Ear Buds Are Not Headphones
It seems like every mp3 player on the market comes with a complimentary pair of “headphones”. I use quotation marks because, as far as I can see, these are just tiny little semicircles that you stuff into your ears. The sound is poor and those little things won’t stay in your ears unless you sit perfectly still. At first, I thought the kids were wearing them in one ear because of some kind of style, but then I realized it was just because the other one fell out. Bottom line? Ear buds are not headphones and they can never give you the same kind of musical experience.
Forget the Ear Buds
You can toss those ear buds right in the trash. I tried to use mine while I was cleaning. Picture this: I’m cleaning the fish tank. I’m wearing my ear buds so I don’t distract my husband while he’s working. I scoop out Nero (the orange one with stripes) and one ear bud falls into the net with him. I lean over the tank, looking for Fiddler, and the other ear bud falls into the dirty water. Not only do I not want to put them in my ears because they’re dirty, the sound quality was terrible anyway. No more ear buds for me. It’s headphones only. That’s when I started looking for headphone reviews.
The Grado Prestige Series SR225i: The Best Headphones on the Market
I know it’s a strong statement. But the Grado Prestige Series SR225i headphones have amazing quality at a reasonable cost. These headphones are a huge improvement over the last model (the SR125i):
- New drivers that are more closely matched
- 50% increased airflow
- New housing design
- Larger ear cushions
- Improved rear metal screen
Right about now you’re wondering what those things can do for you. Well, the new drivers are more closely matched and this means that the sounds coming through the headphones are more defined. The airflow increase is related to the metal screen improvements and the closer driver tolerances. This makes the sound “bigger”, as though listening in a sound staqe. The new housing design, aside from being aesthetically pleasing, works to diminish sound distortion and increase comfort. The larger ear cushions are extremely comfortable and also push the further away from the ear – maximizing the sound stage effect. The improved metal screen protects your music from any distortions.
The Basics
So, after long hours online searching for the best headphones, reading headphone reviews, and trying to figure out what all the features actually meant, I was ready to buy. It was obvious the Grado headphones were the ones that would best meet my needs for quality and price. I couldn’t wait to place my order.
Perfectly Clean
If I was going to use these headphones, I was going to have to be able to really use them. When they arrived, it was about time to clean the fish tank again. I was nervous, but everything I read indicated that this would work. I donned my Grado Prestige Series SR225i headphones and went straight for Fiddler, who was trying to blend in with the fake treasure chest. No problem For either of us. My headphones kept playing Lady Gaga and Fiddler was in his temporary home. Then, I went for Nero. It was dicey for a while, and I bumped the corner of the tank on my headphones, but they didn’t budge and Lady Gaga advised me to keep my Poker Face. Nero was caught, my music was uninterrupted, and everyone ended up happy in the end. Clean tank, clean headphones, and amazingly clean sounding music.
Not Just Sound
Besides the great sound and the security of knowing the headphones were staying on my head, I found that the headphones were incredibly comfortable. The larger ear cushions fit beautifully and felt very comfortable. They did not gap nor put uncomfortable pressure in any areas.
Grado Labs
Grado Labs, the company that manufactures these headphones, claims that the “i” in the model stands for “improved”. I’m pretty sure it’s for “impressive”. Anyway, their website boasts that these headphones are listed as a Best Buy and is recommended by Hi-Fi Choice magazine, which seems to be a big deal. Personally, I prefer to read Interview magazine, but what do I know?
Technical Specifications
- Dimensions: 1.3 x 1 x 0.2 inches; 13.4 ounces
- Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
I’d be lying if I said I loved everything about these headphones. And I’m a terrible liar, so you’d know right away. That’s why I’m going to sum up the good, the bad, and the ugly.
The Good
- The sound quality is awesome. It sounds like you’re in a theater with really great sound specs.
- Works with my son’s digital piano so I don’t have to hear the music at full volume until it has been practiced to perfection.
- Music sounds “full”. You can hear instruments, parts of songs, and vocals that you may have never noticed before.
The Bad
- I’m betting you already know this one: the price. While you can buy headphones for two or three times more than this, these are still a far cry from a new pair of ear buds.
- These are open air headphones, so people around you CAN hear what you are listening to. (I found this out listening to a steamy audiobook on the bus).
- If you are an audiophile, you may be disappointed. To an average listener, they are great. To someone who isn’t dying to play with the equalizer to get the perfect bass, treble, and whatever, these are great. If you want perfection, better shop for something higher end.
The Ugly
- Face it. Ear buds are nearly invisible. Headphones are big and clunky, no matter how small they are. For headphones, they look good. But they are still headphones.
Bottom Line
These are good quality headphones that are a giant step above ear buds. They can be used with digital pianos, mp3 players, or stereos. If you are looking for decent quality for a moderate price, try the Grado SR225i headphones.
Where Can You Buy the Grado Prestige Series SR225i Headphones?
You can buy this Grado Prestige Series SR225i Headphones from Amazon. At the moment they include free shipping and from what I can tell when comparing prices with other online merchants, Amazon do currently have the best deal especially with the free shipping option. Click here to view on Amazon.
Where Can You Read More Reviews for the Grado Prestige Series SR225i Headphones?
The best place for reviews from people who actually use the product is Amazon. Click here to read more.
About Melissa Hughes