Grado SR225 Appreciation Thread

[sbulack]

Originally Posted by GlendaleViper

I don't know that dropping twice the cost of the headphones is worth it though... Can someone talk me into $550 USD for ebony deeps and gold recables?

No one can talk you into anything, but, relative to common practices and expected investments to achieve different desired levels of performance in our pursuit of audio satisfaction, there are some good reasons to be put forward for sending your SR225 to the Headphile Spa for an upgrade.
1) It sounds like you may have already,but, if not, go peruse the Headphile pics thread. Such art-like beauty is hard to come by at the price tag put on a wood treatment by Larry - BUT the Headphile treatment is NOT just putting a prettier face on the same cans.
2) I just discoverd that the SR225, stock, as sold, are capable of SO MUCH MORE than they're usually allowed to show. So, an investment in increasing their sound in two substantive ways - a better wood enclosure (which incidentally is drop dead gorgeous) AND an audio-art cable - is going into a phone that's got the chops to give you a real return on that investment.
3) In order to bring the sound of a pair of HD580's to its current place of honor in my audio rigs, I've ended up spending twice their initial $140 cost. For a total cost of $420 I have ended up with EXACTLY what I was looking for sonically.
I've done a lot of reading on these forums, and, over the years, I've seen a lot of folks spend quite a bit more than that and, from their posts, they don't seem to have that level of contentment with what they've got. Also, it's not at all rare for folks to pay twice or more what their phones cost on a headphone amp, IC's, etc. to optimize the sound of a favorite phone. If you are sure that you love the sound of the SR225, that level of investment to take their sound to the next level is not out of line. As Tyll posted to one Head-Fier who was realizing what it might cost to get what he REALLY wanted, "There are times when that "Sorry about your wallet" stuff doesn't seem so funny anymore." But, when you're done, if you've got what you REALLY want, you'll be well ahead of many in our quest for the audio that satisfies. Again, IF you've heard enough to be confident that taking the SR225 sound to the next level IS what you really want.
4) When you think realistically about the cost (in our audio world) of the sonic benefits alone, the cost of the Headphile treatment is in line. The stunning good looks are almost thrown in as a bonus.

IF you are credibly haunted by the ghost of another audio purchase: "Gee, for that kind of money, I could almost have an RS-1", then maybe an investment in the SR225 with THAT kind of price tag is NOT what you're looking for. Or maybe there's some other persistent audio item on your "To Buy" list that this chunk of money would satisfy. Only you know enough to evaluate those options and trade-offs for yourself.

(I apologize in advance if the following sentence seems like uninvited fanboy zealotry, but, at the moment, I'm just calling it (as honestly as I can) the way I'm hearing it.)
I don't know what you're using to amp your SR225, but I'm currently being STUNNED by the improvement to their sound (relative to the amps in my sig) I'm getting with an $85 Go-Vibe V5.

But, in any case, you've GOT to at least get that cable fixed by Grado. A pair of SR225 is, truly, a TERRIBLE thing to waste.

[sbulack]

Originally Posted by Gil Schwartzman

I just got my first pair of Grado's a few weeks ago, which was a pair of SR225's... and I love them. I came from measly HD497's, and then used a set of A700's for a week until the Grado's arrived. For music, the 225 is incredable. I listen mainly to rock, so they are perfect. I have an amp coming for them shortly, and headphile c-pads are coming soon also!

I moved from the HD497 to a pair of SR60, which I found to be a substantial improvement (truth be told - I fell in LOVE with the sound of the SR60), and then, about a year later, to a pair of SR225 - which was a major step up to my first real taste of what high end audio can sound like. To go from the HD497 to the SR225 ... 8-) I've had the SR225 for going on three years now, and I've just fallen in love with their sound, all over again. Enjoy, Gil !!!

[GlendaleViper]

Sbulak, thanks for the input. You've added much needed perspective to this lusting and after reading your points, Ive decided the following:

1) If I wanted an RS-1, I would buy one, but likely never modify it. It is, afterall, the old flagship (and some say still reigning)
2) Truly, I do love the SR225 enough to make this jump. Even if my equipment isn't "good enough" to realize the benefits of a recable of this caliber, it will be some day, and...
3) You're right. Larry creates art. A Headphiled SR225 is something I will keep forever. As such, why not enjoy SOME of the sonic benefits (deeper, wooden chamber) now, and apprecate the cable later, once my equipment inevitably evolves into exactly what I want.
4) You've answered bluntly a question I had in the back of my mind - does the 225 have the chops to make this worth it. I'm glad you feel it does.

So I think I'll send it to Grado and save up the pennies. Incidentally, tossing the headphones was never an option. Sorry for hogging the post here a bit, but I suppose when you get down to it, nothing expresses one's love for an object quite like pondering the viability of turning $300 into $1000 (CDN).

My only real apprehension is: what will replace my beloved Grado as a street can once they turn into home-only awesomeness? Yup. Probably another SR225.

[sbulack]

Originally Posted by GlendaleViper

...My only real apprehension is: what will replace my beloved Grado as a street can once they turn into home-only awesomeness? Yup. Probably another SR225.

