Grado 325i to 225: Upgrade, downgrade, or neither?

[Mr. Lin]

I'm currently the happy owner of Grado 325i headphones and the Grado RA-1 headphone amplifier. Soon I plan on upgrading to the Earmax Pro tube headphone amp, meaning I'm getting more serious about headphone listening.

While I'm happy with the 325i cans, I'm wondering if a pair of 225s might not be a bad idea for a somewhat different sound. I've read here and on head-fi that the 225 headphones have a warmer sound that many people prefer, and for certain music I think it might be a good thing. I wouldn't exactly call the 325is bright, but I certainly wouldn't call them warm at all.

So here's what I'd like to know from any fellow Akers with experience: What are the primary differences between these headphones (sound, but even build)? Would I likely be disappointed with the performance of the 225? In other words, would it probably sound like a downgrade to me, or can that model hold it's own against the 325i?

I'm wondering this because I'd like to get another pair of headphones with a slightly warmer sound, but the RS series in the Grado lineup is a bit too expensive right now. BTW I also have the SR-60s, but those sort of pale in comparison to the 325i.

Thanks!
Dave

 

[goraman]

the 225's are a great head phone but Jhon Grado him self told me they are not the 325i's .I was told they are destressed and are closser to the RS line than the presige line in sound and build quality. They are the flatest sounding of his line.

 

[Mr. Lin]

I guess I should just wait until I can afford one of the RS series.