I've used Grado 60s forever, but recently upgraded to the GH4s and LOVE THEM! Plus, got a call from Mr Grado to confirm the purchase, and had a very nice fifteen minute chat! Awesome!!
I love it. “The music just LIT UP on the hempphones”. So many weed references, I got high just listening to this review. Got to go I have the munchies. Thank you
Yeah I hear you. I got the munchies too from all the hemp talk. However, I couldn’t understand why the kitchen wasn’t approaching me while I was walking towards it.
You're my favorite audio reviewer Steve! Love how authentic you come across in these videos, you seem like a genuinely awesome guy passionate about audio. I echo your thoughts about Grado's as well, love how real they sound, you've made me super interested in these Hemp headphones.
I bought the Hemps base on your recommendation. I am NOT disappointed. I have had all the models from RS 60 through RSIe, ( I did skip the RS 2). These Hemps are the best of the bunch! Dare I say better than the RS1ie? I think so. Thanks Steve.
Grado headphones are sumptuous and gorgeous , my first Grados are RS 325 X and I am so much in love with RS 325 X, thanks for reviewing the Hemps… you are amazing Steve 🎉
Currently my daily, 325x, although I have 'them all' Sundara, Beyer 990pro/770pro X LE, hd650, 7506, 900st, MV 1, t50rp....targeting Hemp and hd600 (4 collection), rs1x, and t60rp anniversary....maybe t50rp mk.4, but first of all Felix Audio tube headphone amp....😮
I went a "head" and ordered a pair. Their website description has every pun intended. These truly look like a collectible and will go "higher" in value to be blunt.
I have everything you compared to the Hemp Grado's and there are times I want Sennheiser 6 Series of which I own every one but most of the time I grab my Grado's usually the sr325e because I find the RS1 a bit boring but now I want the Hemp Grado's...... Thanks Steve you're making spend money .... But Grado's are so underated
I've likewise owned a lot of Grados at various price points, and I have to agree. Some reference and prestige series items are better at some things but these are just amazing and fun to listen to through anything and listening to anything!
Steverino...brilliant + very useful to me since I've been looking for my first pair of headphones and had 3 of the 4 you reviewed herein on my short-list. Based upon your advice, I now know what to do.
@@rosssmith8481 I bet you could get some good stoner chick attention wearing these the dude at the bud store thought they were sweet they are eye catching
@@Formatdesignworkshop That's good to know! I own a pair. The RS2e are my reference set. Even without the low end growl of some closed backs like psb M4U8 ect.
I have two pairs of Grado SR 225s (original and "i"s) and think they are the sweet spot at $200. I have never had the desire to search for something better.
Thank you very much for comparing these headphones to the RS-1 headphones. I've been holding back to buying my second Grado for years. RS-1 (buttoned) were my target but couldn't let go of my SR-125i headphones. Then the Hemp came and based on the review, I think this is the one. It's not my dream RS-1 (buttoned, i or e version) but I think it'll be fit for my listening habits.
Recently, I bought a pair of Hifiman Sundara headphones. I watched and read several reviews featuring the Audeze, Sennheiser, Grado, etc. against the Sudara. Almost all leaned toward the Sudara. That's when I decided to audition them all myself. I really liked the Sudara, so my decision was made. I've never looked back! The Grado is just a bit too bright for my liking. Although they were a great headphone. Everyone has their own taste. If it sounds good to you, buy it! They're all excellent headphones.
Hi Steve, I just got a pair of SR225’s. I’ve never understood why people like the mono mix of albums by The Rolling Stones, The Beatles exc. Mono always sounded bland, and flat. I just listened to mono Rolling Stones with my new headphones and it blew my mind. I’ve never heard mono have this depth. Love what you do.
Grado wants to take you higher. These head-phones are smokin', dude! Gotta love the photo on Grado's website of the wavy hemphones with smoke billowing over them. 😂
Grado said they had to "trim" their margins, I just got that one. Anyway they said these should have been more like 500 bucks. These will be attention grabbers. I told the guy at the pot shop and he was stoked by the way they look.
As soon as you started saying words like "growl" and "jump" I knew you were going to compare them to Klipsch. Sounds like they still sound like Grado headphones.
Top-notch review of the Grado Hemp headphones! I've not had the pleasure of listening to horn speakers, but I love Grado headphones. I own the original RS1 model, and I'll never sell them! Although I am intrigued by the Hemp headphones!
I can see why you liked the Grado's since it's consistent with how you've spoken about speakers in the past (up front Klipsch sound). I don't happen to like the same sound, but to each his own! I got the Audeze LCD-1's just yesterday and am still testing them, but I only have a pair of Beyerdynamics to compare them with. So far I've noticed an almost astonishing clarity -- where favorite tracks were a bit muddled before or over-emphasizing bass, these headphones brought out details that made it sound almost completely different and more "put together." I did notice a difference listening to higher quality (mp3 vs CD+), but it may just be my bias. In any case, having fun with them!
