Help! I need suggestions, I nearly bought Bose.

[Televator]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alaric /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm hearing a lot of votes for Grado, but you all seem to be suggesting the lower end models rather than the ones that fit my allowed budget. any reason for this?

do not forget about the Alessandros (they are actually a variation on Grados) but have a bit more low-freq (well, a bit less sharp highs mainly)... I'd recommend the $299 MS2, but as I said, they'd really shine when coupled to a slightly warmer amp like the HeadFive, but that would be another $200. This is mostly the reason why only lower-end models would be recommended. Higher end models really come to life when amped, which would take them beyond your budget...

 

[F107plus5]

As mentioned; the Alessandro MS2i are real winners. Even the sunflowers luv 'em, and so do I! I would heartedly suggest you take a closer look at them too.

The bass is the only reason I didn't mention them earlier. But it's true; a lot of folks have replied after getting Grado/Alessandros, that the bass is a lot better than they'd expected and that after getting used to hearing tight accurate bass rather than the flabby overbearing stuff from some cans, that not being overwhelmed by the bass is not a bad thing.

Grado has a similar aluminum housing version; the SR-325i, and it's tuned more to having fun with slightly more emphasis on the highs than MS2i. Both would well be worth a look. The only drawback is that these cans, although happy without an amp; sure appreciate having one!

In which case a look at the Alessandro MS-1 might be fun, and an amp is less important.

Be careful though; MS-1 can be very addictive!

 

[werdwerdus]

I actually think the Grado SR60 has a very good bass quantity and quality. It's amped with a HeadFive though...

 

[goldenratiophi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alaric /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm hearing a lot of votes for Grado, but you all seem to be suggesting the lower end models rather than the ones that fit my allowed budget. any reason for this?

Well while Grados have many fans, there are some people who absolutely despise them, and so it's probably best to try a lower end model first.

Secondly, all it takes is an SR60 to blow the Triports out of the water

 

[theBigD]

grados were my first audiophile headphone. i got sr-125 because of the better voice coil. they will certainly satisfy your craving for headbanging good sound. my only issue with them is comfort, the pads rest right on the ear, secondly, listening in puplic can annoy others because the sound leaks so much, but sometimes this is the desired effect

for the public and traveling you might look into in ear monitors like etymotic er4p or ultimate ears super pro 5. the etys are more detailed and i like better for heavy metal but they are a little bass shy. they also seal out the outside world entirely and the soundstage is a little congested because of this. the super pro 5 has a broader soundstage and better bass, also more comfortable for me, but the highs are a bit rolled off and just not as detailed. either headphone blows away the bose tri-port. ive had all these headphones in last six months. for sound i rate grados #1, ety #2, super pro #3. be prepared to experiment a little, one headphone might sound excellent by itself but when compared to another you might prefer the sound signature of the new headphone or comfort a little better. this is what i like about headphones, you learn alot about yourself and your experience of music through them.

 

[kipman725]

hmm I didn't like the Sr-60's but my sister seems to like them and there her headphones. I found the treble to be quite nasty and distorted in the very high frequancys which gave me a headache, they were also uncomfortable and the y split in the cable seems not a very good design, as does the whole flimsey headband thing they have got going. I don't think many people will notice the high frequancy problems though as I still have my full hearing range and it was right at the limit of that.

 

[xnothingpoetic]

I think i share similar taste in music with you and I recently got the Alessandro ms-1 and I just can't put them down. Although I don't think they work for the more hardcore metal imo. that's why i'm looking for something with a little more bass for my metal to go along with the ms-1.

but you wont be disappointed and for only $99 shipped any where in the world, it's just a great deal.

ps. also like others have said, you wont be able to use these in public as they leak a LOT of sound. but should be great for at home.

 

[Alaric]

after considering all your suggestions, im leaning towards the alessandros

just a couple more questions: i understand that the alessandros are just modded grados, what exactly is modded? i read one of you saying earlier that the lows and highs were handled a bit differently, but could anybody clarify this for me?

also, are the MS2 really worth 200 bucks more than the MS1?

the way it looks right now, ill be going for the MS1 plus an amp(since so many of you suggest an amp) so then my next question would be... what amp?

edit: thought of another question... How long are the cords?

