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Post by Deleted on Dec 17, 2019 22:09:55 GMT
Good luck with your property hunting Westie. I'm going away to warmer climes at the end of the month. Hope you enjoy it. It will break up the Winter for you.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 20, 2019 10:07:46 GMT
So I got the RS2i and I’ve had a chance to listen to them. Initial impression of the build quality was poor. The cable is just the same as the SR range, unlike my RS2es which had a thicker and more inspiring cable. The headband is less luxurious too.
Thankfully the sound is more to my tastes than the RS2e. You get all the clarity, but it’s not got the same relentlessness that fatigues after an hour. Usually when you lose some of that “edge of the seat” feeling, you lose some clarity, immediacy and rhythm. Thankfully this isn’t the case. The absence of that “too much” feeling leaves them sounding “just right”.
A large part of my “renaissance” with headphones is due to the installation of an Audio Innovations L1 preamp between CD player and headphone amp. I’m guessing it’s acting as a tube buffer. Whatever it’s doing, it’s transformed headphone listening for me. It’s the first and only time that headphone listening hasn’t sounded like two transistor radio speakers pressed close to my ears. There’s a delightful spaciousness that allows me to forget I’m usimg headphones,
My SR80s with the L2 in the system, gave me a better sound than any headphone I’d used.without it. I was therefore curious as to how the RS2i would compare. They make the SR80s sound a bit muffled and ragged. I didn’t expect such a step up in clarity and definition. They make recordings sound like they are in 4kHD, but without any sense of glare or sensory overload. I can’t see me meddling with headphones again now. If I ever do, it will be another Grado.
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Dec 20, 2019 10:30:38 GMT
So I got the RS2i and I’ve had a chance to listen to them. Initial impression of the build quality was poor. The cable is just the same as the SR range, unlike my RS2es which had a thicker and more inspiring cable. The headband is less luxurious too. Thankfully the sound is more to my tastes than the RS2e. You get all the clarity, but it’s not got the same relentlessness that fatigues after an hour. Usually when you lose some of that “edge of the seat” feeling, you lose some clarity, immediacy and rhythm. Thankfully this isn’t the case. The absence of that “too much” feeling leaves them sounding “just right”. A large part of my “renaissance” with headphones is due to the installation of an Audio Innovations L1 preamp between CD player and headphone amp. I’m guessing it’s acting as a tube buffer. Whatever it’s doing, it’s transformed headphone listening for me. It’s the first and only time that headphone listening hasn’t sounded like two transistor radio speakers pressed close to my ears. There’s a delightful spaciousness that allows me to forget I’m usimg headphones, My SR80s with the L2 in the system, gave me a better sound than any headphone I’d used.without it. I was therefore curious as to how the RS2i would compare. They make the SR80s sound a bit muffled and ragged. I didn’t expect such a step up in clarity and definition. They make recordings sound like they are in 4kHD, but without any sense of glare or sensory overload. I can’t see me meddling with headphones again now. If I ever do, it will be another Grado. Oh man, I have a hankering to build a headphone amp, but I couldn't integrate it in the system at the minute. Just don't have the right connectivity. I am intrigued though and it isn't going away. got a link to a pair of these headphones?
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Post by Deleted on Dec 20, 2019 11:05:23 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 20, 2019 11:39:57 GMT
So I got the RS2i and I’ve had a chance to listen to them. Initial impression of the build quality was poor. The cable is just the same as the SR range, unlike my RS2es which had a thicker and more inspiring cable. The headband is less luxurious too. Thankfully the sound is more to my tastes than the RS2e. You get all the clarity, but it’s not got the same relentlessness that fatigues after an hour. Usually when you lose some of that “edge of the seat” feeling, you lose some clarity, immediacy and rhythm. Thankfully this isn’t the case. The absence of that “too much” feeling leaves them sounding “just right”. A large part of my “renaissance” with headphones is due to the installation of an Audio Innovations L1 preamp between CD player and headphone amp. I’m guessing it’s acting as a tube buffer. Whatever it’s doing, it’s transformed headphone listening for me. It’s the first and only time that headphone listening hasn’t sounded like two transistor radio speakers pressed close to my ears. There’s a delightful spaciousness that allows me to forget I’m usimg headphones, My SR80s with the L2 in the system, gave me a better sound than any headphone I’d used.without it. I was therefore curious as to how the RS2i would compare. They make the SR80s sound a bit muffled and ragged. I didn’t expect such a step up in clarity and definition. They make recordings sound like they are in 4kHD, but without any sense of glare or sensory overload. I can’t see me meddling with headphones again now. If I ever do, it will be another Grado. Oh man, I have a hankering to build a headphone amp, but I couldn't integrate it in the system at the minute. Just don't have the right connectivity. I am intrigued though and it isn't going away. got a link to a pair of these headphones? I integrate mine in a bit of an unusual way. i use an integrated CD payer and DAC, I just feed the analogue output from the CD payer to the headphone amp (via the L1 but that’s of no consequence here). The CD player is still connected via its digital out to the DAC, I use the DAC into the amp for my main speakers.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 20, 2019 11:47:38 GMT
I have to say my system is now stupidly good in every respect. All sources sound wonderful through both cans and speakers. Hell, even my second system sounds special. After so many years of chasing my tail, I’m hugely appreciative. Having headphones that I enjoy just seems like the cherry on top.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 20, 2019 11:51:04 GMT
Good for you westie. Glad you are having fun.
S.
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Post by antonio on Dec 20, 2019 16:07:38 GMT
Pleased you're enjoying your music Westie.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2019 8:18:19 GMT
Bought an AT33EV as its always good to have a spare cartridge or two.
