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Grado SR325x · Midnight Black — Open-back
Grado

Grado SR325x · Midnight Black

Open-back

84
/ 100
From $349
VS
Focal Celestee wins by 4
Focal Celestee — Closed-back
Focal

Focal Celestee

Closed-back

88
/ 100
From $999
Specdex verdict

Focal Celestee takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Grado SR325x · Midnight Black lands at 84 and Focal Celestee at 88. That puts Focal Celestee ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Grado SR325x · Midnight Black if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal

Pick Focal Celestee if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Focal Celestee

Tuning, detail, and staging

Focal Celestee leads on sound (88 vs 84).

Noise cancelling

Tie

ANC strength for commute and travel

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Grado SR325x · Midnight Black

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Grado SR325x · Midnight Black more score per dollar ($349 vs $999).

Grado SR325x · Midnight Black 84
vs
88 Focal Celestee

Score breakdown

Grado SR325x · Midnight Black
84
anc 0
sound 84
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Focal Celestee
88
anc 0
sound 88
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

Grado SR325x · Midnight Black versus Focal Celestee — full spec comparison
Spec Grado SR325x · