Shipibo wood cups, aluminium gimbals, rodblocks and leather headbands are all excellent hand crafted upgrades for your Grado headphones. They also provide a great base for a custom Grado style build for use with 3rd party drivers.

Shipibo Audio is the creation of Przemyslaw Nyczaj and Michal Czok, created to provide perfect products that stand out in the world of custom headphones. They craft all their products in house in Poland.

Cups:

Lets start off with the main product, the Zebrawood cups. These cups are Grado RS style that have been CNC milled on the inside, and hand turned on the outside to provide a perfect finish. These cups have tight tolerances inside and this means that your drivers will be a perfect fit. You can use liberated Grado drivers from the Prestige or Reference series; or 3rd party drivers from Symphones, Nhoord, Elleven Acoustics and Turbulent Labs.

In this build I have used Symphones V8 drivers.

The drivers slot right into place, you can use a layer of tape around the edge of the driver to make it a snug fit. The cups have a small opening to route a cable through, alternatively you can drill it out a little and fit connectors for detachable cables.

The grills are press fitted into place, and everything is flawlessly finished, these cups are produced to a very high standard. They have not ruined the grain by using a gloss varnish on them.

Sound wise cups do not change the sound drastically, but I have compared these to a Spalted Tamarind cup and these are ever so slightly fuller sounding. These are however a huge upgrade to your current Grados, and one that does not cost the earth. They will alter the sound a little over Metal or Plastic stock cups, as the resonant frequency is slightly different. I found moving to wood cups brings out a little more air, but also a more realistic timbre and body to the sound.

Rodblocks and Gimbals:

These are a prototype of the slim style rodblocks, and because of this they do have slight differences to the production models. However for a prototype they are perfectly machined with tight tolerances once again. The headband screws into place, and the slider tension can be adjusted by screws to keep them in the same position on your head.

The Gimbals have screws on each side to hold the cups in place, they are sandblasted on one side, and plain aluminium on the other. They are a perfect fit, and feel much more substantial than the stock plastic gimbals.

Apart from the cosmetic upgrade, being able to lock the rods in place to keep them the right size for your head is a huge bonus.

Note: The new rodblocks and gimbals have been treated with microarc oxidation which created a ceramic layer on them. Ceramic microarc coating is generally recognized for high hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance, so you won’t have to worry that your new parts will get scratched. So these parts are scratch-proof, but come only in bright silver matte colour.

Slim + Classic

Leather Headbands:

There are 2 types of headband padding being made, one is a slim size which is similar in width to the original Grado padding, and the other is wide which is also thicker.

For this main build I used the slim pad, as it looks similar to the stock pad, but if you are making a heavier build, or want to upgrade your PS series headband the wide would be perfect.

Both pads are hand made, they are easy to install and offer a large upgrade in the comfort department. The padding and leather is soft and the weight is distributed more evenly, these headband pads are such a simple upgrade, yet one that makes your headphones a lot more comfortable.

Conclusion: Firstly it is excellent to see another company producing Grado style parts, there are too few. Also people do not realise that for a modest price you can build a headphone from scratch that will compete with models a lot higher priced, with minimal work involved.

Shipibo parts are well priced in the market, superbly finished and simply excellent.

The post Upgrade your Grado’s with Shipibo appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Build your own Grado style headphones tutorial with Symphones V8 drivers

• Do you have a pair of Grados?
• Have you upgraded them to wood cups?
• Are you looking to build your own Grado style headphones?

If the answer to any of these is yes, then read ahead.

So who are Symphones? Symphones started off modifying Grado headphones with their original Magnum modifications. They then went on to develop Grado style drivers that slot right into most Grado cups and aftermarket cups. Today we are looking at the V8 drivers, their latest offering that are very different in design to the V7.
A big part of driver tuning is adding dampening materials to the diaphragm and magnet, and the new V8 have a completely new driver coating.

The V8 drivers in this review are installed in Rholupat spalted tamarind cups with a Grado SR60e headband and SMC connectors to allow for detachable cables. The cable used is made from Van Damme minature starquad.

So what do you need?

Some Symphones V8 Drivers: https://www.symphones.com/shop/symphones-v8

You will then need suitable cups to install the drivers in, the drivers will fit into all Grado cups excluding the PS/GS series. Please take care when removing the old drivers as to not damage the cups you will be installing the drivers into.

