They're SO good... but also bad?? - Grado Hemp REVIEW

[@johnnycoax]

Anybody remember Grado's global partner company Alessandro? The MS1 in particular is essentially a sr80/125 but tuned slightly more neutral/warm. I found my old MS1i sitting in my closet the other day and honestly I'm blown away with how great they sound!

[@benchanification]

Totally agree with DMS. I went to the headphone shop and tried these along with the ZMF Caldera, ZMF Aeolus, Hifiman Arya (non-stealth), Meze 109 Pro and Focal Elear. And these are the ones I can't get out of my mind. I need one.

[@agrongreva8196]

Hey buddy, I hope you are doing OK. I'm sad to hear you had and incident that required an ambulance. If you need anything, I'm sure myself and the community can chip in if we can. Thanks for being such a calming part of my life. I appreciate everything your content does for us. ❤️

[@Emira_75]

yh i love DMS and my thought go out to him but dont speak for the community about donating money, DMS is probably more wealthy than anyone in my actual life

[@Emira_75]

i know you didnt, but eh theres more pressing things to donate towards no offense.

[@agrongreva8196]

@@Emira_75 No offense taken. To be honest, everyone chooses who and when to help out monitarily. There's always a higher cause to donate to than what you are currently giving money for. Subscribing to a patreon is something someone would do to get more content and entertainment from that source. Not exactly a donation, but help to that person or channel. That's more of what I was thinking of, rather than a donation (as I didn't say donation). But even if it were a donation, it wouldn't be the first time someone would help another that's seen as a friend because of a recent hardship. Sometimes, it's a gut reaction with no thought behind it, just to help someone out.

[@fuffy442]

I love my Grado SR325e. Adore them. I tried those Geekria pads, and they changed the sound enough that I felt that, on balance, they did more harm than good. Grados have a certain character that suffered badly with the pad change. If you speak to the guys at Grado, they'll tell you that the pads are integral to the sound of each headphone, and changing them will have a negative influence. That was my experience.

[@willgrogan5862]

Great to see the Hemps getting some love! I think they really deliver the Grado house sound in a more fun and interesting way. Have to absolutely agree with you on them being the true audiophile headphone! It’s why Steve Gutenberg loves his Grados.

[@magusperde365]

He ruined that aspect by switching cushions though. Those non stock bowl shaped ones probably made them have the usual grado sound. Instead of the more bassy and close one the f cushions give

[@magusperde365]

I bought the cushions he recommended by curiosity and now I understand even less. They litteraly ruin everything that makes the hemp great. I don't understand what he found in the video. You litteraly lose entire instruments

[@lpspinners8736]

I bought a pair of these Grado Hemp headphones. Sounds great, but I went ahead and added the larger pads and OMG, what a difference! These are the best sounding Grados I have heard (only with the larger pads you recommended). Great video! Thanks for posting!

[@billkilpatrick3465]

I respect DMS because he has integrity. He's not a gullible true believer but he's also not a snob. He tells it like it is, which is to say he calls out the good, the bad and the ugly. If Grado lovers sometimes overlook the flaws, anti-Grado snobs also overlook what's actually great about this brand. As with everything, there are tradeoffs. I love that he got the connection to speakers. The late great Joseph Grado cut his teeth on needle cartridges but looked for a side gig when CDs threaten to bury vinyl. He flirted with speakers but must have realized that the shipping and storage would make an HQ in Brooklyn a non-starter. Instead, he turned to headphones as tiny speakers. The whole open-back/open-front/foam-pad design is basically a minimalist attempt to give a second life to vinyl. It's a one-trick pony but what a pony! Well done, DMS.

[@zi0cat]

I just bought the RS-1X and your description fits them as well. I'm very happy with them despite the drawbacks

[@columbo6757]

I have been sharing with you and Josh for a couple of years now that the Grado RS2e was one of the best efficient open back headphones I’ve ever heard. The Hemp and the 325X gets you almost there! Truth be told I have a 325E also, and the RS2e Sounds like a smoother and more refined step up from it.

[@rhalfik]

1:13 What Grad REALLY mean, when they say "Grado sound signature".

[@skowatch303]

If you do get these, it might be worth looking into getting metal gimbals and rod blocks from Shipibo audio. They make the Hemps feel like the best built headphone I own and improve the comfort as well.

