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Is the difference between the Grado SR80 and SR225 too big?

post #1 of 38
4/5/10 at 3:38pm
Thread Starter 
Hello everyone:
I decided to buy the Grado SR225, but then I read in several threads that the difference between the SR225 and SR80 is not that big to justify the $100 difference. Is that true?

For now, I'll be using a 5th Gen 30GB iPod and a MacBook as sources and as an amp, I have a fiio E5.

Thanks in advance!
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post #2 of 38
4/5/10 at 3:54pm
Difficult to say. It really depends on your ears. I can say that I enjoy my 225s more, to my ears they have clearer treble (the SR-80s sound kind of muffled in the highs, to me) and more defined, less boomy bass.
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post #3 of 38
4/5/10 at 4:15pm
Many argue that the 225 is the sweet spot in the Grado line-up. Stop reading and enjoy.
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post #4 of 38
4/5/10 at 4:18pm
I personally prefer the SR80i much more over the SR225i.

Here's a recent comparison of both of mine...

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/mod...y-take-481323/
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post #5 of 38
4/5/10 at 6:33pm
I assume not a wide difference. I suggest save more money for RS1i. I think there will be a huge sound difference.
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post #6 of 38
4/5/10 at 9:38pm
How is RS-1i unamped? I'm still interested in a Grado

Edit: Ouch! $700 for RS-1i and $500 for RS-2i

Guess I will go for 325i then...
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post #7 of 38
4/5/10 at 10:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SillyHoney View Post
How is RS-1i unamped? I'm still interested in a Grado

Edit: Ouch! $700 for RS-1i and $500 for RS-2i

Guess I will go for 325i then...
RS1s (not necessarily i) go for $450-500 all the time in near perfect used condition.

Regarding the OP question: The differences between any headphone within the same product line (and especially in the Grado line because they all share the same characteristics) is more subtle than this forum would have you expect. You will, however, learn to appreciate the differences. When I first got the HF2 I didn't hear much of a difference between it and the SR60i. More detail, more bass, less sibilance and no "grain". I was disappointed. Today I just tried my SR60i again and I couldn't believe I used to listen to it.
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post #8 of 38
4/5/10 at 11:34pm
i think i prefer the 80is as well over the 225is. the 225is are really shrill at times. the difference isn't huge either.

http://graphs.headphone.com/graphCom...Type=0&graphID[]=353&graphID[]=373


There isn't much difference at all. I think most of the audio difference is from the pads/distance from ears.
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post #9 of 38
4/6/10 at 3:12am
Quote:
Originally Posted by zdkaiser View Post
i think i prefer the 80is as well over the 225is. the 225is are really shrill at times. the difference isn't huge either.

There isn't much difference at all. I think most of the audio difference is from the pads/distance from ears.
+1

I prefer the SR80i. Actually my modded one. It's not perfect, but pretty darn good.

I personally think the SR80i IS the sweet spot in the new Grado "i" line. But there are differences and it's not just the pads. I've listened to the SR80i, 125i, 225i, and the 325i with different pads combos (bowls, comfies, quarter modded HD414, stock HD414, PX100) so I have actual experience and not talking out my butt or rehashing internet ramblings of others. I actually own a SR225i also. Keep in mind though I'm talking about the "i" models...I have no experience with the older "non-i" models.
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post #10 of 38
4/6/10 at 11:15am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for your responses.

Someone suggested the Alessandro MS1 instead of the Grado SR80. I know there are countless threads comparing these two headphones, but I wanted to ask what's your opinion about this before making a final decision.
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post #11 of 38
4/6/10 at 11:25am
Well I have yet to find the treble on my sr225i shrill. I upgraded to these phones from lower model grados as I wanted a tighter more up in your face presentation for rock and metal. So far, these sr225 have delivered.
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post #12 of 38
4/6/10 at 11:30am
Quote:
Originally Posted by LaDolceVita View Post
Thanks for your responses.

Someone suggested the Alessandro MS1 instead of the Grado SR80. I know there are countless threads comparing these two headphones, but I wanted to ask what's your opinion about this before making a final decision.
MS1. It's far smoother sound, and way better value. Widely regarded as on par with the 125 (debate rages as to whether the drivers actually are the 125s, but I fell asleep reading such threads). I have a pair, and RS2's, and the family resemblance is obvious.

With that in mind, I think the debate over the difference between the different series is way overdone. I think Grados range is overstuffed at the low end, with too little to distinguish between them; although audiophilia will take the smallest difference and make it appear canyon-like.

They probably sell the best of each series via Alessandro, where tweaks of the 125, 325, and RS1 is a far simpler choice, and the best representation of each price bracket. I didn't buy the tweaked RS1 (MSPro), because I couldn't afford it, and having heard both, I don't think I'm missing much with the RS2, especially when I paid half what the Pro's cost.
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post #13 of 38
4/6/10 at 1:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by LaDolceVita View Post
Thanks for your responses.

Someone suggested the Alessandro MS1 instead of the Grado SR80. I know there are countless threads comparing these two headphones, but I wanted to ask what's your opinion about this before making a final decision.
Depends on your taste in sound and music. There is NO better, just preference. You've read all the threads (Differences between SR80s and MS1s? - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio) so you know the strengths and weaknesses of each model. I haven't heard the MS1 but I love my SR80's low end punch, tightness and accuracy and overall fun factor. With quarter modded comfies over PX100 pads, it's delicious, smooth, and sweet with many types of music. Do my drivers and enclosures damping with felt pads if you get either models. And add a new metal grill.
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/jus...amping-478407/
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post #14 of 38
4/7/10 at 10:49pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by outlawdon View Post
Depends on your taste in sound and music. There is NO better, just preference. You've read all the threads (Differences between SR80s and MS1s? - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio) so you know the strengths and weaknesses of each model. I haven't heard the MS1 but I love my SR80's low end punch, tightness and accuracy and overall fun factor. With quarter modded comfies over PX100 pads, it's delicious, smooth, and sweet with many types of music. Do my drivers and enclosures damping with felt pads if you get either models. And add a new metal grill.
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/jus...amping-478407/

I'm looking for a headphone that is good with rock and metal. The general consensus is that Grados are great for these genres, and that's what caught my attention at first. I have a pair of Audio Technica AD700. They're great headphones (the soundstage is amazing) but with rock they're not that good (the bass is a little weak and I don't like the way the guitars sound in heavier songs). After doing lots of research, I narrowed it down to those two models: SR80 and SR225, but then I read about the Alessandro MS1 and I'm even more confused now!
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post #15 of 38
4/7/10 at 10:58pm
The SR225 is state of the art on the Grado line, and it sounds alot better than the SR80's IMO.
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