Alternatively you can buy wooden cups from a couple of places:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShipiboAudio

http://www.rholupat.com/

http://www.ellevenacoustica.com/

https://wabisabiheadphones.wordpress.com/

Once you have the cups you need a headband with gimbals from your old Grados, or a Sony MDR7506 headband. Alternatively Rholupat and Shipibo offer nice leather headbands and also aluminium gimbals and rodblocks.

The Symphones drivers will need soldering to your cable of choice and installing into the cups, to make sure they press fit tightly you may need a strip of insultion tape around the edge of the driver. I have installed SMC connectors into the cups so I can change cables if I need to.

Now you come to earpad selection, Grado OEM pads, or generic cheap eBay ones, take your pick but they all change the sound.

Symphones have tuned the V8 drivers to be used with OEM G-Cush pads, and the main review will be based using those.

Generic G-Cush pads add a little more body to the sound, but are not as detailed and clean sounding as the OEM G-Cush pads.

OEM L-Cush pads also work very well with these drivers, giving them the more aggressive Grado style sound, over the more spacious G-Cush sound.

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READ MORE: Grado SR80e Headphone Review

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Sound:

• Bass:

The bass is not as full as the newer E series of Grado, but it is more controlled and also extends lower, digging right down into the sub-bass with ease. The bass is still quite Grado like being about quality over quantity but it is cleaner and more separated. The bass never encroaches on the midrange, and the punch is really good on the V8 drivers. Changing the earpads affects the bass the most, with generic G-Cush and OEM L-Cush pads adding a few extra dB’s of bass which may appeal to some people. The bass is more dynamic and full on the V8 drivers than the lower end Grados, sounding more realistic in tone.

• Midrange:

The midrange sounds like a veil has been lifted, comparing to the Grado lineup you need to go to the PS500e at least to get this level of detail however the V8 are more spacious sounding. They still have the slightly aggressive tone to them, but are far more open soundstage wise. The upper midrange is not quite as upfront as Grados, leading to a slightly less fatiguing sound and also very minimal sibilance unless the recording has it. The midrange sits ever so slightly behind the lows and highs quantity wise, but not enough for it to be classed as recessed. The clarity and separation of the V8’s is what sets them apart from the original Grado drivers.

• Treble:

The treble from the V8’s is smoother and more refined than the peakier Grado drivers. In terms of quantity it is still up there with most Grados however they are better separated and airy, with less peaks and more effortless extension. I never find them to be grating and they compliment the rest of the sound perfectly. If you are used to more bassy headphones, yes these will sound a little bright, however I find the highs to be quite well balanced with the rest of the range.

• Soundstage and Imaging

More precise and also quite a lot wider than original Grados which are more direct and in your face. There is a lot of air between intruments and percussion comes through with excellent tone and control.

Conclusion:

These are an excellent upgrade for your current Grados or for a scratch build, they offer a more vivid and dynamic sound over original drivers. They sound as if a veil has been lifted from the whole sound, and the soundstage and imaging is far superior to lower end Grados. Articulate and dynamic lows, crystal clear midrange and sparkly highs, all that you love from Grados but supercharged.

The post Build your own Grado style headphones appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Best On Ear Headphones 2017

Looking for a new pair of on-ear headphones?  We’ve collected the best on ear, open back, closed back and portable headphones to buy in 2017 and reviewed them to help you choose.

Shop: Visit our on-ear headphones store

Read More: Best In Ear Headphone Buying Guide

Best On Ear Headphones under £50

SoundMAGIC P22C

SoundMAGIC takes a lot of beating in this price category – the brand is a natural at making low cost headphones which sound much pricier.

The P22C model is a lightweight portable with a flat tangle-free cable and good isolation. Ideal for travel and holidays, these will fit right in to any bag or backpack when stored in their low profile travel case. The P22C included a microphone for phone usage and the remote is compatible with both Android and Apple devices.

Sound is impressive for this price point, with plenty of detail and a good kick to the bass without overpowering the mid range.

Engaging and fun-sounding, the P22C will make the absolute most of the output from any portable player.

Edifier P650

The Edifier P650 is a smartphone friendly, easy to carry portable headphone that punch above their weight and price.

Offering a well balanced sound with a little added kick down low, the midrange is clean and detailed and the treble isn’t far behind. The bass does not have the most sub-bass rumble but for a quick and easy to use, on the go headphone they offer great sound.

