iHelp
500+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jul 7, 2009
- Posts
- 678
- Likes
- 13
Hey guys,
This is a review of the Alessandro Products MS1. Being a "re-hash" or "re-branded" Grado, the MS1 is still a very high quality headphone. There are many rumors (and some say it is proved) that is uses the SR125 drivers. It retails at $99 USD with free worldwide shipping, while the SR125 retails $150 and usually comes with free shipping. However, all Grado products are held back (in a way) for international usage. So, this gives a good way to the people outside the US to get a Grado headphone. But, enough with the blabbering, on to the review!
Specs:
Transducer type
ynamic
Operating principle:Open air
Frequency response:20 - 22K Hz
SPL lmV:100
Nominal impedance:32 Ohms
Driver match db:0.1
Features:- Vented diaphragm
- Non resonant air chamber
- UHPLC voice coil wire
- Standard copper connecting cord
Price:$ 99.00
The MS1 has very respectable specs, and very similar to the lower SR series by Grado. It's an open headphone, but that's still fine for home use. However, I would not recommend this for portable use; however, some still do.
Aesthetics:
It's mediocre. A cheap vinyl headband (with NO padding), oversized foam padding, and the cheap plastic grill. Right out of box, they look fine, but I personally do not like the cheap silver decals. However, you can sand the decals down, but it makes the warranty void. I am not responsible for any damaged headphones.
Durability:
It's okay. These are hand-made from Brooklyn, so don't expect the best. The cable may twist too much and cause the cable to weaken. However, the cable is very beefy (and is 7.5 ft long). Grado "grattle" is the most common problem, but can be easily repaired. The MS1 is meant to be a home 'phone, so it can't take a bashing. But I don't see its plastic cracking or the headband to rip, so I am not worried.
Comfort:
Out of 10, the stock "comfies" rate a 8.5. While living up to their name, they muffle up the higher frequencies, but the bass is "improved", or stronger. But, you can do a "Quarter Mod" to open up the higher frequencies. With the L-Cush "bowls" they are a 6/10, but sound much better. I couldn't go back to comfies again. But... here comes the behemoth. The DIY C-pads that I made are sheer awesome. With more warmth, soundstage, and MUCH better comfort, these are the only pads for me. The only gripe I have is the slightly distant mids, but it makes it a "natural EQ", and I would listen to it with that sound signature anyways. Comfort is a FULL 10/10!
Sound Quality:
This is the most important part. I will give an "X" out of 10, and give a brief description. Tested with BOWLS. This a "general" test, after about ~70 hours of burn-in.
Bass: Pretty good. It has a nice kick to it, but not being boomy. It feels to be controlled. What's weird is that it has much more of a punchy bass than I would have thought. Can you imagine the SR80i?
Mid bass: Nice roll to it. It feels seamless between the bass and the mids. I think it has its right place, but it be a bit more "out there".
Mids: This is where the vocals are at. The mids feel very forward, but this makes the song feel much better. It is "aural sex" with acoustic. Really.
Upper mids: Meh. This is where the bowls start to creep in. They feel even more forward than mids. But, this catches the main area of the cymbals.
Highs: Very sparkly. The small cymbals are simply amazing. Is it even legal?
Overall: Little soundstage, despite being an open headphone. Nevertheless, the MS1 is absolutely stunning with detail, clarity, and versatility. A "jack of all trades".
Value:
For the MSRP, these are spectacular. I can't think of any other sub $100 USD headphones that can battle with Grado or Alessandro. Buy it now, if you're wondering.
Pros:
sound quality
Price: performance ratio
Easily moddable
Cons:
A little flimsy
comfort is not the best
durability
Visit Alessandro at THIS URL and Grado Labs at THIS ONE.
Sorry it's short. Will add pics. Questions or comments?
This is a review of the Alessandro Products MS1. Being a "re-hash" or "re-branded" Grado, the MS1 is still a very high quality headphone. There are many rumors (and some say it is proved) that is uses the SR125 drivers. It retails at $99 USD with free worldwide shipping, while the SR125 retails $150 and usually comes with free shipping. However, all Grado products are held back (in a way) for international usage. So, this gives a good way to the people outside the US to get a Grado headphone. But, enough with the blabbering, on to the review!
Specs:
Transducer type
ynamicOperating principle:Open air
Frequency response:20 - 22K Hz
SPL lmV:100
Nominal impedance:32 Ohms
Driver match db:0.1
Features:- Vented diaphragm
- Non resonant air chamber
- UHPLC voice coil wire
- Standard copper connecting cord
Price:$ 99.00
The MS1 has very respectable specs, and very similar to the lower SR series by Grado. It's an open headphone, but that's still fine for home use. However, I would not recommend this for portable use; however, some still do.
Aesthetics:
It's mediocre. A cheap vinyl headband (with NO padding), oversized foam padding, and the cheap plastic grill. Right out of box, they look fine, but I personally do not like the cheap silver decals. However, you can sand the decals down, but it makes the warranty void. I am not responsible for any damaged headphones.
Durability:
It's okay. These are hand-made from Brooklyn, so don't expect the best. The cable may twist too much and cause the cable to weaken. However, the cable is very beefy (and is 7.5 ft long). Grado "grattle" is the most common problem, but can be easily repaired. The MS1 is meant to be a home 'phone, so it can't take a bashing. But I don't see its plastic cracking or the headband to rip, so I am not worried.
Comfort:
Out of 10, the stock "comfies" rate a 8.5. While living up to their name, they muffle up the higher frequencies, but the bass is "improved", or stronger. But, you can do a "Quarter Mod" to open up the higher frequencies. With the L-Cush "bowls" they are a 6/10, but sound much better. I couldn't go back to comfies again. But... here comes the behemoth. The DIY C-pads that I made are sheer awesome. With more warmth, soundstage, and MUCH better comfort, these are the only pads for me. The only gripe I have is the slightly distant mids, but it makes it a "natural EQ", and I would listen to it with that sound signature anyways. Comfort is a FULL 10/10!
Sound Quality:
This is the most important part. I will give an "X" out of 10, and give a brief description. Tested with BOWLS. This a "general" test, after about ~70 hours of burn-in.
Bass: Pretty good. It has a nice kick to it, but not being boomy. It feels to be controlled. What's weird is that it has much more of a punchy bass than I would have thought. Can you imagine the SR80i?
Mid bass: Nice roll to it. It feels seamless between the bass and the mids. I think it has its right place, but it be a bit more "out there".
Mids: This is where the vocals are at. The mids feel very forward, but this makes the song feel much better. It is "aural sex" with acoustic. Really.
Upper mids: Meh. This is where the bowls start to creep in. They feel even more forward than mids. But, this catches the main area of the cymbals.
Highs: Very sparkly. The small cymbals are simply amazing. Is it even legal?
Overall: Little soundstage, despite being an open headphone. Nevertheless, the MS1 is absolutely stunning with detail, clarity, and versatility. A "jack of all trades".
Value:
For the MSRP, these are spectacular. I can't think of any other sub $100 USD headphones that can battle with Grado or Alessandro. Buy it now, if you're wondering.
Pros:
sound quality
Price: performance ratio
Easily moddable
Cons:
A little flimsy
comfort is not the best
durability
Visit Alessandro at THIS URL and Grado Labs at THIS ONE.
Sorry it's short. Will add pics. Questions or comments?
