Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
SR125x
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Transducer type: Dynamic
- Operating principle: Open air
- Frequency Response: 20-20kHz
- SPL 1mW: 98
- Normal Impedance: 38ohms
- Driver matched db: .1
- Driver Size: 44mm
Description
Out of the Shadow The SR125x and SR225x have had a sibling rivalry for decades. Being the younger one, the SR125x utilizes its quick driver to keep up with any music it plays while also being more affordable. Just don't tell their big sister.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- The brand's headphones are known for their open-back design which trades noise isolation for an expansive and airy soundstage favored by audiophiles.
- Grado largely retains a characteristically "vintage" or "retro" design, despite ongoing component upgrades, making them visually distinct and instantly recognizable.
- They are designed for easy amplification, working well even with smartphones without requiring dedicated headphone amplifiers.
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Select product comparisons
GW100X
- Positioning: The entry-level wireless model that removes the wires without compromising Grado's signature sound.
- Description: Features Bluetooth 5.2, a 44mm reengineered X Series driver, and a long battery life designed for on-the-go listening. Compared to the wired SR325x and RS1x, it offers the convenience of wireless connectivity while sacrificing some of the refined acoustics and build complexity found in higher-tier models.
SR325X
- Positioning: A Prestige Series option focused on delivering clear, precise imaging through a metal housing design.
- Description: Uses a metal chassis with redesigned wiring and an 8-conductor super annealed cable to enhance sound transparency and instrument separation. When compared to the wireless GW100X and the more detailed RS1x, it provides a practical, wired solution that balances clarity with a straightforward build.
RS1X
- Positioning: A Reference Series model aimed at achieving natural, balanced sound through a tri-wood design.
- Description: Uses 50mm X Series drivers matched with maple, hemp, and cocobolo woods to provide a spacious and natural tonal character. In contrast to the simpler SR325X and the larger, more driver-intensive GS3000x, it offers a balance between sophistication and approachable performance.
GS3000X
- Positioning: A Statement Series headphone positioned to deliver an expansive soundstage with detailed imaging.
- Description: Uses a new 52mm X driver with a cocobolo wood housing and hybrid metal chamber to reduce distortion and boost dynamic range. Compared to the RS1x's balanced approach and the HP100-SE's flagship engineering, it offers a refined build with robust cable design for enhanced sonic clarity.
HP100-SE
- Positioning: The flagship Signature Series model that pays homage to Grado's heritage with advanced driver technology and modern design.
- Description: Introduces a completely redesigned 52mm driver featuring a paper composite cone, high flux magnetic circuit, and detachable cables for improved transient response and precise tonal accuracy. Relative to the GS3000x's detailed imaging, it represents the most premium option with superior build quality and innovative performance enhancements.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
6
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
447
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
13
Founding Year
1953
Our take on the brand
Grado, a Brooklyn-based hifi brand, was founded by Joseph Grado, who invented the stereo moving-coil phono cartridge in 1959 and earned induction into the Audio Hall of Fame. The company continues to hand-assemble products in the same Brooklyn building their family purchased in 1918. Known for unique engineering approaches, the brand created the world's first open-back Bluetooth headphone (GW100), and uses unusual materials like hemp/maple composite cups.
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What if you spend more?
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Grado
RS1x
750
750
/
6
Reviews
Grado, a Brooklyn-based hifi brand, was founded by Joseph Grado, who invented the stereo moving-coil phono cartridge in 1959 and earned induction into the Audio Hall of Fame. The company continues to hand-assemble products in the same Brooklyn building their family purchased in 1918. Known for unique engineering approaches, the brand created the world's first open-back Bluetooth headphone (GW100), and uses unusual materials like hemp/maple composite cups.
