference2 high output. But you use Ortofon Cadenza Black on your SME ?. So you must prefer Ortofon?. Greetings from Denmark .
Right, I prefer the SME and Cadenza Blue, for my personal system. But I also need a far more affordable turntable system for many reviews.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Ok, fair enough. I hope you get around some time to review the Grado Lineage series......that'll tip the scales a bit when it comes to affordability compared to the Ortofon Cadenza range :-)
How does the RS1x compare to the Hemp?
Well it's about 40% less hempy by the looks
Thank you for the review. I own a pair of Grado Hemps. Is there much difference between the Hemps and the new RS-1X? Would it be worth it to upgrade?
Same here… wait for help
Hello Steve, how does one go about arranging a consultation? Thanks
For a one time 15 minute chat it’s $75
Question how do you change stylus on Grando platinum 3? Do you have to ship it to them? I really want that Grando platinum it's beautiful 😍 the weight will add more power thanks for review!
Axe 🪓
Steve the way you describe cartridges makes me think of DAC's and how they each portray a slightly different sound signature. Curious on how changing the stylus alone would make a difference on a less expensive cartridge or are they designed to a specific stylus?
Look into the Audio Technica VM95 series. I can't recall if the cartridge bodies are all exactly identical, but they have a range of styluses that are all interchangeable making it easy to "upgrade". Stylus shape and construction generally does have a large effect on the sound of the cartridge.
@@nkram2142 Thanks Will do
I been wanting to try a grado cart but way to many reports of Qc problems.
i was curious as to what happens if you connect a dac rca output to a phono stage rca..does it behaves as a normal preamp or does nothing?
I got the mspro e model, very much rs1e. It's the best headphone I've heard, compared to dt1990 and 6xx. I was interested in the x model but i read the treble is even lower compared to the e model. I felt e was pretty polite as is. Also the rs1 when up in price, making the upgrade /side grade an expensive one.
What’s the difference between Grado RS1X and HifiMan Edition XS?
Something like a V8 LS powered vs. EV junk....🚳🏴☠️🍖
Ho un technics sl-1200mk2 vorrei montarci una testina calda e piena , pemsavo ad una grado ma ho sentito dei problemi con alcuni bracci che provocava ronzii, secondo lei è una buona accoppiata? Amplificatore ma6300 diffusori proac 140
One of my very first audio purchases was a pair of Grado 225 headphones which I still have. I was surprised by two things.
1. How cheaply they are made, and
2. How little I ever used them
They cost over $200 CAD. But the light little bit of cheap molded plastic would be consistent of something purchased at a Dollar store. When ear pads turned to dust, I replaced them with ebay knock offs. Still $25. This was my first big purchase, and to this day it disappoints me.
They do sound good. But uncomfortable and the flimsy open back design means everyone in the room hears what you hear. I only use headphones so I can listen in the same room as my wife. She is instantly shouting ..."turn that thing down you must be damaging your ears". Since I bought the Grados 20 years ago I have used them maybe 8 hours. I have worn out several pairs of HD Pro 280s though which work well and cost half. They seem like good value. I comfortably use them 8 hours a day hanging out with my wife. When I want amazing sound, I go listen to my big rig in the man cave. Grados still collect dust.
Well, then give them to someone who will appreciate them.
@@robertthurston6858 That is a good thought!
I’ll pay for the shipping 😄
I’m between the grado rs1x or the hifi man ananda… can’t choose.
I love my hemps, I use them for music and gaming 😌
Thanks for showing the thrift store system, it was very cool. It took me back to the 60's when a friend of mine had found his whole system sorting through other people's trash, back in the days when everything went (no recycling) out on trash day. He ended up with two different speakers and in its own strange way, it sounded good. Today he has a second to none system and yet he tells me that he had the most fun with the odd speaker system.
I had a rather unfortunate experience with Grado a few years ago when, after being very happy with a set of inexpensive Grados for portable listening, I purchased the original RS2s for professional purposes for help in mastering records which I've been doing for over 20 years. Despite comfort issues-the headband pinched my ears, a muted sound quality and the fact that they are open backed headphones so any background noise will interfere with careful listening, I continued to try and use them. Then after a while the foam started to deteriorate and finally an obvious audio problem caused me to visit their office in Brooklyn where I live to try to resolve these problems. I believe I spoke to John Grado who had no solution to the earpad foam problem and would only fix the headphones at a high cost. I was so aggravated that I walked out leaving my $900 headphones behind. I hope they've improved the design and customer service since my experience, but I learned to never buy an "audiophile" piece of equipment again for my professional work because the standards of durability are simply not the same as in the professional market. Having a non replaceable cable on these headphones is a perfect illustration of that point.
I'd be upset with that experience as well.
I’m a music professional and never buying Grado again as well. Poor service and quality is not for pros.
I could not wait to get my Grado headphones sadly after 4 months they fell apart.I paid alot of money for them, I most likely would not recommend them Before I bought them a friend of mine warned me about this probem.I do not recommend them.Yes nice sound but not worth the HIGH END PRICE.
@@keplermission4947 Your comment eludes reason IMHO. You are calling him Greedy because he expected an expensive product to work as advertised and the manufacturer to make good on it's failure? If you called Grado greedy for producing this crap at inflated prices and then ignoring their customer I'd have been with you. Computers are a different beast. Unlike headphones, computers are expected to be obsolete in 5 years and everyone knows that going into the purchase. And BTW, you can buy a damned good computer for $900 and if it fails in the first year, they'll replace it, no questions asked.
