MS1s...for me?

[Chase-]

Hey guys,

Just thinking about getting myself a pair of MS1s for Christmas. At $99USD, free international shipping and a strong Australian dollar, how could I say no?

I've got a pair of ES7s at the moment, had them for about half a year and I'm pretty happy with them. I've always wanted to try out the Grado sound, but I've also been a bit worried that they might be a bit too bright for me - so I thought maybe the Alessandros would be a better option. I do listen to a bit of rock, no metal though and I love acoustic guitar which according to what I've read, are the MS1s forte.

The only things stopping me from pulling the trigger at this point is:

1. Do the ES7 and the MS1 complement each other well, or do they cover the same bases?
2. Am I going to notice the difference between the ES7 and the MS1, seeing as they are roughtly around the same price range and I suppose 'mid-fi'?
3. I've read that the MS1s don't require amping, but how much better does it get with it?
4. What warranty does the MS1 come with, and how would I claim on that given I live in Australia?

Those are my biggest concerns - apart from that, I'm looking forward to having fun experimenting with bowls and reversed HD414 pads

.

 

[bobby001]

I have the MS2 and I would advice to buy a pair of MS1 : I don't think you can be disappointed, it worths its money : specially with the US dollar's weakness (I'm french and it's time to deal with a strong currency).

I don't know the ES7 but the alessandro's sound (as well as Grado's sound) is very special, very fun : some people love it, some people hate it.

About the warranty, I don't know, I just gave up the idea of any warranty

.

If you buy it, it would be better to change the pads, original pad is very uncomfortable, me I use the headphile pad but it's very expensive (110USD) according the MS1's price.

 

[kontai69]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chase- /img/forum/go_quote.gif 4. What warranty does the MS1 come with, and how would I claim on that given I live in Australia?

The warranty is 1 year. You will have to send it to Grado in New York for any repair work, which can be expensive since you live outside the US. However, if taken care of, it shouldn't give you any problems.

I use to own the MS-1 and it is a good headphone for the price.

 

[BigAmish]

The MS-1 is a sweet entry level set of headphones. No amping needed, but I noticed huge gains in detail and richness, with even a boost in soundstage when I plugged into my MAD Ear+ HD tube amp. I only had minor gains when plugged into the headphone jack of my el-cheapo Onkyo home theater amp though. Still, they sounded very nice. I also recommend ditching the stock comfy pads, although I suggest getting either a set of Grado bowl pads (challenging to do outside the USA) or buy a pair of HD414 pads (very cheap), quarter mod them, then put them on reverse style. The sound signature is a somewhat warmer version of Grado bowl pads to my ear.

Happy listening!