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Complement to K601 for indie/rock (MS1? DR150?)

post #1 of 10
2/17/10 at 9:35am
Thread Starter 
Hi,

I'm looking for headphones that would complement my K601s when I want something more exciting to listen to indie/alt.rock and am hesitating between the Alessandro MS-1i and Goldring DR150.
The MS-1i would cost me around 80 euros if I don't get hit with taxes (+15/20€ for bowls) and the DR150 75€.

And if someone having heard those cans (or at least the K601 and MS1, the dr150 being less "popular" here), could comfirm the fact that they would do a better job than the K601s with this kind of music and that I'm not just wasting money here I'd appreciate it

Thanks!
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post #2 of 10
2/17/10 at 9:46am
What do you dislike with akg k601 + rock?
K601 are my rock cans and enjoy them pretty much.
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post #3 of 10
2/17/10 at 10:17am
Thread Starter 
I don't really know, not having heard a lot of headphones I'm just wondering if cans like the MS1 or DR150 which are said to be great rock cans could do a better job.
When I bought my K601 I looked at different threads here (even made one) and people didn't think the K601 could "rock".
But I was looking for more of an all-rounder then so still went with them, not that I regret it.
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post #4 of 10
2/17/10 at 11:06am
Think that you need more forward presentation with midbass hump. MS1 is safe choice in that price range but you wont get soundstage , low extension and comfort like with k601.
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post #5 of 10
2/17/10 at 11:11am
K601 should be great for rock!
About Grados.. tested MS1, SR321i and SR80. The SR80 were IMO the most natural sounding and which I liked most. They´re also great value for the price.
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post #6 of 10
2/17/10 at 12:21pm
Thread Starter 
You're making me think twice about buying another pair of headphones...
Don't you think they lack some "kick" in the bass for rock?
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post #7 of 10
2/17/10 at 1:35pm
Try to test some grados in a hi-fi shop before buying them, they have a different sound signature and fit from AKG (less soundstage - in yr. face sound, more bass and punch, overall more colored / less neutral freq spectrum, etc.). Also grab some band aids for the sharp sound of the cymbals
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post #8 of 10
2/17/10 at 2:21pm
It has been a long time since I last owned the DR150, but from what I recall they're not that far off from the Alessandros in terms of sound quality, but to get the right tone you might need to play around with the opamps of your Zero. The Alessandros on the other hand, will sound good right off the bat but with smaller soundstage. I'm holding both the MS1 and MS1i on my hand right now and definitely pick the MS1i over the MS1 if you want more slam.

You should also consider buying an amp for the K601. I had the Zero before and it wasn't enough to drive the K601 to its full potential. And IMO, K601 is more neutral and bests both the DR150 and MS1i in almost all areas, except midbass slam.
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post #9 of 10
2/17/10 at 4:07pm
Thread Starter 
I had bought an amp (Shanling PH100) but sold it because at the time I was thinking about selling everything.

But even then I didn't think the shanling really was an upgrade over the Zero.
It was warmer, with more bass (too much), mids (too much) and more dynamic but it lacked extension in the highs and the soundstage was too small.

I bought it because a lot of people recommended it with the AKGs (601/701) and I can see why some would like the sound but I'm not a fan of warm, thick sound.
To me the amp was trying to change the K601 into something they're not.

And not being really impressed by the difference between a said bad amp (zero) and a decent/good one I wasn't too keen on buying another one.

What amp were you using with your 601s?
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post #10 of 10
2/17/10 at 7:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jazz9 View Post
Don't you think they lack some "kick" in the bass for rock?
Only if the recording lacks "kick". That's just me though, and I'm sure people like Grado with rock for a reason. My advice to you would be to keep with the K601 unless you really don't think you're getting the most out of you rock music with it. If that is the case, then a Grado or Alessandro may well be worth it.

As for amplification, some do recommend warm sounding amps, especially because of the K701's reputation, but I and many others feel "neutral" sounding solid state amps work very well with the K601.
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