What impresses most is their ability to portray the whole frequency range in a well controlled and balanced manner, too many budget headphones overload you with muddy bass, yet these offer plenty of detail but are also easy to listen to; a no brainer at this price point.

Koss PortaPro

The simple design and great sound keeps them viable while the open-back design, whilst not being the best for isolation of course, is perfect for those who wish to be aware of what’s going on around them such as joggers, and muggers.

The sound is generally well balanced between bass and treble, although the midrange can seem a bit distant and mushy. Bass is perhaps a bit on the heavy side, but it will definitely satisfy those who want a bassy sound. The Koss Porta Pro Classics offer a warmish sound overall.

Be aware though that their open-back nature means that they will be of limited use in noisy environments.

READ MORE: Koss PortaPro Full Review

Best On Ear Headphones under £150

B&W P3 Series 2

B&W have a long history of making excellent hifi products, and this has trickled down into their headphones.

The P3 are superbly built with an elegant and sophisticated look, the P3 really do impress. Lucikly they are not all about the look either, as the P3 offer a smooth and effortless sound that is akin to their house speaker sound. Offering excellent full bodied bass response with a non fatiguing and slightly sweet midrange and treble.

Comfortable, well built with a smooth and pleasing sound signature, the P3 are perfect for on-the-go use.

Sennheiser HD25-1 II

The HD25-1 II are one of the most well known on-ear headphones, this is partly due to their popularity as a DJ headphone. Used by DJ’s and sound engineers globally the HD25-1 II are a rugged portable headphone that will last for years.

Offering an immediate and aggressive sound they won’t give you a wide soundstage but will give you an engaging and detailed signature. The bass is tight and digs deep with excellent control and presence, the midrange is smooth yet very detailed and the treble has good extension and is very well placed in the mix.

If you are looking for a smooth laid back sound, the B&W are probably a better choice, but if you want a fun, upfront and engaging listen the HD25-1 II is for you. All parts are easily replaceable too, should anything ever break.

Grado SR80e

The Grado SR80e are a definite improvement over the SR80i, with a slightly warmer, more balanced sound. Their retro styling may not appeal to all, but underneath the looks is a fine sounding open-back headphone. The undisputed king of headphones for rock music, these are sure to get you toe tapping and head banging in no time.

These will not appeal to bass heads, they fair better with music that is played on real instruments. They have long been favourites for people that enjoy rock music due to the speed and control of the sound.

At the price point I still think Grado hold their own with a well balanced, aggressive and detailed sound, there is nothing quite like them.

READ MORE: Grado SR80e Full Review

Best On Ear Headphones under £250

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 2.0i

The Momentum series are hugely popular with on the go commuters, and for good reason. Offering stylish looks, a comfortable fit and a smooth easy to listen to sound.

Built to last with replaceable parts, the Momentum has slightly retro looks and comes in an array of colours. With playback controls on the cable you no longer have to take your phone out of your pocket. The sound is dynamic and punchy, offrering a slightly bass driven sound without sacrificing the midrange and treble. Engaging and fun are the best word to sum up the Momentum 2.0i.

Good looks and great sound, it is easy to see why the Momentum 2.0i is so popular with commuters. For Android users there is also the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0G.

Beyerdynamic T51i

The T51i have been around for a while now and are still excellent on-the-go headphones. They have a sturdy and sophisticated look, and offer a well balanced and detailed sound.

The T51i again tilts towards an easier to listen to sound, with a slight bass boost that gives the whole sound a little added body. There is sufficient detail across the range to keep them from sounding boring and what comes to mind when you put the T51i on is refinement.

With excellent build, comfy fit and refined sound the T51i has a lot to offer.

READ MORE: Beyerdynamic T51i Full Review

Bowers & Wilkins P5 Series 2

Leather earpads and a metal headband, the P5 Series 2 screams quality and luxury. The earpads are soft lambskin leather with memory foam inside, like cushions against your ears.

Like the P3 the P5 Series 2 has the typical B&W house sound, which is smooth and effortless. Offering a well balanced but slightly rich sound with superb separation and articulation, from highs to lows these sound very refined and grown up.

The P5 Series 1 look stunning, have replaceable cables and a smooth effortless sound, what is not to like?

READ MORE: Bowers & Wilkins P5 Series 2 Full Review

Best On Ear Headphones Over £250

Audeze Sine

Built from leather and metal, the Audeze Sine are built to last and also come with detachable cables. Using planar magnetic drivers they take a little more power than most phones can output, so they are best used with a high quality music player.

