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Post by ttocs on Nov 27, 2020 11:34:59 GMT -5
These headphones are nice! The photos I’ve seen online don’t these headphones justice. Lots of metal, both structural and decorative. I guess I'd say I'm McLovin 'em! (Superbad)
The ear surrounds could be a bit deeper. My ears aren’t sails like my brother’s, but they still “just” touch the inside pads covering the drivers, so I gotta keep the ear hair trimmed for sure.
The headband has enough adjustment for my not so small head. The adjustment “feels” like quality. Smooth, positive click stops.
The cable is a Y and each ear plugs in separately which I like very much. The good thing about a Y cable is that it hangs down centered on my chest like my Beyerdynamic T51p travel headphones, and not like the left mounted cable on my old Byerdynamic DT770 Pro headphones which keep ending up between my arm and rib cage so when I move I need to untuck the cable before I make any sudden movement otherwise I could yank the cable out of the headphones. The cable is said by Emotiva to be “noise free”, but it transfers mechanical sound through it when it rubs against clothing, so I don’t know what “noise free” means unless it means “less mechanical noise”.
The sound produced by these is instantly graceful. There’s no “thumpy” bass, it’s smooth and friendly. When I compare to my great sounding T51p headset, while the sound quality is very close, I favor the GR-1 for being easier to keep listening with, and the sound is more free and natural, so, better. I think it might have to do with the fact that the GR-1 is an open back design, something I’ve never experienced before, but I like very much. This open back feature doesn’t ever get loud from an outsider’s point of view, but it’s something to consider if the goal is to keep all the sound contained in your head. Also, the sound is not in-my-head as much like it is with closed back headphones, so chalk up another plus for open back.
Longer listening sessions are more comfortable, and there’s more than a couple reasons for that. The first is that I haven’t gotten what I would call “head fatigue” from the earcup pads being held tightly against my head. I don’t know if it’s due to the pads themselves or the spring pressure being just right, but it’s better than the DT770 Pro. Another reason is the open back makes the sound more like not using headphones, more airy, less forceful, more natural. Also due to the open back design, I don’t get as hot while wearing these, which is good in warm weather, but not as good in winter when I want to retain the warmth in my hot head.
All in all, I highly recommend the GR-1. I can’t think of a reason not to. $299 seems appropriate, especially considering that when I bought the DT770 Pro headphones about 10 years ago (I think, can’t remember exactly) I paid $250 back then, on sale, so the GR-1 is more of a deal - adjusting for inflation - and is higher quality.
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Nov 27, 2020 12:23:57 GMT -5
Nice review! (And I like how you worked in McLovin...loved that movie.)
Mark
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DYohn
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Post by DYohn on Nov 27, 2020 13:53:23 GMT -5
It is very cool that you like them! As I always say, all audio is subjective.  |
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Post by daveczski65 on Nov 27, 2020 18:16:45 GMT -5
Don't worry,,they will be discontinued in a few weeks,and no support in 5 yrs
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Post by routlaw on Nov 27, 2020 19:23:20 GMT -5
Thanks for the review. Not a headphone person myself, in fact have never owned a pair but have considered purchasing a set of these. One correction to your comments, its my understanding these headphones have aperiodic dampening so not really open back in the truest sense. It probably doesn't make much difference in the big scheme of things since you are happy with them.
