Listener-at-large

In buying these headphones, I listened to a wide range of headphones: BeyerDynamics, Sennheisers, and Grados. Of all of them, the Grados had a nice open sound that I liked. They seem very efficient, so they work great with my portable equipment.

The sound sets them apart though. If you get the chance, compare the SR-225s and the SR-60s. I did, and I thought something was wrong with the 60s. In comparison they were so bad that I couldn't believe they were sold under the same brand name. The 225s are wonderful. Excellent range, sensitivity, and the detail is amazing.

The open design is nice if you're listening in a quiet environment. Otherwise, reconsider. I've tried using them on flights, and they make me wish I had a sealed design. They're great at work, though, where the office is quiet and occasionally you need to hear your name being paged over the intercom.

These things definitely look like something out of WWII, though. If you're style conscious and don't want to look like a radio operator, get over it and buy them for the great sound.

My 225s have the new cupped pad design. It's not bad at all. They aren't the most comfortable things on the planet, but all told, they're definitely worth the awesome sound.