Give them a good source and the Sine in return give you excellent audio with snappy dynamics that can keep up with the most demanding of music. The bass is full yet superbly controlled, the midrange is where these excel not allowing the lows to affect them. Guitars have excellent power, and vocals come across with plenty of detail. The highs are present and well defined, but never become too hot and harsh.

The Sine are a mighty fine sounding on-ear headphone when driven well, and give you a full and detailed sound all

The post Best On Ear Headphones To Buy in 2017 – Expert Reviews appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Grado SR80e Open Back Headphone Review

The Grado SR80e are a definite improvement over the SR80i, with a slightly warmer, more balanced sound. Their retro styling may not appeal to all, but underneath the looks is a fine sounding open-back headphone. The undisputed king of headphones for rock music, these are sure to get you toe tapping and head banging in no time.

Pros:

• Clean sound
• Well balanced
• Exciting

Cons:

• Bass will not satisfy all
• Comfort can be an issue for some

Aesthetics, Build Quality and Accessories

The Grado SR80e do not stray far from the classic low end Grado style, with very retro looks that are a love or hate affair. I think there is something quite pleasing about the design; it is wonderfully simple yet stylish and functional. All black with silver lettering, they don’t stand out with colours, but they do with their unique styling.

The build quality is nothing spectacular but you can change nearly every part on it, with an extensive community dedicated to modifying them. The cups are plastic but well put together, the headband is a vinyl covered metal band; the sliders are metal rods in rod blocks. The cable is dual sided, and feels quite substantial, it is rubbery under the y-split and quite thick, above the y-split they are prone to twisting and kinking a little. The construction is so simple, yet it works and they last for years, the foam pads will need replacing from time to time, but apart from that you can expect many years of service from a pair of Grado.

Accessory wise you get a a 3.5mm to 6.3mm jack adaptor, that is it. I know some models now come with the genuine Grado hard carry case which is a nice little added extra.

Comfort and Usage

The comfort of Grados has been talked about a lot, and as with the styling, it is a love or hate affair. I personally don’t find them uncomfortable; the earpads do need some time to settle in as they are a little stiff out of the box. The headphones are very light, they clamp a little tightly but the headband can be stretched to alleviate this. The weight of the headphones and the way they sit means they don’t really create a hot spot on the top of your head easily, even if they do lack proper headband padding. Some people do not find on-ear headphones very comfy, as for pads, the stock are very comfy but the L cush from Grado are even better if you want an upgrade.

The SR80e are an open back, on-ear headphone so they will not isolate from outside noise, also this means they leak sound. This means that using them around other people can cause annoyance, so please be considerate. There are benefits of an open-back headphone for out and about usage, you stay aware of your surroundings.
These headphones are perfect for home listening too; especially with the recent vinyl boom these play wonderfully with a good vinyl setup.

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READ MORE: Effect Audio Thor Silver II Cable Review

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Sound

Contrary to the belief that open headphone have a wide soundstage, Grado have a very unique sound for an open back design, being airy but very intimate, engaging and slightly aggressive.

• Bass

These are not for the bass heads of the world; these are for those that appreciate the quality over quantity. The Grado of old used to be considered a little bass light, yet the new E series has more articulate and present bass response. It is far from being overwhelming but it is tight and fast, yet at the same time incredibly articulate. Bass guitar lines are so easy to follow, kick drums hit with authority and the PRAT (Pace, Rhythm and Timing) is class leading at this price. The bass fills out the sound keeping it exciting, yet they are so controlled, never encroaching on the rest of the frequency range.

• Midrange

The SR80e has such a clean midrange; this is partly due to the incredibly well controlled bass. The midrange has no big dips or peaks; it is relatively well balanced handling male and female both with ease. Distorted guitars in rock music have power and authority, and the air and layering in softer acoustic and slower rock is excellent.

• Treble

These is a bit of a peak in the treble but it does not induce fatigue or harshness, the old SR80 was slightly leaner sounding which lead them to be a little more fatiguing. The treble has been toned down a little over the ears, and they have become a more balanced sounding headphone. The peak brings out energy and sparkle in the initial cymbal crash in music, making them really engaging and not lacking up top at all. The treble is still refined though, and does not sound strained or forced.

As stated before the SR80e has an airy sound with excellent separation, however the soundstage is very small and intimate sounding.

