Positive Feedback Review NEW!!!

By someone who has listened and knows
Grado headphones.

Jason Morin aka Zanth on head-fi.org

Photo by: Robert Williams

Never one to stop innovating, Grado has set out to create a new flagship and it is these new headphones, the PS1000's, as I hear it, are the very best headphone Grado Labs has ever produced. What would so excite me as to claim such a thing? How about a hybrid metal/wooden headphone that incorporates the tone and timbre of the RS1's, maintaining the superior Grado mid-range, the hallmark of their sound and a resonance reduced decay which brings the sound closer to that of the PS1's and HP-1000's? How about all of that, dear listeners? Well here it is, the evolution of the metal series and the wooden series, the PS1000 is the answer to all those who have for years hoped for a broad release of the PS1's or for those who wanted something even better than the GS1000's. The PS1000's are the very best Grado headphone ever made.

Sticking with the new developments of the GS1000, the PS1000 uses the same large cushions providing a very comfortable fit on the head, excellent for very long listening sessions. These cushions also push the driver further from the ear providing a large sound and headstage. The same shaped enclosure as that of the GS1000's is used but instead of the wooden outer housing, the housing is a metal alloy like that of the PS1's headphones. What makes this particularly interesting however is the inner housing, which is made of the same wood used in the RS series and for the GS1000. The driver has been changed, has been improved, refining the sound even more than previous generation of headphones. The cable has also been changed and seems to be quite a bit thicker than the previous versions. All these changes and improvements make for a listening experience like none that I have ever had the pleasure of hearing.

Besides their appearance, which is that of a metal GS1000, one might well first recognize the weight of these headphones. Those who are familiar with my systems know that I own the PS1's and have owned over the years about a dozen HP-1000 series, the older Joseph Grado studio monitor headphones. These models are quite heavy, with the PS1's being heavier than the HP-1000's but the overall experience of that weight seemed to be reduced because of the thicker headband the PS1's used over the HP-1000's. Still, using the flat pads or the larger bowl pads, the headphones sat firmly on the head and were very noticeable. I don't know many that forgot they were wearing them, this as opposed to wearing the RS1's or even better, the GS1000's, which are so very light in comparison. The GS1000's in particular are such a pleasure to wear for long periods of time because they are made from a light wood and the large pads are at once comfortable on the ear (now being circumaural headphones as opposed to the supra-aural fit of the older pads) and also divert the downward force of the headphones outward reducing the apparent weight at the top of the head. Since the PS1000's are made to the same dimensions as the GS1000's, with their larger housings, would one expect them to feel even heavier than the PS1's or HP-1000's? While in the hand, yes. While on the head? A surprising no! I equate this phenomenon to the large pads used which again, divert the downward force perpendicularly outward, so that the overall experience is more pleasing than the older metal headphone models. No doubt they are much heavier than the GS1000's, but they are not unpleasant to use and I found myself listening for 8 hours straight with no complaints at all. I rather much liked the weight because although I was aware of their presence, it was a positive awareness, where I wouldn't be inclined to just swing my head aggressively and perhaps launch the headphones into orbit. Hey, when headphones sound this good, some head-banging is to be expected!

As with any transducer it is the sound that matters and as I've already stated, to my ears, these are not just the best Grado ever made, they are the best headphones I've ever heard.

On first listening one will probably note two things sonically: an incredibly dynamic sound and a very smooth sound. The sound seems to literally jump off the drivers with an astounding attack without overemphasizing or exaggerating any part of the spectrum as if the headphones are somehow working hard to reproduce this type of sound (or working harder than another set of headphones on the same system). There is no denying that the sound is more alive than anything I've ever listened to and yet the headphones are merely providing what is on the recording. A good analogy would be going from listening to the SR60's to the RS1's but think better, more dynamic and pure.

The attack is solid and fast and the transients are nimble with the transition to the decay sounding dead on, never lagging and the decay, oh that wonderful decay, notes trailing off into a black background, never sounding slow but never sounding overly quick either. The key I believe is in combining the wood and the metal. The wood provides a fine immediate resonance, getting a nice tone and timbre but as the sound leaves the inner chamber, the metal's rigidity forces the waves to stay tight, reducing reverberation and permitting a very accurate decay and highly coherent sound throughout the note. I suppose the really clever trait here is that despite a seductive velvety smooth sound, one isn't missing out on any details. Not at all. This is how the PS1's are consistently reviewed and here too we find the same thing. We get the glorious subtleties of the sound, all the inner nuances, micro and macro details while enjoying a smooth sound that is closest to a live open aired event. For those who have lusted for the liquid sound of the PS1's but want the better tone and timbre of the wooden Grados, the PS1000's deliver.

