I need to replace a damaged headset that has developed brinelling. This is the bike's second headset that has developed this kind of damage, and I have concluded my initial adjustment of freshly packed bearings must actually be too loose as the grease settles. Therefore I plan to tighten the adjusting cup about an 1/8 turn more than I would previously and/or be ready to readjust the bearings after the first week of riding.

The current headset is the more decorative Tange which does not have the smallest stack height and would like an identical replacement. Uncertainty arises with the different models, chrome vs alloy and which is more durable and whether the alloy type has any advantages other than less weight. Scanning ebay these are the listings I found compatible with a Japanese bike (nishiki) with 27.0mm crown race ID:

alloy:
lv1500
NJS

chrome (NJS)

I am not sure if the first two are the same, both being alloy, perhaps simply titled differently. I usually found chrome headsets to be about half the price of comparable alloy versions, but not in this case for what is currently showing on ebay. If there are no real advantages to an alloy headset for durability, another chrome (adjusted a bit more tightly) seems best as I also prefer the smoother finish.

By the way, if a slightly loose bearing develops pitting, what is the effect of a headset adjusted on the side of being tight?