Over-Ear
Grado Sr125x
72Good
$249
Full review dataGrado Sr125x vs Nectar Hive: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Nectar Hive comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Nectar Hive - Outstanding overall at around $197.
Over-Ear
Nectar Hive
85Outstanding
$197
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Grado Sr125x
Sound8.0
Value7.0
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Grado Sr125x | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $249 | $197 |
| HearWiki score | 72 / 100 · Good | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2018 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 44 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz | 20Hz-7kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 38 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Controls | buttons | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 261 g | 370 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| Detachable cable | No | - |
| USB-C | No | - |
What reviewers said
Grado Sr125x
The Grado SR125e is an open-back dynamic headphone known for its energetic, quick response and controlled low-end. While it can be driven easily by most sources, pairing it with a dedicated amplifier can unlock its full potential. Its sound signature includes a noticeable emphasis in the midrange, and the attached cable is quite sturdy but not user-replaceable.
- Pro:Fast, energetic sound
- Pro:Tight, well-defined bass
- Pro:Easy to drive without an amp
- Con:Prominent midrange spike may be fatiguing
- Con:Thick, non-detachable cable
- Con:Open-back leaks sound and offers little isolation
Nectar Hive
The Nectar Hive is a wired electrostatic over-ear headphone priced around $600, weighing just 370 grams. It delivers a bright neutral sound signature with a frequency response spanning 20Hz to 7kHz, offering a detailed and airy presentation that leans toward analytical clarity. This model earns high marks for its tonal balance and technical performance, making it a strong contender in its price bracket for listeners who prefer a crisp, revealing sound.
- Pro:Excellent tonal accuracy and neutrality
- Pro:Impressive technical detail retrieval
- Pro:Featherweight design for comfort
- Con:Bright tilt may be fatiguing for some
- Con:Limited bass impact due to electrostatic nature
- Con:Requires dedicated amplifier for proper use
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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