SR-225s vs. MS-2

[bthall]

All I've got to use for my portable set-up is my 3G iPod.

NO AMP!

At home I use the ATH A-900's and love them.

I want some "open" phones now to take out of the house.

I think I've narrowed it down to Grados: SR-225 vs. Alessandro MS-2's. (Remember, iPod and no amp)

Can anyone discuss which they would recommend and why.

I'm 75% vocals, 25% classical.

Thanks,
BarryT

 

[Shang-Ti Chen]

There should be no doubt that MS-2 is better than SR225... Go for MS-2.

 

[Lisa]

I don't know.
You use the iPod, no amp, outside noise. Maybe the MS2 is overkill. It's also heavier, but I don't how much, than the sr225. For portable source and outside noise I would go for the MS1 rather than the MS2. Or maybe Sr225...
But as I said, I don't actually know.

 

[Kirosia]

The MS2 and sr-225 will probably be overkill, as was stated before. The sr-80 or MS1 would probably be a better choice. Also, remember that grados are big, have a long thick cable, and leak out noise like crazy (you'll also hear outside noises a lot too).

 

[ssportclay]

I find the grado to hard to drive for portable use.You need a headphone designed for that purpose.

 

[Shang-Ti Chen]

If you're not planning to buy a portable amp. in the end, both of the two phones are more of an overkill as everybody suggested. MS-1 or SR-80 I think is a better choice, which depends on your sound preference.

 

[comabereni]

For your intended use, add my vote to the MS1 recommendation, or even the SR-60 (because of no amp). If you do a bit of searching on this site, you'll find that there are some who like the SR-225's for portable use, but I think you'd probably want an amp.

 

[Lisa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssportclay I find the grado to hard to drive for portable use.You need a headphone designed for that purpose.

I don't. Too big and clumpsy maybe, but they are easily loud enough.

 

[cosmopragma]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssportclay I find the grado to hard to drive for portable use.You need a headphone designed for that purpose.

I don't agree.
My Grados sound better driven by my portables than my Shure E5s (whenever I don't need the isolation).

 

[bthall]

When I say portable, I mean to take to my office (open cans though is what I want, not closed).

Some extra weight doesn't make a difference.

I guess my questions are boiling down to
MS-2 vs. SR-225 in regards to:

1. good bass, non veiled mids (NOT Senn-like), no fatiguing highs.

2. comfort about the ears for extended wearing


Thanks again to all who have contributed.

BarryT


PS: I have SR-60's already that I wear in this "portable environment" but I want "more" out of my headphones(esp. bass) without adding more "bothersome" highs

 

[gsferrari]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bthall PS: I have SR-60's already that I wear in this "portable environment" but I want "more" out of my headphones(esp. bass) without adding more "bothersome" highs

Just go to www.ttvj.com and spend $30.00 on some Grado Flat Pads. That is the best cure for any Grado headphone's highs and it improves the bass dramatically.

Keep the SR-60 and get the flat pads.

Cheers!

 

[HiWire]

Is there a huge qualitative difference between Todd's flat pads and quarter-modded (cut) comfies?

 

[Kirosia]

Yes. Flats are considered much better. I think when it comes down do it, it's either bowls or flats, as it appears in the general consensus. Comfies and senn pads (modded) are not as good. I've only used senn pads, comfies, and bowls, and prefer the bowls.

Also, bthall, the MS2 will have a bigger soundstage than the sr-225. It's technically in a higher class. It will probably be better overall in SQ. I've used the sr-325 (sr equiv. of MS2) and thought it was a really good phone even unamped, but the agressive highs can become irritating. The MS2 doesn't have the same fatiguing highs.

 

[Shang-Ti Chen]

MS-2 then but you will not be getting the most out of its capabilities without a headphone amplifier.

 

[guppi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirosia Yes. Flats are considered much better. I think when it comes down do it, it's either bowls or flats, as it appears in the general consensus. Comfies and senn pads (modded) are not as good. I've only used senn pads, comfies, and bowls, and prefer the bowls.

Hmm. Interesting, so far I only read praise for the Sennheiser 414 pads. I seem to remember several posts of people who liked them better than the flats. So I am not sure about the 'general consensus'. But anyway, what are the deficits of the Senn pads in you opinion? I was going to get myself some in the next days for my Grado SR80 ( with bowls and sometimes socks )