The following is a summary of the main characteristics of the new Grado PS-1 Pro headphones (i.e. all I could confirm):
- Dimensions: very similar to RS-1
- Headband, etc.: very similar to SR-325 (not like HP-1000)
- Looks: very similar to SR-325 (aluminium cups, no wood)
- Earpads: Bowl pads
- Drivers: improved version of the RS-1 drivers
- Drivers are not glued to the earcups, but a thread is cut into the inner side of the aluminium earcups, which are screwed on, so the drivers are held in place (kinda, please excuse the inaccurate description, I am not an engineer)
- Application: studios/professional audio/high-end home stereo
- Impedance: 32 Ohms
- Other measurements (frequency range, sensitivity, etc.): currently not available, but "similar" to RS-1
- Limited edition: I was told that only a limited number of these headphones will become available, but I could not get any definitive numbers.
- Availability: Currently only in Europe (German distributor says they have some in stock), and for the time being only in the german-speaking part of Europe, interest from Asia may lead to some supply for that region, too, no release of these headphones in the USA is currently envisaged.
- Hierarchy: I was told that the Grado PS-1 Pro will not apear in any pricelists, as it is a special and limited edition for Europe (or parts thereof). Therefore the current hierarchy of Grado headphones will not be affected.
- Headphone amp: No dedicated "pro" headphone amp is currently envisaged.
- History/Background: Grado (together with another company) developed wireless headphones that are available in the USA (and maybe elsewhere , too). The drivers in the new Grado PS-1 Pro are said to be one result of these development efforts. I was told that they are based on the RS-1's drivers, but improved.
- Sound: Apparently much better than the RS-1 (that's the least I would expect from an improved Grado model). The PS-1 Pro's volume is apparently ever so slightly lower than that of the RS-1, but not by a wide margin. The PS-1 Pro's resolution is reported to be much better than that of the RS-1 (again, that's the least one would expect). The reviewer of the hifi magazne told me over the phone that he prefers the sound of the PS-1 Pro overall to that of the RS-1, but did not make any more detailed statements.
- Price: EUR1,250 (in Germany)
http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showthre ... hlight=ps1
http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showthre ... adid=51880