Grado headphone comparison

[satkinsn]

I'm considering an upgrade from my 80s to a pair of SR 325s. Worth it? And going in the opposite direction, with the latest revisions of the 80s and 60s are the 60s now as good as the 80s were a decade ago, when I bought mine?

 

[HB3]

The 325's get a lot of love. In the newer line up the Classic SR80 is a combination of the older 80, 125 and 225. That caught my eye. But I just sold a couple of pair of headphones so that is going to have to wait.

 

[zenith2134]

Having owned the SR80, SR125X, 325i gold, and current 325X, I can safely say that the newest 325X is the best sounding--the bass is correct and nothing stands out across the entire frequency range.

I just cannot get past the comfort issue with Grados, and yes I tried a number of different earpads before selling mine.

 

[satkinsn]

Having owned the SR80, SR125X, 325i gold, and current 325X, I can safely say that the newest 325X is the best sounding--the bass is correct and nothing stands out across the entire frequency range.

I just cannot get past the comfort issue with Grados, and yes I tried a number of different earpads before selling mine.

Are Grados known for being uncomfortable? Of the five sets of 'phones I own, they are easily the ones I prefer for long bursts of listening.

 

[onepixel]

EDIT: I have the Grado GS1000e not the GS2000e.

Noticed a lot of guys start with something like the SR60 or SR80.
I started with some inexpensive Koss headphones. It was not good.
Others end up with half of dozen cans or so, working up the chain.

So, I just re-started with the Grado RS-2i, when I found a great deal (15 years ago).
Made a dedicated headphone system from the wall up.
The center was a Cary Audio tube pre-amp and vintage Amperex Bugle Boys, tubes.
It was superb, perfect.
I could wear the RS-2i for about 2 hours until it became uncomfortable.

Sold that headphone system when I moved to Maui.
While back, bought some Grado GS1000e on sale.
Ear piece is much bigger and much more comfortable.
Don't have AC, so I only use them on cooler days.

I like my Grado RS-2i headphone system, better than the straight GS1000e.
Don't listen to headphones that much these days, so haven't built another system.

 

[Bushikan]

Get the best Grados you can swing and that actually make a noticeable difference to you in terms of sound quality and comfort. Going up the chain matters. I have GS1000s—which then were TOTL. I have since auditioned the newer, more expensive models. I’m perfectly happy enough with the 1000s not to upgrade, but the 325s—a genuine sweet spot—are definitely a step up from the 80s.

 

[Virgil]

I got the gs2000e a few weeks ago off ebay and became a fan. They are head and shoulders above the sr60/sr325 series. The rest of my headphones are mostly from the old Massdrop site; Senn hd6xx & 58x, Beyerdynamic dt177x, DCA Aeon X and Focal Elegia. Something about the gs2000e presentation appeals to me and they're getting a lot of my time. I'm going to whittle down to 2, keeping the 2000e and probably the 177x or 58x. Easier to power and sort of the ying and yang to me in terms of presentation.

 

[satkinsn]

Thanks all. I think the consensus here is 80s=good, 325s=better, though not by leaps and bounds, GS series=even moreso. That's what I wanted to know!