Hi everyone, Just wanted to give my two cents re: the Grado 325is!
AN INTRODUCTION
I was on a head-fi poison hiatus for a while because I thought I'd already spent too much on this hobby by acquiring a high end IEM (JH16 Pro) and a good PMP (Cowon J3 - which I unfortunately lost). In the case of IEMs, I think I already achieved audio nirvana, but then this itch of wanting to try what full-sized cans could offer was always bothering me.
I knew I didn't want "brand name" cans like Senns, AKGs or ATHs (though their cans are very good). I wanted to try something more alternative and "organic" and I found it in the Grados. Alternative because it isn't normally sold in outlets here (except 1), and organic because most of it is hand assembled.
THE SOUND:
(note: fresh out of the box with only 4 hours burn-in)
I knew from the moment I got the 325is that they wouldn't be as detailed as the top-tier IEMs but this was one "risk" I was willing to take to scratch my headcan itch.
I was ALMOST right when I said that they wouldn't be as detailed. This is because I think, just as all the reviews say, that the 325is are a mid-focused can. To my ears the vocal qualities(mids) emerge beautifully while some instrumentation, particularly in rock, are sacrificed.
This headcan shines most when jazz, acapella, acoustic, and show tunes are played. Not to say that other genres don't play well with these cans, it's just that I think they pair better with mid focused recordings.
An example would be Queen's iconic We Will Rock You.
Some details like the "ugh" word ( at 0:02) ,that you would normally hear quite clearly can't be heard on the 325is. A reason behind this might be that the bass drum and footsteps of the iconic beat mask that particular part of the song.
My favorite tracks to listen to here are those by Frank Sinatra and Linda Ronstadt. They are perfect vocal complements for this can. Their vocal styles and song arrangements are mid heavy, and the main feature of their recordings isn't on intricate arrangements or heavy background music, but their very own voices.
I wouldn't want to go on specifics about the highs (which some say are sibilant), or the bass (which some say are inadequate), but to make the long story short, to me they are adequate DEPENDING on the type of recording you are listening to.
CONCLUSION:
My first foray into the world of full-sized cans has been a good experience. The 325is though sacrificing a little detail has, dare I say, a distinct advantage over the JH16 pros in terms of SOUL and musicality.
I would use the IEMs for sound engineering but I would gladly use the 325is for audio bliss and enjoyment.
It provides soul food to ears that are starving for blissful music.
And it scratched my itch.