$1000.00 ear buds?

[Lex]

How many pair do you need? From CES. I couldn't easily just copy a picture of it, hopefully you get there below...

http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/09/tech/gallery/ces-gadgets/index.html?hpt=hp_c4

[Kevin P]

They're the last picture on the list, so click the rightmost thumbnail to get to the earbuds. For those who don't want to see all the gadgets.

I think I'll stick with my $20 Sony earbuds. Comfy and sound great (much better than Apple's).

[Lex]

well, they were seinheisser, so they are probably pretty darn good at least. But that's to rich for my blood.

[Chris D]

I might if they were good enough. My earbuds retailed for $450, although I didn't pay that for them.

[Ovation]

Not unless I won the lotto. I only use earbuds for exercise and my 16$ pair (retailed for 50$) are more than adequate for my needs. For those who prefer them to traditional headphones, they might be worth it (I might spend that much on a pair of headphones someday, if/when resources allow, but I can't imagine doing it for earbuds).

[madmac]

I had an opportunity to listen to all the major brands (higher end) of headphones at the same time using the same source (I'm talking about full size cans here...not buds) and I can tell you this.......The Grado's won hands down. I may be biased however because I own a pair of Grados myself!. The Grado's in my opinion come as close to 'real' live speaker presentation as you can get with 'cans'.....especially if you use a headphone amp with them.

[HedgeHog]

Professional IEMs often cost more than 1K. So while the price may not be anything surprising, those particular Sens don't look any special though.

[Hdale85]

Dan, everyone has different opinions and preferences on sound so while they might be the best to you, others may find a different style to sound better. Some people don't like open cans, while others do. It's all a preference. I actually know people that prefer IEM's over cans in general.

[HedgeHog]

I had an opportunity to listen to all the major brands (higher end) of headphones at the same time using the same source (I'm talking about full size cans here...not buds) and I can tell you this.......The Grado's won hands down. I may be biased however because I own a pair of Grados myself!. The Grado's in my opinion come as close to 'real' live speaker presentation as you can get with 'cans'.....especially if you use a headphone amp with them.

Hi Dan,

Which Grado did you prefer and which other headphones have you compared them with? I am tempted by the new Audeze and HiFiMan headphones. I've borrowed a couple of top Grados (HP1 and RS1 or RS1000....can't recall, they were my bro-in-law's) and love them but curious to see what's the latest and greatest.

FWIW, I have the lowly SR60 and feel these are the best values out there (maybe along with Koss Porta Pros).

-H

[Finleyville]

Dan, everyone has different opinions and preferences on sound so while they might be the best to you, others may find a different style to sound better. Some people don't like open cans, while others do. It's all a preference. I actually know people that prefer IEM's over cans in general.

I am one of those people. I travel extensively and need earbuds. One day I will opt for some custom IEM's probably the Miracles from Unique Melody . But until then I am really enjoying my Westone 4's .

[madmac]

Hi Dan,

Which Grado did you prefer and which other headphones have you compared them with? I am tempted by the new Audeze and HiFiMan headphones. I've borrowed a couple of top Grados (HP1 and RS1 or RS1000....can't recall, they were my bro-in-law's) and love them but curious to see what's the latest and greatest.

FWIW, I have the lowly SR60 and feel these are the best values out there (maybe along with Koss Porta Pros).

-H

I own the Grado Prestige series SR 80 model. They sound fabulous to my ears and are, in my opinion, a benchmark as to how properly set up speakers should sound in a room (bass included). If I could go back in time, I would have bought their SR 120's back then just so I know I have their best. The SR120's still exist today and they sounded the best out of around 20 sets of headphones I tried, using the same source..... all of which retailed for $300-400 dollars. There's no doubt in my mind that the SR60's are great cans as well and probably the best bang for the buck......especially if they are the older ones. I recently replaced my foam surrounds on my SR80's and the guy at the shop said that mine were " worth something" and somewhat of a 'collectors item' at this point. ;x( (Circa early 1990's)

The big difference I found in all of the headsets I listened to is musical transparency and accurate bass response. Some had good bass but lacked in transparency. Others had the transparency but lacked in Bass or good, clean treble as well. The Grados presented (and present!) everything perfectly to my ears. Although I use in ear buds for outside, they will never be able to produce good, deep bass compared to what full size cans can do.

Another interesting note is that ALL CD's sound good with my Grado's , whereas when I play some CD's 'live' via my speakers, probably because of room acoustics, they don't work for me. Headphones take away the whole issue of room acoustics.