If you are looking for the best open back on ear headphones with a wire, let me share with you my review of Grado SR225e vs RS2e.
Features
The headphones reproduce a very quality sound with the sensitivity of 100 dB. They have a great compatibility with mobile devices for the impedance of 32 Ohm. The frequency response of Grado SR225e is more narrow vs RS2e with 20Hz-22KHz vs 14Hz-28KHz, but both are quite enough for a good audio reproduction.
Sound
The difference of Grado SR225e vs RS2e is that the latter improves the qualities of a broad soundstage, has a stronger and clearer bass, and an excellent resonance. That makes RS2s a great alternative to SR225e. However both models have a clear imaging, a wide open soundstage, and neutral, harmonious sound at all ranges. The bright feature of both headphones models is a clear reproduction of mids that is not put backwards with bright bass and highs. But the sound of Grado SR225e seems to me warmer vs more accurate RS2e that may sound too brassy for sensitive ears while the warm sound of the first model embraces with a smoother sound, even being not so bright.
Comfort and design
The wooden ear cups of RS2e look smart and unusual. The model SR225e has plastic cups. Both have soft foam cushions. The cups are very breathable for the open design that does not make my ears sweat. The headband is decently soft and not tight. The cups are not foldable, however, lay flat to take less space or wear on the neck. Unfortunately, the cable is not detachable, that makes them not portable and not safe if it tangles over something.
Both headphones are lightweight, but Grado SR225e vs RS2e is lighter with 280 vs 385 g.
GRADO RS2e pros and cons
Pros
- Deep bass is reasonably emphasized over other ranges without overshadowing them
- Incredibly spacious soundstage even among the open back headphones
- Stylish, authentic look with wooden cups
Cons
- Leaky sound due to the design of open back cups
GRADO SR225e pros and cons
Pros
- Wide soundstage for the open back cups design
- Balanced sound of neutral lows, mids, and highs, all on decent level of clarity
- Comfortable fit and breathable on ear open cups
Cons
- The reproduced sound leaks a lot and you hear the noise from surroundings due to the open back cups
- Plastic built looks cheap and unstable