[KSC35Matt]

Hello
 
Efficient writing mode [ON].
 
I've had the Grado SR60 (not "i") for years and loved the sound.  They broke.
 
Repair costs $80, and they will install SR60i drivers for one reason or another.
 
So I'm looking to see what options will give me the best value in the $80 region, a repair or another set of headphones.
 
What I like:
 
Open 'airy' sound.
I like the type of sound the SR60 and Koss KSC-35 have.  To my ears the SR60 is better than the KSC-35, but perhaps these two headphones give you an idea of the sound type I like.
Hopefully a little more bass than the SR60.
Hopefully a little more comfortable to wear than the SR60.
 
I borrowed a pair of Audio-Technica AD700's - they are more comfortable than the SR60 but I prefer the SR60 sound - the AD700 sounds like there is a bit of a 'veil', and I don't like the 'veil' factor at all.  Perhaps that gives you more of an idea what to recommend.
 
I can get a second hand pair of SR125 (not "i") for $135, I've never heard them before.  The comfort factor would not be improved, but do you think I'd prefer their sound to the SR60 and SR60i?
 
And lastly, SR125 vs SR125i brief verdict?

 

[KG Jag]

I have only done AB comparisons with (one version of) the RS1 and RS 1i.  There is quite a bit of difference.  However, based on listening the Grado SR line over the years (but not doing AB tests) and reading articles and reviews on the subject, there is not a great deal of difference between SR's and SRi's.  Most hear a bit of improvement with the i's, but (for example) a 80i is not going to be better than a 125 (not i).
 
Bottom line, if you like your 60, you will like the 125 more.  That said, why not spend an extra $15 (at most) and get a 125i with a Grado warranty?  You can also get a new Alessandro MS-1i for less than both.

 

[billybob_jcv]

Jeez, Grado is really not doing you any favors on that repair. Brand new SR60i -> $79, free shipping http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/607704-REG/Grado_SR_60I_SR60i_Dynamic_Open_Air_Stereo.html

I thought the SR125i was ~2X the price of the SR60i?

 

[KSC35Matt]

Thanks, I'll investigate what you've said.
 
Bump for extra opinions.

 

[mcandmar]

Below the 225i the MS1 is the best sounding / value for money IMO.