[@777galamian]

Great review - honest, concise, and critical. I think your’e spot on about these being the most “audiophile” headphone. Also, they have a very tactile quality that is very reminiscent of speakers. Good points all around, mate!

[@briang530]

Way late to this party, but thanks a million for the review! My set of these just arrived 3 days ago and I can't stop listening or smiling! Bang on review with regards to how these sound and what you get too. I hope you're doing better and managed to snag a set.

[@roastedturkey]

Got my Hemps back at the end of April and there is only one way I can describe the way they sound, fun. Though I do prefer the sound of the stock pads vs the G cush but man are the G cush comfy in comparison. Currently use these far more often than the rest of my headphones.

[@briang530]

You've nailed it here. These are just always great to listen to. Pads wise it's horses for courses as far as I'm concerned, but despite having (probably) objectively better headphones I listen to these 7 times out of 10.

[@11clouds]

Can concur with the Vever G Cush pads, I put them on and haven’t taken them off, a headphone I will never sell. Ironically listening to them at 4 in the morning with a BTR5 when I saw this. Oh Dekoni suede headband cover is a must.

[@StrangerInParadise58]

Isn't the BTR5 just great?!? I love mine!

[@geoffreydebrito2653]

Hey, I just discovered this channel. Got the Hemps about a year ago but... I didn't buy them. No, I didn't steal them from a friend either. Headphone Guru had a contest and lucky me, I was the winner. The Guru liked them too, so much that I detected some angst on his part when it came time for him to part with them. I agree with this review. The pads limit how long they're comfortable and the cable sucks. So I very much appreciate your steering us to where we can go to correct them and especially, your confirmation that it's a significant upgrade. I listen to the Hemps through a variety of gear. A Little dot Mklll tube headphone amp and/or my LG ThinQ G7 Cell Phone and/or my FiiO X5 DAP with the FiiO E12A Mont Blanc IEM Special Edition Portable Headphone Amp, Titanium. Yes I have too much gear and yes I am a speaker guy who places music ahead of accuracy. Both of course are ideal but as Satchmo used to say, "if it ain't got that swing, it don't mean a thing."

[@shahidyt]

I blind purchased a pair of SR325i back in 2007. Still love them. I’ve had to replace the gimbal and ear pads a few times, but they still sound fantastic

[@BErsly1]

Just bought the hemps and they really do sound great. I currently own mass drop he4xx and grado Rs1 and I think the hemps has them both beat- love the sound of these guys

[@housepianist]

I purchased the Hemp several months ago and I enjoy them quite a bit when I'm in an on-ear headphone listening mood but most of the things you said were pretty accurate. The pads that come with it are just OK but getting the larger G-cush ones that you have do make a tremendous difference but for me, it makes the mid-bass a bit bloaty so I got the L-cush pads instead which you find on most Grado headphones. They're a nice in-between pad and a decent compromise for comfort and less bloat. Also, while all Grados can be driven from low output devices like phones, I find that it's best to feed them decent power from a dedicated amp because it really gives the music some heft and blows up the sound stage and depth of the music. But yeah, the Hemp is a 100% "audiophil-y" set of headphones. When it fits right (for the moment), are comfortable over a period of time, and are being fed power from a dedicated source, it's pure magic. I know that's a sad cliché but man, it's so true.

[@quackgarage9551]

"They're SO good... but also bad??" Couldn't have described Grados any better, LOL. Currently have a 325x and I love it for Rock and older stuff along these lines, pretty good for most 80's stuff too. I don't like the older ones though, waaaay too much treble.

[@xTG14x]

Woah woah woah... An ambulance? Well that was unexpected Also thank you for the recommendation

[@kohnfutner9637]

That's what I thought I heard too.

[@jafizzle95]

Damn, hope you're doing alright. Ambulance bills are rough. I keep a card in my wallet that, paraphrased, says something to the effect of "if I need an ambulance, just let me die". I refuse to pay thousands on thousands of dollars for a ride to the hospital, on principle.

[@Domestos99percent]

you have to pay for an ambulance??? Where are you from?

[@jafizzle95]

@@Domestos99percent USA. The land of “Go broke or die” with regards to healthcare.

