Grado GS1000e

[adamrobertshaw]

Purchased some Grado GS1000e today with a view to them replacing my fussy Sennheiser HD800 in my desktop set-up.

As I'd hoped, it has cured a distortion issue on the HD800 within a chain of Audirvana Plus / Mac Mini to TEAC UD-501 to (via XLR) to Pathos Aurium. *smile*

The 32 ohm vs 300 ohm difference means that the gain knob has been dialled way back for the GS1000e lower impedance.

I've been advised by the dealer to put 100 hours burn time into them before they'll settle down fully. Thing can only get better.

I've also been listening for a couple of hours with the GS1000e and an AK Jnr as source playing 44.1 FLAC files. The volume is set a bit higher than for IEMs (obviously) but I'm amazed at the results. It's like they're made for each other. I was expecting some short-comings but this combo is a revelation. I can't find any fault or problem to mention. *dance4*

I'm going to keep listening and burn in the GS1000e as fast as I can.

But what to do with the HD800? Sell? Combine with a Mojo and mobile source for when I'm away from home etc? *scratch_one-s_head*

 

[dalethorn]

Purchased some Grado GS1000e today with a view to them replacing my fussy Sennheiser HD800 in my desktop set-up.

As I'd hoped, it has cured a distortion issue on the HD800 within a chain of Audirvana Plus / Mac Mini to TEAC UD-501 to (via XLR) to Pathos Aurium. *smile*

The 32 ohm vs 300 ohm difference means that the gain knob has been dialled way back for the GS1000e lower impedance.

I've been advised by the dealer to put 100 hours burn time into them before they'll settle down fully. Thing can only get better.

I've also been listening for a couple of hours with the GS1000e and an AK Jnr as source playing 44.1 FLAC files. The volume is set a bit higher than for IEMs (obviously) but I'm amazed at the results. It's like they're made for each other. I was expecting some short-comings but this combo is a revelation. I can't find any fault or problem to mention. *dance4*

I'm going to keep listening and burn in the GS1000e as fast as I can.

But what to do with the HD800? Sell? Combine with a Mojo and mobile source for when I'm away from home etc? *scratch_one-s_head*

The HD800 is worth a lot of money, especially to someone who can mate it with an equally good amp.

 

[adamrobertshaw]

I'm hoping I would get most of my money back on the HD800. Possibly as a trade in but against what I have no idea yet.

I can listen to the HD800 direct from the headphone out on the TEAC DAC but it is a touch harsh and no good for extended listening. I can listen via the Aurium using RCA inputs but with gain on about 95% which is probably no good for the longevity of the Aurium.

I know the RCA outputs from Chord DACs are a higher voltage than most and I've read some favourable reviews that say Macbook + Mojo + HD800 are an excellent combo for those who prefer detailed / dynamic listen over a detailed / relaxed listen. I'm leaning towards relaxed these days.

Yesterday I used the AK Jnr as an outboard DAC with a MacBook Air with the GS1000e and I really enjoyed it. There's a lot to be said for the versatility of the AK Jnr ... outboard DAC and a low impedance / 1.95 volt output socket.

 

[dalethorn]

I'm hoping I would get most of my money back on the HD800. Possibly as a trade in but against what I have no idea yet.

I can listen to the HD800 direct from the headphone out on the TEAC DAC but it is a touch harsh and no good for extended listening. I can listen via the Aurium using RCA inputs but with gain on about 95% which is probably no good for the longevity of the Aurium.

I know the RCA outputs from Chord DACs are a higher voltage than most and I've read some favourable reviews that say Macbook + Mojo + HD800 are an excellent combo for those who prefer detailed / dynamic listen over a detailed / relaxed listen. I'm leaning towards relaxed these days.

Yesterday I used the AK Jnr as an outboard DAC with a MacBook Air with the GS1000e and I really enjoyed it. There's a lot to be said for the versatility of the AK Jnr ... outboard DAC and a low impedance / 1.95 volt output socket.

The GS1000e should have a more relaxed treble, making for a smoother sound. But some users found the deep bass to be rather light. My PS1000e is extremely light in the deep bass. All of these, from the HD800 to the Grados, are a big investment, and since you need to spend time with them (probably beyond the return date) to be sure, you should at least focus on the major differences and be sure you like the Grado better. There are lots of people in the world who put every last penny they have into their ultimate headphone, and it's not returnable for whatever reason, and then they're disappointed with it and have no further recourse. I've been there before.

 

[adamrobertshaw]

I have noticed lower end bass is lighter. I'll take improved treble over deep bass. I can detect more detail in the treble and the higher mids too. Almost as if the drivers are tuned to bring those frequencies forward and the bass a tad in the background (potentially less fatiguing too). Actually this is how I set up my loudspeakers.

It's swings and roundabouts and I still have hours to run in the Grado's.

 

[dalethorn]

I have noticed lower end bass is lighter. I'll take improved treble over deep bass. I can detect more detail in the treble and the higher mids too. Almost as if the drivers are tuned to bring those frequencies forward and the bass a tad in the background (potentially less fatiguing too). Actually this is how I set up my loudspeakers.

It's swings and roundabouts and I still have hours to run in the Grado's.

This is good to hear - I like Grado.

 

[adamrobertshaw]

I got the 325is out and gave them a whirl. Still sound very nice but a touch lively, especially highs.

Played the same track with the GS1000e and the highs are smooth, vocals clear, bass balanced, mids separated, felt more out-of-head. Also the earpads are much more comfy as I tend to be wearing reading glasses when listening.

Just such a great all-rounder without being over-precise and clinical. Magic )