Grado SR125i

*Est. $150
Reviewed
September 2011
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Grado SR125i

Pros
  • Excellent all-around sound
  • Not too expensive
Cons
  • Bulky
  • Not the most stylish

Experts say that many of Grado's consumer headphones are top buys, and the Grado SR125i model is no exception. These cost significantly more than the highly rated Grado SR60i (*Est. $80) and SR80i (*Est. $100) headphones, and not all reviewers think the SR125i sounds better. The Grado SR125i is a tweaked version of models from a few years ago, boasting better drivers, cords and enclosures (for improved sound) and better ear pads (for improved comfort). However, these Grado headphones, like their cheaper brandmates, carry Grado's signature clunky, retro look, which some may find off-putting. The Grado SR125i has a 1/4-inch jack, with no adapter for 1/8-inch MP3 player inputs. However, critics point out that these headphones are best for home stereo listening (with an amplifier) anyway.

The Grado SR125i headphones don't get as much attention as their lower-priced cousins, the SR60i and SR80i, but we found some coverage of the older SR125 at CNET, Macworld and What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision, where these Grados are praised highly. Amazon.com users also weigh in on the Grado SR125i headphones, echoing the praise of pro reviewers.

     
 
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Where To Buy
 
 
Grado Prestige Series SR125i Headphones

 (46 reviews)
Buy new: $150.00   33 Used & new from $125.00

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

 
 
 
 
 
Featured StoresStore RatingNotesTotal Price
CrutchfieldCrutchfield rated 4.84 (4783 reviews)4,783 store reviewsIn Stock. Free Shipping, No Minimum. 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee. Lifetime Tech Support.$150.00
AdoramaAdorama rated 4.41 (6905 reviews)6,905 store reviewsIn Stock. FREE SHIPPING, Ships same day if ordered by 5:00pm EST (Mon-Thur), Grado Authorized Dealer!$150.00
J&R Music and Computer WorldJ&R Music and Computer World rated 4.42 (4238 reviews)4,238 store reviewsSorry, not in stock$150.00
 
 
 

Our Sources

1. CNET

CNET gives the Grado SR125, the immediate predecessor model to the SR125i, an Editors' Choice award and 4 out of 5 stars. Reviewer Steve Guttenberg says these headphones "will satisfy even the most demanding audiophile." However, their old-fashioned style is a concern, and Guttenberg thinks the SR125 headphones can get uncomfortable after long sessions.

Review: Grado SR125, Steve Guttenberg, Feb. 23, 2004

2. Macworld

Macworld's Dan Frakes compares the higher-end Grado SR80 and SR125 models with the SR60, which gets the Editors' Choice award. Frakes says that the Grados get better the higher you go, and that "we think the SR80 and SR125 are the 'sweet spots' for most people; anything higher up is wasted on an iPod or computer." He awards 5 out of 5 mice.

Review: Grado SR80 and SR125, Dan Frakes, Sept. 10, 2004

3. What Hi-Fi?

British audiophile magazine What Hi-Fi? looks at many headphones, including the Grado SR125. Though brief, this review praises the SR125's sound quality, and notes that the ear pads have been improved since What Hi-Fi? last looked at these long-running Grados in 1999. The site awards the Grado SR125s 5 out of 5 stars.

Review: Grado SR125, Editors of What Hi-Fi?

4. Amazon.com

The Grado SR125i headphones get more than 40 reviews on Amazon.com. All but four users give the headphones 4 or 5 out of a possible 5 stars.

Review: Grado Prestige Series SR125i Headphones, Contributors to Amazon.com

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