[@johnellison3173]

Doesn't your medical insurance cover this? Just curious as im from the UK and we dont have to pay for any of this stuff.

[@jafizzle95]

@@johnellison3173 I’ve looked into it a little bit and the best I can find is that “it depends”. Regardless it won’t be free. Either a multi-thousand dollar bill or who knows how much on the insurance deductible.

[@johnellison3173]

@@jafizzle95 hmmm. The health care system in the US is an absolute shambles. If you went to the hospital with an critical injury and you were bleeding out right there onto the floor they would still ask you to fill the forms out first before being treated.

[@rich1051414]

It takes almost nothing to completely change the sound of grado headphones. Even having your hand too close to the back of them completely changes the signature. I guess it's because they are basically just drivers suspended in air, but I have never seen anything like it before.

[@BuzzinhornetCBR]

I have several Grado's, Hemp and Rs2e being my favorites. All the issues are easily fixed with 2 parts from shipibo.audio, awesome aluminum rod black and gimbals and recently the best sounding and comfortable hand made pads. I used to swear by the flat Gpads innyhjs video until 2 weeks ago when I received the shipibo pads. They are amazing.

[@wrliggin2]

Those look like great accessories. I’m thinking about ordering the gimbal and rodblock set. How hard is it to install? I haven’t found any instructions on the site.

[@BuzzinhornetCBR]

They are quite easy to install. The old Gimbals are easy to remove, you can pull one side out to get the pin out of the hole and work them off easily, be careful not to break them. The original Rod block is held on the steel headband with some glue and theres also a hole with a plastic pin holding it in place. What worked for me to remove them, was to firmly hold the block in my hand and rock the head band back and forth in the block, within a few minutes it should come loose enough to wiggle out.

[@wrliggin2]

@@BuzzinhornetCBR Okay thanks for the advice. I can get the gimbal off easily but I’m worried the block will crack or break the headband somehow. I plan on putting them on hemps that I’ve ordered. I’ll probably order the pads too.

[@goobfilmcast4239]

I like the Grado "signature" ..... They are excellent for Concert ("Classical") Music especially Opera selections......A well recorded and tightly engineered live recording really allows the Grados' Detail and Wide Soundstage qualities to shine.

[@StrangerInParadise58]

Great review, DMS ... I love my Hemps! I use the same size pads and oh, my ... my music just sounds sooooo good! They just suck me in and get me lost in my music. Great job, Grado!

[@magusperde365]

I tried those pads and they completly ruin the sou d for me. They remove everything that makes the hemp great so I don't get it

[@StrangerInParadise58]

@@magusperde365 Sorry to hear. Besides being much more comfortable, these pads opened up the soundstage for me without detracting from the Hemps signature sound.

[@magusperde365]

@@StrangerInParadise58 for me what makes the hemp special are the more present low end and softer high end while still retaining the grado special" in your face" those cushions remove some of the low end and bring back the high end wish is a different sound. Also, for the soundstage, the craziest thing about the hemp for me is how even if its close to you, the music litteraly moves around your head. With the cushions they have some vague wide sound but not as precise. But still, if wider soundstage and comfort (because yes the stock cushions are crazy incomfortable) I can see liking those amd theres nothing wrong there. And trying them on my sr60e, they can be interesting (even though they makes them harsher at time). But reviewing them by using different cushions is like reviewing a different kind of headphones. You're not reviewing the crazy awesome "hemp" sounds. Maybe he should have structured his review in two part with the stock pads first but idk. Still, the geekria pads are not for me but I can agree they are really comfortable thats for sure. Also, if I try to put the hemp cushions on my sr60e I get something that sound like bootleg hemp. The cushions are a big part of the sound. Edit: trying them again I might have been wrong describing the soundstage has "vague wide sound" though

[@magusperde365]

I hope I'm not sounding rude it's not my goal. Its great that the pads works great for you! My frustration is mostly with reviewers switvhing pads and then describing the sound in a way that makes it obbious it doesnt sound the same. Like him describing the hemp as bright

[@magusperde365]

Another observation. Even though I still prefer the stock cushions for music. The comfortable cushions makes them better for gaming it seems. So theres that

[@briang530]

I've high hopes for these. I bought a set 20 minute ago because I found a deal and loved my old SR125s. Based on this review I just also ordered some new pads. I guess the point of Grado cans is the same as the point of old school Klipsch horn speakers. You make a lot of sacrifices on perceived quality and reference-y reproduction to get a unique sound that some people enjoy.

