Grado SR325x Guide for PC

The Prestige range of headphones has been at the core of Grado’s output since it was first introduced three decades ago. While the series has developed over the years, Grado has always done so in small evolutionary steps. The story remains the same for this new ‘x’ generation.

Put the range-topping SR325x next to its immediate predecessor (the What Hi-Fi? Award-winning SR325e), and there’s little to separate them, apart from the new flatter foam earpads, updated cable and lighter coloured stitching on the firmly padded headband.

As is usual with Grado, most of the important work goes unseen. The 44mm drive unit has been changed considerably with a revised motor system, new diaphragm and upgraded coil. The aim is to improve efficiency and reduce distortion.

Similarly, that new 8-conductor cable uses ‘super’ annealed copper and is claimed to deliver a purer sound than that used before. It is now terminated by a 3.5mm headphone jack, but a 6.3mm adaptor is also provided.

Elsewhere, the SR325x remain as before. They still remind us of the headphones air traffic control operators used in the 1940s. It’s a rather basic aesthetic that divides opinion among the What Hi-Fi? team.

The open-backed design means that they leak sound, but also provide almost nothing in the way of noise isolation from the environment. If you’re listening in a room with others, be prepared for your listening experience to be disturbed if they make any noise at all.

Grado’s Prestige series models have rarely felt like luxury headphones, and nothing has changed with this new generation. It’s an impression that starts with the packaging, which is still a basic cardboard box, and extends to the rather coarse foam used for the also new thinner earpads. If you’re looking for a premium feel you’re not going to find it here.

But you will find ruggedness and durability. We have used numerous pairs of Grado Prestige headphones over the years and they have needed little more than semi-regular earpad changes to keep going. Those foam earpads don’t last forever, but they are easily changed and don’t cost much to replace. The basic structure of the headphones and materials chosen are impressively robust and deal with day-to-day use superbly.

Comfort is another area where these headphones divide opinions. At 340g, they’re not heavy, and there’s enough in the way of adjustment to cope with a wide variety of heads. But not everyone will get along with the new foam earpads.

Even as long-term Grado users, it takes us a while to get used to them due to their thinness and overall shape, but it’s worth persisting. A few days of acclimatisation makes us more kindly disposed towards them, particularly as the new earpads cause a subtle shift to the balance of the SR325x’s sound, making them a less demanding listen.

We compare the two types of earpads and it becomes clear that the headphones sound smoother and more authoritative in the bass with the new design. We try the new pads on previous generations of the SR325s (we have both the ‘e’ and older ‘i’ versions on hand) and in each case the sonic changes are consistent; a more direct presentation with greater top-end refinement and improved low-end solidity.

But the better sound of the SR325x is down to more than just the earpads – the benefits of those changes to the drive unit are obvious too. We listen to Massive Attack’s Heligoland and the SR325x sound notably cleaner and clearer than before.

These headphones have always been detailed and articulate performers, and that hasn’t changed, but the ‘x’ generation sounds that bit more precise and insightful. We can follow low-level instrumental strands with more ease, especially in the album’s more densely produced tracks. Rhythms are still delivered with enthusiasm and plenty of punch.