Conclusion

The SR80e is a real step forward for Grado, toning down the highs a little, adding a little extra bass presence has made these less fatiguing and more balanced sounding. These will not appeal to bass heads, they fair better with music that is played on real instruments. They have long been favourites for people that enjoy rock music due to the speed and control of the sound. At the price point I still think Grado hold their own with a well balanced, aggressive and detailed sound, there is nothing quite like them.

Modifying

Now there is a whole community dedicated to modifying Grados, which can improve their sound for very little money sometimes. Please be aware that modifying them will void your warranty, but the benefits can be great. For under £200 you could have a set of wood cupped Grados that will sound nearly as good as their higher end models, and will be unique to you.
Here is an excellent thread dedicated to this:

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/post-your-grado-mods.119314/

And also great places to get custom parts:

• https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShipiboAudio
• http://www.rholupat.com/
• http://turbulentlabs.com/
• http://www.ellevenacoustica.com/products

And I personally have a pair of SR60e which I replaced the cups and put dynamat on the back of the driver, along with getting some L cush pads and changing the cable. They are incredibly light and comfortable for long listening and the sound is just really fun. What I personally really like about the Grados is their way of allowing you to enjoy the music rather than try and pick flaws in it.

The post Grado SR80e Headphone Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Grado needs no introduction; they’ve been producing headphones since 1990 and have stuck to the same design ethic since then, making their headphones one of the most recognisable out there. Of course, there have been changes going on within the headphones themselves, not least with the ‘e’ range which was released a while back.

The Grado RS1e is one of these, with mahogany earcups and a very retro headband which makes us think of radio operators during World War II. Had their headphones sounded this good at that time, would the Allies have still won? It’s a real enigma.

Pros:

• Good clear Grado sound
• Attractive construction
• Good quality extension cable included

Cons:

• Cable’s a bit serpentine

Design and Appearance

The headband design is as simple as possible; pins and gimbals allow for size adjustment and that’s all. They say the best designs are the simplest, so this is not meant as a criticism! The quality of the headband and stitching is definitely something which needs to be remarked upon, even just from a retro-appreciation standpoint.

The mahogany earcups carry this theme very well too. They match the headband very well and go against the ‘shiny and new’ look that a lot of headphone makers strive for with their models. The Grado RS1e might have been introduced decades ago; this is testament to the fact that Grado is happy to rely on the tried and tested, rather than push designs that might be gimmicky and fashionable.

Durability and Build Quality

The RS1e is not designed for use anywhere other than at home or work, so we have no problems with its light and relatively barebones quality. The headband assembly won’t take kindly to being sat on though! The cable is a thick PVC coated affair much like the rest of their range; it would be nice to see a change here. It is supplemented by a 450cm Grado extension cable however.

There are no strain reliefs on the cable where it meets the headphones, so just ensure your foot is not on the cable when you stand up.

The wooden earcups are well turned and finished, and together with the leather headband they do look good.

Comfort

The Grado RS1e may look good, but padding is relatively spartan. Given the weight of this model, it’s not an immediate issue but pressure points may announce themselves during longer sessions, on the ears and over the top of the head.

Sound Characteristics

Grado is known for a fairly bright and airy sound from their headphones and the RS1e fits right in. There is bass in good proportion however, and the RS1e appears well balanced without any obvious peaks.

Note: There are reports that the RS1e improves after a certain burn-in period which pays no heed to review deadlines. If possible, this reviewer will return and update these impressions if necessary.

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MORE INFO: Grado GS2000e Audiophile Headphone Review

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• Bass

Sub-bass is there but fairly muted; it’s there if we look for it, but it may easily be missed in unfamiliar pieces. Low/Mid bass is more prominent with a nice width; it’s well controlled too and gives an impression of effortlessness, like it’s just pouring into the ears.

It has a well defined form and there are no concerns here; lots of space is left for those higher frequencies for which the Grado name is known.

• Mids

The midrange is extremely clear and crisp-sounding which is a two-edged sword. With well produced and more ropey recordings alike, we get everything warts and all. Needle noise and pops on your digitised vinyl collection will be apparent, but older recordings are generally very well rendered.

Vocals may get a bit peaky here and there; particularly female vocals which can reach towards the piercing at times. Also, certain sounds such as bells, resonance on an electric piano or anything like that can cause issues depending on your particular sensitivity to these frequencies.

• Treble

Faithful to the Grado sound, treble is fully present and is well balanced with the midrange. There is no obvious trouble between these areas of the frequency response, and so the midrange just seems to continue on up into the treble naturally. It makes for an airy and intricate sound, with plenty of fine details.