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Product Strengths
- Clear, detailed, and lively sound with a focus on vocals and spaciousness
- Lightweight and comfortable, allowing for long listening sessions
- Hand-assembled with beautiful materials like maple, hemp, and cocobolo wood
- Impressive soundstage, a step up from previous Grado headphones
- Good separation and definition of instruments
Product Considerations
- Bass response has noticeable roll-off, not suited for bass-heavy genres
- Mids can be a little forward, and upper mids on the RS1X were slightly reedy
- The on-ear fit may not be comfortable for everyone
- The cable is a bit short for some users
- Open-back design leaks sound, not practical in all environments
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs GS3000X: RS1X emphasizes upper frequencies, while GS3000X focuses on a big, strong sound
- Vs original RS1: RS1x is significantly more transparent, alive, and dynamic, with tighter and faster bass
- Vs Audeze LCD2: RS1x has forward momentum and excitement, while LCD2 has a softer presentation
- Vs Sennheiser HD600: RS1x is more vivid, while HD600 is more laid back and relaxed
- Vs beyerdynamic T1 (3rd Generation): RS1x is comparable in fleet-footedness, though T1 has greater solidity and refinement
Takeaway: The RS1x is a great choice for those who appreciate clarity, detail, and a vibrant sound signature with a focus on vocals, and they are very light. For open headphones that look as good as they sound, these are worth checking out.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Grado, a Brooklyn-based hifi brand, was founded by Joseph Grado, who invented the stereo moving-coil phono cartridge in 1959 and earned induction into the Audio Hall of Fame. The company continues to hand-assemble products in the same Brooklyn building their family purchased in 1918. Known for unique engineering approaches, the brand created the world's first open-back Bluetooth headphone (GW100), and uses unusual materials like hemp/maple composite cups.
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Grado
RS2x
550
550
/
3
Reviews
Grado, a Brooklyn-based hifi brand, was founded by Joseph Grado, who invented the stereo moving-coil phono cartridge in 1959 and earned induction into the Audio Hall of Fame. The company continues to hand-assemble products in the same Brooklyn building their family purchased in 1918. Known for unique engineering approaches, the brand created the world's first open-back Bluetooth headphone (GW100), and uses unusual materials like hemp/maple composite cups.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Open-back design provides a very open sound with a wide soundstage, creating an 'out of the head' listening experience
- Detailed treble leads to amazing spatial cues, dimensionality, and instrument placement
- Lightweight and comfortable for extended listening sessions, especially compared to bulkier headphones in the same price range
- Solid sub-bass presentation while maintaining clarity in the low regions, offering a balanced bass response
- Vintage feel to the design.
Product Considerations
- Open-back design offers very little isolation, making it unsuitable for noisy environments
- Included cable is thick and stiff
- Earpads may be considered scratchy
- Treble is slightly emphasized.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Audeze LCD-5: The RS2x has less mid-bass.
- Vs HiFiMan Deva Pro: Deva Pros have fuller, more natural sounding strings.
Takeaway: The RS2x is a comfortable and great-sounding headphone with a really open sound. It offers a unique listening experience that's enjoyable for long periods.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Grado, a Brooklyn-based hifi brand, was founded by Joseph Grado, who invented the stereo moving-coil phono cartridge in 1959 and earned induction into the Audio Hall of Fame. The company continues to hand-assemble products in the same Brooklyn building their family purchased in 1918. Known for unique engineering approaches, the brand created the world's first open-back Bluetooth headphone (GW100), and uses unusual materials like hemp/maple composite cups.
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Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Unique octagonal design made of quality materials, with a rugged, serviceable build quality featuring exposed nuts and bolts.
- Surprising amount of bass for an open-back, on-ear headphone, that is solid, tangible, present, well balanced and well tuned.
- The silver-plated OCC copper cable is lightweight, pliable, ergonomic and does not remain bent after staying still.
- Comfortable on-ear headphone, especially considering it's an on-ear design, with thick, soft pads and a comfortable headband.
- Easy to drive with portable devices like dongles or smartphones.
Product Considerations
- Being an on-ear design, the Thalia can become uncomfortable after extended listening sessions (45 minutes or longer) due to pressure on the ears.
- Not the most compact headphone, and does not fold up, limiting its portability somewhat.
- The open-back design results in sound leakage, making it less suitable for noisy environments or situations where discretion is required.
- The height adjustment mechanism, while providing fine control, is a bit fiddly and not easily adjustable on the fly.
- Its lower-midrange will be too full for some.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Thalia is far superior to the Koss Porta Pro and sets a new standard for portable on-ear headphones, but it is inspired by the Porta Pro.
- Compared to the Grado RS2x, the Thalia is more durable, comfortable, and more enjoyable overall, and is more bassy and thicker in the midrange.
- The Thalia has a faster pace and a better driver control, and offers a lot more in the top-octave than the Sennheiser Momentum 2/3.