Also bought an TransRotor arm. Not sure if I will keep it but it does look nice. It’s a silver rega variant with better cable and bearings, with a Buck Rogers chrome counterweight. It won’t beat an Artemiz, I’m sure, but if it’s close and looks nicer, it will get the nod.
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Dec 24, 2019 8:21:12 GMT
Bought an AT33EV as its always good to have a spare cartridge or two. Also bought an TransRotor arm. Not sure if I will keep it but it does look nice. It’s a silver rega variant with better cable and bearings, with a Buck Rogers chrome counterweight. It won’t beat an Artemiz, I’m sure, but if it’s close and looks nicer, it will get the nod. The AT should be decent. I am a big fan of theirs. Never seen a TransRotor. Pics?
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Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2019 9:10:53 GMT
Bought an AT33EV as its always good to have a spare cartridge or two. Also bought an TransRotor arm. Not sure if I will keep it but it does look nice. It’s a silver rega variant with better cable and bearings, with a Buck Rogers chrome counterweight. It won’t beat an Artemiz, I’m sure, but if it’s close and looks nicer, it will get the nod. The AT should be decent. I am a big fan of theirs. Never seen a TransRotor. Pics? easy homemade face maskeasy homemade face mask
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Dec 24, 2019 9:50:47 GMT
Ooooh, shiny!! Looks very nice
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Post by antonio on Dec 24, 2019 13:46:00 GMT
I can only second Bigman's comment, NICE.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2019 16:25:44 GMT
This will be purely for a short play and then a sale but I am now apparently the (proud?) owner of a Counterpoint SA100 amp. Did a deal with a mate who took some of my spare bits and some cash. I know sod all about it, have never heard a Counterpoint amp and haven’t yet googled it to see what it looks like.
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Post by dsjr on Dec 24, 2019 16:40:40 GMT
Shame about that arm, as it's only a 250 underneath with green bias slider to boot... Hope you get yourmoney back on it. Can you maybe look out for a RB1000 or shiny equivalent as the bearings are better from new...
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Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2019 17:19:50 GMT
Shame about that arm, as it's only a 250 underneath with green bias slider to boot... Hope you get yourmoney back on it. Can you maybe look out for a RB1000 or shiny equivalent as the bearings are better from new... If I do sell it, I’d expect to double my money, but I intend to try it and use it if it’s decent. I’ve always got on with rewired Regas with better stub and c/w. Plus I love the looks and the trans rotor version uses different bearings to stock Rega so it may be even better.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2019 17:23:38 GMT
Oh and if anyone knows anyone wanting a Counterpoint SA100 I will have one for sale soon at £475.
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Dec 24, 2019 20:01:24 GMT
Oh and if anyone knows anyone wanting a Counterpoint SA100 I will have one for sale soon at £475. So you've heard it then lol
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Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2019 20:41:08 GMT
Oh and if anyone knows anyone wanting a Counterpoint SA100 I will have one for sale soon at £475. So you've heard it then lol Nah just can’t be bothered swapping wires. Probs won’t even see it til the weekend.
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Dec 24, 2019 20:45:08 GMT
So you've heard it then lol Nah just can’t be bothered swapping wires. Probs windy even see it til the weekend. Ah, ok. I thought it must be bad seeing as it was turned round so quickly
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Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2019 20:48:00 GMT
Nah just can’t be bothered swapping wires. Probs windy even see it til the weekend. Ah, ok. I thought it must be bad seeing as it was turned round so quickly I do have a preamp to try it but I’m so settled with my gear, I really have no interest. Besides, it’s black lol.
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Dec 24, 2019 21:06:09 GMT
Ah, ok. I thought it must be bad seeing as it was turned round so quickly I do have a preamp to try it but I’m so settled with my gear, I really have no interest. Besides, it’s black lol. lol, bonkers
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Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2019 21:25:52 GMT
Probably my greatest example of not wanting to even try something black was the Orbe. 4 months it sat there. I had an arm and cartridge and all the time in the world, but I just didn’t want a big black lump playing music. The only reason for kicking the Atremiz out is the colour. Plenty silver arms out there, so it’s no biggie.
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Post by hammer on Dec 24, 2019 21:32:21 GMT
You would hate my system. All black☺
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Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2019 21:45:35 GMT
You would hate my system. All black☺ I guess it’s better than a mish-mash. At least yours will match.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2019 12:34:34 GMT
Loving my Grado RS2i. I'm using the Grado 5m extension lead which doesn't add or subtract a single thing. That means I can sit in my favourite seat and let it all wash over me. I don't know if it's sample variation or a case of too much meddling with a great sound, but the older Grados completely kill the later ones. Not a single thing I dislike and the soundstage is ten times bigger.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2019 18:51:39 GMT
It’s been great setting up AudioAddicts and this period has also seen me reach a point of satisfaction with my hifi that I haven’t known before. I feel like the start of 2020 is a good point to take a break from hifi and forums and just enjoy listening to what I have, as well as doing some other things.
Good luck and Happy New Year to all.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2019 19:55:23 GMT
I can relate to that. Sometimes you just need to sit back and appreciate what you have. I have done that recently, and gave forum land a break for a while. It gave me time to do a load of other things more important to me.
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Post by antonio on Dec 30, 2019 5:35:46 GMT
Happy New Year to you Westie, enjoy your break, and come back refreshed and healthy.
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Post by dsjr on Dec 30, 2019 13:49:29 GMT
Great you've found a set of headphones which are at least tolerable to you - I was beginning to worry
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