Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Grado RS-2 Reference Series headphones

Grado has always been a favorite brand among those seeking the very best in audio quality. For you and I, it might be difficult to appreciate the sound quality in all it's aspects. But for most audiophiles, these headphones are the best for their money.

Not that we care too much about the performance, though for the price that is being paid, that is a huge factor. The real reason why the Grado RS-2 Reference Series headphones find a place in this blog, is for it's bragging rights as an "Irresistible Goodie".


The first thing you notice about the headphones, is the wood. We're so used to imitations these days that it takes us a moment to realize that the cups are real mahogany! Grado explains that the wood has gone through several stages of a complex curing process in order to perfect the complete "Grado" sound. The ear cups are handcarved. In addition, the headband is made up of genuine leather.

The overall look is a cool hi-tech retro. They look antique, and they still beat the crap out of most other headphones when it comes to top quality sound.

There are other cool things about these babies. One of the attributes of Irresistible Goodies, is the technology that is used in making them. The key is that it must sound cool. Grado claims that their cables are ultra-high-purity, long-crystal (UHPLC) oxygen-free copper cables. I don't doubt their claim that this gives their sound the extra edge, but I'll be damned if I know what it means! The cables also have powerful neodymium magnets. Stuff like this is what we tech junkies dream of!

Interestingly, the cables are double sided. This means that you will have a wire hanging from each earcup. While this increases the chance of them getting tangled, it adds to the overall retro look. The cables, which are seven feet long, end in a 1/4 inch gold plated plug.

The Grado's are expensive, and rightly so. Leaving aside the small chance of you actually meeting an audiophile who will go green with jealousy, if you have the moolah, pick these up and watch your friends do the same, albeit for different reasons. With the Grado RS-2 Reference Series headphones around your head, you will always stand out.

Get them at www.pricealerter.com.


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