Takeaway: The Thalia is a uniquely designed, portable on-ear headphone that delivers great sound and is built to last. It is a good option for those who want a distinctive headphone that is fun to listen to.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Erzetich is a Slovenian hifi brand known for amplifiers and headphones that incorporate aged linden wood (a national symbol), vegan construction, and fully serviceable designs with pro-style connectors. They also engineer amplifiers with dual-mono class-A topology.
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FIIO
FT7
699
699
/
11
Reviews
FiiO stands out for integrating unique features into portable audio devices, such as their BTR7 DAC/amplifier with its screen and wireless charging, and their KB3 mechanical keyboard with a built-in DAC/amp. The brand caters to audiophiles seeking personalization through products like their pioneering X7 music player with interchangeable amp modules and their compact R7 desktop system that combines streaming, DAC, and headphone amplification capabilities.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Uses premium materials like carbon fiber, metal, sheep lambskin earpads, and zebra wood faceplates for a luxurious feel, with excellent build quality
- Has a mostly neutral sound signature, with lambskin pads bass response is very good with a tasteful emphasis placed on the sub-bass region, and a decent midrange
- Provides good detail retrieval, resolution, and transparency of sound, the drivers can show plenty of information and micro detail
- A pad swapping system allows changes to sound characteristics, with lambskin pads and breathable fabric pads included
- Comes with a quarter-inch adapter and a 4-pin XLR adapter for use with portable or desktop devices
Product Considerations
- The stock cable is 3 meters long, which is too long for desktop use
- Headband adjustment can be a little stiff to move
- With leather pads, the highs can get slightly sharp
- There is a slight sharpness in the upper treble that might pose a problem for some listeners, using fabric pads can mitigate this
- Weight distribution could be better, there's not enough padding on the headband, and the clamp force is low, this distributes all the weight across the top of the head, which can be bothersome after 40-50 minutes
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HiFiMan Susvara: Has a similar driver structure
- Vs HiFiMan HE1000 Unveiled: Is close in terms of technical performance like resolution, transient response, soundstage, depth, and openness
- Vs HiFiMan Arya Stealth: Has a better build quality and bass response
Takeaway: The FiiO FT7 is a well-built, comfortable headphone that offers a neutral-leaning-warm sound that can be tailored with different earpads. The FT7 competes with other headphones that cost significantly more, making it a great pick at its price point.
Video review
Our take on the brand
FiiO stands out for integrating unique features into portable audio devices, such as their BTR7 DAC/amplifier with its screen and wireless charging, and their KB3 mechanical keyboard with a built-in DAC/amp. The brand caters to audiophiles seeking personalization through products like their pioneering X7 music player with interchangeable amp modules and their compact R7 desktop system that combines streaming, DAC, and headphone amplification capabilities.
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What competes at this price?
Grado
SR325x
295
/
Released
2021
With its metal housing, the SR325x brings a surgical precision to your music that you won't find in the rest of the Prestige Series. Better imaging of the space between the instruments paints a clearer picture of your music in their soundstage.
Grado, a Brooklyn-based hifi brand, was founded by Joseph Grado, who invented the stereo moving-coil phono cartridge in 1959 and earned induction into the Audio Hall of Fame. The company continues to hand-assemble products in the same Brooklyn building their family purchased in 1918. Known for unique engineering approaches, the brand created the world's first open-back Bluetooth headphone (GW100), and uses unusual materials like hemp/maple composite cups.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Strong, tight, and accurate bass defies the typical open-back headphone limitations
- Linear tonal balance and extreme clarity, without brightness or harshness
- Dynamic and musical sound performance exceeds expectations for its price range
- Durable build quality features metal housing, a leather headband, and a robust cable
- High efficiency makes it easily driven by smartphones or tablets
Product Considerations
- Open-back design leaks sound and provides minimal noise isolation
- Comfort may be subjective due to the on-ear design and thinner earpads
- The F cushions may collect heat due to their direct contact with the ear
- Build quality may be considered 'rustic', with some cosmetic imperfections due to being hand-built
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs SR325e/SR325i: SR325x sound is smoother and more authoritative in the bass with the new earpads, has a more direct presentation with greater top-end refinement, and has improved low-end solidity
Takeaway: The Grado SR325x provides great sound for the price, with a design that is both durable and easy to drive. These could be a good fit for listeners who want headphones with a lot of energy and clear sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Grado, a Brooklyn-based hifi brand, was founded by Joseph Grado, who invented the stereo moving-coil phono cartridge in 1959 and earned induction into the Audio Hall of Fame. The company continues to hand-assemble products in the same Brooklyn building their family purchased in 1918. Known for unique engineering approaches, the brand created the world's first open-back Bluetooth headphone (GW100), and uses unusual materials like hemp/maple composite cups.
