[This is my first review here. I'm still developing my language for talking about audio, so I apologize in advance if the review doesn't 'sound' right!.]
I have been a long time lurker on head-fi and I got myself the SR325e recently as a starting headphone. Initially it sounded a bit harsh, but a 3 day break-in with random music made the bass more present and definitely a lot less harsh.
I use a Fiio E17 portable DAC/Amp.
Comfort: Initially the headphones were unbearable, the foam was rough and my ears were not happy. To top the physical comfort issues, the harshness of the sound made it even worse. But in just about 10 days of wearing ~2hours/day, the foam softened quite a bit and sound mellowed down too and I can keep these for 4-5 hours straight at moderate volume without trouble.
Treble: I haven't heard the previous SR325i yet, but reading online says that Grado has made the e series smoother. Except for some extremely treble heavy songs, the SR325e sounds really sweet.
Mids: Vocals sound amazing, especially female voices. Phenomenal.
Bass: Sounds precise, could use a little more quantity.
Quick recommendation for n00bs like me: Try to audition Grados in a local store before buying one. There are some headphones (like Sennheiser HD 600) which you can buy without auditioning and be most likely happy with, Grados on the other hand can be a hit or a miss. I personally enjoy the sound SR325e and will keep them, but I don't believe a Grado will be my primary listening device. I'm considering getting more neutral/warmer pair to complement these.
I have been a long time lurker on head-fi and I got myself the SR325e recently as a starting headphone. Initially it sounded a bit harsh, but a 3 day break-in with random music made the bass more present and definitely a lot less harsh.
I use a Fiio E17 portable DAC/Amp.
Comfort: Initially the headphones were unbearable, the foam was rough and my ears were not happy. To top the physical comfort issues, the harshness of the sound made it even worse. But in just about 10 days of wearing ~2hours/day, the foam softened quite a bit and sound mellowed down too and I can keep these for 4-5 hours straight at moderate volume without trouble.
Treble: I haven't heard the previous SR325i yet, but reading online says that Grado has made the e series smoother. Except for some extremely treble heavy songs, the SR325e sounds really sweet.
Mids: Vocals sound amazing, especially female voices. Phenomenal.
Bass: Sounds precise, could use a little more quantity.
Quick recommendation for n00bs like me: Try to audition Grados in a local store before buying one. There are some headphones (like Sennheiser HD 600) which you can buy without auditioning and be most likely happy with, Grados on the other hand can be a hit or a miss. I personally enjoy the sound SR325e and will keep them, but I don't believe a Grado will be my primary listening device. I'm considering getting more neutral/warmer pair to complement these.
