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Grado SR325x — Open-back
Grado

Grado SR325x

Open-back

84
/ 100
From $349
VS
HiFiMan Edition XS wins by 4
HiFiMan Edition XS — Planar magnetic
HiFiMan

HiFiMan Edition XS

Planar magnetic

88
/ 100
From $499
Specdex verdict

HiFiMan Edition XS takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Grado SR325x lands at 84 and HiFiMan Edition XS at 88. That puts HiFiMan Edition XS ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Grado SR325x if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal

Pick HiFiMan Edition XS if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

HiFiMan Edition XS

Tuning, detail, and staging

HiFiMan Edition XS leads on sound (88 vs 84).

Noise cancelling

Tie

ANC strength for commute and travel

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Grado SR325x

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Grado SR325x more score per dollar ($349 vs $499).

Grado SR325x 84
vs
88 HiFiMan Edition XS

Score breakdown

Grado SR325x
84
anc 0
sound 84
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
HiFiMan Edition XS
88
anc 0
sound 88
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

Grado SR325x versus HiFiMan Edition XS — full spec comparison
Spec Grado SR325x HiFiMan Edition XS
Type
Open-back
Planar magnetic

Grado SR325x

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

HiFiMan Edition XS

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

FAQ: Grado SR325x vs HiFiMan Edition XS

Which is better, Grado SR325x or HiFiMan Edition XS? +

HiFiMan Edition XS scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Grado SR325x worth the price? +

At $349, Grado SR325x delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in battery.

Is HiFiMan Edition XS worth the price? +

At $499, HiFiMan Edition XS delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in battery.

Does Grado SR325x or HiFiMan Edition XS last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound quality, Grado SR325x or HiFiMan Edition XS? +

HiFiMan Edition XS — leads on sound (88 vs 84). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is the better value, Grado SR325x or HiFiMan Edition XS? +

Grado SR325x — more score per dollar ($349 vs $499). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.