You use the SR225 as your street can..... Nice!
For folks on the go a lot, that would certainly help to make what could be the hassle of getting there to be AT LEAST half the fun. Well, here's to your continuing to enjoy the sweet (and someday to become even sweeter) sound of the SR225.

[jdimitri]

Yeepeppp SR225 are great for bouncing around foot tapping fun!
Sadly, i also need soundstage and that beyer sparkle..
So i'm leaving the grado club (for now) and getting DT990s..
My SR225 is up for grabs (w/flats)
Hmm something's telling me i'll be back

[Blackmore]

Like the title says, they were my first Grado as well. I was almost shocked when I listen to all my records again, such an improvement from Sennh.HD485 and other one that I have AKG 888.
Unfortunately only 5 month I could hold on until I have got RS2. And what can I say O.M.G. yeah... My lovely SR225 just sold yesterday to another happy Dutch head-fier. However they are very good with Rock or just overall cans, they just can not beat RS series. And now I am on hunt for an good tube amp. to make it complete
So hold on my friend, it is just the beginning, but very fun one

Enjoy you new toy

Originally Posted by atart

well guys, there seem to be threads like these for other grados but where's your love for the 225?

just got mine a couple of days ago and as my first grado, im taking my time getting used to their sound, and sure as hell enjoying the experience. paired them with the flats and running them from my X5 right now and the bass is sweet. hopefully, they'll be with me for a long long time (hopefully )

so what say you share some of this love?

[dkjohnso]

Dang you sbulack

I was all set to spend only $70 on a LDM+ for my 225's, but now after reading this and your posts in the amps forum, I'm going to have to go for the Go-Vibe and a 24V PS, I think. Thanks a lot

[sbulack]

Originally Posted by dkjohnso

Dang you sbulack
I was all set to spend only $70 on a LDM+ for my 225's, but now after reading this and your posts in the amps forum, I'm going to have to go for the Go-Vibe and a 24V PS, I think. Thanks a lot

Please let me be first in line to remind you that it may be unwise to commit a resource as valuable as your hard-earned money based on the passionate expressions of someone who is admitting that they're in the emotional state of just having fallen in LOVE.

[GlendaleViper]

You know, love is supposed to be free...

...does that make our hobby some depraved form of prostitution?

[dkjohnso]

Originally Posted by sbulack

Please let me be first in line to remind you that it may be unwise to commit a resource as valuable as your hard-earned money based on the passionate expressions of someone who is admitting that they're in the emotional state of just having fallen in LOVE.

Point taken. Perhaps someone here would like to talk me back into the LDM+?

[Asr]

The LDM+ is a fantastic amp for the price, snap that thing up! I just sold mine but I owned it for 5 months, there's a reason I kept it that long! I'd have to recommend requesting unity gain when you order yours though - when I tried my SR225 on mine (default gain) it got way too loud as soon as it turned on.

[sbulack]

Originally Posted by GlendaleViper

You know, love is supposed to be free...
...does that make our hobby some depraved form of prostitution?

My definition of love is the willingness, if necessary, to give up everything for the genuine well-being of the beloved, so it is ANYTHING but free. No, I am a loyal and jealous lover, and my phones and I have long term and deep relationships. Which is why I'm so delighted to buy a 2nd V5 for my SR225 and to dedicate it to allowing the SR225 to always realize more of its full potential.

I realize that others quickly jump into the listening booth with the latest "hot" phone or amp, and just as quickly fling them aside onto the FS Forum when the infatuation and fun have run their course. I'm into audio for the deeper satisfactions that can only come from oodles of quality time spent together over long, committed relationships. And, I've got the satisfaction and fulfilment level to show the wisdom of that approach.

BTW, in case you're thinking, "This guy has GOT to get a life, or a girl", well, I've been married to the same woman - best friends for life - for 27 years now, and it only gets better with each passing year. About getting a life - I had a life once, it is a highly overrated experience.

Audio promiscuity does go on, and it's practitioners speak of its virtues, but I don't, and honestly can't, recommend that as a path to audio satisfaction and fulfilment. Look at how many people have spent how much money, and are still looking for the audio that satisfies.

[jinp6301]

reviving a dead thread again!

question for you fellow 225ers! i've been looking around the amps forum and im looking for a good portable amp that won't break the bank. Ive heard good things about the PINT (being too good for its price range) but ive also heard that the PA2v2 has a great synergy with the 225s. I've also read (in this thread) that the go-vibe matches well with these. and in the MS-1 thread, there alot of LDM+ love going on there.

Can anyone make a compelling argument on what portable amp i should invest in?

[Arainach]

My pair just showed up today. And they haven't left my head yet other than to take a few pictures of them and to (briefly) contrast them against my Sennheiser 580s.

I was really kind of hoping that I wouldn't like these and that I'd go back to my SR-60 and say that was all the Grado I could take. But the sound signature is so damned addicting. I miss my soundstage. A LOT. But I'm slowly becoming addicted.

[sabulatodd]

So - I've got my Go-Vibe burning in (since monday), and my SR225s. So far, I'm very pleased with the setup. The amp seems to have a little more presence than the headphone amp in my Tascam US-122. I ordered the low-impedance version, but I may have Norm swich to the high-impendance because I ordered a pair of AKG K501s today!

Now if Ray Samuels can get that Tomahawk out....

So much fun!!!