Alessandro headphones is the website safe?

lotsatoys · 03-11-2009, 3:20 PM

As per title.

I just went through the shopping process on their us site and had a warning from my browsers (tried FF as well as Safari) saying the security certificate is out of date.I aborted at this point.

Anyone know anything about this?

I was about to order a pair of MS1i as p&p is apparently included for $109 anyone know if this is right?

Seems like a bargain,if true cos the Grado's they're based on are more costly over here,and
the MS1i's are supposedly improved versions of the Grado sr80i.

Drubbing · 04-11-2009, 2:40 AM

Alessandro site is perfectly safe.

The reason the MS1 are cheaper than Grados (and the MS1 is comparable to the SR125, not 80, which makes it a bargain) is because of poor distributor policy at Grado, IMO.

The only place where Grado's are great value is in the US. They don't let their dealer ship o/s, and the prices in other markets are all high.

Grado make Alessandros, and Alessandro tweak the drivers for a smoother sound, and can sell worldwide. It's all extra sales for Grado, but it's just dumb why they don't just let their intl. dealers sell more competitively in the first place.

MS1 is better than the 60/80/125 anyway, as some people find these a bit harsh.

StevieDvd · 04-11-2009, 12:01 PM

Yes the price is right.

lotsatoys · 04-11-2009, 6:36 PM

Thanks for the reassurance,I was concerned with the security warnings as I've not come across that before.

Can I assume from you guys that you're both satisfied Alessandro users and purchased through the site? If so which model did you go for?

I had a demo of the Grados today.

SR60i,(didn't have the SR80i available)SR125i, Senns and a pair by Audio Technica.

Absolutely no contest, SR125i best by a country mile to my ears,and comfortable too.

The dealer had these up for £175 ouch.

Not sure I want to spend that much though,now going to have a goosie at that Alessandro site again.

lotsatoys · 04-11-2009, 7:57 PM

Mmm, now wondering whether I should hang the expense and get the MS2's, £180 delivered.I still can't believe they ship these for free.

Anyone know if these are a significant improvement over the Grado SR125i and Alessandro MS1i?

Cheers

StevieDvd · 04-11-2009, 8:12 PM

The MS2i are the equiv of the SR325i which are the sweet spot in price/quality imo.

I'd recommend the MS2i over the MS1 any day. They will be a bit heavier due to the metal cups, I had mine replaced by wooden cups and re-cabled quite a while back.

lotsatoys · 04-11-2009, 11:05 PM

Thanks.

Any idea of what import duty is likely to be on MS1i or MS2?

This idea could be too expensive for me (read Mrs Lotsatoys)

Seems to be some confusion on which Grado model the MS1i is based on.

Is it the SR80i or SR125i? Anyone have a definitive answer?

tudj · 04-11-2009, 11:36 PM

Not sure about Duty but you'll pay VAT (I can't remember if it's still 15% or back to 17.5%)

I've recently imported a pair of HD600 and a headphone amp, both we're valued at over £100 (the amp was £400) and I didn't pay any duty on either, only VAT and an £8 handling fee to the courier.

Drubbing · 04-11-2009, 11:52 PM

I didn't get my MS1 from Alessandro, but a dealer, but plenty of people have bought direct. Only odd complaint is delivery can be a bit slow.

I have the MS1 and Grado RS2. The MS1 is a terrific phone for the price and despite having a couple of 'better' phones, I still enjoy it.

There is no definitive answer to which Grado it's based on, as neither Grado or Alessandro will say. But it seems well accepted it's based on the 125. Even if it doesn't use the actual drivers, it's equal in SQ.

I'd argue whether the MS2 is the sweet spot of the range. It's the odd one out IMO. Like the 325, it's very in your face and aggressive, only a little less so. Tight and fast bass, lots of clarity and definition in the mids and trebles, and this is where a lot of people find them too much. Does rock/metal/jazz very well, but many people find their sound really fatiguing on the ears. Americans love them, but then, they'll all loud, aren't they?

lotsatoys · 05-11-2009, 9:14 AM

Many thanks for your input.I think you've helped me to make a decision.

I'm leaning to the MS1i's now.They sound more like a bargain even including vat etc,compared to the SR125i's I demoed,which I really enjoyed.

(You're probably right about our American cousins,I remember the sound of KLH speakers way back when.

)

I'm also sure if I did go for the MS2's (not going to now),sod's law would apply and I wouldn't be so lucky as tudj and would get clobbered with vat etc.

Drubbing · 05-11-2009, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lotsatoys

Many thanks for your input.I think you've helped me to make a decision.

I'm leaning to the MS1i's now.They sound more like a bargain even including vat etc,compared to the SR125i's I demoed,which I really enjoyed.

I think the MS1 is a great intro to good phones, and the Grado style. If you really like them, then later on, the RS series is a great upgrade. Smooth like the alessandro's, and whilst the treble is bright and detailed, they're more refined than the MS2/325.

lotsatoys · 05-11-2009, 10:58 AM

Another question,any idea which ear cushions the MS1is come with? I really liked the ones fitted to the SR125i,were much more comfy than those on the SR60i. Cheers.

ady · 05-11-2009, 5:42 PM

I haved used that website for a while but I ordered my MS-1 from it, delivered within 1 week I think, great service.

lotsatoys · 05-11-2009, 10:36 PM

Thanks for that. Some more questions for you.

Are you pleased with their performance?

I reckon they're gonna cost less than £85 all in,which is a bit of a bargain by all accounts. Does that sound about right?(if you can remember) They're currently priced at $109.

Lastly, did you have to pay your 'dues' before or after delivery? Cheers