[@sleepyartsstudent874]

I much prefer their reference series. They go easier on the high end, while keeping that punch! Still has size and leakage flaws, but perfect sound for me!

[@DonHamlin]

Just ordered the pads from your link, thanks!

[@sufjanfloofens]

The Hemps arrived today. I used to have the HD650/6xx and i really need to say that the Hemps soundwise are like a perfectionists take on the weaknesses of the 650s. Imaging is really good, even tho i still have to wait for the recommended pads. The Bass is really really fun, the highs are more present than on the 650s as well. Would recommend these to everyone who wants to get a pair of warm sounding headphones, without losing clarity to some extent

[@R.Eg.S]

I'll be curious to hear your thoughts on new RS1X given it got mixed with hemp & cocobolo not to mention new driver.

[@newmedia2335]

I love the 1940s headphone look…

[@kevinbirge2130]

I bought the 325X, but the Hemp was intriguing. And I have been mastering with SR80e cans. I am home recording, mind, but the Grados work.

[@martinfox2244]

I just replaced my original SR 225 FLAT pads with the ( expensive) G pads. An improvement similar to what you describe. My new Sundara is better but not like I expected when listening on a Sony A55. Sound definitely outshines the build.

[@aisback1990]

It's always a good day when he uploads

[@Brunnen_Gee]

OMG did you have to do the twisty thing? I felt that in my teeth and down my back!

[@Brunnen_Gee]

AND YOU DID IT AGAIN.

[@turbomustang84]

Everyone says that surely Grado's will break . I've had them for years and have never heard of any breaking... I toss my SR325s in a drawer and they are fine .

[@goobfilmcast4239]

I think the "frame" is too simple to break....parts just wear over time but are easily fixed or replaced

[@josesantiagoortiz5341]

I like sacrificed features and even conform for sound too.

[@Entonioni]

Hello friend, how will this model compare to the Grado GH3, better or worse? Thank you.

[@magusperde365]

I was very skeptical about getting new cushions but I bought them anyway to prove a point and I don't get it. You lose everything that makes the hemp great. They just start sounding like generic boring headphones. The stock cushions makes that special closed in sound that still manages tk travel all around you while it plays

[@DonHamlin]

Agree 100%. The new X series all have the flats.

[@dickeyjonathan]

I have these and am blown away both by how fun they are to listen to and how atrociously horrible the attached stock cable is (it weights as much as the cans). I was able to mod them to have a detachable cable with this mod: www.beautifulaudio.biz/grado-cable-adapter and now I reach for them first almost every day! They are a blast to listen to, and with the cable mod and pad swap they are comfortable and easy to use as well. Silvian at Beautiful Audio communicated well about the mod, and helped me get just the right parts; I'm thrilled with the result, and it only took an afternoon to accomplish.

[@trellusg]

DMS giving these stamp of approval? Holy smokes, now I am a believer… your video, no lie, sparked me to go watch Z’s review on these and I literally purchased them WHILE watching his review…. Cuz, there are several prominent headphones on which you and Zeos depart in your opinions strikingly - so having you BOTH like them sonically (and hate the attached garden hose cables, though you luckily tested a modded pair)… it was a sign from the audiophile gods that I had to buy them 😂

[@justina9914]

You have a shit ton of headphones dont you? I see you a lot on headfi, sbaf, and maybe hifiguides

[@trellusg]

@@justina9914 I do have a lot and I am on Head-Fi and HifiGuides but not on SBAF - I am only a lurker on there because … it intimidates me 😂

[@justina9914]

@@trellusg it really does. You never know what purr1n or other guys are gonna do. Vtory is more chill and nicer. It is definitely not an easy community to be part of. I've barely said anything on there. But the way they measure headphones is exceptionally detailed.

[@marlowe1537]

So many good reviews that I am considering buying this as a fun alternative to my real headphones (ZMF Aeolus, Focal Elex, Sennheiser HD700 and 6XX). I can (probably) live with the many downsides since these won't be my primary headphones. But you should've spent more time on the horrible stock non-detachable cable, which looks like the power cord on an industrial jackhammer, if only because potential buyers should not be taken unawares. Seriously, who makes a permanently attached cable on a $400 headphone today? I generally can't abide Z, but, boy, is he right on this.

