Syous

Upon re-reading my original post, it feels like it would have fit in more with HF than headcase, so I apologize for lowering the S/N ratio here.

Yuck, its like the soundstage collapsed or something...I much prefer the bowls in all aspects (don't hurt me please). Anyways, I'm really quite impressed with the RS1s after running the whole gamut of commonly recommended headphones on HF. Weird thing is, I use to own a pair of SR225s and they became extremely uncomfortable after 30 minutes, but the RS1s I can wear for any length of time without my ears throbbing. I'd say they're more comfortable than my pair of HD580s because of less clamping force and possibly due to the weight differential. The comfort factor is certainly contrary to my expectations and a pleasant one at that. This is the first time I've felt more than satisfied with a headphone purchase; with no desire left to explore other options. Although I could see myself a year or two down the line wondering about Stax Omegas and other similarly priced indulgences.

Are the color variations in the mahogany wood of the RS-1s simply a factor of time? Or does it have more to do with a particular sample of wood used in the production of the cups? I wonder if the last of the buttoned RS-1s and the new buttonless RS-1s will eventually turn dark red like the vintage pairs...

So has anyone ever heard a burn-in story where the sound got worse over time instead of better?

Yep, just looks like bad luck on your part.

It could've been a tough call to make on part of the seller. My experience on HF is that some people express genuine interest only to subsequently ignore further PMs after I give them my paypal address. It gets annoying very quickly, and it slows things down if you're nice enough to hold the cans for a person who ends up never replying. Nowadays I just say fuck it and sell to first come first serve usually. I really do feel your pain though; I've been wanting to try out RS-1s for the longest time but in Canada they run for $700 to $800 new. It is very difficult for me to justify those prices. And while I freely sell my own used headphones, I have my own reservations of buying used.