[honmashinsei]

Okay, so I've read up a lot of the threads on the forums. What I cannot figure out is which are best for my purpose. If the Alessandros are modified SR125i's, does that automatically make them better than the SR80i?

My prime music genres that I listen to are: all sorts of rock (mostly indie/alternative), dubstep, electronica/IDM, (minimal)techno. So I enjoy a fair share of bass, instrument separation, clarity and details.

My source will be FLAC files, and I'm not planning to get an amp very soon. Source will then be unamped 120gb iPod Classic 6G or unamped Sony Vaio FW laptop.

I've read that the Alessandros are more "analytical" and "rounded" (what does that mean?), and the Grados more "fun, in-your-face, involving, etc.". But I would not want to miss out on the good price on the Alessandros (which are said to be modified SR125i's right?) if they are much better than the Grados.

Which one are be the best for me?

Please help me out, it will be very greatly appreciated

Thanks!

 

[Drubbing]

Either, although the MS1 is better value, and just as fun sounding. The MS1 are not more analytical, that's just someone applying a listening opinion. They're smoother and more neutral, as in less accentuated highs, which is something that some people don't like in Grados.

The more questions you ask here, the more opinions and confused you'll get. If the MS1 is in your budget, get it. There is not a world shaking amount of difference in basic sound sig between them.

 

[Ninkul]

They're both good, they're different sound signiatures. Some prefer the MS1, some prefer the SR80. Either way, i'm sure you'll be happy with your purchase

.

Note: Many people enjoy the MS1's with the donut pads (incl me) which i believe they don't come with (My MS-1i's didn't come with them).

 

[sampson_smith]

x3 on buying the MS-1i. Superior, in a noticeable way, to the SR-80.

x2 on the L-cushions ("donut pads"). They make a big difference to clarity.

 

[honmashinsei]

Thanks for the help guys. But is the MS-1i also "the best" for my music tastes?

Where would one go buying these "donut" pads? Any recommended links?

-edit- Are these 'em?

Grado - Replacement Ear Cushions - Large (SR225i, SR325i, RS2i, RS1i, SR80i, SR125i) - Turntablelab.com

 

[iHelp]

TTVJ, Headroom, Amazon... too many. They are always $20 USD.
Quote:

Originally Posted by okthxbye /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for the help guys. Where would one go buying these "donut" pads? Any recommended links?

 

[Bilavideo]

Correct me if I'm wrong but the SR-80i is an SR-80 upgraded with the new wire (six connector cable) but downgraded with respect to the cushion (S-Cush from the old SR-60 instead of the L-Cush doughnuts that used to come with the 80. The MS1 is Alessandro's Grado (Alessandro is a music store that Grado sells through). If you look at the specs, it has the same features as the old SR-125. I don't know what the new cables are worth, but if you can get a 125 for the price of an 80, that looks like a no-brainer.

 

[Takahashi]

No the SR80i still uses the 4 connector cable, the housing chamber though is bigger, the size of the 325i.

 

[Bilavideo]

Then I'd go with the MS1i. The size of a plastic air chamber makes little difference unless the comparison involves a plastic chamber, like those old iGrados, that wasn't porous to begin with. If you want a really large plastic chamber, buy an SR-60 and take the back off completely, then glue the headband prongs to the cushions.

 

[honmashinsei]

Okay, and the MS1i comes with "flat" cushions, so I should buy those "donut" ones I've posted earlier to improve the sound?

 

[sampson_smith]

I would most certainly support this decision.

 

[Palpatine]

See how you like them as they are...you can always fork out the $20 later for the pads once you are used to the stock sound.

 

[sampson_smith]

True. I would learn to appreciate what they are all about stock, before upgrading and really noticing where the differences/improvements lie.

 

[honmashinsei]

The thing is, the MS-1i has a 1/4" plug. I'm gonna order a Grados 1/4" > 1/8" cable from turntablelab (link that I've posted above). Then I'll immediately get the donuts with those too, saves me some shipping

 

[Takahashi]

Right now on the site if you're not buying the "i" model, it comes with at 1/8" with the full size adapter.