Good upgrade to Grado SR-225i or SR-325i from SR-80i?

I currently own a pair of Grado SR-80i headphones and love them to death. I experienced a major "Wow" when I first put them on. Music through headphones never sounded so clear and open. I generally listen for between 2 and 3 hours a night with them and don't find them fatiguing, which was a pleasant surprise!

Now I'm starting to suffer from upgrade-itis. I've been reading reviews of the SR-225i and SR-325i and many say that there is a significant difference from the SR-80i's.

The price of the 225i's isn't too bad, but the 325i's seem pricey. However, I may find myself wondering "what would the 325i's have sounded like?".

So, my main questions are:
- If I get the 225i's, will I be missing something that the 325i's offer?
- Is there a big jump in real sound quality from the 225i to the 325i?
- What about the jump in SQ from the SR-80i to the SR-225i?

Also, I've read that the 325i's are heavier because of their metal construction - how much of a factor does this play into the comfort?

I look forward to your input - thanks!

BTW, my source is FLAC files streamed through a Logitech squeezebox. The squeezebox is connected via line-out to a Artcessories USB Phono Plus box, which has a headphone amp built it. My headphones are plugged into the Arcessories box. (I may upgrade this amp setup in the future, but one step at a time ;-). I occasionally use my iPod with the Grados, but that's only when I'm travelling.

I read your SR80 - SR-225i comparison. Great review! I had a similar experience and journey to Grado headhpones as you. The praise on the 'net was overwhelming, to the point where you have to check it out and see what all the fuss is about. I like your Mercedes analogy.

Thanks everybody for the feedback so far. I'm beginning to think I have a pair of SR-225i's in my future :-).

Thanks for the welcome. I've lurked for quite sometime. I have found lots of good information through reading, but I thought a discussion on this topic would be worthwhile.

Interesting to hear differing opinions, but the overall impressions seems to be that the SR-225i's would be most beneficial. When funds allow, I'll have to grab a pair and check 'em out for myself. If all goes well with them, my SR-80i's will get moved to "music at my desk at work" duty.

I'll definitely post back when I get these.

As far as amps go, I dipped my toe in the water with the Practical Devices XM4 amp. At the moment I'm quite happy with it. I've read all about the Ray Samuals, Meier, etc. models and am just not pepared to dive into that realm yet. One day perhaps...

That's a really cool looking mod. I love the look of the silver metal grills!

What planted the idea of adding the damping felt material inside?