I have chased clarity over enjoyment - and to be honest, it gets dull very fast. If my current headphones didn't cost me as much it did, I would have thrown them against the wall - as they are all funeral home music producing devices - lifeless.
I’d love to hear you speak with some of the other audiophiles on UA-cam, regarding the Grados… I love them, especially for certain genres, same with my Klipschs. I’m a fan of all different sounding headphones/speakers
Nice review. With hi-fi I crave dynamics and clarity above everything else. I hate components that smooth over transients. That's why I've just placed an order for the Grado SR80x. If I see a good deal on the Hemps or RS2e's I'll take a punt on them.
Just for your information, that sort of wood/plastic composite is used sometimes for stocks on firearms. Gun collectors refer to it as beaver barf. I guess tastes vary.
Hi Steve I'd like to hear more of the comparison with the Audeze LCD1 which I bought after listening to your review!! I'm just saying some more details would be great. I'm beginning to think the Sundaras would have been better, but I have nothing to compare!! Best AL
You're spot on, Grados have a "live" sound. They are great for listening to jazz on vinyl. I usually prefer my HD6XX's to my SR80e's though. And for a fun type of sound DT990's are great too. But on some tracks, the Grado's just can't be beaten!
I have SR80 and original RS1. I bought Geekria earpad replacement (larger diameter, denser foam, flatter shape) from Amazon for both headphones - they’re cheap and improve the bass but slightly reduce the openness. Also much more comfortable to wear. Worth a try for not much money!
I have the RS2e, the SR325e, and the SR125 (RS2e is my fave!). Is the Hemp headphone an upgrade, or would I be farther ahead to just stick with what I have, or should I upgrade to the GS series?
I agree with you. I own the Sundaras and Grado sr125 - the Sundaras are balanced, detailed and "audiophilic". The Grado's are "closer"- vocals and instruments are closer to your ears and there is alot of air. The word to describe the gradoes sound (classical+jazz+prog+pop+indie) is :an airy sound -a dynamic airy sound.
After dipping a toe into the world of downloaded music, Walkmans and rediscovering my 15+ year old 225 Grados, I have been thinking I might like the Sundara. Sound stage and imaging. Now I don't know what to do except maybe go listen to the Sundara, if I can find a dealer, and the Hemp. I like your outlook on the "audiophile" equipment.
My Hemps just arrived. Wow! Note on pads. It's well worth buying a set of the big cup type ones. The small flat ones are great for actively listening for a few hours, but if you wanted to have them on for background noise, the big cups are less fatiguing, more comfortable and more laid back. Horses for courses I guess.
My 15+ year old SR225s had the original flat pads that kept falling off so I replaced them with the bowl shaped "G" pads. A definite detail/openness improvement. I just received the Sundara. I like it better than the Grado in all areas but the differences aren't as grand as I expected considering how the headphone community raves over the Sundara and ignores Grado in general. If Grados have improved over the last 15 years it just shows to go ya how good Grado is.
I have Grado Hemp, Hifiman Ananda, and Hifiman 400SE which are sort of a lesser Sundara experience with similar tuning. I do find the Hifiman stuff, especially when fed enough juice, to bring out a far greater amount of detail from the music vs Anything by Grado that I've heard. Not only is the sound more natural and less "forced" sounding but a lot of the detail I hear on my Hifimans, even the cheap ones, is lost on Grados. I'd say the $140 Hifiman HE400SE is better than the Grado Hemp and I own both so I feel comfortable making that assertion at least for my own tastes.
ive got the sr125e, i love them so much, i wonder if these are a good upgrade. will i notice the difference? i mean i cant imagine my sr125es sounding better
i have grado sr325e, earwigs were discovered inside the type of cushions shown, while i was wearing them. i tend to leave them on the floor. luckily for me they also have cushions that completely cover the speaker (no earwigs since). I'm here for the funny hemp comments, and to read how other headphones compare, since 90% headphones, 10% $2500 worth of speakers usage.
Glad I found this review as I've been considering them for use with a Schiit Asgard with True Multibit. From your experience would this be a good match?
Hi Steve I’m getting more and more interested in audio however you use a lot of terms that I don’t understand. So could you please make a video where you really go back to the basics and explain all the basic terminology used in the audio world. :)
Great idea! A video about "shop talk", ie.: The technical jargon associated with Hi-Fi, where it comes from (Harry Pearson and J. Gordon Holt, mostly). That would be a great subject for an Audiophiliac episode! Unless, of course, Steve's already done it... : P
If Steve does not make a video about that subject, I recommend the book: 'The Complete Guide To High End Audio' by Robert Harley. You can learn some of the terminology by reading the book. : )
Grado! Time for some Hemp! And time to find those Aphex Twins. There’s more than one of those CDs around here. The time is ripe!, both Before and After Science.
I just picked these up ($420 USD) recently and I love them. They don’t have the most bass (my aiaiai TMA-2’s rule that kingdom!) it’s the most “warm” and “shapely”. They’re my new reference headphone.