• Soundstage and Separation

Soundstage is about average for an open-back; the sound seems to be coming from without, but the listener is not surrounded as such. Similarly, imaging and separation does not benefit from the clear midrange harmonics as much as expected, so maybe the wooden earcups are having an effect here, or this particular headphone needs a bit of running in before reaching its potential.

Music genres good for and why

The Grado RS1e is a real toe-tapper with any genre; however if you’re fond of sub bass in your tunes, you may miss this a bit. As mentioned though, it may improve as the headphones receive more use.

Summary

Grado’s RS1e is a graceful and svelte looking piece of kit, and sounds it too. It’s not bass light though, with a good balance between the various frequencies. There is a low bass rolloff so extremely low bass may be attenuated a bit.

The post Grado RS1e Audiophile Headphone Review – Who Woodn’t? appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

We’re heading up to London this weekend for the Stylus Vinyl Show 2016. We have been asked to host the only dedicated headphone room at this years show. Taking the best of our range of headphones and amps from brands Audeze, Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic, OPPO, Grado, Mr Speakers and more – we will be offering visitors the chance to listen to some of the best headphones around with top of the range turntables and phono stages supplied by Vinyl Passion and Music First Audio.

There will also be the chance to WIN a pair of Grado SR60e headphones especially for people attending the Stylus show.

And to top it all off we will be showing off the new Audeze LCD-4. Don’t miss out on this chance to hear possibly the best headphone money can buy!

Here is a selection of headphones and amps that will be available to listen to:

Audeze

• LCD-4
• LCD-3
• LCD-XC
• Deckard

Beyerdynamic

• T1 (2nd Gen)
• T5P (2nd Gen)
• A2

Final

• Sonorous X
• Sonorous VI
• Sonorous III
• Sonorous II

Grado

• SR80e
• SR225e
• SR325e

Mr Speakers

• Ether C
• Ether

OPPO

• PM-1
• PM-3
• HA-1

Sennheiser

• HD800S
• HDVD800
• HD650

Come along, say hi and bring your favourite records to hear them at their best!

The post Do You Love Vinyl? Stylus Vinyl Show 2016 appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

The overriding opinion of those who stick with their free RCA interconnects (often provided with Hi-Fi seperates) is that any money spent on upgrading them is wasted. Quality cabling is a slightly alien concept to be fair; the signal passes from A to B anyway, why spend money on cables which will achieve the same end?

Speaking as someone who has thought exactly this in their time, I was interested to know the actual difference between some of Chord’s offerings, and the skinflint equivalent. Is any improvement noticeable at all, how is it better, and is it worthwhile?

To determine this, my colleague John set up a blind test between a studio grade RME audio interface taking a signal from a computer, and a Graham Slee Solo Ultra Linear. These great amplifiers can switch between two inputs using a control on the front of the unit so is perfect for A/B tests. The inputs of the Slee amp came from the same source but using either the high end Chord Anthem Reference cable, or the entry-level Crimson cable.

Being an informal and quick test, rigorous procedures were not followed; I was aware of the cables being compared and it was just me doing the test. I operated the switch myself to select the cables, but I did not know which cable was feeding which input.

Feeling a little nervous, I noted down some of the impressions I got from listening to Level 42’s ‘Something About You’ through a Fostex TH900, with a Grado PS1000 ready for another listen later. I was encouraged to find that perceived differences were quite easy to spot.

• Bell sounds which are pure and stand clear of the mix sound flatter and harder to pick out.

• A synth with a bit of distortion on it (starts on beat 3 of the song) sounds as if it is going through a bit-depth reduction effect or ‘bitcrusher’.

• The bass is slightly muddier with less definition.

• Backing vocals are blended together and less distinct; voices are cleanly separated with the Anthem Reference cables.

• Hi-Hats are more splashy and ill-defined.

Not surprisingly I guessed the correct channel for the cheaper Crimson cable; the blind test showed very clearly the differences between the cables.

I then swapped headphones to the Grado PS1000 – an open headphone of similar quality to the TH900. I found that the PS1000 made it more of a challenge to spot differences but they were still there. Another thing I noticed was a loss of soundstage height with the PS1000 when listening to audio through the cheaper Crimson cable.

In the spirit of further thorough experimentation, the “free with hifi separates” cable was tried. Predictably, the differences were more marked.

