Over-Ear
Grado SR325
72Good
$350
Full review dataGrado SR325 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 SR325
Sound8.0
Noise cancelling1.0
Value6.0
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Grado SR325 | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $350 | $197 |
| HearWiki score | 72 / 100 · Good | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2025 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 44 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 18Hz-24kHz | 20Hz-7kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 38 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 280 g | 370 g |
What reviewers said
Grado SR325
The Grado SR325 is an open-back, wired headphone that delivers a clear, detailed, and spacious soundstage, making it a solid pick for critical listening. Its 44mm dynamic driver offers a lively and precise presentation, but the open design means significant sound leakage and minimal isolation, so it's not ideal for on-the-go use. Build quality is generally solid, though the earpads can be prone to coming loose over time. While it's easy to drive and engaging for focused sessions, its comfort and fit may be a concern for some users, especially during extended wear.
- Pro:Clear and detailed sound with good instrument separation
- Pro:Open, spacious soundstage ideal for critical listening
- Pro:Easy to drive with a wide frequency response
- Con:Significant sound leakage and poor isolation
- Con:Earpads can detach easily
- Con:May feel heavy or slip off during use
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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