 

[qazwsx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alaric /img/forum/go_quote.gif after considering all your suggestions, im leaning towards the alessandros just a couple more questions: i understand that the alessandros are just modded grados, what exactly is modded? i read one of you saying earlier that the lows and highs were handled a bit differently, but could anybody clarify this for me? also, are the MS2 really worth 200 bucks more than the MS1? the way it looks right now, ill be going for the MS1 plus an amp(since so many of you suggest an amp) so then my next question would be... what amp? edit: thought of another question... How long are the cords?

It means modded, as in modification. They changed around a few things to make it sound different.

 

[xnothingpoetic]

if you get the ms2 you will probably want an amp but the ms1 dosn't really NEED an amp to shine.

but if you are looking for an amp, people will suggest amps such as: go vibe v6, headfive (?), and pa2v2

EDIT: the cords are too long for portable use but are great for at home (i think like 6 feet?)... taller than me though

 

[Alaric]

Quote:

Originally Posted by qazwsx /img/forum/go_quote.gif It means modded, as in modification. They changed around a few things to make it sound different.

i meant how do they sound different, what is modified about them

 

[F107plus5]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alaric /img/forum/go_quote.gif after considering all your suggestions, im leaning towards the alessandros just a couple more questions: i understand that the alessandros are just modded grados, what exactly is modded? i read one of you saying earlier that the lows and highs were handled a bit differently, but could anybody clarify this for me? also, are the MS2 really worth 200 bucks more than the MS1? the way it looks right now, ill be going for the MS1 plus an amp(since so many of you suggest an amp) so then my next question would be... what amp? edit: thought of another question... How long are the cords?

Good questions! The main difference between Grado and Alessandro is in the sound. The Alessandros are more neutral and analytical due to a driver that is designed to be different sounding. It uses the same materials as the SR-125 but the tuning is different. The highs are toned down a bit which takes away a bit of the "fun" that the Grados are noted for, but the phones are now capable of handling a wider range of music in the minds of a lot of listeners. The bass is tight and accurate and not the least bit overbearing, but there are a few variations in the way the SR60 through SR-125 bass is presented, so it's a question which of the four cans has the "best" bass . And for some reason the sensitivity is 2db better than SR-125.

Is the MS2i worth $200 more than MS-1? If you talk about just the sound; probably not, or; maybe. If you add the beautiful aluminum housings and the wider more luxurious headband and a better level of workmanship, then in a lot of minds it certainly is worth the extra cash. In my opinion the MS2i also responds better to an amp than MS-1.

 

[Alaric]

well... i think ill be ordering the MS-1s, thanks for all your suggestions and info guys, you've been a HUGE help. I'll just get the headphones for now, and ill consider an amp later after i get them and read more about the subject. who knows, maybe ill regret not getting the 2i's and you'll see a set of 1s for sale soemtimes soon, hehe.

once again, thanks for all the help you've given, any last words of advice?

 

[Uncle Erik]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alaric /img/forum/go_quote.gif once again, thanks for all the help you've given, any last words of advice?

I think you'll be happy with your choice; the MS-1 is an excellent headphone. If you've never heard a "good" headphone before, you'll be blown away. And then you'll have to tell us all about it.

The Grado/Alessando line scales well. If you like the MS-1, you'll have a clear upgrade path. Yeah, it can be tough on a wallet, but you will be rewarded for what you spend.

About the amps, Grados love vacuum tubes. Some portable amps were recommended earlier... they're OK. But what you really want is a desktop amp with some tubes in it. No need to buy one right now, but keep it in the back of your mind. If you want to keep the price down, give some consideration to building an amp. Read up on them, take a deep breath, take it slow, and you'll have something you'll be proud of and sounds great. They're not that difficult. Give it some thought and check out the DIY section.

 

[slwiser]

I had a Grado SR-80 for years. I think the MS1 is near it in sound. So you will have a headphone that will be very entertaining.

Enjoy the music.