Pictures. Time for Pictures !!!! Here's my SR-225 Grados with the Cabillas Sapele cups on them. I've re-worked the screen since my first picture was posted over a week ago. I bought the modeling screen at the craft store, cut a precise round hole and painted them black before installing them. Here you go ... (Scroll to the bottom of the pictures to see my additional comments and a mini-review. A more more thorough review will be reserved for KneelJung's thread on wooden cup headphones.
Here's a side shot, showing the cups, the new screen and essentially the whole package:
A front view of the headphones to get an idea of how the somewhat "mushroom-style" cups appear when all set into place.
A side view (a little out of focus) but, still showing the installation of the new screen. The screen is now flat - no more bulging like the previous aluminum screen that I used.
Impressions: I'm totally impressed with how these have turned out. The drivers had to be liberated from the mini-cups that they were originally encased in. They fit snugly in place in the Cabillas' cups without any adhesive. If you ever need access to the drivers or chamber, you simply remove the ear pad, push down on one edge of the driver, allowing the other side to pop up so you can grasp it from the cup housing and set it aside (being careful not to tug too hard on the cable). I love these headphones ... seriously!!! I'm going to stay with two (actually) 3 pair of headphones and that's it. It will be these, my burls (also photos and impressions will be forthcoming) and finally my Sennheiser HD555s that I use to go to sleep with. That will be all.
Other People's Impressions: The last few days, I had the headphones into work. There are some people who are into music and love audio. These are the individuals that I was able to share the experience of these with. The first guy is a DJ and from South America. I put on Concha Buika (as played through my Walkman, LOD and FiiO E11 amplifier). Since he's very fluent in Spanish, he could immediately connect to her music. Her voice is throaty, her music is full of tasteful instruments and percussion. I could see the emotion in his eyes. After a few songs, he put the headphones down - totally impressed with the sound. I did explain to him how these were audiophile headphones vs. the DJ headphones that he's used to. He was well aware that these headphones are something that you put on at the end of a rough day to get yourself into "chill" mode. He then wanted to plug his new, $200 DJ headphones into my FiiO E11 and we played the same songs over. His DJ headphones made the poor song sound as thick as mud. There was no bass boost applied at the amp level either. At this point, I'm not sure if I've pulled him over to the audiophile world, or not - yet. He does his DJ work on weekends to make extra money. However, I'm sure at some point following our moments with the Grados, he did contemplate more than once about incorporating an audiophile headphone into his life at some point.
I then stopped by a 2nd guy who listens to a lot of hip-hop. After one song, he put them down and said, "these sound damn fine". He wants a pair - he wants me to buy him a pair for his birthday (yeah, right). I have a sister with MS confined to an assisted living facility because she can no longer walk that will get my charity set of custom headphones - if I can determine her level of listening to music. Then, he wanted to work on about 5 pair that he was convinced he could sell for $300 (each) at the barber shop that he hangs out at. I explained to him that there have been many times in the past when I've taken a hobby and tried to turn it into something more - but, in the end, I was frustrated. Because it then took on a competitive edge by trying to make sales - and then I no longer had my passion for my hobby.
Musical Impressions: I basically listen to anything that I can't hear on the regular radio. Lots of blues, jazz, duets, etc. These headphones handle the music I push through them with ease. No sibelence, just clear vocals, clear instruments and percussion. Each time I use them, they are such a treat to use.
Personal Recommendation: If one can - and, has the resources, I'd recommend using the Grado SR-225i / SR-225 drivers with these headphones. To me, the SR-225 / 225i is the best bang for the buck driver from Grado. With the lower level models, there can be some issues with clarity, instrument separation, etc. However, spending a little bit more up front will probably leave you happier and you'll be less likely to kick yourself later. Plus, if one checks the F/S section of this forum, you can locate a pair of used SR-225i headphones for about $60 more than a new pair of SR-80i headphones. The SR-225i will provide you with the donut pads as well as a thicker audio cable.
Enjoy!
or what the next best stuff is to it
I'm not sure i'd mod some 325i's... Unless I was going to replace the inners with some wood. I'd do that in a heartbeat if i could get a good pair turned out. But, I'd keep the aluminium shells. Hmmm I think Ideally I'd own a pair of 225i woodies and some 325i's with a wood inner. But, for now my college budget is very happy with my bloodwood sr80i's 
