Grado SR125 review

Their looks may divide opinion, but these are fast, dynamic headphones that dig up plenty of detail Tested at £160

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Fast and dig up plenty of detail. Comfortable now, too, due to change of ear-pad design.

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

Ah, Grado headphones: their unique ‘1930s radio operator' looks always divide opinion, but praise for their performance is typically universal.

We last reviewed the SR125s back in 1999, and moaned about poor comfort: a subsequent change of ear-pad design means no such gripes this time.

These headphones are fast, dynamic and dig up plenty of detail. Whether you listen to Shostakovich or Paul Simon, there's little else that communicates the music's message so well.

The Grados time beautifully, and organise the various instrumental strands of a piece of music: you'll never be in any doubt as to what the artist or the composer intended.

The SR125s – like most Grados – are a very long-running design. It's ironic then, that most of the rivals are still playing catch-up.

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


Read more about how we test