[Graz]

Well, I had intended to return a certain pair of recently purchased ATH-EW9's <about which I have no further comment>...but the return turned into an exchange.

I'd never owned a pair of Grado/Alessandro, and the MS-2i's were in stock & available for demo. A brief listen intrigued me enough to give 'em a shot, but I knew even before I'd handed over the cash that these were destined for a trip to Larry at Headphile.

I ended up choosing the Zeta bowls and the Woody/Recable upgrade. I chose paduak for the wood & the cables will be 2-meter BlackMax. If everything goes according to plan, I should have 'em back in 10-12 days.

I did do some thread searching here before I clicked "Send" on the PayPal payment... I know Larry has a good reputation here, and I've no doubt that he does (and will do) quality work. But I guess I'm lookin' for some warm fuzzy here... I just dropped $419 on upgrades for a set of cans that I only paid about $245 for. Somebody please tell me I'm not too crazy here...

My logic <if you can call it that> & decision to go for it were based on the following:
- I like custom stuff
- From what I've read, the cable upgrade will make a significant difference.
- Comfort will increase exponentially & the ported feature allows for some interesting bass-tweakin' opportunities
- I'm unsure about the sonic impact of the woody upgrade (if any), but I think it looks pretty sweet, and as I said, I like custom stuff.
- quality, custom work performed by a reputable individual is worth the extra cost

Anyway, I gotta say I'm stoked...I can't wait to see/wear/hear 'em! I'll post some pics & impressions when they arrive.

Peace,

Graz

 

[Jahn]

im looking forward to your impressions, i think thats a pretty maxxed out combo!

 

[h-man]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graz I just dropped $419 on upgrades for a set of cans that I only paid about $245 for. Somebody please tell me I'm not too crazy here... Graz

Can't tell you you're not crazy! Did you not consider getting the RS-1?

 

[fatp3nguin]

Honestly? I think you're positively mad =P.

Of course, that's only because I wish I had that sort of disposable income

.

 

[Graz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by h-man Can't tell you you're not crazy! Did you not consider getting the RS-1?

Oh, no doubt the thought crossed my mind... I've seen at least one comment that indicated a Headphile-recabled MS-2 hung pretty tough with an RS-1...I don't know how true that might be.

Also, If I'd gone with the RS-1, I would STILL have wanted some work done at Headphile (comfies & re-cable)...so this still represents a net savings for me.

Peace,

Graz

 

[Azure]

I assume you got your MS-2i's used for that price? If not, mind telling me where you got them?

 

[Graz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azure I assume you got your MS-2i's used for that price? If not, mind telling me where you got them?

Not used... brand new at www.hifi.com.tw here in Taipei. Price shown on their website (which was the price I paid) is 7800 NT which equals just a shade under $245 USD.

Edit:
Here's a more direct link: http://www.hifi.com.tw/adm_product/a...txtBranuniq=18

Peace,

Graz

 

[brb9911]

No, you're not crazy. I've read here that a few people feel -- albeit subjectively -- that the MS-2/MS-2i have "90%" the sound of the PS-1.

If one buys into that assumption, and the recable improves the sound even by 5% (and i've been told it's more than that), theoretically you could be close to the sound of the PS-1 for half the price.

Theoretically.

At least that's my hope. I can temporarily bear to separate with mine now that the e4's have landed, and am sending my cans to Larry next week for the BlackMax recable as well. Even if I don't get the PS-1 sound, I may come close and regardless my cans will still improve. I am equally stoked!

 

[Azure]

Thanks for the link, Graz. That's so much cheaper than the $299 at the official website; I wonder if that place ships to the U.S...

 

[Graz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azure Thanks for the link, Graz. That's so much cheaper than the $299 at the official website; I wonder if that place ships to the U.S...

I'm almost certain they do...send them an email. They can read & respond in English.

Peace,

Graz

 

[Graz]

Small correction to my initial post... I ended up going with the ported Zeta bowls. Anyone with experience & recomendations with the ported c-pads? Please share...

Peace,

Graz