[orkney]

I just picked up a pair of these all-black 1st-generation SR325s from a fellow headfier and I'm interested in hearing more about them since searches reveal significant disagreement about the drivers used, etc. These have the same reddish-brown driver screens I'm used to from my vintage RS1s and they sound to me much closer to that phone than to more recent Grados I've auditioned/owned.

With flat pads there's no sibilance in the highs and little of the upper-mid emphasis I find in current-model RS1s. Very good bass and slightly less midrange presence than the vintage RS1 but great speed on guitars, etc. These seem like a real find and I'm curious about their history, production numbers, and so on. I understand that they have a different driver to the silver-bodied models but can the Grado historians provide any more info?

thanks and best,

o

 

[orkney]

Anyone?

 

[mike6502]

Out of curiosity, could you post a pic of them?

 

[orkney]

Sure -- mine look exactly like this, with props to the original photographer:

best,

o

 

[Ttvetjanu]

the picture isnt working

 

[moogoob]

I'd be interested to see pics too. Are the cups just painted metal? Or is it an anodized* finish?

*spelled it right this time!

 

[Zombie_X]

I've seen these. Sound Seller has pics of them on their site.

They look like the 225's but out of plastic with chrome etchings. Kind of weird looking.

http://www.soundseller.com/product_i...roducts_id/121

There is a pic of them in the link above.

 

[orkney]

Photo upload not working -- sorry. Will try again tomorrow but have found some info in the meantime.

best,

o

 

[member1982]

so there is such a thing? they are the first gen?

 

[derekbmn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by member1982 /img/forum/go_quote.gif so there is such a thing? they are the first gen?

Absolutely ! These were the earliest incarnation of the 325 series. (well sort of there WERE also SR-300)

The drivers are infact different from later versions with the majority of them getting the "transition" drivers. These are the "reddish", "pinkish", "blackish" ones.

I have also seen some that have what would be considered newer SR drivers in them as well. These have the now normal white driver cloth.

And finally there are some out there with the coveted HP-1000 drivers in them.

 

[Zombie_X]

The drivers in my gold SR-325i are black? Are the gold ones drivers black?

 

[orkney]

Quote:

Originally Posted by derekbmn /img/forum/go_quote.gif Absolutely ! These were the earliest incarnation of the 325 series. (well sort of there WERE also SR-300) The drivers are infact different from later versions with the majority of them getting the "transition" drivers. These are the "reddish", "pinkish", "blackish" ones. I have also seen some that have what would be considered newer SR drivers in them as well. These have the now normal white driver cloth. And finally there are some out there with the coveted HP-1000 drivers in them.

Very helpful -- thanks! Mine appear to be the "transitional" drivers, since they're purple with reddish-brown mesh. I've been listening to them against my backup RS1s (buttons) and they seem to be more neutral, with deeper bass, smoother highs, and a bit less midrange "presence" than the woodies. Great cans and nice to own a piece of headphone history, however fleeting or insignificant.

best,

o

 

[derekbmn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zombie_X /img/forum/go_quote.gif The drivers in my gold SR-325i are black? Are the gold ones drivers black?

This is what we are talking about when mentioning the pinkish drivers. This is my pair.

 

[orkney]

Quote:

Originally Posted by derekbmn /img/forum/go_quote.gif This is what we are talking about when mentioning the pinkish drivers. This is my pair.

That's exactly it -- thanks! I do prefer these with flats, though their sound seems to be less affected by pad changes than the RS1. Here's one more try:

 

[member1982]

is that the driver or just pinkish covering that they use.