Love my Hemps, but I prefer a neutral harman tonal response. Without EQ, they are very different, Sundara a but flat, HD650 a bit dark, and Hemp in your head and also too rolled off. After EQ I prefer the more detailed sundara, and swap for the Hemp when I want a snare drum to batter my ears. HD650 only used occasionally.
Steve I’ve noticed that you like to talk about horn speakers and some headphones being high energy, livelier & fun, this video seems to hint that being brighter and faster has something to do with it...is that about right? Or more to it?
I think brighter and more forward sounding is meant. This usually comes from a peak in the upper midrange. Not necessarily "faster" though, which has to do with transient response. A transducer can be bright, but not particularly fast. Do you agree, Steve?
Livelier will tend to sound brighter, in general. Faster will sound more natural. If the equipment can reproduce leading edge attacks and transients very accurately, the music will sound more lifelike and the soundstage will improve. Keep in mind that the amp Steve is using for this review, the Mytek Brooklyn, has been reviewed as a very detailed and revealing amplifier.
I can by no means claim to be an audiophile, my daily listening is a lot of you tube these days, or my synth wall through my Apogee Quartet interface, and all of this through Grado SR 60s that I've had for years. However, I can't count the number of times I've had to lift the Grados off of my ears to check that I haven't got the room speakers on because the sound is so "in the room." I've been wanting to upgrade to something more comfortable for awhile now and I think this review has tipped the balance.
Thanks for the review. Ordered this one, looking for great way to celebrate the magic healing of cannabis and music... with stand and case, came to about 2oz equivalent recreational here in WA.
If you want 'open sounding'. Autechre's new live sets are HUUUUUUUGE!!! It might even be peak sound design. Though most of it was very harsh until I paired my Audeze LCD-2F with an Arctic Cables Cuprum Model 6N+ OCC 8 Wire 26 Awg Cryongenically treated Copper cable. After 200 hours of burn in, the difference was so significant, I seriouslly question whether an LCD-XF with it's stock cable, would out perform an LCD2F with this $300 aftermarket cable. You're the reviewer that got me into Audeze. I am having trouble understanding how so many reviewers on youtube are only luke warm or dead cold on aftermarket cables. I get that a $700 7N OCC silver cable might not be worth it, but my $300 cable might be 30 percent better than the Audeze Stock cable. I am blown away. I hear a swoosh sound start from the top back left of the sound stage, gradually make it's way towards the front bottom right of the soundstage, like it's a real physical object moving through a 3D space. The increased resolution increased the 'sound separation', which then decreased any residual fatigue. Anyhow, you should ask Val at Arctic Cables for a review model. He's super nice yet busy. And check out Autechre live on Bleep.com free streaming at 320 mp3, but you can buy in Flac or 24 bit. Yes they even release their music in 24 bit. that should give any audiophile a chubby. #TheAutechrephiliac
How do these compare to the GW100? The GW100 are exactly everything you're describing (compared to the Grado house sound) and very good. I've compared them to DT1990Pro and HD800s; whilst not as good, they are 75% of the way there which is crazy for the price difference. Some people are claiming they produce more (unwanted) bass when using them via Bluetooth, but are more natural when using them wired. I've also read they used sr225 drivers in these but I can't find actual confirmation.
I have the GW100 (v2), just bought the Hemp: What you get is much less bass, but better/less bloated bass (and I did not think the bass on the GW100 were particularly bloated). The mids open up massively, it is incredible, and instrument separation is better (and I thought it was excellent on the GW100). What you also get is a cable ... and a thick one, totally disproportionate. It is ridiculous, I think Grado are compensating for something here. The build quality is better on the GW100 (that says a lot on Grado's workforce skills and/or assembly process...) Is it worth the extra 300$? The sound is better, but the hardware is probably worth 50$ all together. PS: To me, the GW100 when wired just sound awful.
Sort of surprised judging by so many respected reviewer's incredible ratings. I love mine but they do have a flaw in the headband design which was designed for larger heads than mine. I've learned to tolerate it though.
Steve, Am I the only one of your viewers who listens to classical music? You mentioned that you know the sound of a piano but you don’t use piano recordings for your reviews. That is what I listen to most often. Reproducing the piano sound accurately is my number one priority.
This may be irrelevant, but they are good looking. It's nice to own pleasant things and if they're well thought out they often look good too. I'v realised I tend to buy gear that looks good as well as sounding good.
I used to like Grado's but unless you go into the RS series, their driver resonances make it hard to enjoy more complex music. Sounds like you think these approach the better sound of the RS series?
@@geraldrai960 i have the RS2e.I love them. I have the stock pads and larger aftermarket ones. More around the ear. I'm probably going to get the Hemps, just because.
For those looking for a comparison to the RS2e I wrote to Grado asking them and this was their response "the Hemp is very different than the RS2e , the RS2e is a more neutral sounding headphone, the Hemp has a more dynamic and "live" presentation, both are excellent". So they seem to perform very similarly but have different sound signatures. I ordered the hemp as a result as the "live" presentation is what I'm looking for, cheers
Boy, you really rekindled my interest in Grados. I was a big fan of these cans in the 90’s and 00’s and have owned three sets of them (SR60, SR125, SR325i) but with the proliferation of new IEM’s that started infiltrating the market, I all but abandoned traditional headphones for well over a decade. However, everything you said about Grados is 100% correct and these cans started my passion into audio. It might be about time to revisit them again.