Are you guys apes in a zoo? 🤦🏻♂️
You have to handle Grado’s with great care, I have a 125e and I love the sound quality. The last Eric Clapton of which you have mentioned I have had a listen to it streaming from Apple Music in High Resolution via my IPad and using a dragonfly cobalt with my Grado and the sound was fantastic, a great recording. But I won’t buy a higher priced model Grado. I have a Hifiman Sundara and the sound is more relaxed. I have the intention to buy a closed headphone, probably from Meze. Grado must upgrade their build quality and then I am in the market to buy a higher priced model.
Ludo
I love it that Grado is not an Asian import. (I hope) I am so, sad Shure discontinued all of its phono cartridges.
i have listen to the rs 1 and the hemp and like hemp more
Thank you great video Steve .grado makes great product period I love there business model great products and all price levels.ps guest a music lover not a rep.
well my bday is approaching so Im sharing this with the wife,,,
Enjoyed that, but I’m always left just a little dissapointed whenever I read or watch a cartridge review with no mention of the tracking abillities.
You would like the musicality of the Mofi ultratracker better over the master tracker. Mike Trei told me to get that one for my Rega P6
Hello Steve, thank you for this review! I designed and manufacture replacement earpads for Grado that improve the comfort and alter the sound signature of any Grado's - would you be interested in giving them a try and letting me know what you think of them? You're long time Grado reviewer and your opinon would be very precious to me! If you're interested please let me know can I get in touch with you! :) Warmest regards, Przem
The Grado Platinum cartridge does not sound like a Koetsu by any stretch of the imagination. The only thing they have in common is a somewhat warm and mellow sound. Apart from that they are nothing alike.
"Played Out", "Tired" tracks make the best reference material! MTV Unplugged Layla is one of those tracks! Walk of life, What a fool believes, Reelin in the years, etc etc.....
Been meaning to get into Grado with an entry level cart & cans though!
I wonder why a technics not bad but audiophile?? Refined???
I always expect you to start with "I shot a moose once, I was hunting upstate New York and I shot a moose." It is just the voice I suppose.
The only bad experience I ever had with Grado are the earbuds. Lifeless
Off-topic, I wish you would have given the Quad Planer Headphones more break-in time because you dismissed him out of hand. When the absolute sound, a magazine that Stereophile reviews headphones and Positive feedback all gave them Incredible reviews it’s sort of cooked my grits because I objectively believe that they are spectacular to this day. Every other day I usually agree with your reviews but you never gave the Quad’s another listen and neither does any one else lately.
Well, important thing is that you like them!! What others think isn’t that important
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac I understand that Steve. What I don’t know is if you gave them enough break-in time since you spoke about the Grado’s needing over 100 hours of break-in.
There was even a four person double blind shootout between three Audeze models including the ‘X’ model headphones and the QUAD’s were chosen by three of the four listeners over the other three Audeze models.
That being said, I was never a fan of any QUAD Speakers even though they have a spectacular, fast and articulate mid range. Never owned anything made by Quad until I read the reviews on these cans and they are being driven by the PASS Headphone amp in my system. I am really trying to be objective about this not subjective and we can still have different taste but I just got the feeling that you never gave them an adequate trial. I’ll leave it at that because you are correct we each have different tastes.
Steve has been dismissive to something called "quad"? *shocked face*
@@JonnyGators seems like he’s not the only one. The reviews were so spectacular and now they’ve pulled several of them so I don’t know what’s going on with quad but I do know that they are spectacular sounding and I never disagreed with what Steve has to say I’m usually very happy with his reviews because they’re very accurate in my opinion.
One day....
Gradoheadphones: Beautiful sound, awful build quality
If they were made in Asia they would be $5 at Walmart. And far better quality.
@@user-od9iz9cv1w The Grado wireless headphone is made in Asia. I'm pretty sure it's more than $5.
Rs1x are pretty and tempting with triple wood but from what you are saying they sound much like my RS1e, besides you in USA got price 750 and dumb europe 900 euro, that really throw me away from buying
Oh Please.
uncomfortable, over priced,. I must confess to giving into the hype, bought a pair, sold within a month. Nothing excuses the silly compromises , headband etc.
There is a reason why they are not well reviewed. And please again... wooden cartridge.
you devalue all your high end reviews ....
If you don’t like them, that’s cool, but the company has been around for almost 70 years, so they must be doing something right. And hasn’t felt the need to build their products overseas. But again if you don’t like them, that’s fine with me.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Grados are very reasonably priced compared to what we are seeing among their competitors. I have heard a ton of headphones at many different shows and own a lot of them. Grados hold their own in their price range and usually deliver a presence and intimacy to the recording that is rarely found at any price.
I disagree with Stephen Charlton, Grados are actually very well reviewed. If they we not well reviewed, then what hype did Stephen Charlton give into? Grados are usually polarizing so people who buy them often are not sure if they will like them but often end up loving them. There is a reason for that. And their opinion is just as valid. By the way my 20 year old RS1 have had lots of use and they are in great condition. In practice, build quality is actually very good compared to other headphones I have used.
Just because you didn’t like it or it didn’t suit your system doesn’t mean it’s overpriced. Comfort issues fair enough but they obviously have a design and manufacture philosophy that they don’t deviate from.
Burn in isn’t real
False. It is something that you can measure. it is very real with dynamic drivers. There are examples you can find with measurements changing with speaker breakin.
@@snowpuppy77 yeh, but the extent to which "burn in" is "real" alongside, or re-labeled as, listener accommodation and/ or placebo effect is close to immeasurable once those variables are considered. My opinions of audio devices may change after "new," but I would not credit the "change" to "dynamic" effects in the hardware caused by use, i.e., playing music.