I want a new pair of cans, unamped, <$200

[GreatDane]

I hate to barge in on this thread but how much of an improvement is there going from the MS1 to MS2?(maybe I should start a new topic?) ~-~ thanks if you can help.

I'm itching to buy a new can and it's between the MS2 & 2005 DT-990...strange competition eh?

I should add that I like a bright sound...plenty of sparkle for me please

 

[003]

I suggest an MS-1.

 

[GreatDane]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 003 I suggest an MS-1.

Because?---not worth the xtra $200??

 

[003]

I didn't read the whole thread, only the first few posts. Of course if you can afford it, an MS-2i or SR-225 would be better, but they can be bright.

 

[syndrome]

I'm a little surprised there hasn't been any discussion of Sennheiser.
This forum is all for Grado!

 

[1117]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreatDane Because?---not worth the xtra $200??

Personally, I enjoy the MS1, though I have never heard the MS2.

I have done lots of research myself on whether it would be worth upgrading to the MS2, but basically, the consensus seems to be that if you own the MS1, then a NOTICEABLE upgrade would be the MS Pro, not the MS2. Sure, you will get improvement over the MS1 if you buy the MS2, but is it worth it? Only if you don't own the MS1 already, I would say. (Of course, if I got one as a gift, I'd be jumping for joy!)

In my opinion, when upgrading, it's always best to skip one or two models in the line to really NOTICE a difference. And I'd apply this theory to all brands, not just this one.

 

[MaZa]

Get Alessandro (Have to order from Alessandro website.) or Grado (Found in almost all well supplied hifi stores, but are WAY overpriced if live outside of USA). Dont do Sennheiser for metal, they lack energy and prat for metal. This comes from hard to the core oldskool blackmetal and deathmetal fan who got very dissapointed with HD595, the "energiest" of Sennheiser line... Very good cans, but NOT for metal.


Oh, and Alessandro website is this: http://www.alessandro-products.com/main.html


Quote:

I'm a little surprised there hasn't been any discussion of Sennheiser. This forum is all for Grado!

Not exactly. When its about rock or metal or any guitar driven music that is dominated by midrange and treble sound (even some Jazz) and tight bass kicking, Grado and their modified line by Alessandro rules the discussion, and for good reason. As i said, Sennheisers lack energy. They are bit bassy, warm and soothing sounding. Very comfortable to listen and good detail, but simply 0 energy for rock and metal. The warm bassiness also takes life away from guitar distortions and such. They work wonderfully for classical and such, a genre where grados are NOT good at.

 

[GreatDane]

Thanks for replies in response to my query.

Yes MaZa, I've have that link and my trigger finger is getting itchy.(insert evil smilie).

 

[syndrome]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaZa Get Alessandro (Have to order from Alessandro website.) or Grado (Found in almost all well supplied hifi stores, but are WAY overpriced if live outside of USA). Dont do Sennheiser for metal, they lack energy and prat for metal. This comes from hard to the core oldskool blackmetal and deathmetal fan who got very dissapointed with HD595, the "energiest" of Sennheiser line... Very good cans, but NOT for metal. Oh, and Alessandro website is this: http://www.alessandro-products.com/main.html

I see, good to hear from someone with similar taste

Since kvlt black- and death metal is what I listen to most, I think you're right about the Grado's.

Grado SR60's it is, i think! My first Grado's

I hope they do good together with a Soundblaster X-Fi XtremeMusic.

I can find the Grado's in different local stores, so I rather have that than the Alessandro. Or is it that the Alessandro's are much better?

I sent a mail to a local store and asked if I could try the Grado's before buying. Appearently they have a special signature

(P.S If someone still has something to say about the SR80's VS. SR60's, please do).

 

[MaZa]

If you are outside of USA, you get better headphone from Alessandro for the same money you have to pay for SR60. Between SR80 and Alessandro, its matter of taste i believe. SR80 are brighter, where Alessandro are tweaked for more balanced sound. Its sad you cant compare them directly since Alessandro are only online ordering...

And yes, all Grados work fine without amplifier. While some amplification might improve them, they are very efficient cans and work well out of practically any source, be it weak or not. X-Fi should be more than enough.

 

[RedLeader]

You never actually mentioned if you wanted open or closed headphones. If you want open then IMO MS1 > sr60 > sr80. I personally found the sr80 with the bowls to be far to bright. If you're looking closed, perhaps an A900 or HD25-1?

 

[syndrome]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedLeader You never actually mentioned if you wanted open or closed headphones. If you want open then IMO MS1 > sr60 > sr80. I personally found the sr80 with the bowls to be far to bright. If you're looking closed, perhaps an A900 or HD25-1?

I noticed that just now.
Open or closed doesn't matter at all, I will use them at home, in my room.

 

[MaZa]

Oh yeah, i forgot the openess issue! Grados leak sound outside out (only issue if there is someone with you in your room and your music REALLY bothers him) and in quite a lot so if your computer has loud fans, their hum might disturb some more silent parts of music.


*edit* NVM, if its not an issue.

 

[1117]

It is PRECISELY because he wants to use them unamped that I, once again, recommend the MS1 because, as MaZa said, they are tweaked to sound more balanced (the Grados are brighter, as he said). Also, the MS1 don't sound bad at all with some classical pieces. Sure, Sennheiser is better at this, but I like to listen to both Rock and Orchestral music (Rock being my main taste, orchestral more of a leisure thing). The reason why Sennheiser is better for this is because the MS1 has a very limited soundstage (Grados as well) whereas with Sennheisers you can actually feel like you are in some sort of large hall.

But for rock, forget about it, no contest. Grados or Alessandro's highly recommended. I won't say anymore because I'm sickening people with how I praise the MS1 all the time...

...which I am listening to right now, by the way.

 

[RedLeader]

IMO, my HD25-1 trounce my old MS-1, but I prefer the sonic signature of closed cans.