[silverstonettl]

Hi,
A while back I had a pair of SR-60s I sold to a friend because I'm an idiot and have been using my K601s since. I miss how lively those headphones made a lot of my music and am contemplating buying a pair of Grados to complement my K601s. However, I was never a fan of the build quality of the Grados, in particular the cable and flimsy (and uncomfortable) headband.

Is there another comparable line of headphones people here have liked and which compare favorably to a Grado pair but which are of higher quality?

 

[Nagasaki_Kid]

I remember awhile back people were comparing the goldring dr150 to grado. Some people thought they were similar

 

[scytheavatar]

"Higher quality" is highly subjective. The ATH open backs are a good alternative to the Grados if you are looking for something musical and colored but with a tamer high end and better design. Or you can consider the HFI 780 if you are looking for something as aggressive as a Grado.

 

[Benaiir]

You know the neckband and pad problems are adjustable, right?

 

[nullstring]

I would look into some beyerdynamic cans

DT660, DT880, and DT860, to be exact.

 

[Andrew_WOT]

ATH-AD2000 will take you there and beyond.

 

[Uncle Erik]

Only a Grado will give you the Grado sound signature. If that's what you want, look at a used RS-1.

If you want the same fast, forward sound signature, consider the Beyerdynamic DT880 and the Sony MDR-SA5000. Neither sounds quite like a Grado, but you'll get that fast pace and extended highs. Both are a little more refined (IMHO), but nothing other than Grado will give you that visceral joy with rock. I don't know what your budget is, but the HF-2 might do well as an alternative to a used RS-1.

 

[silverstonettl]

Thanks for the responses everyone.....My budget is $200 and below so those ATH-AD2000s are out of the question....

My next question is whether it's worth moving up to the 325(i) instead of the 225s or below....I'm tempted because the metal might make them seem less like toys....

 

[Sakhai]

Which brands have that forward, first row sound? (other than Grado)

 

[az2123]

SR125i or SR225i are good choices whereas the SR325is is a more controversial phone.

 

[shasty]

I was in the same situation was you; I had Sr-80's, but found them uncomfortable and sold them for cheap to a friend and got a K-601. Now I have a MS-2i, and I have to say that the larger bowls are much more comfortable and headband is a bit better than the SR-80.
I suggest you try out (or research) either SR 325i or MS-2i's, they truly are great headphones for the price.

 

[Vandal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverstonettl /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for the responses everyone.....My budget is $200 and below so those ATH-AD2000s are out of the question.... My next question is whether it's worth moving up to the 325(i) instead of the 225s or below....I'm tempted because the metal might make them seem less like toys....

SR225/SR225i. I own the former. The SR325is are out of your budget. To be honest I don't find anything toyish about their build quality. Even the SR60 lasts, a friend of mine bought a pair some 4 years back. Some 700+ hours on them, hard use and they still look fine.

The SR325is is a bit controversial, some love it, some can't live with it. The SR225 is a more universally accepted can.

 

[nullstring]

Grado | SR225 - Open-Air Dynamic Stereo Headphones | SR225 | B&H

SR225 (non i version) available for $150 from B&H, in case you were unaware.

 

[silverstonettl]

Thanks again for all the responses...I think I'm just going to go with the 225i.

One more question, though: did the 325i come in both the silver and gold color? or the is the silver only the new 325is?

 

[aristos_achaion]

The 325i was gold, the 325is was silver. Hence the "s".

Listening to a pair of SR225s right now...they're wonderful phones, and I hear the "i" version only gets better.