Is this a real Grado SR325is? - Page 5

I have no complaints about the sound of the original black SR325.  Or fewer at least

btw, what are the 2 different black versions?

Well now they look like what they sound...

Remember guys that Grado Labs is in the business to make money and if changing the SR325i appearance a bit increases sales then so be it.  The high-end headphone market is very crowded, so a retro style brand like Grado is likely to get overlooked by perspective buyers looking at newer brands and styles.  More often than not buyers value a headphones looks just as much if not more than the actual sound quality-one reason the beats have been so popular.  So if the change attracts new buyers who would not have ordinarily considered Grado's line then that's a good thing!  Besides, since when did chrome become a bad thing?  Some of the most iconic and highly regarded cars in American history were styled with lots of chrome accents.  The 1950's saw some of the most beautiful cars released in American history.  The first generation of Corvettes are still considered by many to be one the most gorgeous American cars ever made.  In fact some say that is the best looking Corvette ever made!  Bling bling?  Please!  It's not like that HD280 PRO that was COMPLETELY studded with diamonds pictured in a thread some time ago, now THAT'S bling bling.

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Originally Posted by tr3vis324 

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Originally Posted by apnk 

I don't think they look bad but not great either. Also Grado's QC is lacking sometimes, I can only imagine how scratched they would look fresh out of the box (since they seem like scratch magnets). BTW, they should make a stealth version, with PVD'd cups, that would be awesome!

Actually, these came completely scratch-free. Initially my fears were that they'll get lots of scratches after I've opened them, but after about a month with a little more than 20 hours, they're still scratch free. They are fingerprint magnets, though. But that's easy to clean.

 

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Originally Posted by Digital-Pride 

Remember guys that Grado Labs is in the business to make money and if changing the SR325i appearance a bit increases sales then so be it.  The high-end headphone market is very crowded, so a retro style brand like Grado is likely to get overlooked by perspective buyers looking at newer brands and styles.  More often than not buyers value a headphones looks just as much if not more than the actual sound quality-one reason the beats have been so popular.  So if the change attracts new buyers who would not have ordinarily considered Grado's line then that's a good thing!  Besides, since when did chrome become a bad thing?  Some of the most iconic and highly regarded cars in American history were styled with lots of chrome accents.  The 1950's saw some of the most beautiful cars released in American history.  The first generation of Corvettes are still considered by many to be one the most gorgeous American cars ever made.  In fact some say that is the best looking Corvette ever made!  Bling bling?  Please!  It's not like that HD280 PRO that was COMPLETELY studded with diamonds pictured in a thread some time ago, now THAT'S bling bling.

Well, with change there's always some kind of reaction... If you remember, when facebook changed their format (I know it's a ridiculous example, but it still shows a point) everyone was complaining, even if it was "better looking" in a way. However, these headphones don't look like they'll attract other people who wouldn't have considered Grado because of their looks... they just make them look a little too shiny, IMHO. Besides, Grado is enjoying good sales so there shouldn't be a reason to chrome them, although the SR325 seems to be a constant victim of change. Also, comparing headphones to cars (just like when I compared headphones to facebook) seems inapt here because cars back then were produced for the "looks," while for audiophiles here, headphones are strictly about sound. I still don't have a verdict as to what to think about the 325is's new look. So far I'm neutral. 

my local dealer thinks the john quincy q701's aren't going to be hot sellers, don't think these will increase his sales either...

I don't think it is the fact that Grado made a change...it's that the change looks like like...well...poo. But really, it doesn't matter to me. I have my goldies and if/when I tire of them I'll strip them down and run them silver for a while and if that gets boring I'll have them custom annoed. There isn't another aluminum Grado other than the HF2 I would ever be interested in so I won't have to worry about ever owning the chrome versions.

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Originally Posted by rhythmdevils 

I have no complaints about the sound of the original black SR325.  Or fewer at least

 

btw, what are the 2 different black versions?

Left- with HP1000 drivers and wider headband.

Right- with pink drivers, One of my favourite Grados and they sound a lot smoother than the newer ones. I like the looks too.

Nice pcf!  Gorgeous

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Originally Posted by ArmAndHammer 

I don't think it is the fact that Grado made a change...it's that the change looks like like...well...poo. But really, it doesn't matter to me. I have my goldies and if/when I tire of them I'll strip them down and run them silver for a while and if that gets boring I'll have them custom annoed. There isn't another aluminum Grado other than the HF2 I would ever be interested in so I won't have to worry about ever owning the chrome versions.

What about PS-1 or HP1?  They might beat up your 325's in a fist fight.  But they are a bit more expensive.

I have an MS2 on order. Here's the response I got from Alessandro when I asked whether I'm getting the chrome-plated version  also expressing my disappointment regarding the new design:

"Actually not sure if you are getting the old or new version. We had to switch to chrome because we were having problems with the anodizing, and it actually costs more money to make them than the brushed aluminum ones. We actually think it looks better."

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Originally Posted by ma_t14 

I have an MS2 on order. Here's the response I got from Alessandro when I asked whether I'm getting the chrome-plated version  also expressing my disappointment regarding the new design:

 

"Actually not sure if you are getting the old or new version. We had to switch to chrome because we were having problems with the anodizing, and it actually costs more money to make them than the brushed aluminum ones. We actually think it looks better."

this would be my reaction.

"LOLWUT are you high? The older ones looked lovely, they had some amount of class and simplicity to them. Chrome just looks like your trying to out gaudy skullcandy" just my personal opinion...god I hope 32ohm audio still has brushed ones left by the time I can get them.

Chrome: pimp my cans ...  Lowrider cans ...

as soon as I read that I thought of chrome skullcandy lowriders.....................
 

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Originally Posted by Kevin Brown 

Chrome: pimp my cans ...  Lowrider cans ...

 

I have been a SR325 fan for years. Seeing the chrome version really disappointed me at first. My second thought is that this is not that bad.... - the SR325 has always been the odd brother of the Grado's and this change only gives them more attention for new customers. 

I have visit a store near my house today. They have the new looking MS-2is in stock.

It doesn't look good at all. Totally look like cheap plastic even though they are not.

I would still buy them if i don't know the old one exist. Now I am regret not buying them years ago. 

I have the brushed aluminum 325is and glad I got it before the change to chrome.  With that said, if I had got the chrome I probably would've just shrugged it off and just enjoyed the sound.  The Grado design is an acquired taste anyway, so it's not like the look of Grados appeal to most people to begin with.  But I agree that when you add chrome to the mix it sort of makes you wonder why they decided on such a dramatic change.  It seems very "un-Grado" like, but whatever. 

Off topic, but what was the major difference between the goldies (325i) and the current 325is?  Was it just a beefier cable added?