After Many Hours of Reading...

[Kynetek]

I think I have come to a decision for my first pair of head-fi approved cans! First, I like to listen to indie rock (radiohead, flaming lips, modest mouse) stuff along those lines. I occasionally listen to some hip-hop like Mos Def or Gang Starr, but like I said occasionally. Right now I am leaning toward the Alessandro MS1's. I like that these cans can be run easily out of both my X-fi card and Cowon A2 portable. These cans seem to be semi-portable, since they do fold flat. They also fit into my price range of around $100. I am open to suggestions, so let me know what you think! Thanks!
-Kynetek

 

[lator]

I think they might work good for you. With my Grado SR-80 those bands you mentioned sound pretty good, though soundstage is almost minimal. In your price range I have no experience of many phones but MS-1 should be a good place to start.

 

[F107plus5]

MS-1 works for me!

Great cans for a fairly large variety of music!!

Even more fun with the HD 414 pads.

 

[The Monkey]

MS-1 sounds about right for you. They'll sound good now, and will improve with an amp if you decide to add one later.

 

[darkninja67]

Good choice for a first set of good cans. I like the Alessandros when I owned them.

 

[lmilhan]

Your research has lead you down the proper path, young grasshopper.

MS-1s all the way.

 

[azncookiecutter]

Can't beat the MS-1s or any low-end Grado for rock, although you may need an amp to get the bass pumping for hip-hop. And not really usable as portable, since it's completely open, and people will hear what you're listening to, just as you can hear everything around you.

 

[lator]

A completely different view might be AKG K501, I just realised they go for around 100 $ nowdays. If you have a chance give em a try. The broad soundstage is very interesting especially with Kid A, Amnesiac and The Soft Bulletin albums.

 

[Kynetek]

Thanks for all the positive replys! Anyone have any suggestions for an amp for the MS1s? I'll be running them mostly of my comp with a xfi xtreme music sound card, and sometimes my Cowon A2 PMP. Something like a pa2v2 or little dot micro+? I have changed my mind so many times on which cans I want, the K501 was always one I considered...It's such a hard decision! I figued I would try the Grado sound with the MS1's and see how I like it. It seems these cans fit my music taste well. I thought about getting a more all around can, but I'm afraid of "jack of all trades, master of none". I figued this would be a good can to start with, and in the future I could expand my collection with some different phones for different styles of music. Thanks again for all the feedback!

 

[Lad27]

I'm running mine MS1's thru chinese made Bada PH1 hybrid amp - noticeable improvement in overal warmth and gives drums the right slam.

 

[hekoman]

I used a MS-1 as my portable player for about 7 months. Not only did it stay on my head very well, buty it sounded great and I could also truly proclaim to the masses that I was a huge headphone nerd. Sadly I had to sell them to finance another purchase. I am now missing them so much that I will probably buy another pair.

You really can't go wrong with the MS-1's. Also I would suggest on getting a pair of 414 pads, not only are they more comfortable, but they give you a more fun sound (more bass and impact).

 

[Jahn]

Alessandro MS-1s were the first cans I got after I found Head-fi. They won't steer you wrong, unless you count the inevitable downward spiral of your wallet "wrong."

 

[F107plus5]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kynetek Thanks for all the positive replys! Anyone have any suggestions for an amp for the MS1s? I'll be running them mostly of my comp with a xfi xtreme music sound card, and sometimes my Cowon A2 PMP. Something like a pa2v2 or little dot micro+? I have changed my mind so many times on which cans I want, the K501 was always one I considered...It's such a hard decision! I figued I would try the Grado sound with the MS1's and see how I like it. It seems these cans fit my music taste well. I thought about getting a more all around can, but I'm afraid of "jack of all trades, master of none". I figued this would be a good can to start with, and in the future I could expand my collection with some different phones for different styles of music. Thanks again for all the feedback!

I currently don't use and amp with my MS-1s and don't really feel that they need one.

I understand what you mean about more than one set of phones.

I really like my MS-1s for rock, country, jazz, and smaller orchestral groups. But for anything larger they really don't have the soundstage or maybe even the dynamic range to follow the intricate passages at varrying loudness extremes.

......I'm currently trying to justify RS-2 for the classical role; but K701(if the quality issues can be resolved)may sneak right in.

EDIT: But I really, really really, like the RS-2, maybe I can put up with a smaller soundstage.

I like wood and old looking natural things!

CQ-CQ-CQDX; look at me! I'm a 1936 ham radio operator!!

Or a 1943 fighter pilot!! Woo-Eee!!