Well here's the long and the short of it: the new 'e' version of the Grado SR325 is the best one yet. And, IMHO it's the best Grado for the money. Here's why:
I've listened to a lot of headphones. A lot a lot. More than anyone should. And as such, I've developed some preferences. To keep this from dragging on... Grado is where it's at if you want lifelike reproduction. Back when I reviewed my RS1i, I mentioned that it was the first and only headphone (to that date) I'd heard that made me feel like I was listening to
actual instruments. After further investigation (a few meets and lots of forum discussion) I've learned that a large number of Grado-heads are
actual gigging musicians. Coincidence? I think not.
The 325e is the second can since the RS1i that has made me feel like this again (HE500 is the other [the Grado of planars]).
From the bottom up...
Bass:
Punchy, very textured, and dynamic. Kick drums don't sound like blobs of bass. They sound like actual drums with an initiation, sustain, and decay of sound. Electric bass through a tube amp sounds like electric bass though a tube amp, not enveloping, room-shaking bass or amorphous blobs of low frequencies. Check out what I mean in this Snarky Puppy tune.
Mids:
Vocals, guitars, and horns sound just... right. The 'e' iteration has smoothed the mids from the 'i' version and because the upper end is a little less hot, the mids are much more natural to these ears. They're rich and refined. Nothing recessed or in your face, just Grado mids doing Grado mids. Check out Joss singing "People Get Ready." All of the nuances in the organ and electric guitar are rich and detailed. Not to mention the command Joss has over her voice in this live performance. Great stuff.
Treble:
Here's the biggest improvement since the 'i' series. The 325i was a little treble hot to me. Not offensive, but very unforgiving and at times uncomfortable. Now most Grado fans agree that the treble is what makes the crunch of electric guitar so addicting with these headphones and I would agree. However, thanks to the improvements in the 325e, the treble is a touch less hot, smoother, and more refined. Intricate cymbal work is crisp and clear as is the upper harmonics in guitars and the air in raspier vocals. See Esperanza:
Soundstage/Imaging/Separation/WhateverYouWantToCallIt:
A lot of folks have issues with the intimate presentation that Grados have. I do not. That's because music in real life rarely sound like it's in a cavern. Most of the time if you're at a venue where there is a roof, you're trying to sit near the front anyway, where you wouldn't hear the effects of a reverb in a giant space nearly as much as if you were sitting in the back row. That being said, the soundstage is no longer unnaturally congested like the previous 325. This one has a bit more width and depth, which makes pinpointing relational space between instruments easier and more life-like. Not to mention that throwing some G cush pads on these bad boys will cure most of your soundstage woes.
Mods:
I couldn't write this review without mentioning at least two. 1. Tape mod: a layer of scotch or electrical tape around the stock L cushes does wonders for those of you who want some extra bass. Nice thing about this mod is that it's easy, unobtrusive, cheap, and doesn't really affect anything besides bass impact. 2. Pad rolling: not a mod per se, but it bears mentioning that changing pads basically yields different headphones. Between the taped L and stock G cush pads, I'm totally set with these bad boys.
Qualms:
Still not the most comfortable cans I've ever worn although the wider headband does help. The new cable is supposedly improved with regards to conductor count and strain relief, but bottom line: still a snake of a cable.
Final thoughts:
All in all, the 325e from Grado is a huge value. It reminds me very much of the RS1i, a headphone that cost more than twice the 325. The 'e' version has a deeper-reaching bass, more refined midrange, as well as more refined and smoother upper end. The sense of space is more accurate than previous iterations and the slightly wider headband has made them a bit more comfortable as well. For those of you weirdos that don't like the Grado sound
, the 325e isn't a total departure from the house sound, but it is an improvement over previous generations. This can represents the best value out of the lineup to these ears. Better than any 'i' version and without the higher 3- and 4-digit price tag of the upper end offerings.
***Gear Used: MBP > Fidelia > Pan Am Stack with Telefunken 6AK5s***