I finally got my SR325i... some thoughts

[morphie]

Got the 325i today, and after tearing open the package and carefully opening the box, i finally got a good look at the so called improved 325. Well damn. These look alot better IRL than on pictures let me tell you that much. Great build. I would have prefered them silver but oh well... no way am I buying MS-2i just for fashion

Anyway, I hooked these to my usual DAC-1-->silver ICs--->RA-1 clone by MisterX setup, and put on some Led Zep. I noticed straight away that the mids are alot better than with the 325s. More upfront, more impact as well.

The bass is consequently fuller than the 325s as well while it keeps its impact, real nice.

Highs now, which are the strongpoint of my beloved silver 325s. What I didn't like with the RS-1s is that guitars wasnt crying the way it was with the silver 325s, it lost its feeling. With the 325i, I noticed straight away that the highs werent as upfront as the silver 325s, but this "guitar crying" thing was really happening. I came to the conclusion that its the metallic vs woody thing. I guess I enjoy metallic cans alot more.

The vocals also changed, theyre better spread and more balanced in general, I think thats also due partly to the better soundstage. These have more dimension than the silver 325s (maybe due to the larger can?) that extends the listening field and each sound has more space.

One last comment. Extending the can like Grado did not only gave a more spacious felling, but as the sounds are no more cramped up all together, they now sound alot cleaner than before. This is really a great change imho.

If you haven't already guessed it, my new favs are the sr325i hands down. They truly are an improved version of the silver 325s, and are imho the best bang for the buck you can find full stop.

 

[Oink1]

Congrats!

- Hope to own a pair myself one day... (OT - Did you sort out a region hack for the Toshiba?)

 

[Jahn]

and did you see someone selling the MS-2i for only 200 bucks in the for sale forum? gadzooks! the "i" series deserves a better fate!

 

[ajt976]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jahn and did you see someone selling the MS-2i for only 200 bucks in the for sale forum? gadzooks! the "i" series deserves a better fate!

No kidding, I paid that much for my SR225's! Granted I did buy them new with a 25' extension cord. But still, I'd pay $200 for a pair!!!

 

[morphie]

Yep that i serie is really something. About the Toshiba region free, no, I didnt

 

[GoRedwings19]

congrats morphie on your new cans. Look forward to your impressions.

 

[chesebert]

are 325i more popular now vs MS2i?

 

[Wil]

Congrats Morphie!

I agree about the guitar crying thing. Sends chills down my spine at times. And the vocals too! The 325is really do vocals very well, lending that Grado magic to the female voice. Female vocals are lush, fantastically smooth and warm and i just love it when Jane Monheit seems to be whispering and crooning into my ears.

 

[morphie]

Yes, mids and especially vocals have been worked on alot when this can was designed. They took the silver 325 and improved it based on the RS-1, and the results are fantastic

No need for RS-1s when you have the 325i, unless you want exploding bass and an overall lusher sound that is

 

[ajt976]

Quote:

Originally Posted by morphie No need for RS-1s when you have the 325i, unless you want exploding bass and an overall lusher sound that is

Well, that's certainly comforting. Wallet, no need to get the RS-1s so you can take a break...but only a small one, something tells me we needs a new amplifier

...

 

[mjg]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jahn and did you see someone selling the MS-2i for only 200 bucks in the for sale forum? gadzooks! the "i" series deserves a better fate!

it was a fluke! Even the seller said that he charged too little...

enjoy the 325i! Definatley the headphones gold member would wear ; )

 

[acs236]

Quote:

Originally Posted by morphie Yes, mids and especially vocals have been worked on alot when this can was designed. They took the silver 325 and improved it based on the RS-1, and the results are fantastic No need for RS-1s when you have the 325i, unless you want exploding bass and an overall lusher sound that is

When I owned both the 325is and RS-1s, I found them to be quite different. I was using bowls with both, and I'm sure that makes some difference. The RS-1s sounded a bit bassier, but certainly not that much. The headstage was better; the RS-1s were not as bright. Overall, I found the RS-1s to be a lot warmer and smoother.

 

[cansman]

The 325i is truly excellent. The synergy it has with the Grado headphone extension cable (better even than the Panorama, within this context) and the RA-1 amp is outstanding. Add a good source with very little grain like a Naim CD player, you have a world-class system!

Truthfully, my HD650s are totally outclassed by them!

 

[morphie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by acs236 When I owned both the 325is and RS-1s, I found them to be quite different. I was using bowls with both, and I'm sure that makes some difference. The RS-1s sounded a bit bassier, but certainly not that much. The headstage was better; the RS-1s were not as bright. Overall, I found the RS-1s to be a lot warmer and smoother.

Sorry to disagree with you. I find the RS-1s more bassy and lusher, so the result is warmer and smoother for sure, but the sound is exactly the same if not for the smoothness/warmness, the heavier bass, and the soundstage which is a little bigger with RS-1s. Apart from that theyre very alike imo.

cansman: Thats pretty much my setup there

World class indeed, I'm absolutly loving it, and I'm glad you seem to have the same opinion of them as I do

 

[Wil]

Yes, we do have a 325i fan club! yay!

My DT880s have been lying around collecting dust ever since i got my 325is, although i still use them when i listen to live concerts that are held in rather large arenas. The 325is are more intimate, and can create a lesser sense of air, whereas the 880 are better at creating a larger "live" atmosphere.

Dont get me wrong, the 325is are execellent at creating the atmosphere of a live concert, albeit that of one held in a smaller venue, say a cafe or a small auditorium, but IMHO, the 880s creates a larger headstage and is more effective in recreating the feel of a large concert.

That being said, i feel that the 325is are the best cans in my headphone collection which consists of DT880s( used to be my no.1

), HD595s, A900s and ER-4s ( although the ER-4s comes close enough.)