One other immediately noticeable aspect that I note in comparison to the GS1000's is that the mids sound more forward. If people felt that the mids were too far back in comparison with the RS1's or PS1's, then these headphones will fall closer in line with that sound vs. the GS1000's. There doesn't seem to be any disparity in any of the spectrums and this is not amp dependent, which I know first hand, many will praise.

The highs are never strident but smooth and extended, with wonderful sparkle and air. They are articulate without over emphasis. The bass is solid, palpable and authoritative without being overblown. The notes are deep and audible and work perfectly to provide the well-known Grado dynamics and that ever-elusive PRaT that Grados are naturally gifted at reproducing. I have always enjoyed the wonderful deep resonating bass of the PS1's but sometimes missed the extremely hard-hitting nature of the bass notes from the HP-1000's. No more! These phones do both better than their older siblings. I have never heard better bass than when listening to Grados. Yet, I've always had to choose aspects of the bottom end and then equate the best with this model or that model. Now I can just go for one phone and one phone only and maintain a perma-smile as I listen to some drum n' bass.

Over the years, I've bought and sold a number of headphones, not just Grados. The three headphones I have chosen to keep on hand have been the Grado GS1000's, PS1's and RS1's. As sad as I have been in letting the HP-1000's go time and time again, there has always been something about the above models that kept me listening more often for longer periods of time. Yet, if one were to ask me, Jason, which headphone would you keep if you could only have one? I could never answer perfectly. I enjoyed each model for specific reasons, feeling that each model had the edge in some dimension over the others. My default answer then would be: "I'd choose the RS1's because my wife bought them for me as a gift during our first year of marriage." Only sentimentality pushed one model over another. The PS1000's are the first set of headphones that I've heard that would actually have me choose a "best" headphone among the headphones I have on hand and have ever heard.

The PS1000's are finally, (and for those that upgrade often or think the grass is always greener, they know what I mean by finally), finally, the first set of headphones that would motivate me to sell all the rest, because these PS1000s do it all and do it as flawlessly as I've yet experienced. They give me everything that I've been searching for in headphones and do it in such a way that I can honestly say I'm not hoping for anything more. If more can ever be given, GREAT! But I've stopped looking. I've stopped thinking that a single phone can't do it all. Hyperbole be damned, this phone had me at hello.

PS1000 with Single Ended Grado Cable $1695  

Grado is proud to introduce the new flagship of their headphone line, the PS1000. This hybrid design has an inner sleeve of a selected species of hand-crafted mahogany made by using an intricate curing process. Its outer housing of metal machined from a special non-resonant, very hard metal alloy utilizes a special processing and casting method to increase the porosity of the alloy. This combination of wood and metal insures that the earphone chamber has no "ringing" which might obscure detail or add coloration. The way the wood and metal housing moves air and reacts to sound vibrations is now virtually unaffected by transient distortions. Grado has also designed a new cable for the PS1000. The new eight-conductor cable design, utilizing UHPLC (ultra-high purity, long crystal) copper, improves control and stability of the total range of the frequency spectrum. The PS1000 also utilizes a newly re-configured voice coil and diaphragm design, resulting in unsurpassed speed and accuracy response. The cushion design creates the correct balance between the driver and hybrid housing to give the resulting musicality desired. The cushion design also makes the PS1000 one of the most comfortable to wear headphones in the world. Grado has taken all their knowledge and years of experience in controlling resonances and eliminating distortions and this has culminated in the development of their finest headphone ever, the PS1000.

Listen, enjoy and agree.

The manufacture of the PS1000 housing is a complicated and proprietary process that results in a sonic signature and voicing that is the Grado hallmark. An important step in this process is the metal housing being stressed and then cured resulting in a unique aesthetic finish. As with all Grado products the most important aspect is the sound. If you are interested in owning the finest headphone Grado has ever produced then the PS1000 is the choice that will satisfy the most critical music lovers.

Features:
Vented diaphragm
Hybrid air chamber
UHPLC copper voice coil wire
UHPLC copper connecting cord

Features:
 

PS10000 Recabled with 10ft Black Dragon Headphone cable

with 1/4" Furutech Plug

GS1000i with Single Ended Grado Cable $995   

HeadFi Review of GS1000 w Black Dragon 1

HeadFi Review of GS1000 w Black Dragon 2

Features:
Vented diaphragm
Wooden air chamber
UHPLC copper voice coil wire
UHPLC copper connecting cord

What does the i stand for in the new GS1000i from Grado? Improved, that’s what! Featuring a new species of handcrafted Mahogany earpieces made using an intricate curing process; Grado has been able to optimize the tonal quality. The GS1000i uses new upgraded dynamic transducers and the new 8 conductor cable design. All this, new wood, driver and cable designs result in improved control and stability of the upper and lower range of the frequency spectrum with both better supporting the GS1000i’s new world renowned midrange.