[@Garbology]

heyo! Garbongo here! I got the detachable cable mods from Beautiful Audio (www.beautifulaudio.biz/grado-cable-adapter), and I ordered some pads (from www.shipibo.audio/) while DMS had my pair, I intend to do more build mods to these till Im satisfied!

[@marksafe5463]

What are you gonna change? Did you install the cable mod?

[@marcofulgo5554]

Are they suitable for electronic music ? Thx

[@cbomb1723]

I have a Loxjie P20 with NOS Russian tubes. This headphone sounds fantastic with this amp.

[@brianpacheco1927]

Hey DMS - could you link the service you used to get the cables user replaceable for the Grado?

[@tacanacy]

Where can you contact the person who made the cable mod?

[@KryzOrlinski]

How did you convert them to detachable cable ? Is there a good video for it

[@VonFatCat]

I kinda wish the GS1000 pads were more of a cylindrical shape than a conical one, just picture it as the same diameter but it has a ring on the outside that goes around your ear and not on your ear.

[@branco108]

Really every Grado hemp squeezing Like on video when moving the pads?

[@richardclarke1693]

Great review

[@langston1aladdin]

Where can you get the adaptors at to make the wire detachable?

[@eeyorebill04]

I'd like to try some Grados but I can't afford these...how do you like the SR-225e?

[@FabioRigokimbaorso]

Hopefully you are ok and the ambulance is a past memory ... I have the same hitch I would like to scratch about those Grados without the money available to act on that ... damn !

[@jeffreyallison771]

I went back to the flat pads i did go to TTVJ pads they are better but still flats. The sound is better with the flats. You can pick up the wire adaptor from www.beautifulaudio.biz/grado-cable-adapter

[@jeffreyallison771]

I tried the G pads from beautifulaudio.biz that I had on my GS1000. These G pads did make a difference in the comfort without changing the sound quality of the hemps, you do need to turn it up because the cans aren’t sitting on your ears any longer. They are so comfortable and somehow feel lighter when you put them on. Needless to say Beautiful Audio got some more of my money.

[@arielargo]

I love my sr80e's! I'm new to the Grado experience, but for the build quality $420 is just too steep for me.

[@bergauk]

This is the second time they released it, right? I got the first edition of them and damn they are nice. I fucking HATE the pads on them though. I was going to get custom leather wrapped pads for them and call it a day.

[@stuka78]

In europe are outrageously expensive… next trip to US i will buy them overthere in local currency and put on my neck at customs desk, re-entering EU ;-)

[@fighel4127]

Really? You can find them for 449,00€ on respect phono which isn't that bad compared to amazon $420. I haven't experienced with this site, this could be my first time

[@stuka78]

@@fighel4127 not bad! Thanks!!!

[@formerviking]

It's nice you had those modded with detachable cables, because their normal cable is one of the deal breaker parts of the Grado line for me. It's so thick and cumbersome. It really is like the cord from a vacuum that is built to wind up when not in use. I think their usual "sound" is one that is good at low volume, not so good at louder levels. The default pads are trash. Honestly, I don't care how good they sound. I will always have a problem getting past their build.

[@zenboy2000]

Hi DMS, any chance your friend would be willing to do the cable mod for a fee?

[@danilobirogiachiniferro]

Yooo I loved this video! I'd love to see you compare it vs Sundaras? Especially about the sound stage? I'm looking for awesome sound stage with budget. What say you? Im so sorry about the ambulance bill. Ain't nobody should deal with having to deal with something that required ambulance situation PLUS the f*ing bill. what's wrong with america?

