How to visually differentiate a MS2 from a MS2i ?

[fkclo]

This may be dump.

People are talking about MS2i but from Alessandro website only MS2 is listed. I bought a pair used which was purchased recently by another head-fier and the box say Musical Series Two, and the cans looks exactly what is shown on Alessandro website.

So, may I ask if the MS2i is a current production, or just a notation of the more recent, improved version compared to the original generation ?

And how can I visually spot the difference between a MS2i and a MS2 ? Nothing serious but I just want to know what exactly have I bought. The original owner does not seem to know. It sound surprising good though, especially considering the much lower price than the other Grados I have.

Appreciate in advice for any help.

Regards,
F. Lo

 

[Alanbass1]

Isn't the MS2/i range based on the Grado 325/i?

 

[kontai69]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fkclo /img/forum/go_quote.gif I bought a pair used which was purchased recently by another head-fier and the box say Musical Series Two, and the cans looks exactly what is shown on Alessandro website.

If your used headphones look like the one pictured on Alessandro's webpage, then you have the older MS2. The MS2"i" has larger sized aluminum cups identical to the 325i except silver colored of course.

 

[apnk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kontai69 /img/forum/go_quote.gif If your used headphones look like the one pictured on Alessandro's webpage, then you have the older MS2. The MS2"i" has larger sized aluminum cups identical to the 325i except silver colored of course.

Yes the older version was lighter, but other than the size/shape they should sound the same.

 

[kramer5150]

The older MS2 has a smaller outside diameter aluminum earcup housing. The current production "MS2i" has a larger outside diameter aluminum housing. The acoustic sound chambers are identical. Reports of the larger earcup sounding different are the results of placebo-acoustics at work... IMHO

The older MS2 uses a narrow leather headband. Newer MS2i headbands are the wide version commonly found on the RS1/2.

Sonically they are identical... IMHO.

 

[3x331m]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kramer5150 /img/forum/go_quote.gif There is no such thing as an "MS2i". The "i" was pet named by forum members to distinguish the difference between MS2 production versions. The older MS2 has a smaller outside diameter aluminum earcup housing. The current production MS2 has a larger outside diameter aluminum housing. The acoustic sound chambers are identical. Reports of the larger earcup sounding different are the results of placebo-acoustics at work... IMHO The older MS2 uses a narrow leather headband. Newer MS2 headbands are the wide version commonly found on the RS1/2. Sonically they are identical... IMHO.

I'm not sure if the "i" is official or not, but the label on my box states "MS2i".

I would say that the shape of the cups differentiate the two releases.

 

[kramer5150]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3x331m /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm not sure if the "i" is official or not, but the label on my box states "MS2i". I would say that the shape of the cups differentiate the two releases.

Ahhh... I stand corrected.

The www site only lists MS2, but the box is labeled "i".

Correction noted

 

[Televator]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kramer5150 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Ahhh... I stand corrected. The www site only lists MS2, but the box is labeled "i". Correction noted

... but my box simply say 'Music Series Two' and I've got the MS2i

I understood it (according to F107plus5-lore

) as the MS2i nickname is a head-fi thing only, just to differentiate between the different visual styles. First the nickname 'fatboys' was used, but it was too long to type and soon the 'i' appeared after the official name following the SR-325->SR-325i change (which did encompass sonic differences as well as the same switch in cup-sizes)

 

[fkclo]

Thanks for all the input thus far.

Can someone be kind enough to :

a) show pics of the MS2i and MS2 cups side by side to illustrate the difference in size ? Since I do not have anything to compare I am not sure if I have a bigger or smaller cup.

b) tell me the dimension of the MS2i cup so that I can measure it myself ?

When I go to Grado's site my MS2(i) have the same cup appearance (except the colour and the lettering) and profile. Also, when compared to my RS-1 it has the same width of headband (I would say identical).

Still wondering ....

F. Lo

 

[Zorander]

This is a photo of my MS-2 (non-i). The MS-2i has a different-shaped housing which is the same shape to the SR-325i's (albeit silver-coloured).

 

[fkclo]

This is my MS2 in question.

I notice the metal cup from Zorander has a tad thicker flange. And mine has a wider sloping surface.

So, what is mine ?

F. Lo

 

[Zorander]

That's the MS-2i.

 

[fkclo]

Many thanks Zorander. This clears the cloud.

As we also say - a picture is worth a thousand words.

F. Lo

 

[deaconblues]

The difference is that the original MS2 looks better

imho of course

 

[fkclo]

I agree. The original MS2 has the shadow of the HP1000.

F. Lo