The Origins of Alessandro and Grado
- Przemysław Nyczaj
- Apr 4
- 3 min read
Alessandro High-End Products is a niche audio company founded by George Alessandro, a well-known name in the guitar amp world. Alessandro amps are celebrated for their meticulous craftsmanship and tonal clarity, qualities that George wanted to bring into the world of headphones.
In the early 2000s, Alessandro teamed up with Grado Labs, leveraging their headphone expertise to create a line of headphones tailored for studio and professional use. The result was a series of models that retained the essence of Grado’s design while offering a slightly different sound signature aimed at critical listening and professional monitoring.
How Alessandro Headphones Differ from Grado
At first glance, Alessandro headphones appear almost identical to Grado models. They share the same retro design, open-back construction, and lightweight build. However, the differences lie under the hood, in the fine-tuning of the sound.
1. Sound Signature Adjustments
Neutrality: Alessandro headphones are tuned to be more neutral compared to the bright and lively signature of traditional Grado models. This makes them better suited for studio monitoring, where accuracy is key.
Reduced Treble: One common critique of Grado headphones is their sharp treble, which can be fatiguing for long listening sessions. Alessandro models smooth out the highs, making them less fatiguing while maintaining clarity and detail.
Controlled Bass: The bass on Alessandro headphones is tighter and more controlled, offering a balanced low end that avoids overpowering the mids or highs.
2. Audience Focus
While Grado headphones appeal to audiophiles and casual listeners alike, Alessandro headphones are designed with professionals in mind. Whether you’re mixing tracks or analyzing recordings, the neutral tuning ensures you’re hearing the music as accurately as possible.
The Alessandro Lineup
Alessandro’s headphone lineup mirrors Grado’s in structure, offering three main models:
1. Alessandro MS1 (Based on Grado SR125)
Overview: The entry-level model in the lineup, the MS1 offers excellent value for money with its detailed sound and neutral tuning.
Best For: Musicians and engineers looking for a budget-friendly monitoring option.
2. Alessandro MS2 (Based on Grado SR325)
Overview: The MS2 takes things up a notch with a more refined sound and a durable metal housing. It’s great for those who need extra precision and a slightly wider soundstage.
Best For: Professionals requiring detailed sound for critical listening tasks.
3. Alessandro MS Pro (Based on Grado RS1)
Overview: The flagship model, the MS Pro offers the best of both worlds—Grado’s iconic design and Alessandro’s neutral tuning. With its wooden housing and extended frequency response, it’s a favorite for audiophiles and studio professionals alike.
Best For: High-end studio work and audiophiles seeking top-tier performance.
Why This Collaboration Works
The Alessandro-Grado partnership is unique because it combines the best of both brands. Grado provides the design expertise, renowned for its handcrafted headphones and open-back architecture. Alessandro, on the other hand, brings a focus on precision and professional-grade tuning.
This synergy has resulted in a product line that appeals to a niche audience, offering an alternative to Grado’s signature sound while maintaining the same build quality and craftsmanship.
Limitations of Alessandro Headphones
While Alessandro headphones have their strengths, they’re not for everyone. Here are a few things to consider:
Less Exciting Sound: The neutral tuning might feel less engaging or “fun” compared to the energetic and forward Grado sound.
Limited Availability: Alessandro headphones are harder to find than Grado models and are often sold directly through Alessandro’s website.
Fewer Mods: While modding is possible, the unique tuning of Alessandro headphones means that changes might impact the carefully balanced sound signature.
Final Thoughts
The Alessandro and Grado collaboration offers a fascinating alternative for those who love Grado’s design but prefer a more neutral, studio-focused sound. Whether you’re a professional looking for a reliable monitoring tool or an audiophile who values accuracy, Alessandro headphones provide a unique take on the Grado experience.
Have you tried Alessandro headphones? How do they compare to your favorite Grado model? Let’s discuss in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts on this one-of-a-kind collaboration!
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