[@SuperArief11]

I've tried sr80 that supposed to be 100usd and rs1 that 500usd plus, side by side with sundara. Here some quick review On my ear. Bass= sundara, rs1/sr80 High=rs1/sundara, sr80 Mid=rs1, sundara, sr80 Low=sundara,rs1,sr80 Fun factor= rs1 Detail=sundara/rs1, sr80. Conclusion grado rs1 sounds best due to the fun factor. Sundara got bass. Sr80 did sound 1/5 or 1/3 of sundara and rs1. Simply adequate but thats it. Rumor say grado with wood cups really make is unique and fun vs the metal one

[@jacksonville4932]

I hope the ambulance bill didn't put you back too much. Much love, and God bless

[@BunnyslippersEUC]

Zeos likes it...DMS likes. Even if it is Grado Everybody buy buy buy. Edit Oh no you didn't DMS...Ohm Walsh speakers on your ears. Buy buy buy

[@dragonblood0012]

not worth it at that price imo, maybe worth 150 to me and thats with the mods

[@sufjanfloofens]

@@dragonblood0012 guess you have obviously not tried them, their sound makes them worth every penny

[@dragonblood0012]

@@sufjanfloofens i am almost 100 percent sure my sundaras or even my sennheisers sound better on top of being more comfortable.

[@sufjanfloofens]

@@dragonblood0012 don‘t know which Senns you got, but i have heard every 600 model, the 560S and 599, and i own the Sundaras as well. Let me tell you that the Grados are really nice sounding headphones, but there is no reason for arguing what sounds „better“ since this does lead us to nothing. To me the Hemps beat the 650s by far for example. Sundaras are the last pair of headphones to compare, i like them, they are really detailed and rather neutral, but the Hemps are simply more fun sounding. Why acting like a fortune teller? I would not argue with you about headphones i have not heard myself, maybe something for you to think about.

[@MrAhuraMazda]

@@dragonblood0012 the SR60e has better tonality and timbre, and equal detail retrieval than Sundara does. These CRUSH Sundara and are underpriced by 2 fold. If you want a planar that comes close to Grado's tonality, you START at Arya/LCD-Classic and up. Theres no midfi Planar that touches Grado, let alone these. And even the cheapest Grado makes anything Sennheiser under the 800 series sound like mud.

[@fritsk2]

Thanks. I also saw a recent video by Z on chinese clones. Basic conclusion seemed to be : get a chinese clone with much better built parts (no cheap plastic) and put in a high quality grado driver and have the best of both.

[@HiFiGOAudio]

I personally love grade headphones, these look pretty good.

[@gabsriel]

Thanks for this review.

[@johnbutner2570]

I suggest going to rtings.com and look up the factual test results of these headphones. They rated a 7.5 and were given acknowledgement for their great mid-range and decent soundstaging. The frequency response looks like it measures decently well against the Harman curve except the bass is curving downward -5db @ 40 hz. It's not a bad score, and may sound better than the score suggests depending on the taste of the listener. Particularly, if you like the Harman curve as Z I know does which is obvious by how much he raved about the JBL Studio series and bought every set of the series, including multiples of some. I have the JBL Studio, I'm not a huge fan, personally.

[@Stevo19801]

Where did you get those titles in the background?

[@screwb1882]

Using an aftermarket headband, Yaxi pads, and a detachable cable mod (the stock cable is like a vacuum power cord) these are great portables. DO NOT buy these unless you want to try your hand at modding.

[@rogerhuston8287]

The default Grado wire is the only reason I don't have one. Having a wire that is heavier than the headset itself always feels like I have a boat anchor attached to my head. Is there a video on how to do the removable wire mod?

[@magusperde365]

Having the hemp. The cable has the upside of being so thick its hilarious.

[@demitrimoss5515]

I would love to know which I should buy between this and the Zeus if I could only have one?

[@demitrimoss5515]

Never mind, I bought the hemp’s. Don’t regret it

[@YoZasuke]

I have both. If I had to decide I would go for the Hemps because they are really unique. They sound somewhat alike but the "delivery" is completly different. The Hemps have this amazing airiness and they dont feel like your normal headphones. You sometimes even forget that you are wearing a headphone. The Zeus are much more "headphone" like. Super comfy and much closer to your ears. And they are balanced from stock which is super nice. I had the 6XX, 660s, 1990 Pro, Sundara, 560s and I like the Zeus and the Hemps more than each of them. In conclusion. Both are fantastic and I dont regret buying them. But if I could only own one headphone for the rest of my life. At the moment it would be the hemp becaue I dont enjoy that hifi sound that much anymore.

[@demitrimoss5515]

@@YoZasuke thanks for the comparison. I’m very happy with the hemp’s and other then the unruly cable I don’t have any complaints. I think it’s gonna be satisfying my headphone itch for years to come

[@Dylmer666]

Ever tried them with real Grado G-pads?

