[smodtactical]

If the Grado didnt have F-pads installed then your opinion is easily agreeable for the Grados Ive tried. Grado sans F-pads are overall not good ime. Only a few Grado come with F-pads in stock configuration such as 325x which is partly why I chose for this review so wouldnt get massacred like when I compared stock RS2x (L-pad) vs O2. Im guessing that 325x is Grado’s best headphone currently when stock and it’s great…

imo Ada is most different from O2 in terms of bass quantity and quality and overall tone. O2 is slightly bassy, and Ada is slightly mid-centric. O2’s bass quality is supreme while Ada is worse than 325x due to higher roll off.

Ada and typical Grado both have some 2kHz peakiness which seems to be partly key to why they each can sound punchy and fun (colored) adding definition to snare drum and guitar presence. The other key being their open-cell foam pads which allows (naturally) quick bass decay. Grado’s tend to have 2kHz and ~5kHz peaks but can be narrow or low enough in amplitude as to be tolerable while adding a bit of character. Ada’s 2kHz peak seems to be a tad too wide or loud causing sense of overall mid-centric tone.

Some Grado (F-pads) Ive tried that bother me: RS2e (too much ~5kHz), SR60/80 (slightly too much ~5kHz), RS2x (very slightly too much 2kHz like Ada but RS2x not as bad plus more resolving, I plan to sell my RS2x or would trade for O2).

325x and Ada have a lot in common and are both produced in Staten Island, NY (correct me if im wrong).

I admit I havent heard ada so can't comment. But love o2. Never liked a grado I heard but not sure what pads were on them.

 

[Philimon]

I admit I havent heard ada so can't comment. But love o2. Never liked a grado I heard but not sure what pads were on them.

Grado doesnt loan you gear for your website or interview on your podcast? You acquired O2 at a more friendly price?

 

[smodtactical]

Grado doesnt loan you gear for your website or interview on your podcast? You acquired O2 at a more friendly price?

Never approached grado for a sample. O2 i had minimal discount. Paid nearly full price. And its 100% worth the asking price.

 

[Philimon]

Related:

Spoiler: RS2x vs PS500e vs 325x

Quick PS500e vs RS2x comparison (both using F-pads otherwise no me gusta) from iphone dongle because saying goodbye to RS2x because listed in classifieds.

- PS500e slightly more mid-bass goes a long way and fixes the major issue I have with RS2x. RS2x bass articulate but lacking slightly enough quantity which slightly hurts drum n bass just enough to prefer other Grado and other headphones. RS2x sounds slightly punchier, like here, but sounds less full unfortunately.

- RS2x very slightly more 2-5kHz. RS2x e-guitar very slightly more presence

- 325x tonality prob a mix of both but darker highs. I also have an 80x (F-pad, 325 metal cups) which Ill try to compare later but first impression is that it’s like 325x but more highs.

- Both above 325x in terms of fine detail, can hear more textures in general.

 

[cangle]

I've had the Ada for about a month now and they are great. Was able to bring them to Canjam NYC and let a few people hear them too which was fun.
For me they are not as warm or rich as the o2 but still have a great tonality. I find the stage to be a bit wider and the low end less powerful although still plenty. I tend to reach for the Ada more then I do the o2. They've also added this suspension strap to it which significantly improves the comfort for me.

I've tried them on a variety amps including the ibasso dx320, Mass Kobo 475, various speaker amps, and most recently the Apex Teton. It sounds great on anything though, you really don't need anything special to run them. A phone is a great option

 

[Philimon]

Related:
325x vs SP-7 vs RS2x vs SR60

 

[Vonbuddy]

Equipment: Mac > Eitr > ModiMBv1.2 > Magni+ (negative gain)

Grado 325x ($300) vs ETA Ada ($350)

Both are neutral with some slight divergence (read details below). Both are similarly detailed and dynamic. The biggest difference between them will come down to personal fit and preferred tonal compromise. Both are similarly sensitive (325x slightly moreso) and sound good from iPhone dongle whereas Ada's lighter and suppler cable edges out 325x for increased portability.

325x:
- very tad dark or uneven which is not a big deal but does result in very slightly less information in cymbals relative to Ada
- Grado cables are the worst (big and heavy and stiff), however I think the metal cupped Grado at least transmit less noise relative to other Grado (x-series)

Ada:
- very small upper mid peak
- lacks some sub-bass content but music dependent to be even noticeable
- slightly less comfortable on ears than 325x due to I think less headband articulation combined with slightly thinner pads
- pads fall off easier and mine already has tears that are increasing in size from frequency of reapplying such variably thin pads. fyi the pads first fell off when attempting to carefully remove headphone from packaging.

As far as "grain" that @ValSuki mentioned, I didn't notice but I may be less sensitive.
Very small upper mid peak is a problem for me as I find peaks intrusive / annoying much moreso than dips. I am very sensitive to upper mids in particular which makes Ada a pass for me but to be fair I would pass on most headphones including most in my collection when stock. @Tom Lu can Ada be tweaked to reduce 2-3kHz?

My priorities in headphones in order:
1. convenience
2. tone
3. bass quality
The rest is much less important but still appreciated just less so.

325x and Ada both have relatively squashed sound stages which is no surprise considering the pads. I found both very similar in their ability to delineate images and resolve finer detail and how they produce micro+macro dynamics. Further headphone comparisons will be made against 325x but that will be for another thread but will update this one with links later. I dont expect to keep Ada around much longer as prefer 325x.

Is the Ada pretty close to the Grado 325x, which I own? I am considering the Ada, but do not want replication.

 

[Philimon]

Is the Ada pretty close to the Grado 325x, which I own? I am considering the Ada, but do not want replication.

Quite similar. Major differences noted:

- Ada too mid-centric.
- 325x very slightly mid-centric, tolerable but would prefer a lil less 2-3kHz.
- Ada bass roll off… however 325x is neither a bass god in terms of quality x quantity, but 325x is more acceptable for a wider range of music.
- 325x a little dark relative to Ada, but its not an issue to me… ymmv … You may put more weight on certain criteria depending on your preferences etc. My preference for less upper mids (3kHz) could certainly be related to my low volume listening habits and the equal loudness contour.
- Design: both have significant pros and cons, choose your poison. fyi, Grado just previewed detachable cables for 325x…
- So, imo, 325x not ideal but preferable to Ada.
- My favorite iteration of Grado that Ive tried is PS500e with F-pads but its pricey and Grado repairs are dicey so I use 325x only as portable to keep PS500e safe.
- I recommend trying ETA O2. Grado aint got nothing on that bass.