[ClassicRock1169]

I am new to the Audiophile scene and just looking for a nice pair of headphones.
I listen to mainly Classic Rock (Zeppelin, Sabbath, Beatles) Hard Rock (AC/DC) and Blues (SRV, Robert Johnson). I will be listening through an Ipod and maybe my computer later. My budget is around $100. I have heard some good things about Grado's but I am open to suggestions.
P.S are the new Grado's (the new i line) better than the old ones.

Thanks, ClassicRock1169

 

[Oggranak]

If you do go into Grados, here's my understanding of the upgrade chain:

SR60/i -> SR80/i -> SR225/i or SR325/i/is -> RS1

Go for the SR-80, FWIR it's a noticeable improvement over the SR60.

Don't take my word for it, of course, do the research.

I'll let others comment on the non-Grado options, I'm not really well-versed in the general views on budget 'phones.

 

[ClassicRock1169]

Thanks, really look on how the new Grado sr80i compare to the old model. Anybody care to help?

 

[JayB18]

Alessandro MS-1 or Audio Technica AD700 would be my recommendations. The MS-1 is essentially a tweaked Grado SR125 and is more neutral and versatile than the Grados, while still retaining the Grado sound. Id recommend the MS-1 if you get a Grado.

The AD700 is great as well and has a much better soundstage than the MS-1. The AD700 lacks a bit in bass impact, though it is still great overall and very versatile for music, games, movies.

 

[tdogzthmn]

HD580 sounds fantastic while listening to Sgt. Peppers in mono!

 

[Moontan13]

Under $100 there isn't much better than the JVC HARX700 if a closed phone is what you need.

 

[zrossiter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayB18 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Alessandro MS-1 or Audio Technica AD700 would be my recommendations. The MS-1 is essentially a tweaked Grado SR125 and is more neutral and versatile than the Grados, while still retaining the Grado sound. Id recommend the MS-1 if you get a Grado.

I believe the MS1 is actually a tweaked sr80...the MS1 is $100, while the 125 is $150, there are several threads on this already....

that said, grados, or alessandros for that matter, are quite nice in my opinion especially for price

 

[xkRoWx]

Alessandro MS-1.

Then slowly convert it to MS-1000.

 

[yugiyao]

Alessandro phone is more musical than Grado phone.

 

[ClassicRock1169]

So it still seems the general view is that the Alessandro MS-1 is the best in that price range. I still would like to hear some opinions on the SR-80 vs SR-80i

 

[ClassicRock1169]

Another one of my concerns is that I have heard (after my research) that the Grado SR-80 and Alessandra MS-1 NEED an amp to sound good. I don't like to blast my headphones because I want to protect my hearing but will I have to amp these cans then blast them for them to sound good?

 

[Ingo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClassicRock1169 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Another one of my concerns is that I have heard (after my research) that the Grado SR-80 and Alessandra MS-1 NEED an amp to sound good. I don't like to blast my headphones because I want to protect my hearing but will I have to amp these cans then blast them for them to sound good?

Uh... I'm going to go ahead and have to disagree with your research there.

Actually, both the SR80 and MS-1 are going to sound great without an amp. Even my SR-225s sound good out of an iPod or other DAP. There are some things that most certainly improve when you amp them, but they are among the best sounding phones available unamped.

 

[ClassicRock1169]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ingo /img/forum/go_quote.gif Uh... I'm going to go ahead and have to disagree with your research there. Actually, both the SR80 and MS-1 are going to sound great without an amp. Even my SR-225s sound good out of an iPod or other DAP. There are some things that most certainly improve when you amp them, but they are among the best sounding phones available unamped.

Thanks man, but would you recommend the MS-1 or the SR80

 

[Oggranak]

If you do a search I think there are plenty of threads on that topic, though I could be wrong.

 

[ClassicRock1169]

Alright I decided to just go ahead and buy the Grado SR-80 used. I found a good price for them off of someone on this forum.

Thanks! I will post what I think about them once I get them.