Same here buddy. One issue I had was with them was prolonged listening. Grados were just too uncomfortable for that and I switched to other brands. But damn I miss that sound.
So after burning through grado lines - I settled on hemp, however, is there a different pad I can use on this that fits. I am using gw100 pads - but its way too large.
Hi steve, Im a newbie on headphones, Yesterday i got my hifiman sundara playing with meridian explorer dac( first gen) with macbook pro, the sound is not that good, sold my sennheiser hd600 with arcam rhead, so cant try them with rhead, have looking at marantz hd dac1 dac/amp all in one, planer headphones need much power I read, do you have any tips of dac/amp for hifiman sundara? I live in sweden so cant buy all brands
HD DAC1 and Grado goes together well. There's no harshness to the treble, and the bass is slightly lifted by the Marantz output impedance being slightly high.
Hello ! Thanks for your wonderful review. I really like the Grado, but I have to work on them and get details for my mixes can you recommend them anyway? In terms of details which of these models wins in your opinion? Thank you
Steve, I'm a faithful follower of your reviews, and I appreciate each and every one. Having said that, I would have loved to hear Corey Greenberg do a review of a "Hemp" headphone.
I've used Grado 60s forever, but recently upgraded to the GH4s and LOVE THEM! Plus, got a call from Mr Grado to confirm the purchase, and had a very nice fifteen minute chat! Awesome!!
I love it. “The music just LIT UP on the hempphones”. So many weed references, I got high just listening to this review. Got to go I have the munchies. Thank you
Yeah I hear you. I got the munchies too from all the hemp talk. However, I couldn’t understand why the kitchen wasn’t approaching me while I was walking towards it.
The preorder price for these is $420. Very amusing!
@@longmuskox4194 Yep some body at Grado has a wicked sense of humor.
@@longmuskox4194 That's right! 4 for 20. Lol
You're my favorite audio reviewer Steve! Love how authentic you come across in these videos, you seem like a genuinely awesome guy passionate about audio. I echo your thoughts about Grado's as well, love how real they sound, you've made me super interested in these Hemp headphones.
I bought the Hemps base on your recommendation. I am NOT disappointed. I have had all the models from RS 60 through RSIe, ( I did skip the RS 2). These Hemps are the best of the bunch! Dare I say better than the RS1ie? I think so. Thanks Steve.
Hiya, I'm thinking of buying some Hemps, the only thing I'm worried about is durability - have they held up OK over the 3yrs?
Very nice and informative review Steve! Great job, just bought a pair of the Grado Hemp headphones!😊
Just bought a pair and I have to agree- they are awesome !
Grado headphones are sumptuous and gorgeous , my first Grados are RS 325 X and I am so much in love with RS 325 X, thanks for reviewing the Hemps… you are amazing Steve 🎉
Currently my daily, 325x, although I have 'them all' Sundara, Beyer 990pro/770pro X LE, hd650, 7506, 900st, MV 1, t50rp....targeting Hemp and hd600 (4 collection), rs1x, and t60rp anniversary....maybe t50rp mk.4, but first of all Felix Audio tube headphone amp....😮
The wood on those Grado's is gorgeous!
Hemp headphones are $420? I'm sure that's no coincidence.
I went a "head" and ordered a pair. Their website description has every pun intended. These truly look like a collectible and will go "higher" in value to be blunt.
Wow, i never thought of that. I know you’re right. Great observation.
I like the direction Grado is going.
You've probably given Grado a load of additional business. ;-)
@@MichaelLivingston-me he is helping them grow
@@JohnDoe-np3zk but grow what? Should the constabulary agencies be activated?
I have everything you compared to the Hemp Grado's and there are times I want Sennheiser 6 Series of which I own every one but most of the time I grab my Grado's usually the sr325e because I find the RS1 a bit boring but now I want the Hemp Grado's......
Thanks Steve you're making spend money ....
But Grado's are so underated
I've owned Grados up and down the price point spectrum, and the Hemp is by far the best of breed. Great review. Thanks.
I've likewise owned a lot of Grados at various price points, and I have to agree. Some reference and prestige series items are better at some things but these are just amazing and fun to listen to through anything and listening to anything!
Steverino...brilliant + very useful to me since I've been looking for my first pair of headphones and had 3 of the 4 you reviewed herein on my short-list. Based upon your advice, I now know what to do.
Steve you are still the best audioreviewer. Thnx. Greetings From Belgium.
I don't even want a set of headphones but I want these.
If you don't like em, you can always smoke it.
@@rosssmith8481 I bet you could get some good stoner chick attention wearing these the dude at the bud store thought they were sweet they are eye catching
You should buy a pair before they run out.
