Today I listened to a couple of headphones, the B&W px8, the Denon D5200, AirPod Max, sennheiser 660s2 and the last one Grado SR325X…. The grado was one world apart. The rest is history…. Beautiful

been loving the SR325X's for at least a year now. with a EQ, they can do anything, absolute monsters..

I also have the 325e’s, love them! All I can say about Grados is - good source material sounds awesome, but if you listen to a bad, overly compressed recording, you will know it!

Listening to this video now on my Grado SR125s. Bought them in 2005, and listen to them every day at work. Also own a Uturn turntable lol. Nice to see things made in the US!

I just ordered a U turn white turntable with acrylic table with blue cartridge and phono amp. Can’t wait to get it and plug it in

Few internet sources claims that new SR325x have exactly the same drivers as used for Hemp, but sound tad less darker due to aluminium cups. Can you please comment on how do you compare 325x to Hemps? Are they really that similar, and if not then what's the difference?

I have the PS500e which I love but I swapped the pads for the PS1000e pads. Not only did it improve the sound (for me) but they are also much more comfortable. As you get older you hear less high frequencies but Grado headphones seem to counteract this, which out of all the headphones I have auditioned, make them the best headphone for me.

HA! I just ordered my 80x yesterday, based on your glowing reviews of the 80e

Kudos to U TURN! Hope to see many more products from them.

I rocked the 60e until it broke, so I instantly bought the X version when it came out, it's so much nicer overall, I love them! I would love to buy the higher end ones, but the price + import taxes is just prohibitive, at least for me.

Come on Grado. It isn't hard. Give us metal gimbals and detachable cables. This isn't acceptable in the current year.

I have two grado’s: the 60e, the 125e. A few months ago I wanted to upgrade and was thinking about the Grado 325e, but in a review of different headphones, in that review there was the Grado 325e and the Hifiman Sundara. Your choice was that Hifiman Sundara sounded much beter than the Grado. So I went to my dealer and took listening of the Hifiman for about a hour and I ordered one. And I must say that the Hifiman sounds relaxter, very open and detailed with enough bass. When I listen to classical music and blues the sound is refined, when I listen to rock music of the years 70,80 the sound was to surprise also very good with good bass. The Sundara sounds for my taste audiophile. But when I need a boost and play rock I take my Grado for a hour, and when I have my energy back I take my Sundara for rest of time. I love Grado but I also love the Hifiman Sundara which is sold in Belgium for 349 euros Greetings Ludo Belgium

Thank you Steve, I wanted to try a pair of Grado headphones and I wasn’t sure about which model to go for I normally pitch in and go for a companies mid to high range but after listening to yet another one of your excellent reviews this time Grado sr325x I decided to give them a try before paying a lot more for the higher priced models. “Wow” they are absolutely wonderful, I have various wired over ear headphones from Focal, Hifiman, Sennheiser to name a few and these leave them in the shade. Regarding the Sennheiser HD650 I find listening to them is like watching television in SD yes there is detail but they lack clarity, the Focals have detail and clarity like watching in HD but the SR325x are like watching in UHD 8K. I am listening to them through my computer (Tidal Maters) linked to a Loxjie D50 dac which has the super AK dac chip at either end I have an ifi audio silencer and a purifier 3 these are then connected by balanced cables to a Topping A90 amplifier they are played on the middle gain setting they absolutely submerse me in a most wonderful detailed sound and staging with superb vocals much clearer then my Ananda’s and Focals. “Yes” they are not the most comfortable to ware but most aren’t for me having a large point in the centre of my head but I solve this with all my head phones apart from the Hd650 which has the centre cut out and are super comfy so I mimic them using hat fillers discretely positioned so not to detract from the appearance also going to try the lager pads just to see how much they alter the sound. Regarding all the negative comments on the build quality I have no issues at all they are on par with my Ananda’s but the Focals are as you no on another level. The cable I understand the comments but would I want to change it for another which may deprive me of this amazing sound absolutely not. Packaging is sparse but they arrived intact and I much prefer putting the expense into the headphones quality. Thank you once again don’t ever change your style of presentation it is so super informative and enjoyable to watch, Phil happy boy👍

Was listening to my SR80e’s last night. Now I want the X version. Darn it, Steve! Now I need more headphones

Love Grado. I have about 5 pairs. But I hate the foam pads. I always replace them with sennheiser pads. However, all 5 pairs now in a container box after buying the Meze Empyrean.

