[DavidA]

Well, coming from the 125e, I will say the 325e certainly felt more substantial, but I wouldn't say it was heavy. I was also surprised about how big the L-pads were. I have the Earzonk ones and they didn't prepare me for how big the Grado ones felt in person. In all though the weight and the pads effect made it feel more premium. I only wore it for a few minutes so I'm not sure how I would feel about it after a longer time.

I didn't notice any difference is size from OEM L-pads and the generic (Earzonk, ebay) ones that I also had at the time. There is a noticeable difference in construction but no difference in size unless Grado ships the SR325e with different pads these days? Can you post a picture showing the size differences?

 

[Cruelhand Luke]

Well, coming from the 125e, I will say the 325e certainly felt more substantial, but I wouldn't say it was heavy. I was also surprised about how big the L-pads were. I have the Earzonk ones and they didn't prepare me for how big the Grado ones felt in person. In all though the weight and the pads effect made it feel more premium. I only wore it for a few minutes so I'm not sure how I would feel about it after a longer time.

The aggressive sound signature will probably wear you down before the weight of the headphone itself does.

 

[gregorya]

It ain't heavy, it's my Grado

 

[Cruelhand Luke]

Here's the before and after picture for my Grado project. New cups and grills, L cush pads, custom headband. I'm really happy with how they came out. When I get some Dynamat I'll do a little bit of damping, but otherwise I am done messing with them.

 

[formicae]

After being out of the game for a while (my last few pairs were an SR80, an SR125 and an Alessandro MS-1 -- all non-i -- woodied with Vibro Labs (RIP) mahogany cups), I started buying E-series sets last year and woodying them as gifts for friends, so I've seen a handful of sets from various sources. They've all had silverback drivers. Last week I ordered a pair of SR80s to mod for myself and was surprised to discover they had red drivers. Are these pretty old stock, or are they still kicking out red drivers here and there?

I'm pleased to see them, since I plan to go with a pretty widely-spaced grille and braided clear-sleeved cables and they'll look lovely, but I'm kind of curious as to their provenance, I thought they stopped marking them a few years ago.

 

[DavidA]

After being out of the game for a while (my last few pairs were an SR80, an SR125 and an Alessandro MS-1 -- all non-i -- woodied with Vibro Labs (RIP) mahogany cups), I started buying E-series sets last year and woodying them as gifts for friends, so I've seen a handful of sets from various sources. They've all had silverback drivers. Last week I ordered a pair of SR80s to mod for myself and was surprised to discover they had red drivers. Are these pretty old stock, or are they still kicking out red drivers here and there?

I'm pleased to see them, since I plan to go with a pretty widely-spaced grille and braided clear-sleeved cables and they'll look lovely, but I'm kind of curious as to their provenance, I thought they stopped marking them a few years ago.

If the red you are referring to on the back of the driver magnets then those are "e" series drivers, the current generation.

 

[formicae]

If the red you are referring to on the back of the driver magnets then those are "e" series drivers, the current generation.

I mentioned that I've modded several 'e' series sets recently where those were silver-coloured. (with the old GRADO32 and red dot markings, for what that's worth)

 

[Shane D]

Well, I demoed the GH3, 325e, and RS2e at the same time, and I was slightly surprised by the results. Based on my brief 15 minutes of listening I would say:
GH3 << 325e < RS2e

I assumed the GH3 and 325e would be on the same level because of their similarity in price, but I much preferred the sound of the 325e to the GH3. The GH3 were more comfortable to wear, owing to the lighter weight and the flat pads, but they were outclassed in sound by the 325e. I was also a bit surprised that I judged the 325e and RS2e so closely. The RS2e were more pleasant sounding, but it was not an enormous difference between the two that I think I was expecting.

I am surprised by your comment on pricing. Up here in Canada the SR325e's are $399.00 and the GH2's were $949.00. A pretty large difference. They must have lowered the price for the next gen, GH3.

Shane D

 

[alan_g]

Had a pair of sr60 many years ago, gave them away but after hearing a mates 60's I went and got myself a pair of 80's.

 

[whohasaquestion]

I am surprised by your comment on pricing. Up here in Canada the SR325e's are $399.00 and the GH2's were $949.00. A pretty large difference. They must have lowered the price for the next gen, GH3.

Shane D

I may be wrong but I don't think gh3 is meant to be the successor of gh2. The model naming makes little sense.

 

[Rwit]

I may be wrong but I don't think gh3 is meant to be the successor of gh2. The model naming makes little sense.

According to the product page, the GH3 is meant to be an “entry-level” heritage series phone, and it’s priced at $325, $30 more than the 325e. From trying them both I would say the appeal of the GH3 is it is extremely comfortable and lightweight and sounds better than the other flat pad Grados (60-80-125). I liked the sound of the 325e more, I think owing to the improved soundstage and clarity from the L-pads. It would be interesting to try the GH3 with different pads, though.

 

[HungryPanda]

My 325e sound best with L pads yet my 325 original only sounds good with flat foams

 

[Cruelhand Luke]

My 325e sound best with L pads yet my 325 original only sounds good with flat foams

+1
I keep trying my other pads, and I keep going back to the L on my 325e, it just sounds the best.

 

[sysfail]

Did anyone here upgrade from the Grado SR80i to the GH2? I'm curious how much of a significant upgrade there is. I spent quite a lot of money on modding my Grado SR80i (cocobolo wood shells, 3 "bass/vent holes", felt material to tame highs, genuine leather headband, and TTVJ flat pads) and already love the sound. I am still curious how the GH2 would sound and if it would be a significant upgrade from my modded SR80i's. It'd be great if anyone could chime in, thanks!

 

[Geezer Rock 001]

Did anyone here upgrade from the Grado SR80i to the GH2? I'm curious how much of a significant upgrade there is. I spent quite a lot of money on modding my Grado SR80i (cocobolo wood shells, 3 "bass/vent holes", felt material to tame highs, genuine leather headband, and TTVJ flat pads) and already love the sound. I am still curious how the GH2 would sound and if it would be a significant upgrade from my modded SR80i's. It'd be great if anyone could chime in, thanks!

I can't give you an 80 vs GH2 comparison but I can give you a modded 225e vs GH2 comparison. No contest. The GH2 has amazing bass and the music is presented in a dynamic and balanced manner. A very fun listen.

I haven't heard a GH3 yet, but imo the 1,2 and 4 are the hidden jewels of the Grado line of head phones.