[kontai69]

I recently owned both the Alessandro MS-1 and the Grado SR225 and did an extensive A/B comparison between the two and thought I would share my observations. I've read numerous comparisons between these two cans but what type pads were used (comfy or bowls on MS-1? flat or bowls on SR225?) was not clear or even stated. This of course would greatly effect the sound out of each can. Well, I used bowl pads on both cans in my comparison. I previously sold the comfy pads from the MS-1 so I did not do any comparisons using it.

Notice the kontai69 leather headbands on both cans. He was nice enough to make them both for me free of charge.

I did my comparison out of my desktop rig...
Panasonic SL-S160 PCDP (line out) -> Cardas mini-to-mini cable -> HeadRoom Total AirHead (2006).
The PCDP is a 12-year old unit (made in Japan!). It was unused and I got it on eBay for only $25! I used this setup because that is what I plan on using these cans with. I already have a decent home rig (see sig) to do my serious listening. I would listen to a portion of a song repeatedly several times and then switch cans and observe the differences. The dual output jacks on the TAH allows for rapid switching between cans.

BASS
I listened to U2's Bullet the Blue Sky.
The SR225 has noticably more impactful bass. The MS-1 has less bass but it sounds more balanced and articulate. The SR225 bass seems "heavy-handed" and boomy in comparison.

MIDS
I listened to Frank Sinatra's Fly Me to the Moon and Pachelbel's Canon.
Vocals on the SR225 has more body and presence than the MS-1. The MS-1 vocals sounds relatively thin and a little distant. However, on Canon, stringed instruments sounds much better on the MS-1. You can hear the "harmonics" better. Strings on the SR225 sounds too rounded and soft.

HIGHS
I listened to Steve Winwood's Higher Love (ironic title).
The difference was most subtle here. I expected the SR225 to be way brighter but I was wrong. The SR225 only has slightly more treble extension. Neither can be described as bright to my ears. You can hear the decay of the percussion notes better with the SR225.

SOUNDSTAGE
SR225 soundstage is more forward than MS-1. However, the SR225 has a better sense of depth. The MS-1 sounds a little more 2D and flat.

Anyways, hope these observations helps people deciding between these two cans. I decided that the SR225 is better for the music that I listen to (mostly rock) and decided to keep it and sell the MS-1. The fact that I bought the SR225 for only $160 shipped (demo unit, normally $200 retail) made the choice easier.

Some wiseguys may dismiss my observations saying that the source/amp I used "sucks." They actually sound surprisingly good. I did an A/B comparison with the desktop rig vs. my way more expensive home rig (see sig). That's a $150 vs. a nearly $3000 source/amp/cables rig. The sound was surprisingly quite close to my ears. It took hours of A/B comparison to hear the subtle differences. And yes, I level matched the outputs of the amps to the nearest decibel with a SPL meter before doing the comparisons, something most people don't bother doing.

Finally, the differences between the SR225 and my MS-Pro are substantial. I did an A/B comparison between them out of my home rig. In short, the MS-Pro has deeper more articulate bass, more sparkling treble, larger soundstage, more "air" and decay around the notes. The SR225 sounds flat, dull, and 2D in comparison. Anyways, that's all another review.

 

[kramer5150]

Nice review, thanks!!

Most panasonic PCDPs of that era have a warm, almost "distant" kind of sound. They are not very forward and aggressive, compared to the Sony and magnavox players. Pairing it with a balanced, semi-accurate amp and bright cans like you have done is the way to go.

 

[lmilhan]

Cool!

Thanks for the effort. I really enjoy reading these types of comparative reviews.

 

[Blackmore]

Great impressions, thx!

And yes, MS PRO are from the hell other league/level

 

[F107plus5]

Great review indeed! Helps to round out my notes on the subject too! So the SR-225 is even more forward than MS-1. Interesting.

......and thanx for not posting that evil photo of your MS-Pro!

 

[BrookR1]

Thanks for taking the time to write this review. How do they compare straight out of the PCDP? Pretty much the same or is there a greater disparity between the two?

If you ever decide to make a batch of tan/brown headbands, put me down for 2 at $50 each.

 

[kontai69]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrookR1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif How do they compare straight out of the PCDP? Pretty much the same or is there a greater disparity between the two? If you ever decide to make a batch of tan/brown headbands, put me down for 2 at $50 each.

I briefly compared the headphone outputs of the PCDP with the TAH. I really could not hear any obvious differences. However, I did not level match the outputs.

I read that the vintage Panys have a relatively strong headphone output. I agree since it has no problem driving the SR225 loud and clear. It can even drive the MS-Pro OK.

As for the headbands, at the prices you are willing to offer, I would definately come out of headband-making retirement.

 

[unclejr]

Normally when I've read these types of reviews, the skeptic in me tends to dismiss most of what I read. However yours seems to exude a very honest quality, and the lack of superlatives and hyperbole probably helps the believability from my end. (Nothing was CAPS LOCK better or worse!)

Anyway, this particular comparison was a truly curious one for me, and I sincerely appreciate your effort! If you get a chance, would you be so kind as to include CD versions of the discs you used?

It's also cool that you've found a portable rig that so closely matches the sound signature of your home rig.

Thanks again!

 

[ClieOS]

Thanks for the review!!

I have an old Technics which is even older than your Panasonic, and I love it more than my SONY D-EJ1000. Older Matsu****a DCDP all have a warm quality of sound which I love very much

 

[kontai69]

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclejr /img/forum/go_quote.gif Normally when I've read these types of reviews, the skeptic in me tends to dismiss most of what I read. However yours seems to exude a very honest quality, and the lack of superlatives and hyperbole probably helps the believability from my end. (Nothing was CAPS LOCK better or worse!)

I personally tend to dismiss any reviews when the phase "NIGHT AND DAY difference" is used.

But yeah, I try to be as objective as I can when I do any sort of comparision between any two pieces of equipment, be it headphones, amps, or whatever. I standardize the conditions as much as possible. I use the same music and level match outputs when comparing gear. I try not to comment on the relative sound of gear that I haven't listened to directly head-to-head.

Quote:

If you get a chance, would you be so kind as to include CD versions of the discs you used?

I guess you mean what CDs the songs are from?
U2's Bullet the Blue Sky is from Joshua Tree. I listened to the kick drum at the beginning of the song for impact and tightness.
Frank Sinatra's Fly Me to the Moon is from The Very Best of Frank Sinatra (2-Disc set). Of course, I listened to the tone of Sinatra's voice.
Steve Winwood's Higher Love is from Chronicles. I listened to the airy percussion at the beginning of the song (cymbals, snare drums, wooden sticks hitting each other).