Alessandro MS-1 vs. Grado SR-125

[Audio Redneck]

OK, so last year it was the MDR-V6. This years expected purchase is leaning heavily toward something from the Grado family. But here is the question:

Why is a Alessandro MS-1 not a Grado SR-125 when every spec I can find for them are identical or the MS1 is better. The only difference that I can find is that the MS-1's don't have a Grado "button" that everyone wants to pull off anyway. But all the comments about the MS-1 say its a lesser model than the SR-125 but higher than the SR-80's.

So, besides the button and the name stamped on them, whats the difference?

Both:
32ohms
drivers matched to .1Db
UHPLC voice coil

Differ:
SPL lmV 98(125) 100(MS1) (Ok, whats this?)
Freq. responce: 20-20Khz(125) 20-22Khz(MS1) 20-22Khz(225)

Let the debate begin.....

 

[shivohum]

The debate's already happened... you might want to search Headwize and Head-Fi forums.

The consensus as I read it is that the MS-I definitely sounds similar to the SR-80 and SR-125, and that it sounds better than the 80.

A couple people have said that it sounds indistinguishable from the 125.

 

[moose]

Unfortunately, it seems as if no one has come to a concensus about this issue. (and if anyone has found any conclusive info, please let me know!)

 

[r4z0r]

I also want to hear some comments on this issue, and if possible, some info. on how the MS 2 matches up against the SR-325.

 

[dngl]

I think that my MS-1 sounds like 125s.

 

[KR...]

The key here is the fact that the MS-1 retails under a $100.
It's a damn good deal, if I say so myself.

 

[Audio Redneck]

Ok, well I've feeling a little less confused now. I was worried I was missing something obvious.

Jon, have you got any caveats about them before I fix my sights on the MS-1?

 

[dngl]

MS-1: best sounding unamped can I have heard. I use these in my minimalistic portable rig.

MS-1 vs. Senn out of Melos:
I use the MS-1 for classic rock because it is forgiving of older recordings. I use my senns for everything else. I still hate Grado's idea of ergonomics...

 

[Audio Redneck]

Thanks Jon, and the rest of you guys, too! I just hope the Alessandro web-site still has free shipping by the time I'm ready to order.

No to go research those Grado mods.......

Oh, before I forget, r4z0r, I got all my info by comparing the Alessandro, Grado, and Headroom web-sites.

 

[morphsci]

I will go one step further. The MS-I is the best deal in grado type headphones. It is better than the SR-125 if you like a more balanced frequency presentation. IMO this is because it has a better midrange presentation than the 125 and that results in the frequency presentation sounding both more balanced and more cohesive. IMO.

As far as the MS-II compared to the 325. The highs are not as pronounced but again this is most likely due to the better midrange presentation. Clarity is about the same, as is soundstaging and bass presentation. IMO.

 

[Beagle]

Here's a comparison...

Alessandro/Grado = Camaro/Firebird or Topaz/Tempo

"I'm a Pontiac guy"

"Chevy for me!"

The fellow working the assembly line has a good snicker...

 

[morphsci]

Quote:

Originally posted by Beagle Here's a comparison... Alessandro/Grado = Camaro/Firebird or Topaz/Tempo "I'm a Pontiac guy" "Chevy for me!" The fellow working the assembly line has a good snicker...

Exactly, but remember "Life exists in the details". Both the Alessandro's and the Grado's still have the Grado sound but differ in details of presentation.

Better analogy Mustang/Shelby Mustang.

Bottom line as far as the MS-I, is you get the sound of the 125 but not the cost.

P.S. I own all of the Alessandro/Grado phones. IMO the MS-I is the price/performance leader of the line.

 

[Audio Redneck]

Thanks for the input.

So besides Jon, who ownes (or has owned) a pair of MS-1's (or MS-2's for that matter)?

 

[skippy]

i've got the MS-1 as well as the sr125. they're the same as far as i can tell.

 

[Pepsione1]

I am very interested to know their differences too. I am about to buy either the MS-1 or SR125 but so far I am still undecided. Anyone know any place where I can MS-1 for a good price? Did someone mentioned free shipping?