My findings on the 325i are very personal - I see that the 325e has a newly-designed driver and cabling, perhaps they have done something about the weight/comfort as well (I am not the only one who had issues there).
Re: Grado SR80 Appreciation Thread.
Posted: Fri Feb 07, 2020 11:40 am
by CN211276
The 325e has a thick cable. I don't find them uncomfortable and I often listen for long periods out on the patio on warm days.
Re: Grado SR80 Appreciation Thread.
Posted: Fri Feb 07, 2020 6:46 pm
by Bourneendboy
Popped over to Richer Sounds today and had a listen to the SR325E with an Audioquest dragonfly Red. They do sound quite a bit different to the 80's, certainly a lot more detail and airyness. I may try a pair.
Re: Grado SR80 Appreciation Thread.
Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2020 12:54 pm
by Bourneendboy
I've had a pair of sr325e here over the weekend for home demo and have come to the conclusion they are not for me. Too bright, not enough bass and a very small sound stage compared to my Senheiser hd600. I know they wont have run in enough and things are likely to change, but am pretty sure they wont change enough.
Back in with the sr80e and these sound great (L cushions fitted) with a Dragonfly Red and even better through my h/p amp. However, they do sound inferior compared to the 600's. The thing is, the 80's have so much going for them!
I'm now wondering whether the sr225e has a similar sound to the 80's (although better I expect) with the larger sound stage of the 600's?
Anyone have the 225's?
Re: Grado SR80 Appreciation Thread.
Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2020 1:02 pm
by Fretless
If you are looking for a seriously wide soundstage then try to hear the AQ Nighthawk Carbon.
Semi-open design, incredibly comfortable, lovely rich sound and can be found for a reasonable price as they have been discontinued.
Re: Grado SR80 Appreciation Thread.
Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2020 2:03 pm
by CN211276
I find my Grado SR325es work well with the Chord Mojo, which is a bit recessed in the treble, with a good sound stage. Not so good with the DF Red which works very well with my Oppo PM3s.
Re: Grado SR80 Appreciation Thread.
Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2022 10:49 pm
by Lindsayt
There's a view of where the Grado SR80's are made at about 23:50 into this video:
All very cottage industry.
There's a Part 2 video where John Grado talks about how he uses his ears and not measurements to design and develop stuff. With him having lots of failed designs before he comes up with something that's put into production.
I can understand why they sell via retailers - due to headphones being about as mass market as any audio component gets.
.