Grado SR325x

HiFi, OpenBack
Grado SR325x — Brooklyn Rock and Roll Cans

Grado Labs is the punk rock of headphone companies. Family-owned since 1953, hand-built in Brooklyn, New York, and stubbornly committed to their own vision of what headphones should sound like. The SR325x is their mid-range offering, and it’s as opinionated as everything else Grado makes.

Build & Design

Let’s be blunt: the Grado aesthetic is an acquired taste. The SR325x looks like it was designed in 1985 and never updated. The foam pads, the basic headband, the retro styling — it’s either charmingly authentic or hopelessly dated, depending on your perspective. I find it endearing, but I can see both sides.

At 340g it’s reasonable, but comfort is the SR325x’s weakness. The on-ear pads press against your ears rather than surrounding them, and after an hour you’ll notice. Grado purists swear by aftermarket G-cushion pads that convert them to over-ear, and I’d recommend exploring that route.

The aluminium housings feel solid and add a premium touch that the rest of the build doesn’t quite match.

Sound

Bass

Lean, tight, and fast. Grado has never been about bass quantity, and the SR325x continues that tradition. What bass exists is nimble and well-defined — bass guitar notes are articulate, kick drums have snap without boom. But if you’re coming from an LCD-X or even an HD600, you’ll notice the bass is lighter. This is a feature, not a bug — the lean bass keeps the midrange clear and unobstructed.

Mids

Here’s why people love Grado. The midrange is forward, immediate, and incredibly alive. Vocals jump out of the recording with startling presence. Electric guitars crunch and wail with visceral energy. Rock music, in particular, comes alive on the SR325x in a way that more neutral headphones simply can’t replicate. It’s not accurate in the clinical sense — it’s exciting.

Treble

Bright. Very bright. The SR325x has substantial treble energy that adds sparkle and detail but will divide opinion sharply. Cymbals have aggressive presence, hi-hats sizzle, and sibilance can be an issue on bright recordings. Joshua Valour described Grado’s treble as “aggressive but addictive for rock and guitar music,” and that nails it. Through my Sparkos Gemini, the tube warmth tames the brightness somewhat — I wouldn’t pair these with a bright solid-state amp.

Soundstage

Intimate. Grado’s on-ear design creates a close, “musicians in the room” presentation. It’s not wide or spacious, but the immediacy is part of the appeal. Imaging is decent within the narrow stage.

Comparisons

Against my HD600, the Grado is more forward, more aggressive, and less neutral. The HD600 is the better all-rounder; the SR325x is the specialist that excels with rock, punk, and anything with electric guitars. Against the Koss PortaPro, there’s actually a family resemblance in the fun, engaging, forward presentation — the PortaPro is the Grado philosophy at pocket money prices.

Verdict

Pros

  • Exceptional midrange presence and energy
  • Rock and guitar music come alive
  • Unique character you won’t find elsewhere
  • Hand-built authenticity

Cons

  • Treble will be too bright for many listeners
  • On-ear comfort is poor for long sessions
  • Bass-light tuning limits versatility
  • Build quality doesn’t match the price

Ratings:

  • Build & Design: 6 / 10
  • Sound: 7.5 / 10
  • Comfort: 5.5 / 10
  • Value: 7 / 10

The SR325x isn’t for everyone — and that’s exactly the point. If you live and breathe rock music, audition a pair. You might never look back.