To save myself some trouble, here's an e-mail I sent to Grado customer service:
Hello, I purchased a pair of Grado 125e headphones and to my disappointment, the headphones give me an uncomfortable listening experience. Whether the discomfort is from the headband being too tight, the type of foam pads, or from the sound coming from the headphones, I can't tell. I don't know if it's my Pro-Ject headphone amplifier or my NAD C 516BEE compact disc player. I don't know if I would describe the sound I get from the Grado headphones as shrill, but I can't listen too long without taking them off. They're too much for my ears. They're too sharp. And I've made sure that the volume is at a reasonable level in a quiet room. I regret that I have discarded the packaging, but I urge you to take back the headphones. I'm not asking for a full refund, and I'm perfectly happy with partial store credit. Just please, take these headphones off my hands. I absolutely regret buying them. These were my first pair of Grado's and I'm really upset. I wanted to e-mail about my intention to return these headphones, as I don't think this happens too often. Again, I'm really sorry I discarded the packaging. I purchased these headphones from the 4OurEars website and I hope you can make an exception. I will be shipping the headphones carefully wrapped in bubble wrap via FedEx or UPS. Billing name and address: I don't know how to describe this guys. The Grado's are way too intense for me. My hi-fi setup is simple, and it's my first one: NAD C 516BEE and a Pro-Ject Head Box S. A typical starter kit, right? I can't stand these Grado's! I had more enjoyment out of an iPod touch and a pair of B&O Form 2i's. Every violin is shrill, every bass guitar sends me tremors, and I can't listen to Aphex Twin without feeling sick...I just can't get into the music. Maybe I need headphones with more color and less detail? These 125e's are too violent for me. I wish I could describe it...It's too much for my ears. Any feedback is very much appreciated and I created this account because of this predicament. Thanks.
Hello, I purchased a pair of Grado 125e headphones and to my disappointment, the headphones give me an uncomfortable listening experience. Whether the discomfort is from the headband being too tight, the type of foam pads, or from the sound coming from the headphones, I can't tell. I don't know if it's my Pro-Ject headphone amplifier or my NAD C 516BEE compact disc player. I don't know if I would describe the sound I get from the Grado headphones as shrill, but I can't listen too long without taking them off. They're too much for my ears. They're too sharp. And I've made sure that the volume is at a reasonable level in a quiet room. I regret that I have discarded the packaging, but I urge you to take back the headphones. I'm not asking for a full refund, and I'm perfectly happy with partial store credit. Just please, take these headphones off my hands. I absolutely regret buying them. These were my first pair of Grado's and I'm really upset. I wanted to e-mail about my intention to return these headphones, as I don't think this happens too often. Again, I'm really sorry I discarded the packaging. I purchased these headphones from the 4OurEars website and I hope you can make an exception. I will be shipping the headphones carefully wrapped in bubble wrap via FedEx or UPS. Billing name and address: I don't know how to describe this guys. The Grado's are way too intense for me. My hi-fi setup is simple, and it's my first one: NAD C 516BEE and a Pro-Ject Head Box S. A typical starter kit, right? I can't stand these Grado's! I had more enjoyment out of an iPod touch and a pair of B&O Form 2i's. Every violin is shrill, every bass guitar sends me tremors, and I can't listen to Aphex Twin without feeling sick...I just can't get into the music. Maybe I need headphones with more color and less detail? These 125e's are too violent for me. I wish I could describe it...It's too much for my ears. Any feedback is very much appreciated and I created this account because of this predicament. Thanks.