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Post by ttocs on Nov 27, 2020 19:48:45 GMT -5
Thanks for the review. Not a headphone person myself, in fact have never owned a pair but have considered purchasing a set of these. One correction to your comments, its my understanding these headphones have aperiodic dampening so not really open back in the truest sense. It probably doesn't make much difference in the big scheme of things since you are happy with them. Yep, you're correct. I should've said "semi open". I've just never tried any before that weren't totally closed. |
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Post by vcautokid on Nov 28, 2020 10:55:28 GMT -5
These headphones are nice! The photos I’ve seen online don’t these headphones justice. Lots of metal, both structural and decorative. I guess I'd say I'm McLovin 'em! (Superbad) The ear surrounds could be a bit deeper. My ears aren’t sails like my brother’s, but they still “just” touch the inside pads covering the drivers, so I gotta keep the ear hair trimmed for sure. The headband has enough adjustment for my not so small head. The adjustment “feels” like quality. Smooth, positive click stops. The cable is a Y and each ear plugs in separately which I like very much. The good thing about a Y cable is that it hangs down centered on my chest like my Beyerdynamic T51p travel headphones, and not like the left mounted cable on my old Byerdynamic DT770 Pro headphones which keep ending up between my arm and rib cage so when I move I need to untuck the cable before I make any sudden movement otherwise I could yank the cable out of the headphones. The cable is said by Emotiva to be “noise free”, but it transfers mechanical sound through it when it rubs against clothing, so I don’t know what “noise free” means unless it means “less mechanical noise”. The sound produced by these is instantly graceful. There’s no “thumpy” bass, it’s smooth and friendly. When I compare to my great sounding T51p headset, while the sound quality is very close, I favor the GR-1 for being easier to keep listening with, and the sound is more free and natural, so, better. I think it might have to do with the fact that the GR-1 is an open back design, something I’ve never experienced before, but I like very much. This open back feature doesn’t ever get loud from an outsider’s point of view, but it’s something to consider if the goal is to keep all the sound contained in your head. Also, the sound is not in-my-head as much like it is with closed back headphones, so chalk up another plus for open back. Longer listening sessions are more comfortable, and there’s more than a couple reasons for that. The first is that I haven’t gotten what I would call “head fatigue” from the earcup pads being held tightly against my head. I don’t know if it’s due to the pads themselves or the spring pressure being just right, but it’s better than the DT770 Pro. Another reason is the open back makes the sound more like not using headphones, more airy, less forceful, more natural. Also due to the open back design, I don’t get as hot while wearing these, which is good in warm weather, but not as good in winter when I want to retain the warmth in my hot head. All in all, I highly recommend the GR-1. I can’t think of a reason not to. $299 seems appropriate, especially considering that when I bought the DT770 Pro headphones about 10 years ago (I think, can’t remember exactly) I paid $250 back then, on sale, so the GR-1 is more of a deal - adjusting for inflation - and is higher quality. It is interesting you mentioned the DT770. Those are my creation and work Headphones. Tremendous isolation and comfort. The GR-1 is a dynamite first headphone effort by Emotiva. Many are going to love them. Some won't. Hey it is a Headphone right? But so many things are right about it. Drive them with a great headphone amplifier, or your mobile, whatever you want. I think my DT770 sounds more alive in the treble than the GR-1 does. But the thing about the GR-1 is that is an all day music play headphone because of the treble not being so lively. Would be awesome if Emotiva made the GR-2HI. High Impedance. Tubes anyone? |
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Post by ttocs on Nov 28, 2020 13:07:50 GMT -5
It is interesting you mentioned the DT770. Those are my creation and work Headphones. Tremendous isolation and comfort. The GR-1 is a dynamite first headphone effort by Emotiva. Many are going to love them. Some won't. Hey it is a Headphone right? But so many things are right about it. Drive them with a great headphone amplifier, or your mobile, whatever you want. I think my DT770 sounds more alive in the treble than the GR-1 does. But the thing about the GR-1 is that is an all day music play headphone because of the treble not being so lively. Would be awesome if Emotiva made the GR-2HI. High Impedance. Tubes anyone? With my DT770 headphones I've gotten the small amount of fatigue right where the pads touch my head after I've been wearing them for over an hour or so, and it's been like that since new. It's not so bad I need to take them off because adjusting the position helps. So, do you experience any discomfort after some period of time? How old are yours? I like your statement about the GR-1 being an "all day" headphone. They just seem so easy and comfortable sounding. My first foray into headphones was when our family got our first stereo, about 1970/71. It was a generic all-in-one and came with headphones. The speakers were just adequate, and while the headphones weren't anything special, they sounded good enough to me at the time. Since I was the one in the family who cared most about the new stereo, I was allowed to keep it in my room, and I'd listen to WSDM Chicago all night. They played jazz and soul. Donnie Hathaway's live version of the song The Ghetto was popular at the time and it sounded so real with headphones, used to give me chills, it was great. |
