Hello grooner26, I've just had a go with my GS1000is and my ears don't touch the 'white gauze' like stuff (note scientific terms used) in front of the drivers of the headphones. I've a small, slim head and there's probably about 1cm between my ear and the gauze. I had a pair of RS2s and the GS1000is are much more comfortable as they fit over the ears rather than on the ears. They also are a considerable improvement in sound being more delicate and providing more air around performances but at the same time retaining the Grado dynamics.
Hope this helps
Paddy