I am intending on moving up. I may even be only moving to the SR325e.
Initially I thought that I'd be paying more for posh headband, but I think that is actually might be worth it. Any improvement in sound will be welcome even if it is small. The SR325e has a little more bass than the 225, so that will obviously be welcome. However I think it might have a touch more highs as well so it might be negated.
The issue s that even a small audio upgrade is nice. An example. I used to use my PC on-board sound card. I bought a Meridian Explorer DAC. At first I thought it was only marginally better. However now I would not like to go back to the on-board sound. In all fairness to it though, it is stunning for motherboard integrated audio.
As I said in a previous post though, the 225 range never made more than four stars in a review. Whereas the 325 always takes five, unless you allow for some reviewers complaining about comfort. Personally I think the L-cushion is a masterstroke in comfort and for being cool. It's just a case of finding the right spot for the cups on the legs, by sliding up or down.
All other Grado SR receive *five* stars so potentially there is something the 225 are doing that reviewers do not like. I saw a What Hi-Fi review of the 225 saying it was great for classical. You need guarantees of more genre compatibility though.
I find it hard to choose between the 325e, RS2e, and the PS500e, because here is such little info available. The 500e I think has had its bass tamed a little so may now be something special. Original 500 owners were happy anyway. I think I lean closer to the other two choices though, but it's difficult to make an uninformed choice. It because there is such little pro-review info on the RS2e. What I am curious mainly about is how much clearer the RS2e may be, compared to the 325e.
Even the 225e (actually 225i with e-drivers) I have, occasionally pick out details in music I never heard before. That's what excites me about upgrading, along with clarity. That's what I don't know with the RS2e as not many have compared it with the 325e. If only the pro-reviewers would get moving and do reviews. I even wrote to What hi-Fi and told them about the surge of interest in the RS2e. Plus I mentioned the 225e has a nice controlled sound now.
Anyway if I ever do upgrade I will let this thread know, and maybe another. I had SR125i before the 225e, plus I owned the SR60 many years ago (and I loved those headphones). I also auditioned the SR60i and found that compelling and awesome value for money. I also auditioned the SR80i. I think I should be able to make a balanced account of the headphone I get next, having heard so many other Grado.
