I'm a new owner of a 325e and unfortunately I do not have another Grado to compare it to. Out of the box they sound very nice and I'm sure they will get even better in time.
 The only other headphones I have are the Sennheiser HD 280 and an old Sony V6.  I did previously use the Eytmotic ER6 with my last player through a portable amp and found the sound signature similar from what I remember which I liked.  
 In the past (ten years ago) I was turned off by Grado because of some of the negative reviews and at the time what I thought were overzealous fan boy apologists. I thought it was a gamble this time around  but now that I have taken a chance based on what most people describe the sound as being, I cant believe that this is the sound I have been looking for my whole life. My only regret is not trying these out sooner. I can see why some may have a love or hate relationship with the Grado brand as these are so far removed then most headphones that I have auditioned that seem to offer something for everyone but are still lacking. I think a case can be made that not all headphones are for everyone and if it sounds good to you that's all that matters.

They're headphones, not Rembrandt's for cripes sake.

bpcans said:

They're headphones, not Rembrandt's for cripes sake.

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Who's cripe?
Lol!

joseph69 said:

  Who's cripe?
Lol!

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I cripe every morning!

kvtaco17 said:

 
I cripe every morning!

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I talk to him before bed.

joseph69 said:

  I talk to him before bed.

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He's a very punctual chap.

So back from cripeland....lol...
Going from the 80 to the 325 should get me a more refined sound but I'm intrigued by the comment about the ps500 that it is neutral but with more bass and more treble...I'd be willing to save up if it's that much more significant of a difference than the 325. To those more experienced, should I just save up ?
Also, is the size of the 500 that much different than the 80?

redstrand said:

So back from cripeland....lol...
Going from the 80 to the 325 should get me a more refined sound but I'm intrigued by the comment about the ps500 that it is neutral but with more bass and more treble...I'd be willing to save up if it's that much more significant of a difference than the 325. To those more experienced, should I just save up ?
Also, is the size of the 500 that much different than the 80?

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Although I've never heard the PS-500, you are correct about the bass over the 325, but not the treble, from the many posts I've read about them. They are supposed to have more bass than any other Grado. OTOH, I can tell you that the 325is's are excellent headphones, but some may find them sibilant in the high frequencies, but IME they are not…at all! Hope this helps!

joseph69 said:

  Although I've never heard the PS-500, you are correct about the bass over the 325, but not the treble, from the many posts I've read about them. They are supposed to have more bass than any other Grado. OTOH, I can tell you that the 325is's are excellent headphones, but some may find them sibilant in the high frequencies, but IME they are not…at all! Hope this helps!

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You are correct! The PS500 has more bass, less treble and is more laid back and easier to listen to, especially with poorly recorded material. It's pleasant and fun, but still sounds like a Grado.

I'm getting some newer in ears first and then saving up, darn the luck if my dad will get my 80's.

redstrand said:

So back from cripeland....lol...
Going from the 80 to the 325 should get me a more refined sound but I'm intrigued by the comment about the ps500 that it is neutral but with more bass and more treble...I'd be willing to save up if it's that much more significant of a difference than the 325. To those more experienced, should I just save up ?
Also, is the size of the 500 that much different than the 80?

Click to expand...

I have had quite a few Grados and heard all of them in their pre e version. The PS500 has been a real favorite and sonically a bit unique in the Grado line up. With my experience with the entry level SR60e handily beating my SR60i I will be purchasing the new version of the PS500 before the end of summer. Of course as in most things in life there is diminishing returns and as good as it is it is not twice as good as the SR325. That said I feel that it is well worth paying the difference as it is more refined in the high frequencies than the 325 and beats it in it's capability in bass. Of course this is my opinion and preference. The best scenario would be if you could sample both prior to purchase. Short of that I would recommend the 500 without reservation. One of my buddies enjoys listening to his PS500 almost as much as his much more expensive Sennheiser HD800.

Good luck regardless and enjoy the ride. PM me if you want to go over more.

esl-1 said:

I have had quite a few Grados and heard all of them in their pre e version. The PS500 has been a real favorite and sonically a bit unique in the Grado line up. With my experience with the entry level SR60e handily beating my SR60i I will be purchasing the new version of the PS500 before the end of summer. Of course as in most things in life there is diminishing returns and as good as it is it is not twice as good as the SR325. That said I feel that it is well worth paying the difference as it is more refined in the high frequencies than the 325 and beats it in it's capability in bass. Of course this is my opinion and preference. The best scenario would be if you could sample both prior to purchase. Short of that I would recommend the 500 without reservation. One of my buddies enjoys listening to his PS500 almost as much as his much more expensive Sennheiser HD800.

Good luck regardless and enjoy the ride. PM me if you want to go over more.

Click to expand...

HD800 + PS500 is a great combo! Trust me I know lol

kvtaco17 said:

  You are correct! The PS500 has more bass, less treble and is more laid back and easier to listen to, especially with poorly recorded material. It's pleasant and fun, but still sounds like a Grado.

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I approve this message. 

I heard the 325i and PS500 at the same time. I like the bass of PS500 but the treble of 325. i don't think one is better than the other. They are just 2 different headphones. I got the 325 because it's what make Grado phone a Grado, the upper mids and treble. The PS500 appears to be better at first glance because it's 2X the price of 325.

This thread has calmed down some.....Awesome...lol
 
 
Received them today....Loving 'em indeed....I even started an appreciation thread for 'em.  The most overlooked Grado:
 
 
 

 
 
 
Cheers!!!