The SR225 was the gateway to the Grado line for me. Unlike many who would start off with the SR60, I know that first impressions are very important- thus I chose the middle of the lineup for auditioning.

One get's the impression that Grados are certainly rock headphones, but I tried my best to listen to a wide range of genres. I am impressed by the feeling of current- which means the background is less black which can sometimes be a good thing, because the overall soundscape is energetic.

If there was one way to describe these headphones is texturally liquid. Sounds like an oxymoron, but in fact it is as close of a signature as I can explain. The 225 is always right on in bringing out the details that matter. Maybe not the final word on accuracy, but the way it rushes the sound to the listener without ever being edgy is something to applaud.

When listening to acoustics, I can particularly sense the actual instrument- as a physical object producing the sound because in my mind I picture a string vibrating. It does this to the music without being overly black and surrealistic so that music is enjoyably immediate and intimate. The soundstage could be worse is all I will say. Chamber music space was well represented without feeling congesting at all.

The bass is impactful, though not to the point of being snappy. Extension isn't very exciting but the bass is there and suited for rock.

Amplification is not necessary to enjoy these headphones though a good amp that doesn't further harm the soundstage and gives bass extension is welcome.

Out of the many amps I've tried, I would say they do not excel coming out of a gilmore lite because the music is just so constricted that the acceptable soundstage becomes just a bit unbearable. The higher end headroom amps such as the microamp/dm and desktop series do particularly well to round out the crisp bass and give the sound more atmosphere and breathing room.

These headphones just have the excitement and texture called for when listening to acoustic and especially energetic types. Not what one would use for electronica though. Do well with smaller scale classical music.

The 225 is a superb headphone which offers a range of sound reproduction that exceeds most loudspeakers. Bass is firm and extended with exceptional attack, mids are a little forward but have the smoothness of an electrostatic and the highs are nicely extended (perhaps a little too much for some) and provide exceptional detail. Imaging is much improved from lower models in the line but still lags other brands. Think of these more as "monitor" style. They provide exceptional detail and give you everything on the recording. Partnering is essential. Aggressive amps or sources are to be avoided. Instead something neutral or even a little warm will provide a better balance. What's keeping these headphones from being up with the mega-bucks competitors? Comfort, soundstage and ultimately that sublime smoothness that lets attack coexist with fluidity. By far the best value I've heard under $300.

Grado SR225 is definately fun fons. These fons are very intimate and involving with listener. It's really dynamic and fast sound presentation resulting these sonic character. So far under $200 open, I have not found better cans for string and drum type instructments. Literally it's electrifying in electric guitar with its pace and sizzling sound performance. Of course, hard hitting drums make these cans truly attractive for rock type music. Never like that Y split headphones cable which gets twisted all the time.

Moreover, it's not limited to rock ONLY. My SR225 experience with jazz is very gratifying. If I have to put it in words, these mid-range Grado renders smoky jazz saloon sound, not jazz hall or church feel. Very intense and exciting upto quartet/quintet! I would pick other fons over SR225 when big band is playing.

Overall, I settled for SR225 due to comfort issue. My thought of bearing heavier housing on my ears was unthinkable. Such higher end grados were unacceptable for my ears in terms of ergonomics and weight. Regarding the fit and finish issue, these don't look expensive at all. In fact, not the best build quality out there in the market. Although I like the black look, but not cheapy plasticky finish on the cups and the flimsy vinyl headband cover. Never like those Y splitter cable which gets twisted all the time.

The best headphones for rock music I've ever heard. I ran the headphones through this system:

Goldring GR1 --> NAD PP2 --> DiMarzio Interconnects --> Perreaux SXH-1 rev v.5 --> Grado SR225

Very, VERY good fluidity with different frequencies. Best blend of neutrality, soundstage, and musicality I've ever heard for under 250 dollars. For new or classic rock music, look no further. Bass impact is incredible, and sound is very fast. The bass extension itself is not as dynamic, but with a good source and good amp (usually a good tube amp can do this) can make it much more rich and give it a much higher-resolution sound. Soundstage is very unique, but many find it's not three-dimensional, and therefore not that good. Separation of sounds is really good, however - you will get excellent placements of sounds, but the distance is not as detectable. For that, Sennheiser and Sony headphones are good options. Detail is okay, but these are not analytical headphones at all. They are much more focused on obtaining musical enjoyment, and not picking out every detail. These are the only headphones needed for the mid-fi rocker, so they are a fantastic value, but the improvement with good amplification is even better. With my CMOY, Gilmore Lite, and, Perreaux SHX-1 they would get better and better, respectively.

These headphones will not isolate well in a loud room, and they aren't the best portable headphones because they are prone to falling off your head, and, again, they don't isolate the best. The build quality is questionable for portable use as well - while durable, it doesn't feel so. You may feel unsafe traveling with these headphones. I myself keep them very protected.

Comfort-wise, not too shabby, but some will not be able to make the transition from Sennheiser to Grado very easily. Very different types of builds, but a week's-worth of getting used to is all it takes to like these headphones a lot. The bowl pads are plenty comfortable already, but the ability to buy at the other two pad options (and the sennheiser HD417 pads) offers much variety in both sound and comfort levels.