[@juliusc810]

ok ill pay good money for that mod!!! how do I do it or can I pay the guy who did that to do it to mine?

[@jimberge5884]

Grado gh2 are the same or better

[@thetndixie]

Great video😍 #MomApproved❤️

[@mortcola]

I think I understand the objections of people who don't like the build quality. And I can't really criticize what matters to another person. But not only have never had a mechanical failure or breakage with a Grado or hifiman, I have found the simple and consistent and highly easily instantly fixable rod and gimbal assembly and headphone design more than reassuring. If an end cap on the gimbal rod falls off, I have extras here. Or Rich Grado will send me what I need either for nothing or for the nominal cost. and the repair lasts somewhere between 51 seconds and five minutes. Snap it back into place, let it easily find its listening position on my big head, and back to the music with no anxiety about having to send an exotic planar mechanism back to China, or the like. I can see someone being offended by what they think is cheap. I think of them as no bullshit, purely functional, instantly DIY repairable, and that they modestly serve the purpose of a great value for dollar reproducer of an uncannily live feeling musical event. Everyone of the Grado sonic quirks is consistent, in my experience, with the way live music in a real room on my ears. Other top-of-the-line cans may provide a silky and powerful and harmonically rich replica or depiction of the musical event, Grado, particularly the wooden chamber dudes like the RS1X and the GS 3000 in either if it's incarnations, always feel like wormholes or hyper dimensional portals directly into the recordings studio or concert venue. If they lack anything like the whistling of the nostril hair of the second oboe in the Iceland symphony Orchestra… And they don't typically, on many pieces of music they have bested the more expensive Focal Utopia and Meze elite (and definitely the pleasant but muddy Empyrean, purely and simply on the basis of delineating musical notes, their boundaries with respect to adjacent instruments, maintaining timbre and harmonic structure despite musical complexity. and they give the weight and gal of a hole ensemble or orchestra at a very high-level. Their fun as hell. And there's not many audile true believer headphones which we can describe as fun. Might not be everyone's cup of tea, and I suspect some grumble about them because they consider a more elaborate and massive assembly to be necessary on aesthetic and engineering grounds. but while I've sold multiple flagship headphones to be able to afford other ones, I have rarely ever sold Guido. Although I have gifted them to friends I thought would appreciate them. I've never owned fewer than three pair, from reference through professional. .

[@Uebelkraehe]

Don't agree on the pads, to me the flat original ones are essential for the sound signature and it gets worse with the bigger ones, especially bass. But that might of course be a matter of taste. Love them with the LD MK3.

[@federico1888]

The flat pads for me sucks, the sound is smaller and darker, but i think that this depends on the music that you listen to. With rock and pop absolutely the G pads are the best.

[@stevenbarall9227]

Ohm and Grado are both Brooklyn companies. Maybe there's something in the water, along with everything else that's in the water in Brooklyn.

[@chuckyfox9284]

To be fair you can throw these pads on an sr60 and they have the same effect

[@essentialedm937]

Background music sounds like it’s from hotline Miami

[@masonwilde1464]

So, it might be a little bit of a gamble, but earphonediylabs.com claims to have authentic Grado Hemp drivers for ~$70. I've had good luck ordering from them before, and one could also order the metal cup and headband kit from them for $50. Including shipping, it would be about $150 for something that might be pretty close to the authentic Hemp sound.

[@jellyfish2928]

I played d2 with you on Friday sorry to hear about the ambulance headphone guy

[@msum23]

I don't think any grado I've owned has squeaked like these new ones... bizarre. I have a 325x coming so we'll see.

[@MayTheSchwartzBeWithYou]

Of course, they're out of stock. How much do they normally cost? They don't look like they could cost any more than $100.

[@HansProbs]

Grado Hemp = 420 DUH 🤦‍♂️

[@kohnfutner9637]

Sold out, you're a good salesman.

[@jafizzle95]

Only on Amazon, but I think he only included that link because of the affiliate link, understandably. Looks like Grado's website still has them in stock if you're looking for a pair.

