Grado SR125x

The SR125x represents the continuity of a Brooklyn audio tradition born in 1953, where each headphone travels from workbench to workbench until reaching its final form. Equipped with specifically tuned fourth-generation transducers, this open-back model embodies Grado’s artisanal design philosophy with a reinforced magnetic circuit, lightened voice coil, and reconfigured diaphragm.

Artisanal construction between modernity and simplicity

The SR125x retains Grado’s characteristic aesthetic: black polycarbonate housings held by adjustable metal rods and a headband covered in leatherette. This minimalist approach, far from overloaded contemporary designs, prioritizes functionality. The headphones display a contained weight of 300 grams thanks to their lightweight materials, while the size S foam ear cushions rest directly on the ears.

The open-back design, the brand’s signature, allows the 44mm transducers to breathe freely through perforated grilles. This acoustic architecture eliminates parasitic reflections and offers a naturally extended soundstage, at the expense of any sound isolation. Environmental noise passes through the headphones without obstacle, and your music escapes outward with the same ease.

The eight-conductor cable marks a notable evolution compared to previous generations. Housed in a more robust sheath, it incorporates super-annealed copper to optimize audio signal purity. This multi-conductor configuration improves control across the entire frequency spectrum, particularly in the extreme registers. The fixed cable terminates with a 3.5mm jack plug, accompanied by a gold-plated adapter to 6.35mm.

Generation X transducers: precision and velocity

The new generation X transducers constitute the technical heart of the SR125x. Grado has developed a more powerful magnetic circuit using neodymium magnets, combined with a voice coil whose effective mass has been reduced. This combination improves efficiency while reducing harmonic distortion. The lightweight polymer diaphragm has been reformulated to broaden its resonance modes while reducing their amplitude.

With a nominal impedance of 38 ohms and a sensitivity of 99.8 dB SPL for 1 mW, the SR125x proves easy to drive. Smartphones, tablets, and laptops can exploit it directly without dedicated amplification, although a quality headphone amplifier reveals more subtleties. The left and right transducers are matched with a 0.1 dB tolerance, guaranteeing precise spatial coherence.

The frequency response extends from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, covering the entire audible spectrum. Measurements reveal a slight emphasis in the upper midrange around 2 kHz, giving the headphones their distinctive sonic signature: a direct and energetic presentation that places voices and instruments in the foreground.

A sonic signature centered on the midrange

The SR125x perpetuates Grado’s sonic philosophy with a particularly expressive midrange. Female and male voices benefit from rich texture and palpable presence, as if the performers were standing in the room. Acoustic guitars reveal their harmonics with clarity, each string pluck restoring its timbral nuances.

The bass register, without reaching sub-bass depths, offers remarkable definition. Bass lines remain articulated and follow the rhythm with agility rather than mass. Jazz double bass sounds natural, drum skins retain their characteristic tension. This approach favors tonal fidelity rather than physical impact.

The treble, slightly elevated without becoming aggressive, brings air to the overall presentation. Cymbals shimmer with realism, triangles resonate with purity. The transducers’ speed allows excellent transient resolution, with each instrument attack being reproduced with temporal precision.

Evolution from previous generations

The transition from the “e” series to the “x” series brings substantial modifications. The impedance changes from 32 to 38 ohms, slightly modifying interactions with sources. The new transducers offer more fleshy and controlled bass than the SR125e, often described as more analytical. The upper midrange remains prominent but gains refinement, losing the sometimes metallic aspect of older versions.

The new headband incorporates more padding, improving comfort during extended sessions. The reinforced cable solves the fragility problems encountered on previous models, where wires could break near the housings after intensive use. These improvements address recurring criticisms while preserving the range’s sonic identity.

Compared to the entry-level SR80x, the SR125x offers a wider soundstage and better instrumental separation. Against the superior SR225x, the differences become more subtle, mainly in the extension of extremes and micro-detail resolution.

Technical specifications

Design and build

• Headphone type: on-ear, open-back
• Drivers: 44 mm
• Earpads: size S
• Headband: faux leather
• Cable: 8-core

Audio performance

• Frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz
• SPL at 1 mW: 99.8 dB
• Nominal impedance: 38 Ω
• Matched drivers: 1 dB

General information

• Weight: 300 g
• Accessories: 6.35 mm adapter