The X factor

The look hasn't changed in decades, but Grado's vow to stay on the pace is reflected in its new SR325x. David Vivian listens in

- David Vivian

It's refreshing to deal with a brand for whom retro theming isn't marketing's new cool, but a form of flattery. The staunchly unchanging look is a clever conceit because it establishes a real point of difference: institutional retro as opposed to expediently revisited or completely contrived. Also, sonically, Grado on-ears frequently show their sleeker price peers a clean pair of heels.

The SR325 is the flagship model in the entry-level Prestige line and its new 'x' suffix marks the latest raft of improvements. The unapologetically bulky captive cable has been updated, the exposed foam earpads are flatter and the stitching on the leanly cushioned leather headband is of a lighter hue. But the more telling upgrades are internal and focus on a more powerful motor system for the 44mm drivers, which themselves feature revised diaphragms and reduced mass coils and are matched to within 0.05dB at the factory. The combined upshot aims to improve efficiency and reduce distortion. The physical termination is a 3.5mm jack, but this comes with a 6.3mm adapter.

As an open-backed design, ambient noise will be heard by the wearer as much as music leaking out by anyone nearby. Its advantage is a more naturally open, less closed-in sound if usually a tad leaner in the bass.