Even the 60e puts the m50x to shame. 😁 The 80e is even better, the best value in the line. So I'm assuming the 80x would be great. Maybe it's time to upgrade my 80e. Thanks, Steve!

Brought the SR80s based on Steve's recommendation years ago. Love them. Utilizing a Denon PRA 1500 as Headphone amp, with Marantz 5001 into a Musical Fidelity X-10D as a buffer. Really open, believable sound.

My friend Kevin, an LP fanatic (he produced the documentary "Long Playing Movie") bought a U-Turn about 4 years ago & swapped in an Ortophon 2M Blue. He's still happy with it.

Thank you Steve!

Steve, you must live near an iconic Goodwill. I’ve not seen those pattern shirts in decades! And I’m 63...

You have great knowledge of music and expert in sound. Your compare of grado 325x to audio technica m50x is perfect. Grado is clearer and sharper. But I still think audio technica msr7 is best headphone for female vocals and music. Give msr7 a try !

Great CONTENT ! Thanks for everything you do DAILY !!!! You ROCK !

To my ears, my Grado RS1’s and RS2e’s are more natural sounding, especially on solo piano music than any other headphone I’ve heard, including the Hifiman Arya and 5xx, the Focal Clear, and the AKG K812.

I DO wish Grado made an over the ear headphone. I love the Grado sound but the on ear ear ups cause my ears to hurt after about 20 minutes.

Thanks for the review, Steve!

Steve and my GRADO 325 - A PERFECT MATCH! LADYVA Boogie Woogie piano on KZfaq sounds great and addictive! Steve needs to add a little music once in a while! Music on KZfaq may be compressed, but Yuja Wang, Evgeny Kissin, Martha Argerich and other fantastic musicians -- my GRADO 325 brings a balance, tonal quality and a lifelike musical presence!

indeed my first audition with sr 325 x was instant falling in love, still my fav in that price range, wonder how it sound with those personal modified version

WAIT NEW GRADO WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Grados are like getting a root canal but the dentist's assistant is gorgeous.

Thanks. Love my 80e so much there isn't any urge to change.

Great talk, man. Thanks!

I've been listening to my 325x's for a little bit (+aftermarket pads). I've never heard a Grado, prior. Compared to my 6xx, it sounds like my ears are being assaulted. Sometimes, in a good way. I like them with electronic music. What's really impressive about them is how easy they are to drive. They sound good off an iphone dongle

I'm listening to this video in my +10 years Grado SR 80 headphones.

Sounds like I need to get a 325x. I use the ATH-M50xPB for editing sometimes, along with the Sennheiser HD 25 Anniversary edition and the old Sennheiser HD 600. My preference is the HD 25, which sounds great and is comfortable. The new Grados are intriguing.

I have the 325e Grados, which I love. I like the headline phone cushions compared to my 125s. My one complaint has always been the way their cables sit.

just a howdy to audiophilily show, got to say is helps a bunch, bringing joy and almost forgotten days of having a room with non xcept a pair of speakers and an amplifier and a bass guitar with rare Fender Bassman 1967 made Amplifier trough a brand new Blaupunkt 16inch driver listening to LPs of all sorts. sweet 2006 . Mr Paul all the best from a nerdy audio mangroo.....

Maybe time to sell my sr225e and have a look at those Xs. Would be nice to compare the 225 and the 325. I've heard the E versions of them on separate occasions, and, although I wasn't able to go back and forth on the spot, I've heard the 225s so many times that I kind of got the impression that the sound was pretty darn close to equal between the two and that the 325's extra cost is more about fine materials what with the real stitched-leather headband and metal housings. But I don't know. Would be nice to actually compare the sound.

still have the original SR80s

Does the 325x sound better than the hemp?

