SR225 w/ flats vs. SR325i w/ flats?

[appar111]

I have a chance to pick up some 325i's at a great price, and was wondering how they might compare (w/ flats installed) against the SR225 w/ flats. I have the 225's right now, and really like the sound, especially w/ the flats. I was hoping that the 325i would kick it up even another notch.

Also, I can grab a set of brand new 325's (the silver ones) for $200, and I can slap flat pads on those to tame them down a bit. Would that be a slightly different signature from the 225's?

 

[Jahn]

Honestly, I'd stick with the 225. You just got the 225, just kick back and enjoy them. You'll always be able to sell them used for 150 at any time here. The SR325...I'm not sure I'd even buy it used for 200, since I just don't like the screechy fatiguing highs of the old school 325.

 

[appar111]

So is the 325i really much better than the 325? I figure $200 brand new for the 325's is a good price, but maybe not the best Grado choice. The 325i's, I'm not sure about yet... everyone says they're better than the 325's. When the 325i's first came out, people were just going ga-ga over them... saying that they weren't harsh sounding at all anymore, they just sounded huge, etc.

I guess I was impressed enough with the 225's that I'm curious to see what the ones higher up can do (just the 325 and 325i's though... I just can't bring myself to go higher up Grado's line than that).

 

[Jahn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by appar111 So is the 325i really much better than the 325? I figure $200 brand new for the 325's is a good price, but maybe not the best Grado choice. The 325i's, I'm not sure about yet... everyone says they're better than the 325's. When the 325i's first came out, people were just going ga-ga over them... saying that they weren't harsh sounding at all anymore, they just sounded huge, etc. I guess I was impressed enough with the 225's that I'm curious to see what the ones higher up can do (just the 325 and 325i's though... I just can't bring myself to go higher up Grado's line than that).

Yep I'd just sit on the 225 purchase until the next Ohio meet, then make sure a 325 or a MS-2 pops up on the radar. You may not like it, who knows!

 

[appar111]

the bad thing is that a 325i has popped up on the market right now for $225, not even fully burned in... that's hard to resist at that price!

 

[Jahn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by appar111 the bad thing is that a 325i has popped up on the market right now for $225, not even fully burned in... that's hard to resist at that price!

yeah i saw that one for $250 including the beta pads - that's hard to pass up!

 

[iDesign]

Jahns original response on the subject is also one which I align myself. I have tested the Grado Labs SR225 and the SR325/i and prefer the SR225. I believe this is mostly consistent with some of some of the reviews expressed on headfi. I am very interested in HP1000 versions of Grado headphones but even then I am hesitant to call moving to another headphone an "upgrade" because of the magic that goes on with the SR225 that makes them so rewarding.

Cheers,
iDesign (Resisting the HP1000 temptation)

 

[Jahn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by iDesign Jahns original response on the subject is also one which I align myself. I have tested the Grado Labs SR225 and the SR325/i and prefer the SR225. I believe this is mostly consistent with some of some of the reviews expressed on headfi. I am very interested in HP1000 versions of Grado headphones but even then I am hesitant to call moving to another headphone an "upgrade" because of the magic that goes on with the SR225 that makes them so rewarding. Cheers, iDesign (Resisting the HP1000 temptation)

Actually if you love the 225, you may not like the HP1000. If the 325 is more shrill than the 225, then the HP is more "dull" in the highs than the 225. the 225 is still a rockin' exciting can, and the HP can come off a bit boring in its pursuit of neutrality. Of course you'll just have to hear it yourself to make certain!

Come to a meet and check em out!

 

[appar111]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jahn yeah i saw that one for $250 including the beta pads - that's hard to pass up!

And he's in Columbus, OH (same as me), so it's a matter of finding a time and place to meet for the purchase... dang it! Should I do it? I mean, I have the $$$ to do it, and I'm sure they'd sound great.

 

[iDesign]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jahn Actually if you love the 225, you may not like the HP1000. If the 325 is more shrill than the 225, then the HP is more "dull" in the highs than the 225. the 225 is still a rockin' exciting can, and the HP can come off a bit boring in its pursuit of neutrality. Of course you'll just have to hear it yourself to make certain! Come to a meet and check em out!

Jahn,

I have have to first thank you because if my memory serves me correctly you were the first to assist me on headfi and have been very happy with Grado Labs products. The HP1000 is very intriguing to me for exactly the reasons you describe. The SR225 will always be distinguished from the HP1000 and this is exactly why I wouldnt call HP1000 headphones an upgrade as they are entirely different. Are there any plans for a headfi mid-August New York meet?

Cheers,
iDesign



appar111,

The SR325i headphones that you have mentioned are very nice, though I would recommend holding on to your SR225 as they are excellent. If you have not tried the RS-1 or RS-2 headphones, I consider them to be the most compelling upgrade to the SR225.

 

[appar111]

I would be holding onto the 225's anyway, I was just wondering if the 325i's would be a nice addition/compliment to them, or if they're too close in their sonic signatures to keep/get both.

 

[jpr703]

I owned the 225s and bought the 325i to see if they'd be a good upgrade. The 325i bass was punchier and fuller than the 225 but they also extend further into the upper frequencies as well. They sounded fantastic with very good recordings, but they were brutal on a lot of my favorite rock CDs.

I wound up selling the 325i, keeping the 225 and buying the RS-1. I couldn't be happier with the RS-1, but I still enjoy my 225s from time to time and they make a good second set of phones for me now. Anyhow, my personal opinion would be to check out the RS-1. It might be worth saving up for a while.