I have the RS2e .excellent. I put replacement pads on. Much wider and around the ear. They do have a wonderful open sound.
which bearings?
Paul Golub the RS2e are the best headphones in the Grado line.
@@Formatdesignworkshop That's good to know! I own a pair. The RS2e are my reference set. Even without the low end growl of some closed backs like psb M4U8 ect.
I have two pairs of Grado SR 225s (original and "i"s) and think they are the sweet spot at $200. I have never had the desire to search for something better.
Thank you very much for comparing these headphones to the RS-1 headphones. I've been holding back to buying my second Grado for years. RS-1 (buttoned) were my target but couldn't let go of my SR-125i headphones. Then the Hemp came and based on the review, I think this is the one. It's not my dream RS-1 (buttoned, i or e version) but I think it'll be fit for my listening habits.
To be blunt this was a joint effort between Grado and a hemp farmer rolled into one headphone for 420
Jonathan Lerner very punny
Now I have the munchies. 😆😆😆
You should be a comedian 🤣🤣
Recently, I bought a pair of Hifiman Sundara headphones. I watched and read several reviews featuring the Audeze, Sennheiser, Grado, etc. against the Sudara. Almost all leaned toward the Sudara. That's when I decided to audition them all myself. I really liked the Sudara, so my decision was made. I've never looked back! The Grado is just a bit too bright for my liking. Although they were a great headphone. Everyone has their own taste. If it sounds good to you, buy it! They're all excellent headphones.
Where were u able 2 audition them from/@??
I've got sundara, hemp and HD650. Sundara is my goto, hemp a close, second, and preferable for some types of music. HD650 doesn't get used that much.
Hi Steve, I just got a pair of SR225’s. I’ve never understood why people like the mono mix of albums by The Rolling Stones, The Beatles exc. Mono always sounded bland, and flat. I just listened to mono Rolling Stones with my new headphones and it blew my mind. I’ve never heard mono have this depth. Love what you do.
I love the intercut photos of products you refer to!! Thanks
Grado wants to take you higher.
These head-phones are smokin', dude!
Gotta love the photo on Grado's website of the wavy hemphones with smoke billowing over them. 😂
Grado said they had to "trim" their margins, I just got that one. Anyway they said these should have been more like 500 bucks. These will be attention grabbers. I told the guy at the pot shop and he was stoked by the way they look.
I just bought Grado RS-1X and love the sound. It's all about enjoying the music.
As soon as you started saying words like "growl" and "jump" I knew you were going to compare them to Klipsch. Sounds like they still sound like Grado headphones.
Liking the Akalé Wubé record, good stuff!
Top-notch review of the Grado Hemp headphones!
I've not had the pleasure of listening to horn speakers, but I love Grado headphones.
I own the original RS1 model, and I'll never sell them!
Although I am intrigued by the Hemp headphones!
I can see why you liked the Grado's since it's consistent with how you've spoken about speakers in the past (up front Klipsch sound). I don't happen to like the same sound, but to each his own! I got the Audeze LCD-1's just yesterday and am still testing them, but I only have a pair of Beyerdynamics to compare them with. So far I've noticed an almost astonishing clarity -- where favorite tracks were a bit muddled before or over-emphasizing bass, these headphones brought out details that made it sound almost completely different and more "put together." I did notice a difference listening to higher quality (mp3 vs CD+), but it may just be my bias. In any case, having fun with them!
I have chased clarity over enjoyment - and to be honest, it gets dull very fast. If my current headphones didn't cost me as much it did, I would have thrown them against the wall - as they are all funeral home music producing devices - lifeless.
You are so correct about those flat pads, they are the best!
Loved my sr80 and 125s. Based on this vid I pulled the trigger on the Hemps. I've got high expectations.
I’d love to hear you speak with some of the other audiophiles on UA-cam, regarding the Grados… I love them, especially for certain genres, same with my Klipschs. I’m a fan of all different sounding headphones/speakers
Nice review. With hi-fi I crave dynamics and clarity above everything else. I hate components that smooth over transients.
That's why I've just placed an order for the Grado SR80x. If I see a good deal on the Hemps or RS2e's I'll take a punt on them.
Just for your information, that sort of wood/plastic composite is used sometimes for stocks on firearms. Gun collectors refer to it as beaver barf.
I guess tastes vary.
I love my Grado's SR80e, I have a pair of Sennheiser 660s and I listen to my Grados way more.
Grados really make you enjoy the music so much more.
Have you heard NAD HP50 or Meze 99? You might put your Grado aside.
I ordered my lcd-1 today. I hope they live up to their name.
Hi Steve I'd like to hear more of the comparison with the Audeze LCD1 which I bought after listening to your review!! I'm just saying some more details would be great. I'm beginning to think the Sundaras would have been better, but I have nothing to compare!! Best AL
You're spot on, Grados have a "live" sound. They are great for listening to jazz on vinyl. I usually prefer my HD6XX's to my SR80e's though. And for a fun type of sound DT990's are great too. But on some tracks, the Grado's just can't be beaten!
