...I really wish they would put more thought into the build quality. They have a separate cable from each can which go into a Y-splitter at around chest height. What this means is that during the course of their life, no matter how careful you are (and I've tried to be really really careful), the cables develop irreversible twists in them. Meanwhile, they develop little splits in them at the point at which they enter the headphone, and the connection becomes compromised. It gets to the point where one or more of the cans goes in and out, and eventually they just stop working. This is the second pair I've had die on me for the same reason. 
 
Oh and they're not very well put together either, and frequently come apart. 
 
This is why I've limited myself to spending no more than $100 on them. I'd hate to splash $1000 on one of their high end models.....
 
Grados. Fantastic sound. Crap build. 

And the best part of having the Y that far down is that you now have TWO strands to get caught in things.

craigb
And the best part of having the Y that far down is that you now have TWO strands to get caught in things.

I have to admit, that's why I bought them. The thought of being able to knock over two cups of coffee at once instead of the more conventional one cup of coffee was just too much to resist. 

Well apparently Grado will do a repair for about $25, and they're in Brooklyn, so looks like I'm back in business!

That's one of the biggest advantages you have in the USA. Lots of access to parts and repairs. Canada sucks for that stuff so I have to ship everything.

ampfixer
That's one of the biggest advantages you have in the USA. Lots of access to parts and repairs. Canada sucks for that stuff so I have to ship everything.

To be fair, if I lived in say Texas I'd have to ship them as well!

This is why I like the cordless idea. sometimes I even mix with them because I can walk out of the studio and do other things while the song loops over and over again listening for issues.
 
I also use a pair that has a detachable cord.

sharke

ampfixer
That's one of the biggest advantages you have in the USA. Lots of access to parts and repairs. Canada sucks for that stuff so I have to ship everything.

To be fair, if I lived in say Texas I'd have to ship them as well!

If you lived in Texas you wouldn't have to ship them anywhere.
Just hang them on a fence post, and use them for target practice

I came very close to buying a pair of Grados, but was put off by their seemingly-delicate construction and that non-detachable/replaceable Y-cord. The abuse I've put my Audio-Technicas through should be criminal, but they just keep on keepin' on year after year. But I still want a brighter set of headphones for an alternate reference and pleasure listening, which I think the Grados could provide. Looks like my next ones will be AKG K-701 or K-240.
 
You know, they'll probably just send you a refurbished pair back, not the same cans you sent in. That $25 represents their base cost for the headphones. At least, that's how Shure does it. Makes me want to look for broken headphones at garage sales, just so I can send them in for repair and essentially buy a pair for half price after the repair fee and shipping.

bitflipper
I came very close to buying a pair of Grados, but was put off by their seemingly-delicate construction and that non-detachable/replaceable Y-cord. The abuse I've put my Audio-Technicas through should be criminal, but they just keep on keepin' on year after year. But I still want a brighter set of headphones for an alternate reference and pleasure listening, which I think the Grados could provide. Looks like my next ones will be AKG K-701 or K-240.
 
You know, they'll probably just send you a refurbished pair back, not the same cans you sent in. That $25 represents their base cost for the headphones. At least, that's how Shure does it. Makes me want to look for broken headphones at garage sales, just so I can send them in for repair and essentially buy a pair for half price after the repair fee and shipping.

Yeah the Grado's are excellent for that brighter sound. I have to resist the temptation to make mix changes with them on however because they are very deceptive. They have a tendency to make everything sound beautifully wide open and balanced. Excellent for listening pleasure. They're some of the only headphones I can really enjoy rock music on. 
 
It's funny, I complain about the construction but I have read comments online from people who swear that they've had a pair for 15 years and they're still in the same condition they got them in. I think they're basically freaks, like those weirdos you see wearing "Fun Run 1985" t-shirts that look brand new. 
 
For some reason I don't think Grado are going to give me a refurbished pair, they just come across as that kind of company. Although I guess I won't really mind if they do...mine are a couple of years old. I just hope they put new foam pads on!