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Grado
SR80x
125
/
Released
2021
The story of the SR80x holds a special place in not only our ears, but the ears of hundreds of thousands of listeners. The first pair was built in 1991 and we wouldn't be here today without it. With its soundstage, world renowned mid-range, and speed, the SR80x is worthy of being the longest running Grado headphone.
Grado, a Brooklyn-based hifi brand, was founded by Joseph Grado, who invented the stereo moving-coil phono cartridge in 1959 and earned induction into the Audio Hall of Fame. The company continues to hand-assemble products in the same Brooklyn building their family purchased in 1918. Known for unique engineering approaches, the brand created the world's first open-back Bluetooth headphone (GW100), and uses unusual materials like hemp/maple composite cups.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Lightweight and comfortable, making them easy to wear, with soft padded cups
- Clear, detailed, and punchy sound quality, described as class-leading transparency
- Durable build, including circular foam earpads that maintain their shape
- Easy to power and can be driven by a variety of portable devices
Product Considerations
- Open-back design results in significant sound leakage, making them unsuitable for quiet environments or office use
- Wired design may not be suitable for those seeking wireless flexibility
- Trebly frequency response may not be suitable for everyone, and some may find the high end fatiguing
- Lacks modern features like noise cancellation
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Grado SR60x: The SR60x more closely follows a target curve and is cheaper, making it a better choice unless you really like treble exaggeration
- Vs Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X: The DT 900 PRO X offers a metal build, studio sound, and a more accurate bass representation
Takeaway: The Grado SR80x headphones provide a unique listening experience with fantastic sound quality and a comfortable design. If one wants headphones mainly for quiet listening at home, they could be worth buying.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Grado, a Brooklyn-based hifi brand, was founded by Joseph Grado, who invented the stereo moving-coil phono cartridge in 1959 and earned induction into the Audio Hall of Fame. The company continues to hand-assemble products in the same Brooklyn building their family purchased in 1918. Known for unique engineering approaches, the brand created the world's first open-back Bluetooth headphone (GW100), and uses unusual materials like hemp/maple composite cups.
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Grado
Hemp
469
/
Released
2020
Into The Unknown: In our never-ending pursuit to experiment with all types of woods and materials, we had the opportunity to build with hemp. We weren't sure how these hemphones would turn out, but to everyone's surprise it quickly became a favorite passed around Grado. To be blunt, this is one of the best sounding Limited Editions we've assembled.
Grado, a Brooklyn-based hifi brand, was founded by Joseph Grado, who invented the stereo moving-coil phono cartridge in 1959 and earned induction into the Audio Hall of Fame. The company continues to hand-assemble products in the same Brooklyn building their family purchased in 1918. Known for unique engineering approaches, the brand created the world's first open-back Bluetooth headphone (GW100), and uses unusual materials like hemp/maple composite cups.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Balanced, dynamic sound
- Responds well to EQ and DSP alteration, especially bass boosting
- Excellent bass fidelity and tonality for its price range
- Good, solid bass that is enhanced when using second-rate headphone amplifiers
- The mids are forward, making it well-suited for vocals
Product Considerations
- The stock sound signature is fairly bass light
- The flat pads can get a bit uncomfortable after extended use
- The cable is thick and heavy, which can pull down the headphone
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs PS500: It sounds better and cleaner in every avenue
Takeaway: The Grado Hemp is a fun and musical headphone that sounds great and looks fantastic. It's small, light, comfortable, scales nicely, and is a generalist, making it suitable for various music genres.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Grado, a Brooklyn-based hifi brand, was founded by Joseph Grado, who invented the stereo moving-coil phono cartridge in 1959 and earned induction into the Audio Hall of Fame. The company continues to hand-assemble products in the same Brooklyn building their family purchased in 1918. Known for unique engineering approaches, the brand created the world's first open-back Bluetooth headphone (GW100), and uses unusual materials like hemp/maple composite cups.