True, for jazz and acoustic, the Grados can’t be beaten, and against the 6xx it’s a landslide in those genres. 6xx fare better in other genres though.
Love my SR80 just wish they had better base. Anxious for the review of the blue Texton behind you.
I have SR80 and original RS1. I bought Geekria earpad replacement (larger diameter, denser foam, flatter shape) from Amazon for both headphones - they’re cheap and improve the bass but slightly reduce the openness. Also much more comfortable to wear. Worth a try for not much money!
Hey Steve when comes the video with the fan gear. Im thrilled to see all the gear
I have the RS2e, the SR325e, and the SR125 (RS2e is my fave!). Is the Hemp headphone an upgrade, or would I be farther ahead to just stick with what I have, or should I upgrade to the GS series?
I love my RS2e headphones also.
Tempted to get the Hemp.
Those headphones are really beautiful👍🔊
I agree with you. I own the Sundaras and Grado sr125 - the Sundaras are balanced, detailed and "audiophilic". The Grado's are "closer"- vocals and instruments are closer to your ears and there is alot of air. The word to describe the gradoes sound (classical+jazz+prog+pop+indie) is :an airy sound -a dynamic airy sound.
After dipping a toe into the world of downloaded music, Walkmans and rediscovering my 15+ year old 225 Grados, I have been thinking I might like the Sundara. Sound stage and imaging. Now I don't know what to do except maybe go listen to the Sundara, if I can find a dealer, and the Hemp. I like your outlook on the "audiophile" equipment.
My Hemps just arrived. Wow!
Note on pads. It's well worth buying a set of the big cup type ones. The small flat ones are great for actively listening for a few hours, but if you wanted to have them on for background noise, the big cups are less fatiguing, more comfortable and more laid back.
Horses for courses I guess.
My 15+ year old SR225s had the original flat pads that kept falling off so I replaced them with the bowl shaped "G" pads. A definite detail/openness improvement. I just received the Sundara. I like it better than the Grado in all areas but the differences aren't as grand as I expected considering how the headphone community raves over the Sundara and ignores Grado in general. If Grados have improved over the last 15 years it just shows to go ya how good Grado is.
I have Grado Hemp, Hifiman Ananda, and Hifiman 400SE which are sort of a lesser Sundara experience with similar tuning. I do find the Hifiman stuff, especially when fed enough juice, to bring out a far greater amount of detail from the music vs Anything by Grado that I've heard. Not only is the sound more natural and less "forced" sounding but a lot of the detail I hear on my Hifimans, even the cheap ones, is lost on Grados. I'd say the $140 Hifiman HE400SE is better than the Grado Hemp and I own both so I feel comfortable making that assertion at least for my own tastes.
Great music. AW is awesome. Great review, will have to listen to the Grados
Didn't realise I wasn't subscribed UA-cam just suggests your videos all the time.
A bunch of dope headphones. Well, one even more than the others... 😉 Great video Steve!
ive got the sr125e, i love them so much, i wonder if these are a good upgrade. will i notice the difference? i mean i cant imagine my sr125es sounding better
Lovin that t-shirt!
Hi Steve,
How about the soundstage?
I'm guessing, because you said intimate, maybe closer- but still open?
Yes, they are very open, but close with these flat ear pads. The other ear pads create a wider stage
Thank you for replying.
Maybe pretty soon I'll get them to compliment my Sundaras!
i have grado sr325e, earwigs were discovered inside the type of cushions shown, while i was wearing them. i tend to leave them on the floor. luckily for me they also have cushions that completely cover the speaker (no earwigs since). I'm here for the funny hemp comments, and to read how other headphones compare, since 90% headphones, 10% $2500 worth of speakers usage.
Glad I found this review as I've been considering them for use with a Schiit Asgard with True Multibit. From your experience would this be a good match?
Hi Steve I’m getting more and more interested in audio however you use a lot of terms that I don’t understand. So could you please make a video where you really go back to the basics and explain all the basic terminology used in the audio world. :)
Great idea!
A video about "shop talk", ie.: The technical jargon associated with Hi-Fi, where it comes from (Harry Pearson and J. Gordon Holt, mostly).
That would be a great subject for an Audiophiliac episode!
Unless, of course, Steve's already done it... : P
If Steve does not make a video about that subject, I recommend the book: 'The Complete Guide To High End Audio' by Robert Harley.
You can learn some of the terminology by reading the book. : )
I think he talked about that book in a video before.
Grado! Time for some Hemp! And time to find those Aphex Twins. There’s more than one of those CDs around here. The time is ripe!, both Before and After Science.
I just picked these up ($420 USD) recently and I love them. They don’t have the most bass (my aiaiai TMA-2’s rule that kingdom!) it’s the most “warm” and “shapely”. They’re my new reference headphone.
Of course it’s $420. I bet they smoke the competition?
Better Rs2 or hemp? I only listen to electronic music? Please recommendation, thx
Steve, would love for you to hear the RS1e. I mean, it's time right? Bigger driver. It'll be interesting to compare it to your favourite.
