Just Ordered Grado SR325i

Please report back.  I'm considering the same purchase, I'm just worried about them being too "bright"...

To get the "most" out of the Grado SR325i headphones, all it essentially takes is $.29 cents worth of felt and a little bit of your free time.

1) Open up the headphone cups by using a little bit of heat from a heat gun.

2) Open up the thin layer of acoustic material that's covering the 10 "vent" holes on the back of the driver by gently inserting a ball-point pen.

3) Cut a circular piece of felt to fit around the magnet and inside the cup.  This will cover the 10 vent holes that you previously opened up.

4) Cut a long, thin strip of felt to get wrapped around the inside of the cups on the sides.

5) Using some Dynamat or "Blue Tack" material, apply a small layer (approx. 1/4' thick) over the back of the magnet - be careful not to cover the "2" vent holes that are on the back of the magnet.  One is on each side of the back of the magnet.

6) Put everything back together and enjoy!!

Actually, what you'll hear is a new amount of bass being added to work with the forward mid-range and high frequencies being produced.  The sound will be beautiful!

Additionally, there are further upgrades being worked on by Bilavideo on the SR60 Headphone Mod thread.  Bilavideo is making some wooden "liners" that will get installed the inside of the aluminum cups - and, hopefully, provide a better level of bass - and reduce some of the bass issues that are experienced by having the aluminum cups in use on a pair of headphones.

Enjoy!

I picked up some SR-325is's about two weeks ago and they are just awesome!  I admit I don't love the chrome finish, but you can't have everything I guess.  I was worried about them being too bright/sibilant, however I found that not to be the case, for my taste anyways.  I wonder if my amp has something to do with that?  I have an ASL MG-Head OTL Mk II amp, which is on the warm side.  I was very suprised to be so very happy with the bass from these Grados. 

I gotta say, after hearing the 325's I'm looking to sell my old K701 and DT990 Pro 250ohm because I never want to listen to anything else anymore :D  The quality feels like a total level above my SR60i's, which I was very happy to see.  The real leather headband, very thick cable, metal cups, and nicer bowl pads all add up to really make the 325 something I'm happy to own and enjoy.  If only it was the matte finish it would be perfect.  I have yet to try any sort of modding, as is so common among Grado owners: so I guess things can only get better from here.

Hope you are as happy with your purchase as I am!  Just thought I would share my experience.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JasonD 

I have yet to try any sort of modding, as is so common among Grado owners: so I guess things can only get better from here.

 

It sounds like you're having a great experience with them.  Congratulations.  I'm sure Grado doesn't apply these "simple" and very "low cost" modifications to their lower line of headphones because they'd probably cannibalize their product line from the RS-1i and up.

I just sent my pair of SR325i "Goldies" into Grado this evening from the Post office.  I was experiencing an issue with the right driver producing a lower level of output as opposed to the left side.  Also, over time, the cable experienced some twists, etc.  I was able to get the twists out, but asked Grado to replace the "Y" cable if they could and if they end up replacing my right driver to also replace my left driver so the headphones can go through the same level of break-in for matched performance.  They are only charging me $45.00 for the maintenance that they'll provide and they'll pony up the bucks and cover the shipping back to me.  The turn-around time is approximately 2 weeks.  Please keep in mind, these are out-of-warranty headphones, yet Grado doesn't forget who their customers are.  They take care of you.

I suppose for as many people who like the SR325is, there are people like me who indeed did think they are too bright.  But this is key, from the OP's quote:

How anyone could praise headphones where they admittedly say "they hurt my ears" is beyond me.  I much prefer the MS2i, Alessandro 's equivalent to the 325's.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Brown 

I suppose for as many people who like the SR325is, there are people like me who indeed did think they are too bright.  But this is key, from the OP's quote:

 

 

How anyone could praise headphones where they admittedly say "they hurt my ears" is beyond me.  I much prefer the MS2i, Alessandro 's equivalent to the 325's.

 

I see in your signature that you have a pair of SR125i headphones modified by Bilavideo.  What are your impressions of them?  I have a pair of SR225 headphones that Bilavideo worked his magic on.  Those headphones really told me that the stock SR325i headphones were no match.  The modified SR225s were miles ahead - which is why I'm focused on the SR325i headphone mods where Bilavideo is making some wooden liners to replace the plastic inserts.  Hopefully, this will make a difference in the bass.  The treble I can cure with some damping material - to make them sound just "right".

Quote:

Originally Posted by wje 

 

I see in your signature that you have a pair of SR125i headphones modified by Bilavideo.  What are your impressions of them?  I have a pair of SR225 headphones that Bilavideo worked his magic on.  Those headphones really told me that the stock SR325i headphones were no match.  The modified SR225s were miles ahead - which is why I'm focused on the SR325i headphone mods where Bilavideo is making some wooden liners to replace the plastic inserts.  Hopefully, this will make a difference in the bass.  The treble I can cure with some damping material - to make them sound just "right".

 

 

wje: Stay tuned.    I plan to do a new separate thread on my SR125i's very soon.  I also have a buddy who's getting his MS1i's mod'ed by Bill too.  Hopefully you can post in that thread too.

Quick take though: I use HF2's, RS2i's, and MS2i's here at work for lots of casual listening during the day.  At home, I've primarily relied on my SR225i's for comparing different masterings of the same CD.  (original US, Japan, West Germany, UK, vs remasters kind of thing)
 

 When I initially heard the BV'ed SR125i's, I was seriously like: man, these make the SR225i's sound anemic.  They are "surprising" sounding.  But I really need to do more comparing too.  I had Bill recable my MS2i's, and he's going to give me those inner wood liners to play with, with the MS2i's.  No other mods for those though, I really like them as-is.

Not going to lie they're quite bright but the bass balances them out.  I like how I can listen to them at low volume.  The only time highs are a problem are late at night when I'm tired.  Otherwise the treble is really golden.  Literally perfect for ALL the rock and (decently recorded) metal I listen to.