I would like to like Grado's but I hate the bad sound they call 'Grado signature' sound. So bad price to quality ratio here in Europe. (500 usd)

Had a pair of 80's.....loved the sound, but the pads were crappy, and essentially fell apart. The headband was not very comfortable, at least to my head, and the cables, even though I was always very careful with them, shorted out on me a couple times. I was able to fix it twice, but then, I just gave up. Great SOUNDING headphones....still my overall favorite sound signature, but questionable build quality......I'd probably be willing to get a pair of the new 60's or 80's...but, wouldn't want to spend more for the higher end models, as I'd be concerned about their longevity due to the way they're built. I can deal with the lack of comfort, at least to a point, but it would be nice if they would try to improve on that a bit, as well.

I just got my SR80e like a month ago so I'm a little annoyed I didn't just wait but I'm still in love with my 80e's and I got them for there msrp or the price of the sr60x's $100

Is the 325x a Hemp beater?

I have had love hate relationship with grados. Time to try the X series - I loved the RS1

Woburn is actually pronounced Woo-burn, weirdly.

The Schiit Sol! I want to get my hands on one just to see if they sound as good as they look

Enjoyed your video as usual, Steve. I have a question: What do you use as a streamer for Tidal, Qobuz, etc.....? Always wanted to ask, but kept forgetting.

I love grados but I really have a problem with comfort. They're very painful for my ear shape . Darn it.

Citizen Cope's wife Alice Smith is the best singer in the world.

Is there a loudspeaker that has that grado sound?

Love your vids and hate to be the one to correct you but I just looked at the grado UK website and it lists the impedance for the Prestige X series as 32 ohms?... Or maybe they just haven't updated it properly here... I literally just received a set of grado hemps yesterday (which is 38 ohms). Would love to hear how you think the new X series compares, especially if they are using the same driver... (I might feel a little disappointed for paying the extra premium for the same driver/sound... But then again the hemps are kinda pretty)

. . . a good one, Steve.

I have a pair of the SR80s and they sound great but I hate the cushion that come with them. Even the new replacements I go shed,flake,and crumble.

I have Grado SR 325is. I wonder how do these compare.

I just bought the 325x. I was expecting something special. I don’t think they deliver in that regard. Another upgrade that has left me underwhelmed. The cable is a bit of a joke. My two ear cups face in the same direction when it hangs down naturally. I think I’d probably take someone who knows what they’re doing as opposed to promoting ‘handmade in Brooklyn’ on the box. I’ll update in a week or so.

Steve...you never said what Grado changed about their phones except for the cable...been thinking about buying a pair.....did they change their drivers? or?

I have the SR125i and recently tried the GW100 wireless in a shop. Funny how they just released the x series so instead of buying wireless I will just get those. I also tried the Sennheiser Momentum which were pretty good, but sounded bad at loud volumes.

I'm glad I'm not the only one that thinks Grados are uncomfortable. My 325's hurt my ears and the top of my head after about 25 minutes.

Hey Steve, I've seen quite a few people on forums complain that the X series are a departure from the signature Grado sound and that Grado has essentially bowed down to the constant complaints from the younger generation about their headphones being too bright. What are your thoughts on this? Has Grado lost the signature sound with the X series and particularly the more revealing 325X? I own a 325e and am stuck between the choice of "upgrading" to a newer generation (if that is indeed an upgrade) and holding on to something that might not be available in the near future.

No detachable cable on the Grado?...hard pass.

Grado, c'mon.. What are the TWO complaints that everyone has about your headphones? Non - detachable cables and cheap plastic build. Why they absolutely refuse to address this is beyond me. It's absurd that anything past $99 is built like that.

Had the 60s and the 325, Good for the price. But, yeah, cheap plastic parts and those damn ear cushions that start flaking off and eventually decompose.

