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Introduction
This was my first pair of Grado headphones. I’d seen videos about their meticulous hand-built process and unique drivers. Now not all of their headphones are made by hand but the quality of Grado is still unquestionable. The SR125e I would say are for the beginner audiophile trying to experience something unique.
But are they worth the cost and is Grado really worth the hype? Let me take you through my experience with my first pair of Grado headphones and I’ll let you decide to pick up a pair for yourself.
Build Quality and Design
The SR125e is a mid-range open cup design corded headphones part of the Prestige Series.
They are surprisingly lightweight, which contributes to their initial comfort. While the plastic construction might not feel as premium as some competitors like the SR325 which has a metal housing, rest assured though these are built to last. Grado’s focus is clearly on function over flash, and I’ve had this pair for four years with no issues.
The retro aesthetic definitely won’t be for everyone, but has a certain functional charm in keeping with Grado’s long history.
Comfort and Fit
Being light weight the SR125e sits well on the head and the padded cushion make for a comfortable wear. However, after extended listening sessions, the on-ear design and stock pads did cause some discomfort for me. This is a common experience with headphones of this style, and something to be aware of. Some users report that upgrading to the optional “F-Pads” greatly improves long-term comfort.
Sound Quality
I’ve tried pricier headphones, but the Grado SR125e possesses a magic all its own. Their custom drivers prioritize clarity and detail above all else. Re-listening to familiar tracks felt like a revelation – instruments I never noticed before suddenly popped out of the mix. Vocals like Etta James’ on “At Last” soared with breathtaking presence. The downside of this forward sound is that it won’t appeal to those who like a lot of bass, and the treble can occasionally sound a bit sharp. However, if you’re chasing maximum detail, especially for rock, vocal-driven music, or acoustic pieces, these are something special.
Features and Functionality
- Polycarbonate housing
- 8 conductor cable (I had the older model that had a more ridged cable)
- Leather headband
- Drivers matched .1db
- De-stressed driver
- S cushions
- Hand assembled in Brooklyn
While minimalist in features, the SR125e comes with one big bragging point: it’s hand-assembled in Brooklyn. This commitment to old-school craftsmanship contributes to Grado’s unique identity in the headphone world.
Value
The SR125e sits in the middle between the higher end models like the SR225 and lower end models like the SR80. I would say it’s a good introduction to the Grado line of headphones without breaking the bank at around $175 USD.
Conclusion
Extended listening sessions with the padded cushion can start to hurt the ear and cheaper materials make you long for the more expensive models.
However if you just want the best sound quality for under $200 the SR125e is a great choice.
So are Grado headphones worth it? Absolutely, not only are these probably the best sounding headphones you’ll ever own, their probably be the only pair you’ll own that you can say are assembled by hand. These are not just headphones; they’re a statement about appreciating musical detail and handcrafted quality.
