[Grateful Ed]

I've been drooling over the Grado RS2is for a while now, and I recently discovered the Alessandro Music Series. The RS2i is a little on the pricey side for me, but from what I've read the Grado 325is would be too bright for my taste. The 225i sounds appealing, but if I'm spending a couple hundred dollars on a pair of headphones I want a real leather headband and some quality materials (not a bunch of plastic). You can see my dilemma here.. That's why I've been thinking about the Alessandro MS2. I've heard the Alessandro MS2 is like the 325is, but with a smoother top end. If that is the case how does it stack up to the RS2i?
 
I mostly listen to classic rock (CCR, Pink Floyd, The Dead, The Band, Bob Dylan, etc), jazz (mostly Miles Davis and other 50's jazz), and bluegrass.
 
Thanks for the help!

 

[Aerial Wave]

Hey Ed, welcome to headfi. 
 
Personal opinion, the RS2 are more fun and engaging than the MS2, which is more neutral and a smooth sounding headphone. People who don't like the treble on the grado usually go for alessandro.
 
This is my limited experience, i know other guys have more than me. 

 

[Grateful Ed]

Thanks for the reply and the welcome to head fi. I read through quite a few forums on here, so I figured it was time to actually join the community. I've never heard a pair of Grados. I'm not particularly a fan of bright sounding audio, but I've heard the RS2i manages to smooth out the top end a bit (most likely due to the wood cups), but still retain the clarity and detail that Grados are known for. I've been leaning toward the RS2i, but saving $200 is also pretty appealing.. The Grados sound appealing because I won't be able to buy an amp for a while and 32ohms will be efficient enough to run straight out of my computer.

 

[cel4145]

You might find some comparisons by searching this thread: http://www.head-fi.org/t/530965/grado-fan-club