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I bought Emotiva GR1's to replace the Monolith 1060c's

So, I was very happy with the SQ of the 1060c's, but the build quality is so desperately poor that they're next to unusable. The nut/screw assembly falls apart and I've already had one pair replaced.( Thanks to Monoprice's 5-year warrantee)

I've heard good things about the GR1's and they're on sale now with Emotiva's BIG EGO1 portable DAC, so I ordered that combo. Anyone have the GR1's? What's the take on the FR on them? Thanks for any input.

trog69
soix
9,456 posts
 

From the review I read on Part Time Audiophile they sound a bit tilted to the bass that can overwhelm the highs.  If you’re into that sound I guess you’ll be good.  If you’re looking for a more neutral and perhaps more refined sound, I’d recommend the HIFIMAN HE400SE headphones and an Audioquest Dragonfly Red amp/DAC. Both of these have been very positively reviewed, and I have the Dragonfly Red paired with both HIFIMAN HE400S and Arya Stealths and the combo is very good even coming out of an iPhone/iPad over WiFi.  The HIFIMAN ‘phones also scale up when I pair them with my dedicated headphone amp and DAC, which speaks to their quality.  You can get the HE400SE for only $129 or $109 unboxed directly from the company and the Dragonfly Red is $199.  HIFIMAN is a dedicated headphone manufacturer.  Emotiva, well, not so much.  I recommend this only in case the Emotiva products don’t click with you and your music.  If you like what you hear, you’re good.  If not, this might be another option to explore.  Just my $0.02 FWIW, and hope this helps. 

trog69 OP
6 posts
 

Apologies for not responding. So, I really like the GR-1's. I don't find them too bassy, even with no tone adjustments. They're comfortable and well-built. I already have the older version of the HE400S, the Massdrop HE4xx, and I agree that they sound better with good electronics. 

My next 'phones will likely be the new Meze $700 cans. I love the 99 Classics as well. 

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