Monster Cable Alpha - 1

Hi - I know Monter Cable Alpha 2 is in fact an Accuphase AC-2. I have a chance to buy a new Monster Alpha 1. Is this in fact an earlier AC-2 cartridge? What are the differences between the Alpha 1 and the Alpha 2? They look quite similar to me (of course the earlier was sexy gold and the newer boring black....).

Thanks
idb