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Grado
GW100x
275
/
Released
2022
Our first wireless headphone becomes even better with Bluetooth 5.2, longer battery, and our new X Drivers. Nothing is lost except the wires.
Grado, a Brooklyn-based hifi brand, was founded by Joseph Grado, who invented the stereo moving-coil phono cartridge in 1959 and earned induction into the Audio Hall of Fame. The company continues to hand-assemble products in the same Brooklyn building their family purchased in 1918. Known for unique engineering approaches, the brand created the world's first open-back Bluetooth headphone (GW100), and uses unusual materials like hemp/maple composite cups.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a clean, open, and enthusiastic sound.
- Offers excellent battery life of up to 46 hours (at half volume).
- Features a quality, no-frills design that is lightweight and unburdensome (~188g).
- Above-par battery life and high-quality aptX Adaptive Bluetooth codec support.
- Wireless mode delivers a performance that will pretty much match any pair of Grado headphones short of the aluminum-bodied SR325x in terms of technicalities and tuning.
Product Considerations
- Doesn’t fold away and has no noise canceling.
- Inescapably leaky; sound can be heard by others nearby.
- Soundstage is slightly narrower than that of wired Grado models.
- Lacks modern conveniences, such as ANC or app features.
- Design and feel doesn't look or feel anything special, and is short on features.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs the Sony WH-1000XM5: GW100x sacrifices some modern features for better sound, but Sony offers a closed-back design and ANC.
- Vs the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless: Sennheiser has noise cancellation, no leakage, and very smart features compared to the GW100x.
- Vs the GW100 (Original Model): The GW100x improves on the original with better battery life, updated Bluetooth codecs, and refined tuning.
- Vs Wired Grado models: GW100x offers an impressive wireless experience, but doesn’t quite match the resolution or dynamics of Grado’s wired models.
Takeaway: The Grado GW100x are great for superb-quality untethered sound for quiet spaces, like a garden or home, without irritating housemates. If audio quality and the convenience of wireless listening are valued, these are worth a look.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Grado, a Brooklyn-based hifi brand, was founded by Joseph Grado, who invented the stereo moving-coil phono cartridge in 1959 and earned induction into the Audio Hall of Fame. The company continues to hand-assemble products in the same Brooklyn building their family purchased in 1918. Known for unique engineering approaches, the brand created the world's first open-back Bluetooth headphone (GW100), and uses unusual materials like hemp/maple composite cups.
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Grado
SR60x
99
/
Released
2021
The entry-level headphone in the Brooklyn lineup, the SR60x produces the best audio quality at its price point and proves the Grado sound is never out of reach.
Grado, a Brooklyn-based hifi brand, was founded by Joseph Grado, who invented the stereo moving-coil phono cartridge in 1959 and earned induction into the Audio Hall of Fame. The company continues to hand-assemble products in the same Brooklyn building their family purchased in 1918. Known for unique engineering approaches, the brand created the world's first open-back Bluetooth headphone (GW100), and uses unusual materials like hemp/maple composite cups.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Solid option for those interested in dipping their toes into open-back headphones
- Easy to power
- More comfortable than most on-ear headphones
Product Considerations
- Not suitable for commuting because they don't isolate you from the environment
- The band may not expand enough to fit well on larger heads
- Care will need to be taken to prevent foreign objects from getting through the mesh and into the driver housing
- As a pair of open-back headphones, they do not attempt to block out noise at all
- The sub-bass response is very under-represented compared to what many listeners are used to
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The SR80x has quieter bass and more boosted treble than the SR60x, but generally, the same sound is achieved from either headset
Takeaway: The Grado SR60x is a great entry-level pair of open-back headphones, best suited for listeners who need a set that stays by the computer. They offer a tangible step up in audio quality over many consumer headphones.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Grado, a Brooklyn-based hifi brand, was founded by Joseph Grado, who invented the stereo moving-coil phono cartridge in 1959 and earned induction into the Audio Hall of Fame. The company continues to hand-assemble products in the same Brooklyn building their family purchased in 1918. Known for unique engineering approaches, the brand created the world's first open-back Bluetooth headphone (GW100), and uses unusual materials like hemp/maple composite cups.
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