Alessandro MS1000 and MS Ultimate - DIY & modding [56K warning]

[NoXter]

Read the improvements on their website and you'll know.  

 

[nickchen]

Can't be bothered 

 

[Flipjack]

These v3.5 Magnums' sound signature is very different from the agressive Grado's. The Magnums are smooth and rich sounding, with great bass response, treble levels are around that of the MS-1000, only sweeter and more detailed. The mids are really to die for. To me it really sounds like an MS-1000 on steroids, but it isn't out of control at all. It is a bit loud, but that keeps it fun I am really enjoying this  
 
eye candy:

 

[nickchen]

I would have died to listen to that a while ago. Got a bot "saturized" meanwhile though. You're a lucky pig anyway, Flipjack!!!
 
Does it have a brighter tonality than the MS1K, or is it just the same with more PRaT?

 

[Flipjack]

It's not brighter, but instruments (and separation) are clearer. Sound signature is quite warm actually and everything sounds full, it makes the MS-1000 sound flat. It is much more dynamic than the MS-1000, that was a really nice discovery. The Magnum can really grab you. It really takes the MS-1000 and improves it on all points (as I said, this is what I was looking for in the MS-Ultimate, but didn't find). I'm very happy with it
 
(so thanks again Nico for discovering what distancers and lined jumbo pads can do 

 and what's the deal with vintage orho's that made you deny everything dynamic (except for maybe MS Ultimate)?)

 

[perkabrod]

1 year have gone since I did this mod to my MS1i
 
Here's the photo again, distancers and also hole punch mod for more bass (4 holes per driver)

 
Today a friend came over with his newly bought Grado SR80. I tried them and was SHOCKED, my MS1k sounded like a muddy mess. So, I remove the MS1K mod, however the punch hole cannot be undone... It was nothing like what I remember them to sound like. I know what speakers break in and when my MS1i was new I couldn't stand it's treble, but right now it sort of lacks treble.
 
So, I was thinking buying another MS1i and doing the MS1K mod again but without the punch hole bass mod.
 
Well, I just want reintroduce myself in this old thread.... is it normal what has happened? Are my drivers done with? Too many hours on them? Will be interesting to order new ones and hear the difference. Also, I know that the Grado SR80 doesn't sound like the Alessandro MS1i but they reminded me of the treble and detail, which is completely lost on my MS1K-modded headphones as of today, and no, I didn't even use any fabric to tame highs, still they're pretty much gone.
 
Right now I'm listening with my reverted MS1i with flats and too much bass and too little overall detail... I guess I shouldn't have done the punch hole mod...

 

[theguatemalian]

I've been skimming through this thread and the MS1000 mod sounds like it rocks, do i've decided to go ahead and do it. I don't have access to woodworking toold and the like so I'd have a hard time making the distancers myself, are there any sites or people who still make/sell distancers for this mod, if so where?
 
Thanks!

 

[nickchen]

Quote:

Today a friend came over with his newly bought Grado SR80. I tried them and was SHOCKED, my MS1k sounded like a muddy mess. So, I remove the MS1K mod, however the punch hole cannot be undone... It was nothing like what I remember them to sound like. I know what speakers break in and when my MS1i was new I couldn't stand it's treble, but right now it sort of lacks treble.
 
So, I was thinking buying another MS1i and doing the MS1K mod again but without the punch hole bass mod.
 
Well, I just want reintroduce myself in this old thread.... is it normal what has happened? Are my drivers done with? Too many hours on them? Will be interesting to order new ones and hear the difference. Also, I know that the Grado SR80 doesn't sound like the Alessandro MS1i but they reminded me of the treble and detail, which is completely lost on my MS1K-modded headphones as of today, and no, I didn't even use any fabric to tame highs, still they're pretty much gone.
 

Welcome back, sorry to hear about those issues. Those symptoms rather remind me of the bad experiences I had when I tried the punch hole mod with the non-chamber systems of my Ultis, a super smooth muddy mess lacking presence. I recommend you simply close these holes again with plain tape of the better sort. It should at least roughly sound like stock again afterwards.
 
To be honest, I have some doubts that your drivers are "done" from too much usage, but of course I'm not entirely sure. 4 holes per side sounded pretty fine, also in comparison to non-modded exemplars and to my Ulti, there was no such thing as you describe there. If your suspicion of ahead-of-time aging was right, a fantastillion followers of Bilavideo's mods and several dozens of MS1K users would have a fair problem...
 
 
Quote:

I don't have access to woodworking toold and the like so I'd have a hard time making the distancers myself, are there any sites or people who still make/sell distancers for this mod, if so where?
 

apatN and me still build them from time to time, if you can bear the suboptimal €/$ exchange rate...

 
 

 

[apatN]

Grado has more energy in the treble and bass, and the SR80 is a very typical Grado for that matter. It simply carries more excitement than the MS1.

 

[nickchen]

I think they differ not that much as he describes it. A MS1000 normally isn't a dark sounding think lacking PRaT. There's obviously something wrong.

 

[perkabrod]

I cannot think of any reason why my cans would be faulty, have threated them well. However, I may add that his Grado's were brand new. I didn't like the treble harshness on them (SR80) but there was some kind of overall detail that my MS1000 certainly lacked. I should also mention I listened through my iPad, in case any impedance issue could play a role too between Alessandro/Grado.
 
I have now taken my MS1000 apart and going to fill those "punch hole mod" holes to start with.
I wonder where you all buy those beautiful wooden kits for the MS1?
 
These look amazing: (original post: http://www.head-fi.org/t/323271/alessandro-ms1000-and-ms-ultimate-diy-modding-56k-warning/2010#post_7351025 )

 

[pseudohippy]

I believe those cups are hand made by nickchen himself.

 

[theguatemalian]

Well I got some good news this week, I'm tasking a trip down to central america in a few weeks where there are carpenters galore and I can get my distancers and wooden cups made on the amazingly cheap which leads me to one question, what would be the best wood to use for both?
 
I've seen the bilavideo video and he swears by that cocobolo stuff which, I know is abundant down there, is there anything better?

 

[nickchen]

Quote:

I believe those cups are hand made by nickchen himself.

 
That's right. I did not market that agressively though, as I'm a lazy person. And I did not want to end up as unable to cope mass demand as **coughs** some other ...infamous members here. I build such stuff only unhurriedly from time to time if I get asked...

 

[nickchen]

Quote:

I've seen the bilavideo video and he swears by that cocobolo stuff which, I know is abundant down there, is there anything better?

IMO there isn't such thing as better or worse wood. Choose whatever you regard to look nice.