DocHamm
500+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2007
- Posts
- 955
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To clarify, this is a request for help!! I am trying to decide on a new pair of headphones and need advice on these. Would some head-fiers mind sharing some info, advice and opinions? Please??
Grados vs Alessandro
Some basic principles:
Sound Quality (Clarity, Bass/Midrange/Treble)
Comfort (long hours?)
Amplification Requirements (?)
Grado vs Alessandro
*As compared to Koss KSC35/PortaPro/KSC75
Of Grado, I have listened to the SR125 & SR225. I noticed an appreciative difference in SQ and SS in the 225's. SS you say? I think in this instance it was the source (Muddy Waters). There was a HUGE difference in the presence of the music going from the 125's to the 225's listening to Muddy. Listening to Jake Shimabukro, the difference was significantly less.
Where do the other models fall in reference to the 125/225 sound? I have been told the 325i's are brighter, bordering on too bright. Upper frequencies can cause me serious vibrations in my inner ear, either just discomfort up to pain. Does that leave the 325i's out?
I've heard the SR60/SR80 are significantly different, the 80's with fuller sound and more comfortable. How do they relate to the 125/225?
I've noticed a number of MS-1 lovers here, especially many upgrading from Koss. I've been a Koss fan, so I'll start there. Is there improved bass over the 225's to a closer Koss sound? I love my PortaPro and KSC35's but my Portas are getting old (23 years+) and the bass is getting a bit floaty/mushy. The KSC35's sound great; I love them for my iPod on the go (I have a Shellbrook but prefer not to carry all that stuff). How does the bass on the MS-1 compare to the 225? To the PortaPro? Is bass more or less? Any midrange/treble loss or gain?
Basically I am trying to pick a respectable pair of headphones for home use. I was about to buy the SR225's, but when I went to the last local shop, they were already gone, out of business. I had hoped to listen to a few other headphones, but that's no longer possible. To note, I've also listened to the Senn PX100 and HD495. The PX100 was fine, but I already have the Koss for on-the-go. The HD495 were a bit large and, I think, beat up. They seemed decent, albeit very bassy, but the volume was quite loud and no volume conrtol. My main concerns are size and sound quality. I have neck and head problems so heavier phones are out as I can end up with severe headaches or neck pain in as little as 30-60 min. As for sound, I prefer clarity. Not antiseptic, but not over done in any particular area. Good bass, not overly deep and not real boomy. Good mids; I like clean vocals that are not "in-the-back-of-the-room" sounding. Good highs, just not overly bright or tinny. Some frequencies and pitches can cause my inner ear to vibrate (like a humming bird in my ear canal) and go from annoying to painful. Ergo my trying to use the Koss here as a point of reference. From what I've read about Grado and Alessandro, they sound like what I am looking for, but I'd like more opinions.
Lastly, as for budget, let's say $100-200 range. As for amplification, I have been considering the HeadRoom AMP/DAC combos for desktop. I've also given consideration to the Audio-Technica AT-HA25D and Fubar, but I'd have to buy a separate AMP and DAC to get 24-bit from Fubar. I've read reviews on others, including the Benchmark, but prefer to keep the cost under $800 and, if possible, have USB as well as digital connections.
Hopefully I haven't throw in too many questions, but when it comes to my listening pleasure, I am very picky. I prefer to be patient and hopefully happier in the long run rather than to buy on urge and sit in disappointment. So please, tell me everything about these headphones and/or what you would recommend. Also I would like to know about the Grado mods. Are they worth it? I certain like the looks, but I'm not sure some of those upgrades would be worth it considering they could go 3-5x the cost of the headphone. Thanks for all the input!!
Music Preferences: New-Age, Electronica, Rock, Jazz, Classical
[Mostly in that order but I love all kinds of music!]
Grados vs Alessandro
Some basic principles:
Sound Quality (Clarity, Bass/Midrange/Treble)
Comfort (long hours?)
Amplification Requirements (?)
Grado vs Alessandro
*As compared to Koss KSC35/PortaPro/KSC75
Of Grado, I have listened to the SR125 & SR225. I noticed an appreciative difference in SQ and SS in the 225's. SS you say? I think in this instance it was the source (Muddy Waters). There was a HUGE difference in the presence of the music going from the 125's to the 225's listening to Muddy. Listening to Jake Shimabukro, the difference was significantly less.
Where do the other models fall in reference to the 125/225 sound? I have been told the 325i's are brighter, bordering on too bright. Upper frequencies can cause me serious vibrations in my inner ear, either just discomfort up to pain. Does that leave the 325i's out?
I've heard the SR60/SR80 are significantly different, the 80's with fuller sound and more comfortable. How do they relate to the 125/225?
I've noticed a number of MS-1 lovers here, especially many upgrading from Koss. I've been a Koss fan, so I'll start there. Is there improved bass over the 225's to a closer Koss sound? I love my PortaPro and KSC35's but my Portas are getting old (23 years+) and the bass is getting a bit floaty/mushy. The KSC35's sound great; I love them for my iPod on the go (I have a Shellbrook but prefer not to carry all that stuff). How does the bass on the MS-1 compare to the 225? To the PortaPro? Is bass more or less? Any midrange/treble loss or gain?
Basically I am trying to pick a respectable pair of headphones for home use. I was about to buy the SR225's, but when I went to the last local shop, they were already gone, out of business. I had hoped to listen to a few other headphones, but that's no longer possible. To note, I've also listened to the Senn PX100 and HD495. The PX100 was fine, but I already have the Koss for on-the-go. The HD495 were a bit large and, I think, beat up. They seemed decent, albeit very bassy, but the volume was quite loud and no volume conrtol. My main concerns are size and sound quality. I have neck and head problems so heavier phones are out as I can end up with severe headaches or neck pain in as little as 30-60 min. As for sound, I prefer clarity. Not antiseptic, but not over done in any particular area. Good bass, not overly deep and not real boomy. Good mids; I like clean vocals that are not "in-the-back-of-the-room" sounding. Good highs, just not overly bright or tinny. Some frequencies and pitches can cause my inner ear to vibrate (like a humming bird in my ear canal) and go from annoying to painful. Ergo my trying to use the Koss here as a point of reference. From what I've read about Grado and Alessandro, they sound like what I am looking for, but I'd like more opinions.
Lastly, as for budget, let's say $100-200 range. As for amplification, I have been considering the HeadRoom AMP/DAC combos for desktop. I've also given consideration to the Audio-Technica AT-HA25D and Fubar, but I'd have to buy a separate AMP and DAC to get 24-bit from Fubar. I've read reviews on others, including the Benchmark, but prefer to keep the cost under $800 and, if possible, have USB as well as digital connections.
Hopefully I haven't throw in too many questions, but when it comes to my listening pleasure, I am very picky. I prefer to be patient and hopefully happier in the long run rather than to buy on urge and sit in disappointment. So please, tell me everything about these headphones and/or what you would recommend. Also I would like to know about the Grado mods. Are they worth it? I certain like the looks, but I'm not sure some of those upgrades would be worth it considering they could go 3-5x the cost of the headphone. Thanks for all the input!!
Music Preferences: New-Age, Electronica, Rock, Jazz, Classical
[Mostly in that order but I love all kinds of music!]
