What can I expect with a Grado? :)

[bayani]

Hello!

I am currently using a shure e2c and sansa clip as a source. Still searching for an amp (a mini3 i guess) so I can maximize whatever cans I buy in the future. I have been hearing Grado since the audiophile in me was born. But I hardly have the chance to audition them since almost all stores in the philippines dont sell them. Believing this part of the forums is the best place to ask... here are my questions about them :p

1) I admit I can read reviews but forums appear more conversational to me. What is the "grado sound"?
2) What genres of music grados perform best?
3) What grado model can I buy for starters?

[donunus]

try the sr60i and decide whether you like the grado sound from there

[airwax]

sound is aggressive, bright
performs really well with rock and alternative
start with the sr60 or 80.

[bayani]

wooo.. thanks for the replies. I see models with "i"s. hmmm. big difference?

[airwax]

those are the new versions which are available. the old ones do not have that "i". they say it's an improved version, but I don't think there is really much of a difference.

[Za'afiel]

The Grado house sound is dry, sparkly, splashy, aggressive, peaky, tight-bassed, forward, in-your-face, upfront, eargasmic, mids-centric, immediate, fatigue-inducing, and in a nutshell, poisonous.

They perform best with genres that focus on instruments that belong to the upper midrange frequencies, such as the guitar, violin, voice, etc. These translate to most forms of rock, acoustic, and vocal pop or soul.

You can try their super entry level model, the iGrado, or their regular entry level model, the SR60i.

Where are you located? We can try to set up a small meet for you so you can listen to these fine Brooklyn Ear Busters.

those are the new versions which are available. the old ones do not have that "i". they say it's an improved version, but I don't think there is really much of a difference.

Agree. Aside from the thicker cables and larger cup design, it's a small improvement.

[donunus]

The iGrado however won't really tell you how the more expensive grados will sound while The 60s are approx 80% the sound of an RS1 (ducks before getting stoned to death LOL).

[Za'afiel]

The iGrado however won't really tell you how the more expensive grados will sound while The 60s are approx 80% the sound of an RS1 (ducks before getting stoned to death LOL).

valiente said something similar but gave a slightly higher percentage.

[marcusd]

Of course also with a grado there is huge modding potential with cables, cups and even just changing the pads - 4 types of pads can be bought for $20 to $40 each and each pad gives a different sq meaning 4 cans for one price

[Daysleeper]

should you decide to go grado, get the sr80 and flats. if they end up too bright for you, put some electrical tape around the pads or revert back to the pads they came with.

[donunus]

should you decide to go grado, get the sr80 and flats. if they end up too bright for you, put some electrical tape around the pads or revert back to the pads they came with.

The pads they come with are brighter than flats. Also i don't think the electrical tape mod applies to flats. Maybe you are referring to bowls.

[Mochan]

The iGrado however won't really tell you how the more expensive grados will sound while The 60s are approx 80% the sound of an RS1 (ducks before getting stoned to death LOL).

I'm not so sure about 80%, but I will say that the Sr60 lacks the smoothness of the RS1, and it also doesn't have the same quality of bass. SR60 sort of lacks the warmth of the RS1 and is still more on the brighter side, whereas RS1 has detail but also a nice touch of warmth.

[donunus]

I agree with that assesment. 20% is quite a bit of a difference though hehehe. This is why we probably shouldn't use percentages Its quite misleading.

[Azathoth]

The Grado house sound is dry, sparkly, splashy, aggressive, peaky, tight-bassed, forward, in-your-face, upfront, eargasmic, mids-centric, immediate, fatigue-inducing, and in a nutshell, poisonous.

They perform best with genres that focus on instruments that belong to the upper midrange frequencies, such as the guitar, violin, voice, etc. These translate to most forms of rock, acoustic, and vocal pop or soul.

Joma pretty much covered everything here. I would add that they don't have much soundstage or 3D imaging to speak of due to the upfront presentation. Grados tend to have different flavors as you move up to the more expensive models, but retain their signature house sound. For example, there's the SR325is for the most rabid, frothing-at-the-mouth treble or the HF2 that has the strongest bass presence.

Even if you just for the entry-level SR60i, no other brand quite replicates the feeling of being on stage with the musicians and an immensely satisfying reproduction of screaming guitar distortion.

[amievil]

you might want to check the Alessandro MS1/Ms1i too.