[Haykuro]

Right, I'm pretty much set on the grado sr-80s. I will be using them through my PC>ESI Juli@ and maybe through my iRiver at some point. - unamped. I have heard that the SR-80's are a lot worse in comparison to the SR-60s when they are unamped, is this true? I have also heard about the MS-1s and the SR125's, should I consider them as I'm on quite a tight budget

 

[J-Pak]

In my opinion the MS-1 with flat pads is an excellent performer. They are my favorite budget headphones. The comfy pads that they come with really hold them back. They are more resolving than the SR-60 and SR-80.

 

[Haykuro]

Could you please explain to me the term 'resolving' - thanks

 

[J-Pak]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haykuro /img/forum/go_quote.gif Could you please explain to me the term 'resolving' - thanks

Sure. The MS-1/flats are able to convey low level detail easier. And instrument separation is a bit more defined. The overall frequency response is slightly more linear.

All three headphones are very good value for the money.

 

[Haykuro]

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-Pak /img/forum/go_quote.gif All three headphones are very good value for the money.

That's the thing, I can easily afford the SR-80's it's just I am wondering if they'll sound bad when they're unamped.

 

[carlineng]

None of the headphones you listed require an amp to sound great.

 

[Haykuro]

Thankyou - that settles things then

. Looks like the SR-80s for me!

 

[headphonejunkie]

I love my sr80's straight out of my ipod.

 

[BrookR1]

Differences between the MS-1 and SR-80 can be found by clicking here.

Basically, it depends on what type of sound or music preferences you prefer. If you like rock and prefer a headphone with high energy and impactful bass, then the SR-80s are for you.

If you prefer a brighter, but more analytical presentation, the MS-1s would suit you well.

 

[Etrius]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haykuro /img/forum/go_quote.gif That's the thing, I can easily afford the SR-80's it's just I am wondering if they'll sound bad when they're unamped.

They will most definitely sound good unamped-- thats the strength of low impredance Grados. Now for the other side of the coin. They need lots of *current* to shine. Those same SR-80's will sound like total magic with even a cheap cmoy (Ebay Altoids amp), or Total Airhead amping the signal from your iPod.

If you can drop $40-50 bucks you'll have a portable 9-volt driven cmoy which will improve the sound coming out of you ipod/SR-80's dramatically. Trust me. The SR-80's grow some beautiful dynamics and bass response when fed with a little current. I found the combo airy and in several ways preferable to my RS-1s.

This simple combo (ipod/sr80/cmoy) launched me down the abyss of Headfi reading, research, and uprades galore. Just remember, the PERFECT sound is always just 1 upgrade away, so go for it. Good luck.

 

[riceboy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-Pak /img/forum/go_quote.gif Sure. The MS-1/flats are able to convey low level detail easier. And instrument separation is a bit more defined. The overall frequency response is slightly more linear. All three headphones are very good value for the money.

Now I am really interested in MS2i's

. J-pak is a wealth of information as well

 

[nickchen]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Etrius /img/forum/go_quote.gif If you can drop $40-50 bucks you'll have a portable 9-volt driven cmoy which will improve the sound coming out of you ipod/SR-80's dramatically. Trust me. The SR-80's grow some beautiful dynamics and bass response when fed with a little current. I found the combo airy and in several ways preferable to my RS-1s.

Agreed. Tonally, things don't chance, but a small amp adds some "air" between the notes. Unamped, the some sounds are more compressed and muddy. If the small amp is pimped up with a better opamp (e.g. opa627 or the cheaper LM4562), it even provides mentionable soundstage. Very rewarding.

 

[Haykuro]

I've just been looking around for somewhere in the UK that sells the Beyer DT770 headband but I'm having no luck. Anyone got any ideas? Thanks.

 

[peter312]

Try here

 

[Haykuro]

Thanks peter

. It's £18.74 in total, which is quite a bit more than I had hoped. Is the headband really worth it?