Grado SR325i vs. SR325is --audible difference? - Page 2

This thread needs useful opinions.

That's to say people who have compared the two models side by side must write their thoughts for god's sake..

There's no use for comments about only one pair..

"VS." means comparison and I'm really looking forward for inputs from people who know both pairs..

I hope that is not directed towards me, I did own both pairs (though for a short while). I still own the new 325is. The goldies went back.

Of course not.. I appreciate your input very much

I guess I really take this topic seriously, too serious maybe

I don't know what you guys are all talking about. The SR325is are absolutely incredible headphones. I believe that the main gripe most people might have about them is that they take no prisoners and will reveil ANY deficiencies in the source, sometimes brutally. They simply reproduce the information that's fed to them, so don't look at these headphones as a weak link, look further up your audio path.

From what I can gather, the SR325i was the gold 50th anniversary edition, but other than that, they are basically the same headphone - except for a few VERY minor tweaks (and I do mean MINOR tweaks) here and there. In respect to those tweaks, however, unless you have absolutely top class equipment, you may only be imagining that you are hearing a difference. These are the only headphones (and I've owned many) that enable you to hear right through the music - they are just so detailed and in fact probably too analytical for some ears.

If you want a warmer sounding headphone then I suggest the RS1i or RS2i - they are just as detailed as the SR325is, but because they tend to sound a little on the warm side (probably to do with the mohogany enclosure more than anything else), they also don't tend to be as fussy about their source.

So, to "White Noise", don't be too concerned that you have the "i" versions and not the "is" versions. If you are not totally happy with them, save a bit and improve your source. Enjoy!!!

As a side question; does anyone have an opinion on what the break-in time is for the 325is? I was planning on running them on a mis-tuned channel during the day, then listening to music at night. Should a couple of days take care of this?
Thanks

I was planning on getting a sr325is or sr325i, or possibly the hf-2 which I haven't had time to read reviews on yet or experience them for that matter. I have yet to try the sr325i or sr325is, but I have had a chance to try the rs1. I liked the rs1 quite a bit. However, I was most likely going to get the 325 unless a super cheap rs1 pops up again. My friend was able to snatch the rs1 for a crazy deal of 295 and hide it from me. I found out about it like last minute and realized he got it already by the time.

Just curious, but the 325i or 325is models aren't that uncomfortable are they? I thought the rs1 were okay, so probably they're the same in that case? How is weight for the 325i compared to rs1? As I've only owned closed and bass heavy headphones for beyers and ultrasones (dt770 and pro900), how would you think these two 325i/s models would suit me?

I listen to rock, as what these are suited for as most say. But, would these be great for classical, contemporary piano, music scores, etc.?

Sorry to bring up an old thread. They say everywhere that the new "i" in every Grado model names stands for improved : new driver and cable design, enhanced ventilated diaphragm and cup housing refinements... or at least they say on Wikipedia. Are there another other "improvements" to be listed?

What about SR325i's improvements? I know, radical new design for the cups, with more room in them for better sound (simply put), new drivers... and that's it? was the cable improved too?

 

And as for individuals made comparisons, all there is to extract and learn from this thread is that sr325is is more bassy and sometimes sibilant during the break-in first hours of usage (do that means they are more detailed? more or less resolution?), and that's it?

 

I'd be curious to know more, from people who tried both (and does not own any of them at the moment, a criteria to avoid subjectivity, because sr325 owner will most of the time say they prefer their own version model).

 

Because I just bought a pair of used sr325 and I decided to pick the golden ones for their unique (silver color is too common in non-wooden headphones world) look and the fact they're now discontinued (so they will become rarer to find, in the long run). Now I want to know what I'll be missing compared to if I would have bought the new shiny chromed "is", or will I really be missing anything?

The "is" has thicker cables.

Edited by BluFalcon - 9/22/11 at 5:01am

Ok, do the "i" has a thicker one relatively to the "non-i" too? for example a RS1 cable next to a SR325i

No, I have both and am answering my question, the RS1 and the SR325i share the same cable... no improvement were made to the cable for the SR325i.

When I tried the Grado 325i before I purchased my 325is, I remember the 325i being brighter sounding than my 325is.