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Post by vcautokid on Nov 28, 2020 23:16:45 GMT -5
It is interesting you mentioned the DT770. Those are my creation and work Headphones. Tremendous isolation and comfort. The GR-1 is a dynamite first headphone effort by Emotiva. Many are going to love them. Some won't. Hey it is a Headphone right? But so many things are right about it. Drive them with a great headphone amplifier, or your mobile, whatever you want. I think my DT770 sounds more alive in the treble than the GR-1 does. But the thing about the GR-1 is that is an all day music play headphone because of the treble not being so lively. Would be awesome if Emotiva made the GR-2HI. High Impedance. Tubes anyone? With my DT770 headphones I've gotten the small amount of fatigue right where the pads touch my head after I've been wearing them for over an hour or so, and it's been like that since new. It's not so bad I need to take them off because adjusting the position helps. So, do you experience any discomfort after some period of time? How old are yours? I like your statement about the GR-1 being an "all day" headphone. They just seem so easy and comfortable sounding. My first foray into headphones was when our family got our first stereo, about 1970/71. It was a generic all-in-one and came with headphones. The speakers were just adequate, and while the headphones weren't anything special, they sounded good enough to me at the time. Since I was the one in the family who cared most about the new stereo, I was allowed to keep it in my room, and I'd listen to WSDM Chicago all night. They played jazz and soul. Donnie Hathaway's live version of the song The Ghetto was popular at the time and it sounded so real with headphones, used to give me chills, it was great. Mine are virtually new. Comfort is excellent even with my huge ears. Headband has no pressure hot points. Ear pads are excellent comfort. Could see them wearing pretty easy though, but so far so good. Physical comfort is not quite where my modded Monoprice 560 headphones are with the awesome massive Sony pads, but for isolation and comfort, the DT770 does real well. The GR-1 feature I like most is its friendly treble. Some might even think it dark depending on their ears. I like it. I don't mind a bit of treble roll off if it means my ears don't feel the pain especially after all day listening. I use the DT770 for my work at home headphone and sometimes alternate with my Monoprice and my Philips SHP9500. Would love to try the GR-1 headphones for an extended time. |
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Post by davidl81 on Dec 1, 2020 21:01:44 GMT -5
So I’m thinking about getting these for my father in law for Christmas. He really doesn’t have anything for decent audio. So if I get the headphones I’d also need an amp (A-100?) and I guess a way for his audio source to feed the amp. If his audio source is his iPhone, what would be the best way to connect the iPhone to the amp?
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Post by ttocs on Dec 1, 2020 22:22:22 GMT -5
So I’m thinking about getting these for my father in law for Christmas. He really doesn’t have anything for decent audio. So if I get the headphones I’d also need an amp (A-100?) and I guess a way for his audio source to feed the amp. If his audio source is his iPhone, what would be the best way to connect the iPhone to the amp? Maybe a bluetooth receiver with RCA outputs? Lots available, but I don't have a clue about the quality of them. iPhone to RCA adapter cable is another possibility. |
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cawgijoe
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Post by cawgijoe on Dec 1, 2020 22:41:17 GMT -5
So I’m thinking about getting these for my father in law for Christmas. He really doesn’t have anything for decent audio. So if I get the headphones I’d also need an amp (A-100?) and I guess a way for his audio source to feed the amp. If his audio source is his iPhone, what would be the best way to connect the iPhone to the amp? Maybe a bluetooth receiver with RCA outputs? Lots available, but I don't have a clue about the quality of them. iPhone to RCA adapter cable is another possibility. Take a look at Schiit also for headphone amp and dac....adapter cable will work with iPhone.....also, I have the Bluetooth receiver that Emotiva sells and it works great with my iPhone 7. I also have an older Outlaw Audio Bluetooth receiver on another system that does the job. Lots of choices. A Schiit “stack” of headphone amp, Magni and dac.....forget the name.....$99 each......would work great and you can connect the iPhone via adapter cable to the Schiit dac and the headphones to the Magni......the two Schiit’s conn3ct together with short RCA cables. Also, B stock items are usually available at significant savings. |
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cawgijoe
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Post by cawgijoe on Dec 1, 2020 23:01:37 GMT -5
From the Schiit site:
It's possible to use your iPad or iPhone as a source, as long as you're willing to buy an Apple dongle and/or maybe some cables. Here you go:
Connecting to an iPhone or iPad
Digital (Lightning Connector): If you have an iPhone or iPad running iOS7 or above with the Lightning connector, you can use the Lightning to USB 3 Adapter from Apple. You'll also need a USB cable to connect to your DAC. Links for these are below:
Apple Lightning to USB 3 Adapter (allows for charging of the iOS device)
Fancy USB A-B Cable (for DACs that use full-size USB B connectors—check before buying!)
More info at their site and also info available if you just Google
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