Alessandro MS Pro Review – Grado’s Alter Ego?
- Przemysław Nyczaj
- Apr 18
- 3 min read
The Alessandro MS Pro, born from the unique collaboration between Alessandro High-End Products and Grado Labs, is often described as the “alter ego” of Grado’s iconic RS1 series. Designed for professional use, the MS Pro takes the classic Grado formula and refines it for those who need accuracy and neutrality over excitement and energy.
So, how does it compare to Grado’s own lineup? And is it a worthy addition to your collection? Let’s dive into the details of this professional-grade headphone.
Design and Build
The MS Pro carries forward Grado’s signature design ethos: retro, minimalist, and lightweight. At first glance, it looks almost identical to the RS1, featuring hand-crafted wooden ear cups that give it a vintage aesthetic. But there are subtle differences that reflect its professional focus.
Materials: The wooden housings are made from mahogany, providing a warm, resonant base for the sound.
Headband and Gimbals: The leather headband and sturdy gimbals ensure a secure fit, though some users may find the stock headband lacking in padding. An upgrade to a padded Nyczaj headband can improve long-term comfort.
Open-Back Design: True to Grado’s philosophy, the MS Pro’s open-back design offers an airy and spacious soundstage, perfect for critical listening.
Sound Performance
Where the MS Pro truly distinguishes itself from the RS1 is in its tuning. While Grado headphones are known for their bright, lively presentation, the MS Pro tones things down, focusing on neutrality and accuracy.
Bass:
The bass is tight and well-controlled, with just enough depth to support the mids and highs without overpowering them. It’s not bass-heavy, but it’s precise and clean, making it ideal for studio use and critical listening.
Mids:
The mids are the star of the show, offering a natural, balanced tone that’s perfect for vocals and acoustic instruments. Compared to the RS1, the MS Pro’s mids are less forward but more accurate, which some listeners might prefer for mixing or mastering.
Treble:
The treble is detailed and extended but smoother than the RS1’s. This reduction in brightness makes the MS Pro less fatiguing over long sessions, a key factor for professionals who spend hours wearing headphones.
Soundstage and Imaging:
The open-back design delivers a wide and immersive soundstage with excellent imaging. Instruments and vocals are easy to place, making the MS Pro a solid choice for classical and live recordings.
Strengths
Neutral Tuning: The MS Pro is perfect for those who value accuracy and natural sound over a more colored or energetic presentation.
Comfortable Listening: Its smoother treble and balanced sound make it less fatiguing for extended sessions.
Build Quality: The combination of wood and metal gives it a premium feel, and the lightweight design ensures comfort.
Weaknesses
Lacks Excitement: Fans of Grado’s more lively sound might find the MS Pro a bit too restrained for casual listening.
Stock Comfort: While lightweight, the stock headband and pads may not provide enough cushioning for longer sessions. Upgrading to Nyczaj earpads or a padded headband can help.
Price: As a professional-grade headphone, the MS Pro comes with a premium price tag, which may deter casual listeners.
Comparison with Grado RS1
The MS Pro and RS1 share many similarities, but their differences are key:
Sound Signature: The RS1 is more energetic and bright, while the MS Pro is neutral and smoother, catering to different listening preferences.
Audience: The RS1 is aimed at audiophiles and music lovers, whereas the MS Pro targets professionals and critical listeners.
Fatigue: The MS Pro is easier on the ears for long sessions, thanks to its less aggressive treble.
Pairing and Mods
Headband and Earpads:
For those looking to enhance comfort, a padded Nyczaj headband and memory foam earpads are excellent upgrades. They’re easy to install and compatible with the MS Pro.
Amps and Sources:
While the MS Pro is efficient and doesn’t require an amp, pairing it with a neutral or slightly warm source can elevate its performance. Options like the Chord Mojo 1 or iFi Zen DAC V2 are great choices for adding depth and richness without sacrificing accuracy.
Final Thoughts
The Alessandro MS Pro is a fascinating alternative to Grado’s more energetic offerings. Its neutral, accurate tuning makes it an excellent tool for studio professionals and audiophiles who prioritize balance over excitement. While it may not have the liveliness of the RS1, it brings its own charm to the table, delivering a refined listening experience that’s both engaging and fatigue-free.
If you’re a fan of Grado’s design but want something tailored for critical listening, the MS Pro is a standout option. Have you tried the MS Pro, or are you considering adding it to your collection? Let’s discuss in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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