[appar111]

Debating picking up a pair of Grados as I’ve been getting back into headphones this last year (current collection is Beyerdynamic DT770, 880 and 990’s, some Sennheiser HD25-1’s and some brand spanking new Sennheiser HD600’s.

Right now I’m looking at either the new SR325x or possibly the RS-2. I used to listen to mainly rock music, but have gotten into musical scores for horror movies which has been super fun. I feel like with my existing headphone collection, I have a pretty good spread of sounds right now, but probably missing something with a super immediate sound.

I know Grados typically don’t tend to need much in the way of amping, but I have a Schiit Magni Heresy and a Ray Samuels Audio SR-71A.

Based on all that, which of these two pairs of Grados would you think would be a better one to check out?

thanks!
J

 

[NA Blur]

Unless you really want the looks of the wood cups, the SR-80 is the sweet spot. I've owned all the Grados up to the RS-1i. I've also checked their measurements and there is no need to spend more than $150 on a Grado unless you want the looks. That said, I've also had 2 pairs of wood cup headphones from Grado ,shipped to me completely unsanded and unfinished, so the quality control is very meh on the wood cup versions.

The SR-80 is nice because you still get the cushion pads which help add much needed bass and a ton of comfort. If you go up the line you end up with the horribly uncomfortable bowl pads that suck out all the bass and leave you with a hot mess of bright audio!

Here are the links to the measurements so you can compare the two you are interested in. Open each link into separate tabs and then flash back between the two. See how the frequency charts are almost identical? Why pay all that extra cash for the exact same driver, enclosure design, and more discomfort? I can't find the SR-80 graphs so I included the cheaper SR-60. The SR-60 is similar to the SR-80, but the 80 has better driver matching so you don't get one side that has 2dB or more offset from the other.

Grado SR-60
https://www.stereophile.com/images/ifmeasure/GradoSR60i.pdf

Grado RS-325i
https://www.stereophile.com/images/ifmeasure/GradoSR325i.pdf

Grado RS-1
https://www.stereophile.com/images/ifmeasure/GradoRS1.pdf

 

[NA Blur]

I suggest you go planar like the HE-400i and see if you like those? Much better frequency response and better quality control. Not very portable though.

 

[appar111]

Unless you really want the looks of the wood cups, the SR-80 is the sweet spot. I've owned all the Grados up to the RS-1i. I've also checked their measurements and there is no need to spend more than $150 on a Grado unless you want the looks. That said, I've also had 2 pairs of wood cup headphones from Grado ,shipped to me completely unsanded and unfinished, so the quality control is very meh on the wood cup versions.

The SR-80 is nice because you still get the cushion pads which help add much needed bass and a ton of comfort. If you go up the line you end up with the horribly uncomfortable bowl pads that suck out all the bass and leave you with a hot mess of bright audio!

Here are the links to the measurements so you can compare the two you are interested in. Open each link into separate tabs and then flash back between the two. See how the frequency charts are almost identical? Why pay all that extra cash for the exact same driver, enclosure design, and more discomfort? I can't find the SR-80 graphs so I included the cheaper SR-60. The SR-60 is similar to the SR-80, but the 80 has better driver matching so you don't get one side that has 2dB or more offset from the other.

Grado SR-60
https://www.stereophile.com/images/ifmeasure/GradoSR60i.pdf

Grado RS-325i
https://www.stereophile.com/images/ifmeasure/GradoSR325i.pdf

Grado RS-1
https://www.stereophile.com/images/ifmeasure/GradoRS1.pdf

I was wondering where the law of diminishing returns kicks in with the grade of stuff. I know that the metal and wood cup versions look fantastic.

I think I’ve ruled out the RS-2 or RS-1… still debating the SR325x though. I need to check Grado’s website to see if they are offering an SR80x. If so, I may just grab those and some of the S pads.

 

[appar111]

I suggest you go planar like the HE-400i and see if you like those? Much better frequency response and better quality control. Not very portable though.

I hadn’t considered the Hifiman stuff, but the price on the HE400i is nice— A couple places online selling them for $190.

 

[DTgill]

I have the SR325x and it's sound is clear, I almost like it better than my Hifiman Sundara and Ananda, even though they sound better and respond to my Schiit multibit and Istanbul r2r DACs and Lyr 3 Asgard 2 and Jot 1. These cans respond really well to my cheap Aune T1-MK2 amp/dac combo.

I haven't heard the RS-2 so I can't comment on that

 

[marts30]

325x is bliss. I just got it recently after missing the grado sound. I use L-Cush pads. Addictive with guitar especially, metal... suits my taste.