Grado’s GS1000i cushion design actually creates a “room” for the ears to sit, creating a larger soundstage and greater spatial experience for the listener. It was most important to design the correct balance between the driver and our wooden driver housing to give us the resulting sound that we desired. This has been accomplished. By creating this “room” for the ears to sit, positioning of the cushions with regards to the ears (i.e., forward or back) is somewhat critical in finding the absolute sweet spot.

With this cushion design, we believe the GS1000i to be one of the most comfortable headphones on the market today.

The GS1000i retains a sound that is pure Grado, rich full-bodied vocals, excellent dynamics and an ultra smooth top end. The presentation is very detailed, the bass is deep and the music is very tight and non-fatiguing. All with a soundstage that is huge allowing for unbelievable separation and layering of the music which is simply stunning.

Listen and enjoy!

With 10' Balanced Silver Dragon with XLRs

RS1i with Single Ended Grado Cable $695  

Single ended comes with 15' Grado Extension and mini adapter

Features:
Vented diaphragm
Wooden air chamber
UHPLC copper voice coil wire
UHPLC copper connecting cord

The RS-1 is the Masterpiece of the Grado collection, the Top Of The Range product which oozes class both in looks and sound.

Featuring handcrafted Mahogany earpieces made using an intricate curing process, Grado has been able to optimize the tonal quality. The RS1 uses dynamic transducers in an open-air configuration, the cups being open-backed. The result is a smooth, coherent sound with detailed dynamics. Frequency response ranges from 12-30 kHz and the drivers are matched to 0.05dB. Weighing 9oz, the headphones are an example of the wonder of mother nature with a gorgeous, honey-colored look.

With 10' Balanced Black Dragon with XLRs

With 10' Silver Dragon with 1/4" Plug

With 10' Black Dragon with 1/4" Plug

RS2i with Single Ended Grado Cable $495  

RS2i with 10' Blue Dragon Headphone Cable: $650

RS2i with 10' Black Dragon Headphone Cable: $700

Features:
Vented diaphragm
Wooden air chamber
UHPLC copper voice coil wire
UHPLC copper connecting cord 

The newest edition to the Grado family, the RS2 is the little brother of the RS1. The characteristics of the RS2 remain the same as it's distinguished big brother, with the hand crafted mahogany, but there is a smaller wooden air chamber. Although a miniature version of the RS1, they still maintain an overall sound that is pure Grado, warm harmonic color, full bodied vocals, excellent dynamics and ultra smooth top end. These truly are audiophiles dream.

  With 5' Silver Dragon & 1/8" mini

With 10' Silver Dragon & 1/4" Plug

SR325is with Single Ended Grado Cable $295  

Features:
Vented diaphragm
Aluminum air chamber
UHPLC copper voice coil wire
UHPLC copper connecting cord

Great Review from PlayBack Magazine

The Top of the Range Prestige Headphone.

What does the i stand for in the new SR325i from Grado? Improved, that’s what! Yes, Grado has taken one of the world’s most acclaimed headphones and taken it a few steps further. The new SR325i has an upgraded driver design, and they have enlarged and improved the mass distribution in the metal housing. The way the SR325i’s new driver and metal housing move air and react to sound vibrations are now less affected by transient distortions. With the SR325i you will notice improved control of the upper and lower range of the frequency spectrum with both better supporting Grado’s world renowned midrange. And why the Gold color? The new SR325i is in honor of their 50th anniversary celebrated recently. The SR325i will produce a sound that is pure Grado, warm harmonic color, rich full bodied vocals, excellent dynamics and an ultra smooth top end. Listen and Enjoy!

Black Dragon with 1/8" Plug

Balanced Black Dragon with XLRs

SR225i $200

Features are the same as the SR125 but, this Headphone has an increased air flow by 50% which is achieved through an improved rear metal screen and closer matched drivers. The result is an enlarged soundstage achieved from closer driver tolerances, while the improved rear screen frees the headphone from colorations.

Cardas with 1/4" Plug

Cardas with 3.5mm mini & 1/4" Adapter

SR125i $150

Great review from GadgetBoyz.net

Grado's ability to combine lightness with extreme rigidity and internal damping has been put to good use on the SR125. Based on the same design as the SR80, the SR125 features an improved diaphragm and voice coil design and UHPLC (Ultra-high purity, long crystal) copper voice coil wire. The Diaphragms are put through a special 'de-stressing' process in order to enhance inner detail. An improved headband spring provides even greater comfort allowing the listener to relax and enjoy the fine tonal spread and balance. Bass, midrange and treble are all more open.