Owned grading cart before my dynavector 20x2. Found shielding to be non-existent. Might just have been unlucky

Thank you very much for your review I'm tempted to buy Grado Headphones I listen almost exclusively to Psychedelic Blues-rock Vintage music focused on overdiven electric Guitar tone (Cream/Jimi Hendrix Expericence/Deep Purple/Rory Gallagher ecc) and I'm searching for an headphone with controlled Bass response, Great MIDS (flat opr +1db) And high frequencies not emphasized. I know Grado are great pair of headphones for the genre of music I'm Into BUT Highs are a problem for me..I like detail and clarity but not too much. What If I purchase a LITTLE DOT valvolar ampli?Maybe I can contain the high frequencies? I would also consider buying Sennhaiser HD600..250 ohm instead of 32 Ohm of the grado but not too Trebly like Grado Thank for your attention

Should I get SR325x or RS2e or wait for the RS2x ? Any advice please?

Re: u turn's location: in MA - the town name (don't ask me why) is pronounced "woo-burn".

Hi Steve, what do you think about using these without a headphone amp? The reason I ask this is because I seem to recall some years back in a review of an earlier version of 325s, that they could be used without an amp. So, what's your opinion on this? Thanks for your help.

I’m a huge Grado fan and want to try out the 325x but am reading comments at places about how horrid the comfort is. Looks like your ears are on the larger side. I say this because you stated they were more comfortable than the previous model (with L-pads.) Yeah the family portrait picture that comes with the Grado box… they have larger ears too. I figured out how to make my on ear grados comfortable with the L pads years ago. I have smaller ears so I’m afraid to try the new re-released pads. I am assuming smaller ears just rest their ears directly on the drivers while wearing them. As people are complaining about as well. If not put back in a case to protect them often you may end up having to buy a new pair every year or two but I don’t give a hoot I love their sound so much it’s just the one baby.

I'm new to open-back headphones. Would it be possible to wear these in the office/on the subway or is the leakage both ways too much?

It's a weird nightmare alright. What a mix of......well....."stuff".....

How badly would the sound be affected if plugged into an iPhone XR using the lightning adapter?

Impressive value

Heard it on the X ...

Hello difference between the Hemp and the 325x?

Weird nightmare album is really awesome! ❤️

I don't own any vinyl so I can't justify picking up a turntable. Nor do I own a turntable, so I can't justify starting an vinyl collection.

I have a pair of Grado 80e headphones. I like them. Here's my problem with Grado, the build is exactly the same, the sound is exactly the same, with the exception of the use of wood or metal, they are the same to my ears. Why go buy the 325's if the 80's will do and sound the same? They are bright but I'm old and my hearing is not the same as it once was so the highs don't bother me and in fact enhance my listening experience. I guess I'm just saying that they all see to be the same. I have owned the 325e's and they sounded the same as the 80e's so I sent them back. This is just my listening experience. Judge for yourself.

This is what makes audio so great and frustrating. I have owned a pair of the original 325s for years. No e or x or anything. They are my go to cans for serious listening. I'm on my 7th pair of foam pads and I love them. I disagree with the comparison to horn speakers which I find to be irritating and unlistenable hence the frustrating part of the hobby.

Why is open sound better? If you feel like vocals are in your face, it males you want to sing.

have you tried sony mh1/mh1c?

Have to say about Grado, great sound, not great build quality or customer service.

I could use a recommendation for a good closedback headphone. Max 300 dollars. Anyone?

Buy the time you buy a turntable from U-Turn and make it usable it will cost you several hundred dollars. So phooey about the cheap price.

Steve, I think you've hinted at a coming trend. Headphones may be the next hot collectable, look at what happened with sneakers

Where is the over 30s hifi video? 🤔

I have NAD C268 and C368 plus c568, Audiovector M3 signature and a Rel R 205 sub, is this still hifi??

Brother Steve, what about my theory of favoring, purchasing hi/lo fi from manufactures who manufacture one thing? They specialize in amps, speakers, turntables, headphones, cartridges or cables and that's it. Not everything. I don't order fish at a steakhouse, for example. Am I on to something? I think so.

What about Apples new Lossless audio? Will you be testing that out?

Man, honestly, terrible Grado review. It deserves much more.

Amy at the BBC! I didn't know about that one !

Amy Winehouse was the best singer EVER