New Version of an Award-Winning Headphone
SR125 Snags Two Stereophile Product of the Year Awards
Having trouble deciding which headphones give you the most performance for your money? Take a tip from Stereophile. The December 2002 issue awarded the Grado SR125 headphone the "Product of the Year" designation in not one but two categories.
The SR125 won honors in both the "2002 Joint Accessories" category and the "2002 Budget Components of the Year" category.
Upgraded Driver and More
What does the letter 'i' stand for in the new SR125i from Grado? Improved, that's what!
Grado's ability to combine lightness with extreme rigidity and internal damping has been put to good use on the SR125i. Based on the same design as the SR80i, the SR125i also features an improved driver and cable design utilizing UHPLC (Ultra-high purity, long crystal) copper voice coil wire.
With the new eight-conductor cable design you will notice improved control and stability of the upper and lower range of the frequency spectrum, with both better supporting Grado’s world renowned midrange. The Diaphragms are put through a special 'de-stressing' process in order to enhance inner detail. The way the SR125i’'s new driver, cable and plastic housing move air and react to sound vibrations are now less affected by transient distortions. Bass, midrange and treble are all more open and you will enjoy the fine tonal spread and balance.
"Greatest Sound Quality Per Dollar"
In his June 2002 Stereophile review quoted in the "Product of the Year" write-up, Robert J. Reina stated that, in comparison with other budget and top-of-the-line headphones he auditioned, the Grado SR125 'phones "represent the greatest sound quality per dollar."
Other Critics Love 'Em, Too
Reina isn't the only audio critic to praise the SR125. The Grado is also highly acclaimed by Sound & Vision, Stereo Review, Audio Magazine, and Hi-Fi News & Record Review.
Grado's ability to combine lightness with extreme rigidity and internal damping has been put to excellent use on the SR125.
The vented driver diaphragm is made of an advanced low-mass polymer carefully designed to provide a warm, well-balanced 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response. An improved voice coil design uses UHPLC (Ultra-high purity, long crystal) copper voice coil wire. The diaphragms are put through a special 'de-stressing' process in order to enhance inner detail.
Performance is enhanced by a 3.0"-diameter non-resonant air chamber. Bass, midrange and treble are agreeably open. The low distortion output lets you listen for hours without the annoying "ear-burn" of most other low-price headphones. An improved headband spring provides even greater comfort allowing you to relax and enjoy the fine tonal spread and balance.
"Neutral, Detailed, and Warm-Sounding
Robert K. Reina's Stereophile review marveled that the Grado SR125 is a "neutral, detailed, and warm-sounding headphone overall, with extended frequency extremes, wide dynamic range, and the ability to sound natural at a wide range of volume levels." He found the SR125 "simultaneously musical and revealing of every nuance recorded." | 