[@marlowe1537]

@@jafizzle95 Yeah--for 55 bucks! Possibly only a company from Brooklyn (Grado and I were both born in Brooklyn in the same year, 1953) would have the chutzpah to sell their ultra cheapo foam pads at almost the same price as ZMF sells their finely designed and tuned leather and suede pads. In virtually every way, as a niche headphone maker Grado is the anti-ZMF (even on headphones that--incredible as it seems--cost as much or more as ZMFs). The stock pads look like they were stolen from $5 phones on a rack at the dollar store.

[@jafizzle95]

@@marlowe1537 Bruh chill out. I was talking about the Hemp headphone is in stock on Grado's website. It was out of stock on Amazon. The pads are still in stock on Amazon, I just bought a pair this morning.

[@justina9914]

Are you saying the headphones sold out or are you saying DMS sold out on us?

[@carminedesanto6746]

I think Zeos review is echoing your concerns .

[@fclp67]

Man the vagueness in the praise is on par with Zeos. Medical debt is just an inhumane practice.

[@daboi5779]

"ambulance bill" come to europe man....come to europe...

[@OriginEnjoyer]

I see you kph30i modded those pads >.>

[@matusjurcik6974]

These have uncomplete staging, just left to right with no centre image, just left to right (typical onear, regardless of earpads). Poor separation and imaging. Transcience speed is good, but they are just harsh and unconfortable. Why would one use them at home when he can use fullsize headphone? IDK. For outside use? No isolation and everybody would hear what u are listening to. Even beyerdynamic dt 770 (80ohm) with wornout pads sounded better. People call them energetic but they just hear that seesaw upperend and somehow dont find it harsh (I do). They have glassy and nasal sound, not a very good timbre.

[@sergiymarchenko1002]

After all those specs, hypes etc. etc. etc. everything should end up with a simple question - "Do I like it or not?.." 👍

[@OriginEnjoyer]

the smokey effect in the intro lmaooo

[@maxackerny7423]

Glad you're not reviewing it with the stock cable...... those are focking nightmare

[@erickruse4679]

Why would anyone bother to spend up to 500 on these only to send them away to be upgraded for another x00 dollars, while also ordering pads, while also looking through the forums to find instructions and materials for the other necessary mods? There's too much competition out there for a half-baked headphone over 400 bucks to gain any popularity. I have two Grado's laying in a big cardboard box that I call the headphone graveyard. They both have dust and crap that got in through the grates, and they both have cords that twisted and failed. Both reached this state within a year and a half.

[@phillipnunya6793]

Looks interesting, but Grado needs to get their shit together with those design choices. I can see this build on something $50 or less, but for any more than that? No. A super permanent thick cable that weighs as much as the headphone? No. Shitty bits of foam as pads? No. An assembly that is prone to falling apart? No.

[@dougleydorite]

I'm having a hard time with mine. I want to like it by my ears! they bleed!

[@MrAhuraMazda]

Grado replaced their entire E series with these drivers. The brand new X Series

[@DMS3TV]

Yep. I ordered them to try.

[@DonHamlin]

The new x series also have the flat pads.

[@MrAhuraMazda]

@@DMS3TV i got the 80X and loved it. Was curious how the 125X was so i bought it and immediately returned the 80. The 125X is substantially better. Both require the G cup pads for maximum love. Usually reviewers only cover the 60 and 80, but id take a peek at the 225 or 325, if the 125 is as good as it is

[@MrAhuraMazda]

@@DonHamlin true but i like the flat pads and I also have a few pair of the bowl G style. I usually go with the bowl aftermarket ones as they add soundstage, a touch of bass and still retain clarity.

[@DMS3TV]

@@MrAhuraMazda I bought the 325X and I love it with the G-pads.

[@mikediezel0923]

$420?

[@SěmtêxČØŴv2.0]

All the crap over the build quality of Grados, it’s not build quality that’s at issue it’s aesthetics. I’ve had my SR80’s since the late 1990’s and no part of them has failed, bar the ear cushions. 22 years of use, not a single problem. No cable failure, no headband problem. Yes the styling isn’t to everyone’s liking, but I’d rather they spent on sound than a flashy box and trick headband. Now I use the SR325x, and I’m with you on the ear cushions, they suck. It would also be great have them on balanced wiring, or least have the option. Good review, you gave praise where it was most due, the sound.