If you get a chance to get some D5000, I say go for it!  I like the grado sound but the comfort is definently sub-par and the bass isn't quite there.  For me D5000 is just right maybe just a little colored but with some modding they really shine and are uber COMFY!  And I would under rate the...

In regards to DIO "Holy Diver".  Is that the msfl version?  I just got the msfl master and it seems to clip just a bit which is kinda annoying.  Sound pretty great in the mid-range but just a bit hot and tizzy in the highs.

^Same expererience for me with Grado.  Live in OR had my headphones repaired and back in hand in less then 3 weeks!  I would have to say Grado customer service is one of the best Ive had with headphones. 

I would definently try to get the open headphones approved.  I find my Grado 325is to be a nice alternative to the Denon D5000,  faster and more mid focused they are great for the genres you prefer.  I also wonder about the orthodynamics,  haven't had a chance to audition though.

I would give the Grado 225i or the Denon D2000 a shot.  The Grado house sound is amazing for ROCK, anything with guitar and vocal is to die for.  Denon will give you more a** kicking bass but enough mids and highs to be pretty balanced.

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Gerbil, I would upgrade the dac.  Grado is very sensitive to crappy source.  Also the 225s would be a lot better than the 80s with bass and dynamics.  If you go to another headphone the d2000 would be a good possibility.  I would avoid the AKG Q701 they just don't do ROCK all that well and...

There is definently a difference in sound with the D7000 and D5000.  The D7000 is tighter in the bass and faster with more impact.  The D5000 is more relaxed and bassier.  I found the D7000 to be better with metal and rock than D5000 and the D5000 to sound more natural for jazz, R&B, Classical. ...

With grado it is very important to have the right amp and dac.  When I used to run straight out the soundcard or paired with my portable amp they were pretty edgy and rough but paired with my stello and c2c very smooth but with just the right midrange edge makes metal sound delicious!!!  The...

WOW the MSFL remaster of Megadeth's Countdown to extinction is INCREDIBLE!!! on the Grado 325,  the Guitar in High Speed Dirt is Visceral and Textured and real.  Just amazing!

Recently moved up from the 125 that were my very first into to good headphones in 2003 to the 325i.  I am very happy with the 325i sound wise. The improved dynamics and bass are well worth it.  The funny thing is for quite some time reading the boards about different grado flavors the 325 was...

SANTANA III THE LEGACY EDITION. 

I just picked this up today.  I am a big MP fan.  I was hoping for clearer sound on this album.  Found the bass a little flabby .  Although I haven't given it a seious listen and might be OK with Grado instead of DenonD5000.  Tempted to look for the msfl version.

Alice in Chains-MTV Unplugged is simply amazing! Santana III Jethro Tull- Aqualung Remastered 2011   I love that I can listen to live Rock and Roll again with my new 325is!  For too long Ive been gettin by with some AKG 701s (great for live jazz, suck for Rock).  Its like opening the...