MS-2 (MS-2i) appreciation thread

[beyondthepale35]

Think that's why I sprung for ms-2is, I do enjoy mellow cans but just wanted a little more aggression from what I've tried before. That and I'd rather try as many different flavors of headphones I can for the inevitable day I break down and splurge on some top tier cans. This site truly is a gift and a curse.

 

[joseph69]

Quote:

Think that's why I sprung for ms-2is, I do enjoy mellow cans but just wanted a little more aggression from what I've tried before. That and I'd rather try as many different flavors of headphones I can for the inevitable day I break down and splurge on some top tier cans. This site truly is a gift and a curse.

In that case you have chosen an excellent headphone.
They actually reminded me of my Vandersteen 2Ci speakers, like they were mounted to my ears, their beautiful, enjoy them.
I believe you are definitely getting some top tier headphones, without splurging!

 

[rbclark]

Hey Folks,
 
I've not been a serious headphone listener in the past. I've had a couple headphones over the years: Sennheiser HD420 (from the early 80s) and Grado SR60 from about 12 years ago. I just re-stumbled into Head-Fi a few weeks ago and bought the Panasonic RP-HTF600. They sound pretty good - especially for less than $30! That got me interested and I found my HD420 and SR60 in the attic. The old HD420 had taken too much abuse and had to be thrown out. The SR60 still sounded great - it just needed some new pads. I started comparing it with the HTF600 and they both have their strengths - in my noobie opinion. I like the SR60 better except for some bass on some songs. Then I started reading Head-Fi some more, thinking - maybe I could spend just a bit more and get something even better!
 
Based mostly on the comments/opinions/descriptions in this thread, I just purchased MS2 last night and I can't wait to try them out. I'll be listening to FLAC music through a Schiit Magni & Modi.
 
So it looks like I'm already following the Head-Fi crowd: 2 pairs of headphones; a headphone amp; a dac; and I've bookmarked all the conversations about pads so I can see which ones I want to try after the MS2 comes in. Speaking of which, what's the usual lead time from Allesandro?
 
Thanks for the Thread! And I know you're sorry about my wallet...

 

[joseph69]

Good for you!!! Excellent headphones IMO.
About three months ago I purchased the MS2i (I no longer have), and I waited less than one week for them to arrive. It may take more or less time depending on their stock. When I ordered mine, I called Alessandro first to see if they had them in stock, and they did, so it didn't take long at all.
BTW I'm in N.Y and Alessandro is my neighbor being right in P.A., so you might want to take that into consideration also. I received them through the U.S.P.S.
Enjoy them, they are really nice!! The only reason I traded them for the Grado SR325is, is because I loved the attack of the Grado. If I wanted a mellower headphone I would definitely buy the MS2i again.

 

[beyondthepale35]

Got my woodys in the mail today, I can see why these are considered such great rock headphones. So much 70s progressive rock to sift through over the next few weeks...

 

[aphinity]

listening to my MS2i through my new Dangerous Music Source.
 
wowsers, never heard em sound this good.  well in the groove here as they pair very nicely:
 

 
looking forward to my new XLR cables arriving soon too so I can get the Dynaudio DBM50 active monitors in on the party...

 

[Moustache]

Has anyone tried the MS2 with the iBasso D6 please? I'm searching for a neutral DAC/amp that will work well with my MS2 for under 500$.

 

[Moustache]

I would really like to try out the Dangerous Music Source but it's too expensive for me at the moment and I think I'll  never use all of its features.

 

[aphinity]

Quote:

I would really like to try out the Dangerous Music Source but it's too expensive for me at the moment and I think I'll  never use all of its features.

 
could always bundle a Schiit Amp and DAC too, for under $500....
 
http://schiit.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=0&products_id=16

 

[aphinity]

wondering if anyone has tried the Symphones Magnum upgrade for the MS2i?  
 
http://www.symphones.ca/magnum.htm
 
at $400, price is pretty steep and 2/3 the cost of PS500s.  wondering if the quality boost would be worth it vs just getting another set of cans:
 

 
 
i know there's a pretty long thread on the subject:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/434471/symphones-magnum-upgrade-for-grado-sr325-and-alessandro-ms2/2280#post_9412169

 

[zeinharis]

No more love for this Headphones?!

 

[bookaboo]

The MS2i is one of the best buys in the Grado lineup IMO. I am A/Bing them with the PS500 ATM - The MS2i with taped bowls is very similar to the PS500 in tonality, a little less bass and a flatter soundstage ( not as much space around the instruments and depth to the soundstage, voices sound a bit more natural - very little in it, probably a bit more 3D ) but so close that I am finding it getting harder and harder to justify the PS500s at double the price. $329 and a bit of electrical tape will get you 95% there.  But as any audiophile will tell you - that extra 5% always comes at a cost and is worth it, provided the rest of your system matches up.
 
Actually listening a bit further on the PS500s  - the differnce in realisim is pretty apparent and it may be worth 10% rather than 5% so I will readjust my rating to MS2i with taped bowls being 90% of PS500 - Still great value for half the price.

 

[mcandmar]

I'm so curious about these i almost bought them a couple of times when they appeared on ebay. I think part of the curiosity is i've never heard an alloy Grado.  I currently own the MS1 and MS-Pro's so i NEED to try a pair, the curiosity is killing me

 

 

[zeinharis]

I'm so curious about these i almost bought them a couple of times when they appeared on ebay. I think part of the curiosity is i've never heard an alloy Grado.  I currently own the MS1 and MS-Pro's so i NEED to try a pair, the curiosity is killing me  

You should, you might surprise by it sounds, though, it is not technically better than your Pros, but, definitly the MS2i is a keeper for me

 

[kcdecker]

  Well, I had a pair of Mad Dogs that I liked a lot but just didnt think I could get the most out of with my system. That and I didnt really enjoy having to bring my amp and DAC everywhere with me. Was going to trade for a pair of HD600s but got offered a woodied, recabled pair of MS2s. Since SR-60s were what got me into head-fi I figured Id take a chance on the MS-2s. Should be here on Friday, can't wait to see how these compare to an Ortho. Since 80% of my music is some form of progressive rock, dont think Im going to be disappointed...

Hey beyondthepale35, what are your thoughts on your modded MS2s vs. the Mad Dogs?  I've loved my MS1s since 2005 and always figured the MS2s were next in my collection.  However, I somehow ended up going for the Mad Dog 3.2 instead...  I like the Mad Dog (and love the depth of the planar magnetic bass that comes along with them) but they lack the punch of my MS1s (probably from the awesome Alessandro mid-bass?)
 
Help me out and give me some thoughts--what do you think of your MS2?  How's it compare to the Mad Dog, and does it still have that punch that I like?