Sounds like it has a similar signature to my gold SR325i - I'm considering a set of the Hemps strongly
Does Grado is good for classical and instrumental music ? If yes which Grado model ?
Listening now to Akale Wube on Tidal. LOVE this sound!!!
Love my Hemps, but I prefer a neutral harman tonal response. Without EQ, they are very different, Sundara a but flat, HD650 a bit dark, and Hemp in your head and also too rolled off. After EQ I prefer the more detailed sundara, and swap for the Hemp when I want a snare drum to batter my ears. HD650 only used occasionally.
What shirt is that? Looks cool
Steve I’ve noticed that you like to talk about horn speakers and some headphones being high energy, livelier & fun, this video seems to hint that being brighter and faster has something to do with it...is that about right? Or more to it?
I think brighter and more forward sounding is meant. This usually comes from a peak in the upper midrange. Not necessarily "faster" though, which has to do with transient response. A transducer can be bright, but not particularly fast. Do you agree, Steve?
Livelier will tend to sound brighter, in general.
Faster will sound more natural.
If the equipment can reproduce leading edge attacks and transients very accurately, the music will sound more lifelike and the soundstage will improve.
Keep in mind that the amp Steve is using for this review, the Mytek Brooklyn, has been reviewed as a very detailed and revealing amplifier.
I can by no means claim to be an audiophile, my daily listening is a lot of you tube these days, or my synth wall through my Apogee Quartet interface, and all of this through Grado SR 60s that I've had for years. However, I can't count the number of times I've had to lift the Grados off of my ears to check that I haven't got the room speakers on because the sound is so "in the room." I've been wanting to upgrade to something more comfortable for awhile now and I think this review has tipped the balance.
Go for it!
@@paulgolub6823 I totally did it. Still have a smile on my face after pulling the trigger. Good sign.
I had a SR125 around 2008 and loved the sound, the Hemp look saxy :D
I have the 325X and I want the hemps.
Thanks for the review. Ordered this one, looking for great way to celebrate the magic healing of cannabis and music... with stand and case, came to about 2oz equivalent recreational here in WA.
Mine arrive Mon and oddly enough here in recreating WA
If you want 'open sounding'. Autechre's new live sets are HUUUUUUUGE!!!
It might even be peak sound design. Though most of it was very harsh until
I paired my Audeze LCD-2F with an Arctic Cables Cuprum Model 6N+ OCC
8 Wire 26 Awg Cryongenically treated Copper cable. After 200 hours of
burn in, the difference was so significant, I seriouslly question whether
an LCD-XF with it's stock cable, would out perform an LCD2F with this
$300 aftermarket cable. You're the reviewer that got me into Audeze.
I am having trouble understanding how so many reviewers on youtube
are only luke warm or dead cold on aftermarket cables. I get that a
$700 7N OCC silver cable might not be worth it, but my $300 cable
might be 30 percent better than the Audeze Stock cable. I am blown
away. I hear a swoosh sound start from the top back left of the sound
stage, gradually make it's way towards the front bottom right of the
soundstage, like it's a real physical object moving through a 3D space.
The increased resolution increased the 'sound separation', which then
decreased any residual fatigue. Anyhow, you should ask Val at Arctic
Cables for a review model. He's super nice yet busy. And check out
Autechre live on Bleep.com free streaming at 320 mp3, but you can
buy in Flac or 24 bit. Yes they even release their music in 24 bit.
that should give any audiophile a chubby. #TheAutechrephiliac
How do these compare to the GW100? The GW100 are exactly everything you're describing (compared to the Grado house sound) and very good. I've compared them to DT1990Pro and HD800s; whilst not as good, they are 75% of the way there which is crazy for the price difference. Some people are claiming they produce more (unwanted) bass when using them via Bluetooth, but are more natural when using them wired. I've also read they used sr225 drivers in these but I can't find actual confirmation.
I returned basically everything I have tried from grados, except gw100 v2, and hemp.
I have the GW100 (v2), just bought the Hemp: What you get is much less bass, but better/less bloated bass (and I did not think the bass on the GW100 were particularly bloated). The mids open up massively, it is incredible, and instrument separation is better (and I thought it was excellent on the GW100). What you also get is a cable ... and a thick one, totally disproportionate. It is ridiculous, I think Grado are compensating for something here. The build quality is better on the GW100 (that says a lot on Grado's workforce skills and/or assembly process...) Is it worth the extra 300$? The sound is better, but the hardware is probably worth 50$ all together. PS: To me, the GW100 when wired just sound awful.
Steve, do you know of any other headphones that have that live sound that Grado's have?
Grado really turned me on to better sound. I have Sennheisers , including the 6xx, but I just don't like them nearly as much as the Grado SR125x.
Steve,
Will you ever do a full review on the Raal SR1a?
Probably not, I've heard them, don't like them at all.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac
Steve, thank you for the reply. Really enjoy your youtube videos.
Steve, when are you ever going to review the quad plane or headphones?
