[volntitan]

I'm baaaaack. I thought I would start another thread since the post in the other one was just getting lost.

I know...all patience is gone, but I think with all the research that I have decided that I need not worry about bothering others and should go with the best sound. If I need isolation, that is what my Futuresonics are for. Plus I can use them when walking the dog so I can hear oncoming cars. So here is what I'm looking at:

Grado 60i - $79. Great reviews but concerned about the harsh highs, but could afford to also buy the different cushions that some say you should have.

Grado 80i - $99. Again great reviews, but are they $20 better than the 60i?

Alessandro MS-1i - $109. Out of my budget, but heck, I'll take my lunch next week. Again...are they that much better than the others to justify the extra $40 over the 60i.

I listen to everything from Beck, AC/DC, Van Halan, Clapton, even electronica stuff. Want good seperation/soundstage and nice bass. Need comfort as well. My daughter's ES7's were uncomfortable for me after awhile. I know that there are a bunch of mods out there for these headphones, but don't really want to spend extra to make them sound "better". Looking for good sound out of the box.

These are the 3 that alot of folks suggest in that $100 range, but will take all suggestions to heart.

Thanks.......again.....

 

[Drubbing]

When I can hear $20-40 worth of difference to a $ between headphones, I'll let you know. There will not be massive differences between them, depsite protestations here, where people blow up the the small differences into religious wars.

I'd go with the one that's best value. The MS1.

 

[volntitan]

But based on your post, wouldn't the 60i's be the best value since you can't really hear a $40 difference? Not trying to be difficult, but just wondering what makes the MS-1i the best value. Not like I am looking to spend extra, if ya know what I mean

 

[MomijiTMO]

He's heard it and owned it. One should only recommend things they have heard. Seeing he also has a RS2, I'll take a stab that he things the MS1 is pretty damn good, relative to it.

 

[volntitan]

I was just wanting a clarification on what he thought made the MS-1 the best value of the three...

 

[K_19]

I personally wouldn't recommend any of those Grados/Alessandros if bass and comfort are important to you. I used to own the SR60 and as they are supraaural I did not find them any more comfortable than the ES7 I own now, they clamp and pressure about the same amount. If you liked the ES7 amount of bass none of the three will be able to bring you that amount, either. I would personally recommend D1001 for your needs, as it's got satisfying bass (more lowbass than ES7 but bit less midbass... and have about similar amount overall) and is very comfortable to wear over long periods.

 

[nhancakes]

i recommend the d1001. I had the alessandro ms-1 with bowl pads, they weren't comfortable, but they're tolerable; the regular pads that come with them were unacceptable to me; when I bought the sr60 two years back, they hurt my ears after one Boston album so I returned them.

 

[roker]

My favorite equation for these types of threads:

If the MS1i = 125i, then buy it!

 

[charliex]

I noticed a significant difference between my SR-60 and SR-125, and love my SR-125 and MS1 that is based on the same driver.

 

[volntitan]

But sounds like the MS1 isn't very comfortable....

 

[pedxing]

I remember sr-80 and sr-60 not having a big difference. Going from either of those to the sr-125 is a big difference. And going up to next level of grados headphones has some significant differences too. My head doesn't find the grados comfortable, but everyone's head is different.

 

[volntitan]

What is it that is uncomfortable about the Grados to you? I have a larger head, so bit concerned...

 

[Ra97oR]

If comfort is rather important, I would recommend D1001. They are a bit dark with a fun sound sig, not exactly neutral but its a joy to listen to.

 

[mritt400]

Quote:

Originally Posted by volntitan /img/forum/go_quote.gif But sounds like the MS1 isn't very comfortable....

They're not, especially with bowls. Sound - good, Comfort - Fail... I love mine regardless however. Pleasure and pain...

 

[volntitan]

Well I'm torn now. I want the best sound I can for my type of music in my budget, but certainly don't want discomfort after listening for a bit.