You’ve probably never thought about succession in headphones, but just like taking on your family’s business legacy, Grado’s SR225x steps up to continue the tradition. It’s the successor to the beloved SR225e, a favorite among headphone enthusiasts for nearly a decade. Grado, known for its iconic look, introduces upgrades like the “F cushion,” enhancing textured tones, an improved headband, and a more durable cable. The star feature is the 4th generation X Series Driver, promising a more powerful magnetic circuit and reconfigured diaphragm.
The SR225x maintains the family resemblance but adds modern touches. The unboxing is minimalist yet informative. In terms of usability, it’s suitable for home use but not an ultra-portable option due to its slightly heavier construction. A standout surprise is its unexpected aptitude for PC gaming, providing an open soundstage and impressive mid-range and dynamic bass response.
In terms of sound, the SR225x impresses with a warm and nuanced middle range, punchy lows, and a well-balanced presentation across genres. The headphone excels in reproducing vocals.
The Grado SR225x successfully follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, the SR225e. With enhanced build quality, remarkable sound, and a stylish design, it lives up to the family name and sets a new standard in this price range.
The clarity and range of Grado headphones can reveal new notes and details in songs heard hundreds of times. The driver and housing working in tandem react to sound vibrations and virtually eliminate transient distortions. With warm harmonic colors, smooth top-end, excellent dynamics, and a world renowned mid-range, the SR225x produces a sound that’s pure Grado.
Features
- Polycarbonate housing
- 8 conductor cable
- Vinyl headband
- Drivers matched .05db
- De-stressed driver
- F cushions
- Hand assembled in Brooklyn
4th Generation Grado drivers are here. Specifically tuned for the SR225x, this new speaker design features a more powerful magnetic circuit, a voice coil with decreased effective mass, and a reconfigured diaphragm. Reengineering these components for our 44mm drivers improve efficiency, reduces distortion, and preserves the harmonic integrity of your music.
Customer Reviews
After having switched over to grado cartridges a few years back, I figured it was time to dip my toes into their headphone scene. Settled on the 225x’s, and I couldn't be happier. As a long-time over-ear user, it took a few days to get used to. Don’t be worried, these are not nearly as uncomfortable as some reviews say. I’d highly recommend these!
These are great ! Hands down better than other products
Studio guru Jimmy Bralower recommended them
I have many headphones, dynamic, balanced armature, planar magnetic, and electrostatic. I have an older Grado, a sr60i.. The sr225x I think is a nice evolution, and an excellent upgrade. The Sr60i was an excellent headphone for metal. Such an aggressive and fast attack. It could run toe to toe with a Stax, yes I mean that. But lacked sub bass. Which yes it’s excellent for metal, but not much more. Which for me is fine I’m a metalhead. But venturing into other genres, the sr60i could be a little too sharp. The 225 keeps the attack, keeps the speed and clarity, but adds a nice meaty low end, and they’re not bedded in yet. The X driver I personally think is a good well rounded evolution in the Grado transducer. It’s pointed yet polite, aggressive but not offensive. Delivers rumble when needed, excellent clarity, and a hot, fast treble that keep you wanting more, you want it to dig in more. The vocals are engaging, they’re right there with you, the soundstage is near holographic. A metal song with an opera voice like Floor Jansen, is supreme, an energetic metal singer like Anette Olson just grips you.
Structure is classic Grado. Tank build, and a transatlantic cable to feed it. Light on the headphones themselves it’s very light. Sits more comfortable than previous generations. Pads are more dense and more “forming”. Best thing of all, they’re easy on the amp. Straight from phone is spectacular, easy to drive. I have not tried an amp yet so cannot comment on how dedicated headphone amps can control them. For $225 bucks I can’t see a better headphone with the sr225’s qualities.
My headphones were not working, and I requested a replacement multiple times but customer service did not get back to me. I don't know what to do with it.
I received an email on July 25th at 2:20pm that said your headphone was broken with no other information. We emailed you back within less than 5 minutes asking for additional information on your order and don't show having received a response. This review gave me the information that I needed to help. I have just issued you a return label, please send the headphones back, please include a copy of your packing slip and a note stating what the problem with the headphone is.
Regards
Rich Grado
Great, clear sound, with good bass.