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Grado SR225e vs Nectar Hive: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Grado SR225e vs Nectar Hive, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Grado SR225e

No sub-scores yet - not enough rated reviews.

Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of Grado SR225e vs Nectar Hive
SpecGrado SR225eNectar Hive
TypeOver-EarOver-Ear
Price (USD)$200$197
HearWiki scoreNot scored85 / 100 · Outstanding
Released20182022
Audio
DriverDynamicElectrostatic
Driver size40 mm-
Drivers per side1-
Frequency response20Hz-22kHz20Hz-7kHz
Sound signature-Bright neutral
Impedance32 Ω-
Sensitivity98 dB/mW-
Features
Controlsnone-
Design
Weight357 g370 g

What reviewers said

Grado SR225e

The Grado SR225e is an open-back, on-ear dynamic headphone that delivers a lively, detailed audio presentation with a notably wide and airy soundstage. Its signature brightness and firm padding, however, can make it a polarizing choice for long listening sessions.

  • Pro:Excellent clarity and detail across the mids and highs
  • Pro:Very open, spacious soundstage for an on-ear design
  • Pro:Lightweight and sturdy build with replaceable parts
  • Con:Treble can be harsh or piercing at higher volumes
  • Con:Pads are stiff and uncomfortable for extended wear
  • Con:No inline controls or detachable cable

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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