deepak

I've seen some that huge ones the little kids could probably live inside.

No offense but your reviews are "wishy washy" at best. Wait...how would you be able to write a review if you already hold such a grudge against them?

I've heard two (non-prototype) GS-1000s. Both were ear bleeding awful. I suppose the systems I heard them on didn't have the right synergy, aka severely EQ'ing or rolling off the high end

If you're patient you can get a good deal on the RS-1 at Audiogon. I've had two chances to get a pair for between $400-450 original, box, paperwork. Headfi has inflated prices, my guess because of the bigger international user base.

They're both DACs...but the DAC3 has a preamp feature, which is why Bel Canto charges much more for it.

And to go with what Nate said, actually have a lot of vinyl on hand. And of course make sure you enjoy listening to the format. Someone on Vinyl Asylum recommended to start slow since you really might dislike something that doesn't have an auto-arm, having to stay there to flip sides, change records, go through the cleaning process, etc.

Thats why I edited my post, I didn't take into account the phono stage. IIRC the Scout with kit arm is $1400 at TTVJ.

$1200 edit: ignore this this is like one of those curses where you start off on a budget...and then soon enough you're way off

But from what I've read about the SL1200 is that most people recommend finding a vintage one and not one of the current production ones. Because the motor is much better in the vintanges (iirc they sold for $800-1200 new at the time). And buying vintage might end up costing you more than a P1 or MMF2.1 and require more servicing. Headfi source forum has a good amount of info on the SL1200. Like you said the defenders of that table strongly support them.

Having the Melos as a preamp makes it so much more convenient I need to hear a good vinyl setup in real life as well.

It looks like Future Days is already out on hybrid SACD. I might try and grab this on vinyl, even though my vinyl plans have been put on hold for now.

Which is their best album? AMG says Tago Mago, Ege Bamyasi or Future Days.

I just saw immtbikers pictures. Looks really good.

Oh yes recstar, I saw in your old HP-2 thread you liked Dungen with the HP-2. I've been listening to Ta De Lugnt non stop, sounds wonderful on them. I've been into Dungen since Stadsvandringar. Any other Finnish/Swedish kraut-ish recommendations?

They're extremely source sensitive. The E-MU1212 soundcard gets a lot of praise for $200 at Headfi. I picked up one up at Musician's Friend during that $100 sale, and the HP-2 sounds unacceptable out of it and an M3 amp. Differences were far from small.

Thrice any pics of your Bottlehead?

Hmm...this is the first time I heard this in a Grado the sound actually sounds 3D similar to the K1000, HE90, Omega 2. By this I mean it has some serious depth. At this stage I think I could sell everything except for the HP-2, K1000 and be very happy.

Son of a bitch I missed it again. In my defense I was listening to music Was tonights better than the last 3? I thought last weeks was actually decent.

If I could attend any meet, it would probably be either a Canada/Ontario meet or a San Fran meet

I admit right now they sound a bit too neutral out of the DA10's all discrete amp. These probably will get even better with a tube/hybrid amp.

I understand how he didn't like it. I saw it on opening night knowing absolutely nothing about the movie. My friend and I saw that Steve Carrell was in it and expected something like Anchorman meets Roadtrip...so our expectations weren't exactly high I gave the DVD to my parents and my mom liked it and my dad called it silly. I know a few critics are already calling it the Rushmore of the 21st Century....

I have the GS-1000 in my worst sounding list I can see how people think that with flats. Muddy sounds really harsh, I would say congested.

I like having the HP-2, but I would an HP-1 for collection purposes. I'm really fascinated by Grados and Grado history. Four years ago when I was roped into hifi headphones it was the Grado SR-60 that did it, so Grados are pretty special to me.

HP-1 = polarity switches. Supposed to be useful in a recording environment where the polarity might be switched on the recording equipment. Most people say they can't tell the difference between +, - or +/- . Also the HP-1 is supposed to be harder to drive (requiring more current) supposedly due to the polarity switches. And most people (from what I read) say the HP-1 doesn't extend as high as the HP-2. HP-2 = standard version most readily available. HP-3 = drivers not matched as closely. John Grado said 85% the sound of the HP-2. But rumor has it late into production the drivers were matched just as good as the HP-2, and many labeled HP-3 were actually HP-2. IIRC if it's an HP-3 it says HP-3 in sharpie where the pads go. HP-3 was $100 cheaper than the HP-2.

A sweet looking forward to the phono stage