No, sorry, I’ve heard them, and I didn’t like them enough to want to review them
Sort of surprised judging by so many respected reviewer's incredible ratings. I love mine but they do have a flaw in the headband design which was designed for larger heads than mine. I've learned to tolerate it though.
Steve, Am I the only one of your viewers who listens to classical music? You mentioned that you know the sound of a piano but you don’t use piano recordings for your reviews. That is what I listen to most often. Reproducing the piano sound accurately is my number one priority.
This may be irrelevant, but they are good looking. It's nice to own pleasant things and if they're well thought out they often look good too. I'v realised I tend to buy gear that looks good as well as sounding good.
Nice to see somebody actually admits it! Hey you live with the stuff, you don’t want something on your head it doesn’t look good!
I used to like Grado's but unless you go into the RS series, their driver resonances make it hard to enjoy more complex music. Sounds like you think these approach the better sound of the RS series?
I am looking at these or the Rs2. Don't know which one to pick. Any guidance Steve?
@@geraldrai960 i have the RS2e.I love them. I have the stock pads and larger aftermarket ones. More around the ear. I'm probably going to get the Hemps, just because.
For those looking for a comparison to the RS2e I wrote to Grado asking them and this was their response "the Hemp is very different than the RS2e
, the RS2e is a more neutral sounding headphone, the Hemp has a more dynamic and "live" presentation, both are excellent". So they seem to perform very similarly but have different sound signatures. I ordered the hemp as a result as the "live" presentation is what I'm looking for, cheers
Gerald Rai Love the RS2e! Would love to hear the Hemp to compare
Boy, you really rekindled my interest in Grados. I was a big fan of these cans in the 90’s and 00’s and have owned three sets of them (SR60, SR125, SR325i) but with the proliferation of new IEM’s that started infiltrating the market, I all but abandoned traditional headphones for well over a decade. However, everything you said about Grados is 100% correct and these cans started my passion into audio. It might be about time to revisit them again.
buy buy buy
Same here buddy. One issue I had was with them was prolonged listening. Grados were just too uncomfortable for that and I switched to other brands. But damn I miss that sound.
We need an answer to the burning question... how do they sound compared to the SR60e?
So after burning through grado lines - I settled on hemp, however, is there a different pad I can use on this that fits. I am using gw100 pads - but its way too large.
I like to follow up on your playlists: Akalé Wubé sounds a lot like early albums from The Budos Band, if you’re into that type of music 😉
I just might pre-order these...
I did Steve talked me into these although I was looking at the 100 buck Grados but these look so cool and I am into bass.
He talked me into them, too, but I could only afford the BLON BL-03's.
: P
@@Hare_deLune sorry
@@paulgolub6823
Thanks.
It's okay, things will get better eventually. : )
Just ordered them. I hope customs fees don't screw me over 😅
Is most of what you are saying a result of on-ear vs. over-the-ear comparison?
I believe it's pronucned soon-the-raa which means beautiful in sanskrit. ☺ Great review Steve
Is this similar to the 325e? Can I put the hemp-version cushions on my 325e?
Would you say these Grado Hemp headphones bleed as much as their other models. No for commuting or office use
Probably the same.
Yes, not good for office use.
Hi steve, Im a newbie on headphones, Yesterday i got my hifiman sundara playing with meridian explorer dac( first gen) with macbook pro, the sound is not that good, sold my sennheiser hd600 with arcam rhead, so cant try them with rhead, have looking at marantz hd dac1 dac/amp all in one, planer headphones need much power I read, do you have any tips of dac/amp for hifiman sundara? I live in sweden so cant buy all brands
HD DAC1 and Grado goes together well. There's no harshness to the treble, and the bass is slightly lifted by the Marantz output impedance being slightly high.
How is the on ear pressure? My big outer ears are very sensitive to this.
If your ears are very sensitive to pressure, this headphones won’t be right for you.
Grado yeah right!
Hello ! Thanks for your wonderful review. I really like the Grado, but I have to work on them and get details for my mixes can you recommend them anyway?
In terms of details which of these models wins in your opinion? Thank you
I'm sold.
P.S. I'm still awaiting your review of Zu Omen DW's with Decware SE84 UFO'S... My main system. I find a "magical" pairing!
they do look sweet
The grado's put you in the stage, live with the musician, the sundara's put you in the studio room 🌝
I thought they use Hemp cone material for the dynamic drivers..
I thought the same..considering the hemp omega speakers having a hemp cone full rangers
Steve, I'm a faithful follower of your reviews, and I appreciate each and every one. Having said that, I would have loved to hear Corey Greenberg do a review of a "Hemp" headphone.
Who are you?, what did you do to my Steve Guttenberg before listening to RP-600M 😀😀😀
Sounds like they would really be good with stoner rock too
Haha when I see the blue tower speakers in the background, I think of a high school student making a shop class project😄!
It probably sounds better than anything you've got. Haha 😄
Not a lot of blue speakers out there but I'll take anything from Tekton, even in blue.
@@CheetoPhingers YUP!
@@CheetoPhingers no doubt, I'll 2nd that! Hot pink, bring it on😖😅