So I just acquired a pair of HP-2s. While testing them out today, I detected a bass rattle in the right driver. Confirmed this using test tones from the RealTraps site. The rattle does not show up with my HD650s, so I'm inclined to think its not my other gear. However, I don't have another source/amp combo to test on.

Is this sort of thing fixable? Should I just return the headphones to the seller? Am I being stupid and missing anything? I would greatly appreciate any and all help.

look for a hair in the driver

I looked at the drivers and couldn't see anything, and then used a rubber bulb blow thing to blow lightly at the driver, and it's still there.

If it helps at all, the rattle is stronger the lower the pitch.

Update:

The rattle attenuates significantly, almost to the point of no detection, if I press the cups to my head.

Removing the earpads changes nothing.

Also, the rattle starts only at high (but not extremely high) volume.

Personally, with a headphone that expensive, I'd want my money back, it'd be the worst thing ever if in 3 weeks that driver just dies.

Is it that pair with the white JG button logos that was on audiogon last week ?! If so, I'm pretty sure I heard this exact same pair and the rattle was there for sure.

I'd be seeking a refund if it were me.

this is known as the Grado grattle, search for that and you'll get lots of info.

I hope for his sake that it's not a wrinkle in the driver diaphragm. often times for me it's been a hair that not directly on the driver but a hair that's stuck in the white cheese cloth like fabric with the tip of the hair just touching the diaphragm. It's sometimes hard to see.

I'm currently working on the seller for a return/refund. Just wanted to be sure I wasn't being an idiot and missing a quick fix. In the mean time I'll probably do more searches on the "Grado grattle" anyway.

Thanks again for all your help, I really appreciate it.