Not L-Pads, but I think he’d approve
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As I sat here this morning, in glorious Southern California, awaiting the arrival of my new Grados, I reminisced on my headphone journey. And, as mentioned on another thread, thought fondly about all the Sennheiser 414s I wore out while testing equalizers, all those many years ago.
Then the package arrived and I was pleased to find, after all these years, an American made cousin to my beloved 414s.
There is something to be said about listening to headphones made in Brooklyn, New York, on an amplifier made in Valencia, California. But that is for another time. 
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Mr Rick, just an FYI, I’ve owned many sets of Grados, up to the PS 500e’s. The only set I have left are the SR80e’s and they are as nice a set of headphones at their price point as you will find.
I honestly feel this way about all the SR series up to the 225s
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I’ve only had my 80s for a day, but I’ve already fallen in love. And, playing around with my RME ADI 2 DAC FS, I’ve found that the Grados are so efficient that I can use them with the dead silent IEM output of the RME.
The SR80e is a keeper for sure.
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I have both the SR60e and the SR80e on my Amazon and eBay watch list just so I can try out this tape mod!
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Actually, while I am on the subject of Grados, the Alessandro MS-1 keep popping up for the same price as the SR80e.
They have probably been discussed to death (I don’t follow Grado much) but what is the general consensus on them?
I’d never heard of them, but they appear to be a direct Grado re-tune or re-build. A different flavor of Grado brightness:
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/alessandro-ms-1.12237/reviews
Gratuitous @pennstac reference to make him look.
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A set of Grado SR60 (no letter) just popped up used (supposedly in mint condition) for $50.
Would you say the are worth it for getting a Grado feel or should I look for an “e”?
I sold my SR80e (bought new $100, sold used $80) because to my ears they sounded like the HD600 with the bass cut off, plus it had additional and unwanted brightness. Buy low end Grado if you like (super) brightness or tolerate (super) brightness.
I just want to try out this tape mod 
(seriously though, I think I should at least give one model of Grado a try as they seem popular enough, so at least I can have a reference)
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I vote for the SR80e.
I’ve seen the response s by @Mr-Rick and The Pink Frog. The e models are a bit more recent, and a bit more refined. The SR60e is very much in the same ballpark as a Sennheiser PX-100. I think you’d get a better feel at the SR-80 or SR-125 level, still not very expensive.
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Vever G cushions came in for the 60’s, this is interesting…also some pics of my Hemps and 80’s with Geekria pads…
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The Hemps are very pretty. I must admit that I was tempted, but it would be a sonic step down from my RS1e.
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i have yet to move up the line, was pleasantly surprised with the 60’s, 80’s and Hemps
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A heads up for anyone looking for a deal on top of the line Grados.
PS2000e B stock with full warranty are $700 off retail in Grado’s web site.
Received that email this morning.
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These are pretty nice sounding… smooth and punchy… still a tad bright for my liking and aftermarket pads are a must! Build is classic Grado… comfort is ok… overall a good listen though…
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I think you just invented the Hemp + Acid edition.
“Grado in the sky with diamonds…Grado in the sky with diamonds…”
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Can anyone refer someone who can do mods for the Grado Hemp? Looking for things such as headband, detachable cable to attach an aftermarker cable/make balanced, even tinker with the driver =) I already have a set so I can’t get the XLR version directly from Grado.
Thanks!
Might be time for me to pull the trigger on a 225 or 325. I wish they would have a detachable cable option.