Cardas with 1/4" Plug

Cardas with 3.5mm mini & 1/4" Adapter

SR80i $99

Features:
Vented diaphragm
Non Resonant air chamber
Standard copper voice coil wire
Standard copper connecting cord
mini plug with 1/4" adaptor

Built on the same features as the SR60, but utilizes a 4 conductor connecting cable and larger ear cushions, the result of which gives a more open stage. The SR80 provides an improved bass resonance, which enhances the overall detail. John Grado says he strove for the best sounding phones for the money, and with the glowing reviews the SR80's have received, who can argue.

"...these are truly wonderful headphones, they've got the bass energy... ripping into heavy tracks with a gusto that eludes lesser rivals. With vocals they intoxicate with a natural feel and beautifully proportioned soundstage: few headphones can transport you as convincingly... The Grado SR80's are special. Buy'em, and Love'em."

The SR60 has gained "LEGENDARY" status.
The SR60 has received rave reviews from around the world
and is the most commonly recommended headphone
on the market today.
The SR60 was awarded STEREOPHILE
"PRODUCT OF THE YEAR"
in two categories,
"The Accessory of the Year"
and the prestigious
"Budget Component of Year".

SR60i $79

iGrado $49

Features:
Vented diaphragm
UHPLC copper voice coil wire
UHPLC copper connecting cord
Behind the neck headband

Grado Labs is pleased to announce the introduction of our newest product, the “iGrado” street style headphone. Designed specifically for the portable electronics market, it was our goal to design a street style headphone that will sonically outperform anything currently available in the low-end portable market. This we have accomplished. The new "iGrado" is functionally stylish, lightweight and comfortable. By incorporating the same drivers used in our highly regarded SR60 headphones, we can proudly state that we are indeed "the high end choice in the low end market." Available in either black or white colors that are sure to please all. The “iGrado” features a behind the neck headband that is comfortable and stylish. We have indeed kept the highly praised Grado "sound" at a price point that is within reach of all. Truly, Musical Reality For The iWorld!

GR8 $299

A proprietary wide bandwidth dynamic design provides the listener with unsurpassed performance.

Small size allows earphone to nestle within the ear canal, maintaining an excellent air seal for improved bass and reduction of outside noise without causing discomfort.

Features:
Raised dot on left earphone provides tactile indication of channel allowing earphones to be put on correctly even in the dark.
Included:
3 pair ear tips (small, medium, large; proprietary blend of two silicon rubber materials)
Ear wax proof cloth x4
Ear wax proof cloth ring x2

A proprietary wide bandwidth moving armature design provides the listener with unsurpassed performance.

Small size allows earphone to nestle well within the ear canal, maintaining an excellent air seal for improved bass and reduction of outside noise without causing discomfort.
 

iGI $89

A proprietary wide bandwidth dynamic design provides the listener with unsurpassed performance.

Small size allows earphone to nestle within the ear canal, maintaining an excellent air seal for improved bass and reduction of outside noise without causing discomfort.
 

Features:
Raised dot on left earphone provides tactile indication of channel allowing earphones to be put on correctly even in the dark.
Included:
4 pair ear tips

Grado is one of the oldest family-owned companies in the Audio industry. For more than half a century, they've been leaders in innovative design for musical playback. This legacy continues with the iGi In-Ear Headphones that retain the legendary Grado headphone sound, yet are compact and nestle within the ear. So sit back and enjoy warm harmonic color, clear full-bodied vocals, and an ultra smooth top end!
 

GRADO's Extension Cable: $39.95

Grado offers a 15 foot (450cm) extension cable terminated with a 1/4 inch (6.3mm) plug and a 1/4 inch (6.3mm) jack. This cable is constructed from the same high quality wire as their headphone cable. For longer lengths the cable may be piggybacked up to 3 cables. Grado guarantees no degradation of sonic quality with Grado headphones while using their extension cable.

GRADO's Mini Adaptor Cable: $14.95

Grado offers a mini adaptor cable that converts a 1/4 inch (6.3mm) plug to 1/8 inch (3.5mm) plug. The mini adaptor cable has a 1/8 inch (3.5mm) plug then 8 inches (20cm) of cable connected to a 1/4 inch (6.3mm) jack. The 8 inches (20cm) of cable eliminates added leverage on the output circuit board of the source. The mini adaptor cable is constructed of the same high quality wire as their headphone cable. Grado guarantees no degradation of sonic quality with Grado headphones while using their mini adaptor cable.