It isn’t as binary as that though. There are semi-open back headphones. Also pad material and shape as well as clamp affect the front seal and therefore how closed the front volume is. IE - using a pad that doesn’t seal as well is similar to venting the front.
I’m realizing that even the on-ears like Grados will have some level of front seal. The Prestige series front seal will be less than the Reference series due to the small, thin pad design. Maybe that means swapping to a circumaural pad on a Reference is not as radical of a change as I originally thought.
This might also explain why the Geekria pads that I liked increased bass response. Adding a hole in the middle of the pad might allow it to seal a bit better. If so, then the only meaningful difference in the higher end Prestige could be the pad. A stretch I know, but interesting to think about.
I wish there was a reliable source of FR measurements for the Beautiful Audio pads vs stock. That would be some assurance for me. But I don’t own a Reference anyway - yet.
I don’t think it’s just your messed up ears. Perception of soundstage, especially depth, is more complex and individual than perception of tonality - which is already complex and individual.
I came very close to ordering a pair of F pads from their site, but I realized what I really want to do is have a pair of 325x to compare with my 125x with F pads.
The F pad is the same as the old TTVJ flat pad, which is itself a throwback to the pads that came on the old Joe Grado HP line of headphones, so people have been using flats on Grados for a long time, but Grado themselves just started doing it again officially. Other than the wireless one and the IEMs, all Grado pads will fit all Grado headphones (not to say they necessarily sound good, though).
Updating 4 years later. Someone recommended changing pads and they were right! It was the F Pads that saved the Grado line for me. Grado SR80x, SR225x, SR325x, all with F Pads and could not be happier. Like I said 4 years ago, I am not a basshead, but changing the pads not only revealed the capabilities of the Grado cans, also got rid of the shrillness that bothered me so much.
So no need to go above the 325x. Just made sure everything I got from Grado had the F Pads.
Recently obtained a NOS pair of Grado PS1000e headphones. At first, wasn’t sure about the sound. However, after some break-in, they really opened up. The sound from them is addicting. Once you start listening, you just want to keep playing music. It’s been some time since I have hard a headphone that motivated me to listen for longer periods. These reproduce music very well. I could easily see a recording engineer using these to mix tracks. They are that good. Vocals espcially are among the best I’ve heard from headphones.
One item I wasn’t happy with was the stock pads. The headphones are prone to moving if one doesn’t keep the head still while listening. Did some research for after market pads, and found that Dekoni made three options for the stock G series pads. Would up with a pair of the Fenestrated Velour pads. These are a near perfect replacement for the PS1000e. The fit is much better, the cans now stay on the head firmly, no more sliding around. The sound is improved overall as well, as the sound is more balanced from octave to octave.
In summary, the PS1000e with the aftermarket pads is a TOTL headphone.
HP100SE are great cans. If you like what the PS1000x has to offer these are well worth an audition. The detachable xlr on the cups allow for a custom made cable that’s longer, lighter and more comfortable to use.
Was able to pick up a pair of HP 100SE headphones. I’ve been very impressed with them so far. They need to break in some before I can judge them, but they already sound great. These, along with the PS 1000e’s are going to be my primary listening cans.
It would be interesting to read on any comparison between the PS1000e and the new HP100SE.
It might be a tall order to write the summary of impressions between the two, but input from anyone who owns the both and likes the both would be really interesting.
2 very different sounding cans, (if the PS1000 is similar to the PS1000e this may help?)
The PS1000 indeed sounds different to the HP100SE. The HP100SE has additional resolution with an uplift in the higher frequencies and a more forward presentation. The PS1000 has a upper bass/lower midrange hump that sounds “warmer” and pleasing, imho this doesn’t mean the HP100SE is less impressive in the bass, it has the most slam of any Grado headphone I have heard. I swap them depending on music and mood. Enjoy!
I thought it was interesting that GRADO is keeping the F and G pads for the HP100SE and the HP950SE. With all of the other changes I would have expected alternatives. I use the Beautiful Audio pads on my RS-1e and think they’re excellent. I also like the photo Beautiful Audio is now using on their website for the pads for Grado headphones — Beautiful Audio
Yes, however, I do hope that your realised my question was regarding the PS1000e vs. HP100SE, as PS1000 and PS1000e are, according to all accounts, much different sounding headphones.
Nice, however, to see such succinct and detailed comparison!
Indeed I put a caveat in the post about my comparison being on the PS1000, I’ve never heard the PS1000e so pls take the advice with a pinch of salt
Though if some of thoughts and comparisons of PS1000 to PS1000e Ive read hold true maybe the PS1000 could sit somewhere between the other two in terms of presentation. I would recommend an audition / sale or return on the HP100SE
Silvian’s upgrades are the stuff of legends, Ive purchased the BA 35mm hybrid pads for all of my TOTL Grado’s. I got the soft merino headband for my PS1000 as they are uncomfortable with the stock headband alone. Gone is the sore head and only sonic bliss remains