• The bells sounds are flat and dull.

• The distorted synth sound requires focused attention to hear through the mix.

• Bass is flatter and flabbier.

• Backing vocals are more blended; both blended together and with the rest of the music.

• Hi-Hats sound more like brief bursts of white noise than cymbals.

The overall impression was of an old cassette recording, relatively speaking. The soundstage was practically limited to the width of the headphones , and high frequencies are messy and splashy. There was a large portion of distortion throughout.

Verdict

Although premium cables like the ‘Anthem Reference’ cables may be out of immediate reach for the average listener, I found that the entry-level ‘Crimson’ model is certainly a worthwhile improvement over the generic black/grey RCA cables. At £55, it is clear to see that this represents great value considering the sonic improvements it offers.

The post Chord Cable Interconnects – To The Test appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

This mod is designed to balance out this effect by simply letting less air move through the foam. By adding thin material to the outside of the pads greater bass response is achieved. There is no reason to follow my mod exactly but I tested several different methods looking for the result of rebalancing the pads so they sound the same as the original Donuts supplied with the SR325is.

You can test this without doing a permanent mod – simply create a small paper wall around the edge of your pads and tape it into a loop so you can slide it on and off – this will give you an idea of what we’re aiming for.

So what materials have I used? Well if you find some materials you like better that’s great – this is a simple and basic mod that I would love to see others improve for their own tastes. There are copper tapes, aluminium tapes, the really skilled craftsman out there might turn some wooden sleeves or access to a vacuum former could yield great results but I’ve gone with what I know and my method is pretty non destructive and could be improved on at a later date.

You will need

Gaffer / Duct tape (or any reliably sticky and dense tape you like – Metal? Fabric?)
Good quality thin plastic sheet or card (I used a thin type of sheet acetate)
Sharp knife / scalpel
A decent cutting surface / board
Sharp scissors
A ruler
A pair of compasses (for drawing circles)
Tape measure

Grado GS1000 pad

Obviously you need to do a mirror image repeat of this for the second ear pad!

1 – Each pad will eventually have received 2 layers of tape around the circumferences flat outside edge. The first job is to accurately measure this circumference. Also measure the width you want the tape to cover. I made mine the exact width of the outside edge until the curved bottom lip.

2 – I ran a length of tape along the edge of my cutting board so that the perfect width was overhanging this edge giving me a perfect line edge to cut along with the scalpel. I added 1

cm to the length of the circumference to give a comfortable overlap when it is applied.

3 – So you should have a piece of tape a little longer than the circumference of the pad. Firmly and carefully apply this tape tightly so there is no slack but not so tight you distort the pad shape.

4 – Now it’s time to make the cone shaped insert – I found this the hardest part – First of all measure the diameter of the pad. Using the pair of compasses carefully and accurately mark out a circle with a diameter 2cm wider than that of the pad onto your card or thin plastic. Now mark another concentric circle from the same centre point but decrease the diameter by 3cm. Hopefully you are now looking at a 2D donut with a width of 1.5cm.

5 – It’s time to add the tabs that will keep this section in place, draw six small 1cm long trapezoid evenly spaced on the outside of your donut keeping the bit touching the donut to under 0.5cm and the other end a little wider.

6 – With the scalpel cut a neat line from the centre to the edge of one of the tabs. Now cut this crazy shape out as carefully as possible.

7 – Bend the tabs down and curl this shape along the edge of the conical part of the pad, you should be able to find a position where this sits neatly with the tabs overhanging the edge and a decent overlap, remove most of this overlap and use a small neat piece of tape to join this new conical shape and keep it fixed. It should now be sitting in its final position on top of the conical section of the pad with tabs sitting on the original layer of tape.

8 – This step is similar to step 2 with the circumference (+ 1cm) length bit of tape but this time we will make it slightly wider, only by about 0.5cm, so when it is wrapped around the circumference this time it will hold the tabs in place and have a small lip to tuck over onto the edge of our conical section sealing that edge.

And you should be complete!

Good luck and happy listening

More Information

For more information on the SR325is or any of the Grado Headphones range please visit the HiFi Headphones store.

The post Grado SR325is – GS1000 (salad bowl) Pad mod appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Grado are well known for their mid to high end Hi-Fi headphones, with the top of the range Grado GS1000i being the benchmark that other high end headphones are measured against.  This last month has seen the surprise release of the first Grado in-ear earphone (In Ear Monitor or IEM) in the USA, with a UK launch set for any time now.

