ATH - W1000 vs Grado RS-1
Dec 14, 2007 21:24:41 GMT
Post by robert on Dec 14, 2007 21:24:41 GMT
I thought that I would post my views on a comparison of the above. I had posted earlier on the Graham Slee section (Topic: HELP - Green Solo or Audio Technica W-1000?), but perhaps it would be better continued here. I have had the Grados for a year, but after reading the rave reviews on this site of the ATH - W1000 I bought a pair. I use a MF X-can V3 headphone amp, which has been modded by Mike and fed with a LPV3i.
Whilst I had been pleased with the Grado's, I always felt that the sound was a little uninvolving and that 'something' was missing. It was however difficult to say what was missing and I wondered whether it was simply that my expectations were wrong. I considered changing either the Grados or even the MF headphone amp to the Slee Geen Solo. Many members of this forum were extremely helpful when I asked for help and I eventually opted to buy the headphones.
When the AT cans arrived, I did what every one does and plugged them in and had a listen. What a disappointment. They were light in every area and sounded awful and pretty rough. Again, members of this forum told me to be patients ant let them run in. I did exactly that - I left them on 247 with my CD on reply, much to the annoyance of everyone in the house. 3 weeks, or 500 hours later, I sat down to listen.
What a difference 3 weeks make. The AT headphones were completely different beasts now. Their midrange and treble were sublime. The bass whilst not immense, was tight & controlled and in my opinion, just about right. The soundstage is in my opinion similar to the Grado's, perhaps a bit wider if I am honest and they offer a much 'warmer' sound. The biggest difference was difficult to put onto paper - the ATs are just more involving and the music is more enjoyable. I know that might not be written in the text of a proper reviewer, but I am just an ordinary bloke who likes his music!
To help me decide, I let my wife listen to both headphones, and she doesn't know anything about the details of either of them. I asked her to listen and to let me know which she preferred. She was very clear that the ATs were much better as they just 'sounded better'. In her opinion she would have the ATs without any hesitation. I know this isn't a technical thing, but it actually reflects the unbiased opinion of a listener who is not influenced by any of the peripheral issues that accompany 'HiFi'.
The AT headphones are not perfect however. Initially, they felt more comfortable than the Grado's, as the do not sit on the ears. However, after 1 hour of listening they felt hot - so hot my ears felt as though they were on fire and I had to take them off. (any suggestions on solutions would be appreciated) I actually could not wear them for as long as the Grado's, which was disappointing. It is however the only disappointing part of the headphones.
Anyway, I have now sold my Grados and I am enjoying the ATs, so I guess the proof of the pudding... I would appreciate any advice on how to reduce the heat over my ears when listening to them, but otherwise they are great. Oh-I also received a bill from customs for £19. I bought them from pricejapan.com but considering they were so inexpensive to start with, this is still a bargain
Whilst I had been pleased with the Grado's, I always felt that the sound was a little uninvolving and that 'something' was missing. It was however difficult to say what was missing and I wondered whether it was simply that my expectations were wrong. I considered changing either the Grados or even the MF headphone amp to the Slee Geen Solo. Many members of this forum were extremely helpful when I asked for help and I eventually opted to buy the headphones.
When the AT cans arrived, I did what every one does and plugged them in and had a listen. What a disappointment. They were light in every area and sounded awful and pretty rough. Again, members of this forum told me to be patients ant let them run in. I did exactly that - I left them on 247 with my CD on reply, much to the annoyance of everyone in the house. 3 weeks, or 500 hours later, I sat down to listen.
What a difference 3 weeks make. The AT headphones were completely different beasts now. Their midrange and treble were sublime. The bass whilst not immense, was tight & controlled and in my opinion, just about right. The soundstage is in my opinion similar to the Grado's, perhaps a bit wider if I am honest and they offer a much 'warmer' sound. The biggest difference was difficult to put onto paper - the ATs are just more involving and the music is more enjoyable. I know that might not be written in the text of a proper reviewer, but I am just an ordinary bloke who likes his music!
To help me decide, I let my wife listen to both headphones, and she doesn't know anything about the details of either of them. I asked her to listen and to let me know which she preferred. She was very clear that the ATs were much better as they just 'sounded better'. In her opinion she would have the ATs without any hesitation. I know this isn't a technical thing, but it actually reflects the unbiased opinion of a listener who is not influenced by any of the peripheral issues that accompany 'HiFi'.
The AT headphones are not perfect however. Initially, they felt more comfortable than the Grado's, as the do not sit on the ears. However, after 1 hour of listening they felt hot - so hot my ears felt as though they were on fire and I had to take them off. (any suggestions on solutions would be appreciated) I actually could not wear them for as long as the Grado's, which was disappointing. It is however the only disappointing part of the headphones.
Anyway, I have now sold my Grados and I am enjoying the ATs, so I guess the proof of the pudding... I would appreciate any advice on how to reduce the heat over my ears when listening to them, but otherwise they are great. Oh-I also received a bill from customs for £19. I bought them from pricejapan.com but considering they were so inexpensive to start with, this is still a bargain