Grado SR325 vs DJ200i: Which Headphone Fits Your Listening?

Compare the Grado SR325 and DJ200i on sound, comfort, and value. Find out which fits your setup, whether you're mixing tracks or spinning vinyl.

Publishing teamXI LANGS Editorial

PublishedOct 14, 2026

Page updatedOct 30, 2026

Reading time6 minutes

Grado SR325 vs DJ200i: Which Headphone Fits Your Listening?

Quick Answer

The Grado SR325 is the better pick for critical listening and vinyl playback at home, while the DJ200i is built for DJ work with a rotating ear cup and heavier bass. Neither is a one-size-fits-all choice; your decision should come down to whether you prioritize detail and open-back sound or isolation and durability for mixing.

DJ200i

Sound Signature and Design Differences

The Grado SR325 uses an open-back design that lets air move freely around the driver, producing a wide, natural soundstage with crisp highs and a lively midrange. This makes it a strong match for acoustic recordings, classic rock, and vinyl where you want to hear the room and the instruments breathe. The DJ200i, in contrast, is a closed-back headphone with a rotating ear cup for single-ear monitoring. Its sound leans toward a warmer, bass-forward tuning that helps you track beats in a loud environment. The trade-off is clear: the SR325 delivers more detail and openness, but it leaks sound and lets outside noise in. The DJ200i isolates better and survives rough handling, but it won't reveal the same micro-details in a quiet listening session.

Comfort and Build for Different Sessions

The SR325 is lightweight and sits on the ears with a foam cushion, which many listeners find comfortable for long, relaxed listening at a desk. However, the open-back design means you'll hear your surroundings, and others will hear your music. The DJ200i uses a closed, rotating cup that can be flipped for cueing, and its headband and ear pads are designed to stay put during active use. If you plan to wear headphones for hours while working or listening to vinyl, the SR325's lighter clamp and breathable foam may suit you better. If you need to move around, monitor a mix, or play in a noisy room, the DJ200i's grip and swivel mechanism are more practical. Neither headphone includes a hard case by default, so consider the Large Hard-Shell Case for Grado Headphones if you plan to travel with either model. That case fits the PS1000e, PS2000e, GS1000e, GS2000e, GS3000e, and RS1e, but not the SR325 or DJ200i, so check compatibility before buying.

Which Grado Headphone for DJ Work?

If your primary use is DJing, the DJ200i is the clear choice. Its closed-back design blocks out crowd noise, the rotating ear cup lets you cue a track while keeping one ear on the room, and the bass emphasis helps you match beats. The SR325 is not intended for DJ use; its open-back construction means you'll struggle to hear cues over loud monitors, and the foam cushions don't provide the same isolation. For vinyl DJs, the DJ200i's tuning can flatter the warm character of vinyl, but the SR325 offers a more revealing window into the recording if you're listening critically at home. If you split your time between DJing and casual listening, you may need both, but if you must choose one, let the environment decide: loud, active spaces favor the DJ200i; quiet, focused listening favors the SR325.

Value and Upgrade Path

The SR325 sits in Grado's Classic Series and is available in a standard configuration with the SKU SR325. The DJ200i is a dedicated DJ model with its own feature set. Neither includes a case or detachable cable as standard, so budget for accessories if you need them. The Large Hard-Shell Case for Grado Headphones is a solid option for protecting higher-end Grado models, and it's discounted when bought with a headphone. If you're considering an upgrade later, Grado's Signature line, including the Signature S750 and Signature HP100 SE, offers step-up performance with new driver designs and premium materials. The S750 features new S2 drivers and a revised cushion design, while the HP100 SE is a flagship homage to the original HP1. These are not direct replacements for the SR325 or DJ200i, but they show the range of Grado's lineup if you decide to invest further.

Trade-Offs to Weigh

Open-back vs closed-back: The SR325 is open-back, giving a wide soundstage but leaking sound and letting noise in. The DJ200i is closed-back, isolating you from the room but with a narrower presentation. Choose open-back for quiet rooms and critical listening; choose closed-back for noisy environments and DJ use.
Cushion and fit: The SR325 uses foam cushions that sit on the ear and feel light over long sessions. The DJ200i has a rotating ear cup and a firmer clamp for stability during movement. If you wear glasses or have a larger head, the SR325's lighter clamp may be more comfortable; if you need a secure fit while moving, the DJ200i holds better.
Accessories and compatibility: The Large Hard-Shell Case fits only specific high-end Grado models, not the SR325 or DJ200i. Neither headphone includes a case as standard. If you plan to travel, look for a third-party case that fits your model, or consider upgrading to a Grado that the hard-shell case supports.

Key Facts at a Glance

SR325: The Grado Labs SR325 is part of the Classic Series of headphones, offered here under the Grado Labs brand. It is available in a Standard configuration with the SKU code SR325. This tells you the SR325 is a long-standing model in Grado's lineup, so replacement parts and community advice are easy to find.
Large Hard-Shell Case for Grado Headphones: Hard-shell zipper case with embossed Grado logo. Fits the following headphones: PS1000e, PS2000e, GS1000e, GS2000e, GS3000e, RS1e. Save $5 when you buy the case together with a headphone. If you own or plan to buy one of those higher-end models, this case protects your investment. It does not fit the SR325 or DJ200i, so check compatibility first.
Signature S750: Grado's Signature S750 Headphones Featuring New S2 Drivers and Cushion Design. As the third model in the line, the S750 builds on the award-winning stature of the Signature HP100 SE and Signature... The S750 represents a step-up option with newer driver technology, useful if you want to upgrade from the SR325 or DJ200i later.
Signature HP100 SE: Grado's new Signature HP100 SE headphones are a contemporary homage to the trailblazing high-end HP1 model heralding a new design direction. Grado Labs presents its newest and flagship model, the Signature HP100 SE. The HP100 SE is Grado's flagship, showing the top of the range if you're curious about the brand's highest-tier sound.