Grado RS2e and PS500e VS Hemps

Headphones Headphone Discussion / Help
9

You like Bob Marley and he liked hemp too…so probably good to go :+1:

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10

AMEN brother :raised_hands:
image

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11

So do you find the RS2e to sound sufficiently different from the Hemps even while using the same pads?

Also, would you be able to compare the RS2e with L-cush pads to the Hemps with L-cush pads? That’s the thing that is really stopping me from trying the RS2e. I’m afraid they will sound to similar to the Hemps with L-cush pads.

Also one last question. Is the sub-bass as abysmal on the RS1e as it looks in graphs or is it not really any worse than the RS2e or Hemps with L-cush pads?

12

So I think I can cross the RS1e off my list. From what info I can find on it, the sub-bass seems to be kind of bad, like, bad even for a Grado. Many Grado lovers have said some less than kind things about the rest of the sound as well, so I don’t think I want to take that chance for $700.

I’m still interested in the PS500e and maybe the RS2e, so I would still like to hear some comparisons to the Hemps if possible.

13

I have both PS500e and RS2e arriving lol. Will update with you how I find them

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14

So both are here (also failed to pull the trigger for the Hemp) – impressions based on Marantz HD-DAC1 as DAC and Grado RA1 amp

  • RS2e is slightly brighter, is a tad more sibilant
  • PS500e has more forward mid
  • PS500e is ‘thicker’ sounding whereas RS2e has a leaner sound
  • PS500e is more engaging, hits harder whereas RS2e is a bit shy, more laid back
  • PS500e is slightly bassier
  • Overall the two are more similar than different, sound almost like the same driver with different tunings, whereas other models such as GH2, SR325e, PS500 sound a lot more different
  • Personally I enjoy the PS500e a tad more as it’s more fun
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15

I guess I’ll get the PS500e if/when I get another Grado. Thanks for the impressions.

16

No problem! May I suggest looking at something like the GH2 (or possibly GH4/GH1 but I haven’t heard myself)? That would be a step up from RS2e/PS500e/Hemp and getting closer to the RS1e. Personally I feel the GH2 has a more unique sound justifying keeping it than either RS2e and PS500e.

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17

Maybe, but I’m not the biggest fan of hunting things down on the used market. Though I must say I do like the look of that cocobolo.

18

Out of the 3, which one would you guys recommend for jazz and old pop for a young person with no hearing loss?

19

I don’t think there is a Grado that is bad for jazz, it’s kind of one of their strongest genres.

Also can you give an example of old pop?

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20

Agree with @A_COC0NUT that no Grado will be bad for jazz. I don’t have the hemp, but if by old pop you refer to vocals, I’d pick PS500e over RS2e

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21

An example for me would be Bonnie Raitt - Something to talk about
Or maybe some Frank Sinatra songs
Hotel California too

22

Thanks. Is there anything the Rs2e is better at?

23

It’s hard to tell, because nor is there anything the RS2e is worse at as it just comes down to preferences - I’ve written a short comparison above, for example, those who find the PS500e not bright enough naturally will see the RS2e as a better one. The two are simply the same on a technical level but tuned differently

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24

Thanks. I am thinking of getting a sr80e first. How are their sound signatures compared to the sr80e?

25

It’s hard to describe, the PS and RS will feel much less raw, more refined than then SR80e, but overall still the Grado tonality and signature: bright, coloured mid, not much bass. But because the SR80e uses S cushion, it will have a bit more sub bass whereas PS500e will have tighter bass and better extension. RS2e is slightly brighter than both and have a thinner sound in generally, plus a more distant mid

But I think they are similar yet too different to compare to each other, better to group SR80e with 60, 125 and 225, and group SR325e with PS500e and RS2e

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26

Thanks again. I think the Hemp is the safest choice then

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27

No worries. I haven’t heard the Hemp myself and I know it’s well regarded. It might be a safe choice for a non-Grado fan as it’s not offensive nor bright and it’s bassier than usual, but safest choice would probably be something like SR80e given many also complain about comfort etc of Grados

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28

That is also true. Guess I will get the 80e first, if I don’t like it I will buy a hifiman planar