The new Grado IEM has been named the GR8 (or GREAT, in case you hadn’t noticed).  You’ve got to love American marketing departments for their often amusing choice of product names (the Ultimate Ears Triple.fi 10 Pro always makes me smile!).

Grado’s new earphone is based on a balanced armature driver.  This type of driver is very efficient and often exhibits a very clear and smooth midrange, with less powerful bass response than a conventional dynamic driver.

An earphone based on a balanced armature driver generally results in a smaller earphone body (think Klipsch Image X10, Sleek Audio SA6 and Ultimate Ears 700), but in the case of the GR8 the earphone body looks larger (maybe it’s just the photos).  We’re wondering if Grado have been tuning the GR8’s chamber for better bass impact.

Our distributor has told us to expect more Grado earphones to be released over the coming months.  If the GR8 is anything to go by then this new range could be very interesting.

We’re expecting stock of this earphone in w/c 12 October and can’t wait to give them a listen.  Reviews of the Grado GR8 on forums in the USA have been very promising.

More Information

For the full range of Grado earphones and headphones, as well as many other IEM style earphones please visit the HiFi Headphones site.

The post Grado GR8 Earphones – high end balanced armature IEMs appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Grado high end headphones sometimes get labelled with the term ‘audiophile’. The word audiophile may send shivers up your spine, but it’s just a word that has been used to describe discerning high end audio enthusiasts who take their music listening very seriously, and Grado headphones do deserve to be taken seriously.

Our first listening tests with a sample from the range of Grado open back headphones has left us wondering why we didn’t take a listen before.

During initial listening tests we’ve been very impressed by the sounds coming out of these distinctively retro looking ‘cans’ (an affectionate name for headphones). We love the energetic and up front sound that appears to be the hallmark of the Grado headphone range.

Below are a few highlights from the Grado headphone line-up.

Grado iGrado – iPod streetstyle headphones

Even the humble bottom of the range iGrado street style headphone really does sound very good indeed. When you compare the iGrado with the rather cheap and muddy sounding standard iPod earbuds you realise that excellent headphones don’t actually need to cost a fortune.

Grado iGrado

While the iGrado styling is distinctly unique and maybe not to everyone’s taste, nobody can deny the performance knocks spots off the competition.

Grado GS1000 – top of the range

If you are looking for sonic perfection then the incredible top of the range Grado GS1000 will actually cost a small fortune. The sound coming out of the GS1000 is, however, quite astonishing. If you are looking for perfection in a headphone then the Grado GS1000 has to be quite near to it.

Grado GS1000

With good Hi-Fi equipment the Grado GS1000 can sound on a par with far more expensive speakers. On a personal note the GS1000 has reminded me why I get so excited about headphones.

Grado SR225 – best headphones available at this price?

Somewhere near the middle of the Grado headphone range is the rather nice sounding Grado SR225. Compared with the budget priced Grado SR60, the SR225 is a much more refined sounding headphone.

The Grado SR225 is a low impedance headphones, so it is quite possible to drive it with a low spec headphone output, as found on portable players like the iPod and laptops.

Grado SR225

Without a dedicated headphone amplifier the SR225 will give a stunning performance, with solid bass extension and high end intensity that will make you sit up and pay attention. On the other hand, with a good quality headphone amplifier the Grado SR225 will open up and you will experience a new level of sonic detail and even tighter bass response.

More Information

For the full range of Grado headphones, Grado Spares & Accessories and other Audiophile Headphones please visit the HiFi Headphones store.

The post Grado high end headphones – only for audiophiles? appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

We’ve just taken delivery of the official Grado headphone case.  Grado headphones come supplied in cheap cardboard box packaging, which is definitely not up to the task of protecting expensive headphones from day to day wear and tear.

The official Grado Headphone Carry Case is well made and designed to store your Grado headphones safely when not in use, or while travelling.

The Grado carry case has a moulded interior to fit all models, except the iGrado and GS1000.   The case is designed to fit the following models:

• Grado SR60
• Grado SR80
• Grado SR125
• Grado SR225
• Grado SR325i
• Grado RS2
• Grado RS1

More Information

For more details on the Grado Headphone Carry Case and the rest of the Grado headphone range please visit the HiFi Headphones online shop.

The post Grado Headphone Carry Case – protect your expensive headphones! appeared first on HiFiheadphones.