BrookR1
1000+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Dec 15, 2006
- Posts
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I'm not asking for advice on which one to buy...I already have both.
I'm just listing the differences I perceive between the two. So, I've heard over and over and over that the MS-1s are better than the SR-80s...and have read that they are more "laid back" and more refined, and that they lie somewhere between the SR-125s and SR-225s in terms of SQ. That they're the best headphones south of $200. Blah. Blah. Blah.
Published Specs
Here are the differences spec-wise (published sources from their respective web sites):
MS-1
Transducer type: Dynamic
Operating principle: Open air
Frequency response: 20 - 22K Hz
SPL lmV: 100
Nominal impedance: 32 Ohms
Driver match db: 0.1
Features:
- Vented diaphragm
- Non resonant air chamber
- UHPLC voice coil wire
- Standard copper connecting cord
Price: $ 99.00
SR-60
Tranducer type: dynamic
Operating principle: open air
Frequency response: 20-20
SPL 1mV: 98
Normal impedance: 32ohms
Driver matched db: .1
Price: $69....cheaper from TTVJ.
Now you may look at the freq response, and SPL and say "whoa, those are major differences, dude". Sit down Spicoli. It's not your turn to talk.
Physical Differences
Two things I noticed:
The foam pads on my MS-1s are a teensy, tiny bit firmer and the pores in the foam are a teeny bit larger. I only noticed after ABing them several times...the SR-60s felt softer compared to the MS-1s. Could be caused by usage and breakdown. So, the foam density may or may not be intentional on Grado's part. Slap on a set of 414 pads or Grado bowls like most people do, and this difference goes straight out the window.
The screen holes on the MS-1s are slightly larger. Same number of holes...it's just that the MS-1 screen is made of a different plastic material and the holes are cut out a tiny bit larger.
Oh yeah...and the "SR-60" button is missing. The button, IMO, was a way to clean up the look of the headphones...so you don't have to look at the back of the driver...and that silver thing inside of the headphones...whatever it's called.
Build quality is the same. The Alessandros still have flawed bits of plastic.
Now...what you've all been waiting for...
Sound Quality
The MS-1s didn't come with a bag of magic powder to make them sound better. To briefly summarize: the MS-1s and SR-60s are indistinguishable. Let me repeat: the MS-1s and SR-60s are indistinguishable. I ABed these things 100 times. The Alessandros are not more laid back. If you're looking for a more laid back sound, the iGrados will do this for you. With the mod, they just as detailed, more lush, and a bit more bassy than the MS-1s and SR-60s. The iGrados are less fatiguing than both.
Pad choice is much more critical when you want to upgrade the sound. Both come with comfies. I like the comfy sound...much more forward and more engaging. Swapping with bowls increases the sound stage, tames the highs (remember...the MS-1s are just as shrill as the SR-60s...can't say shrill...but you see what I'm getting at), and gives the sound a more 3D effect.
Misc.
You'd think that since you're paying $30 or more extra for these things, that they'd include an adapter to plug it into a 1/8 (or 1/4) headphone jack. You won't find one...you'll have to purchase one separately.
Not that this is a biggie, but my MS-1s didn't include the warranty information sheet included with all of my other Grado headphones.
I do have to give props to Alessandro service. I received my headphones in less than a week, and George e-mailed me personally to adjust an error I made on my order.
Conclusion:
If you want a set of cans that mimics the higher-end Grados (the 125, 225, 325) and are on a budget, the SR-80s are the way to go. They're $5 cheapter than the MS-1s. If you're curious about the MS-1 sound or the SR-60 sound, you can always purchase a set of comfies from TTVJ for $10. If you have the MS-1s already and want to experience the higher-end Grado sound, buy a pair of bowls for $15. This will hold you over until you make your next significant upgrade.
One more time...
the MS-1s and SR-60s are indistinguishable
Published Specs
Here are the differences spec-wise (published sources from their respective web sites):
MS-1
Transducer type: Dynamic
Operating principle: Open air
Frequency response: 20 - 22K Hz
SPL lmV: 100
Nominal impedance: 32 Ohms
Driver match db: 0.1
Features:
- Vented diaphragm
- Non resonant air chamber
- UHPLC voice coil wire
- Standard copper connecting cord
Price: $ 99.00
SR-60
Tranducer type: dynamic
Operating principle: open air
Frequency response: 20-20
SPL 1mV: 98
Normal impedance: 32ohms
Driver matched db: .1
Price: $69....cheaper from TTVJ.
Now you may look at the freq response, and SPL and say "whoa, those are major differences, dude". Sit down Spicoli. It's not your turn to talk.
Physical Differences
Two things I noticed:
The foam pads on my MS-1s are a teensy, tiny bit firmer and the pores in the foam are a teeny bit larger. I only noticed after ABing them several times...the SR-60s felt softer compared to the MS-1s. Could be caused by usage and breakdown. So, the foam density may or may not be intentional on Grado's part. Slap on a set of 414 pads or Grado bowls like most people do, and this difference goes straight out the window.
The screen holes on the MS-1s are slightly larger. Same number of holes...it's just that the MS-1 screen is made of a different plastic material and the holes are cut out a tiny bit larger.
Oh yeah...and the "SR-60" button is missing. The button, IMO, was a way to clean up the look of the headphones...so you don't have to look at the back of the driver...and that silver thing inside of the headphones...whatever it's called.
Build quality is the same. The Alessandros still have flawed bits of plastic.
Now...what you've all been waiting for...
Sound Quality
The MS-1s didn't come with a bag of magic powder to make them sound better. To briefly summarize: the MS-1s and SR-60s are indistinguishable. Let me repeat: the MS-1s and SR-60s are indistinguishable. I ABed these things 100 times. The Alessandros are not more laid back. If you're looking for a more laid back sound, the iGrados will do this for you. With the mod, they just as detailed, more lush, and a bit more bassy than the MS-1s and SR-60s. The iGrados are less fatiguing than both.
Pad choice is much more critical when you want to upgrade the sound. Both come with comfies. I like the comfy sound...much more forward and more engaging. Swapping with bowls increases the sound stage, tames the highs (remember...the MS-1s are just as shrill as the SR-60s...can't say shrill...but you see what I'm getting at), and gives the sound a more 3D effect.
Misc.
You'd think that since you're paying $30 or more extra for these things, that they'd include an adapter to plug it into a 1/8 (or 1/4) headphone jack. You won't find one...you'll have to purchase one separately.
Not that this is a biggie, but my MS-1s didn't include the warranty information sheet included with all of my other Grado headphones.
I do have to give props to Alessandro service. I received my headphones in less than a week, and George e-mailed me personally to adjust an error I made on my order.
Conclusion:
If you want a set of cans that mimics the higher-end Grados (the 125, 225, 325) and are on a budget, the SR-80s are the way to go. They're $5 cheapter than the MS-1s. If you're curious about the MS-1 sound or the SR-60 sound, you can always purchase a set of comfies from TTVJ for $10. If you have the MS-1s already and want to experience the higher-end Grado sound, buy a pair of bowls for $15. This will hold you over until you make your next significant upgrade.
One more time...
the MS-1s and SR-60s are indistinguishable