Grado SR325x: An Honest Review

Grado’s wired RS2x headphones ($550) are for audiophiles who prefer sound quality over noise cancellation. They sound great, with a broad stereo field, realistic bass depth, and articulate highs. However, Grado’s $295 SR325x headphones are our Editors’ Choice for comparable performance at a lower price.

Grado SR325x: An Honest Review

Pros

• Rich bass and detailed mids and highs
• Large stereo space
• Cool, unusual design

Cons

• Permanent cables
• Light accessories
• Designed to leak audio

Design

For $500 audiophile headphones, fit and finish are tight. Earpads are simply removable and updateable, like Grado. RS2x foam L cushions are lightweight on the head. Compared to other bulky headphones in this price range, the new Grado is comfortable on the head and ears. The suspension method emphasises the top of the earcup, yet calliper pressure is at my preferred level and doesn’t slip off the head with fast movement. The headset appears old and fits well with mid-century modern furniture or a tumbler of small-batch whisky. The leather headband with contrast stitching is a big improvement over the plastic one on my original Grado SR80s. If you want an XLR termination, you can get your set through Grado’s 4OurEar website. The soldered-on cable is difficult to remove. A robust weave pattern covers the cable, an upgrade from the rubberlike coating used in headphones like the Sennheiser HD600/650 group.

Excellent spatial detail

I used a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface, a MacBook Pro headphone jack, and a McIntosh stereo receiver with multiple sources to evaluate the RS2x headphones. They offer genuine bass on tunes with powerful sub-bass, like The Knife’s “Silent Shout.” The drivers don’t distort at maximum volume; however, some sources can push them too far. At moderate volumes, the lows are forceful and the highs are clear. The headphones reproduce Kendrick Lamar’s “Loyalty” sub-bass at 34 seconds. The synth progression’s deepest hit sounds fainter than the rest, suggesting it’s barely outside the driver’s range. The voices are clear and vivid. The low-end prioritise accuracy above intensity.

Also Read – Grado RS2x : An Honest Review

“Drover,” a more diversified Bill Callahan track, better shows the sonic signature. The open-back design makes the drums sound natural and like they’re in a big space. Even with digital spatial audio effects, many headphones lack this spatial depth. Otherwise, Callahan’s baritone vocals have good high-mid detail and low-mid richness. Orchestral tracks, such as John Adams’ The Gospel According to the Other Mary’s opening scene, sound as well as sub-$1,000 headphones can. The orchestra sounds big, and the reflections and stereo images are immersive. Lower-register orchestration is rich and realistic; choral sections have depth, while higher-register brass, strings, and vocals are detailed. Importantly, I hear more midrange than most current headphones.

Serious Sound for Big Money

The Grado RS2x headphones’ stellar detail retrieval and spatial depth make them magical. We wish they had detachable cables and came with some form of case, but those negatives aren’t likely to dissuade audiophiles who want to enjoy the Grado sound without any sacrifice. Other options in the same price range are Sennheiser’s $599.95 HD 660S2 over-ear headphones, which have great precision.

Sound

The Grado RS2x retains the Grado house sound and appearance. The vintage look is less harsh than some of the company’s other models. Credit may go to the new driver or Wood, but the lineup’s overall canvas is quite appealing. The cup shape makes it easy to change earpads if you desire to experiment. It helps Grado fans upgrade from ultra-high-value entry-level models. Like the rest of high-end audio, diminishing rewards are found as you set your sights skyward, but lots of enjoyment and listenability still await your hard-earned bucks. If you like Grado, you should hear the R2x. This is one of the better perspectives I’ve heard.

The Bottom Line

The Grado RS2x’s large air and space are possibly its most notable features. A difficult approach to perfection in a world where drivers seek closeness and detail Not that the RS2x isn’t each of those things, but it excels at the larger test of daily listening reality. However, the RS2x’s slight course correction adds fun and perspective. Clear, focused vocals complement the spectrum.

FAQs

Why is the ear cushion marked ‘F’?

Grado provides many F cushion, which includes indentations for realism.

How long is the cable?

Grado SR325x cables are 1.7m long.

How can I improve Grado headphone’s comfort?

Due to the on-ear design, Grados is often criticised for this. You may relax the headband by bending it, change the earpads, or grow used to it.