Grado PS1000 vs Audio-Technica ATH-W5000

[break-3]

Just been comparing the PS1000s to the W5000s and thought maybe someone (anyone?) would be interested. I'll keep it brief, because I hate the rambling nonsense that usually ends up on forums...

Well, the nigh-on £1000 difference doesn't necessarily get you better, just different. I'd equate it to the difference between standmount speakers and floorstanders - the W5000s have agility, timing and cohesion on their side, while the PS1000s are more about scale.

I feel the same way about the W5000s as I do about my Eclipses - there are some things they do that I've never heard anything else equal, but there are some songs where I'd just love to be able to switch over to the PS1000s.

But which would I most want to live with? Still deciding. Maybe I'll grab a pair of Sennheiser HD800s to put the proverbial cat among the pigeons. :eyebrows:

[StanleyB]

The HD800 is very detailed, but the bass is not as good as on the HD650.

[Themis]

Hi Simon, I solved my problem by having 2-3 different cans (not as expensive, though).
If you need to keep only one, then I would advice to keep the one you listen the most without fatigue, or the one that voices the best your favorite albums. ;)
It's not easy, I know...

[Spectral Morn]

I really like Grado's, so when funds allowed I bought a set of GS1000's and an Audio Valve RKV mk2 OTL headphone amplifier + impedance matcher. It all works well for me, though if I am honest I don't use this set up as much as I should. I was spurred into it by the house next door becoming occupied for more than the 4 weeks a year it usually is (its a holiday home for Germans...terrace house...:scratch:go figure). The full time occupancy lasted about 5 months and now its back to normal use. I have reverted back to using my Anthony Gallo REf 3.1 speakers. Thing I like about the Grado's is they image outside my head...I hate imaging in the head.

Only other cans I have are a set of Sennheiser HD 560 Ovation mk2s..20 years old and very good, but the Grado's destroy them from a very great height.


Regards D S D L

[jandl100]

Just been comparing the PS1000s to the W5000s and thought maybe someone (anyone?) would be interested.

Yup, I think that's interesting.

I've not heard the AT's but was pretty much gobsmacked by the Grado GS1000 at a Show a year or so back - large scale orchestral was just awesome! Huge soundstage too, which (as DSDL says) is way outside the head - simply enveloping - I loved it! If I ever feel the need for some serious phones, the Grados will be well up on my Short List. For now, my humble Stax Lambda Basic 'stats will do, although that's not exactly slumming it! :)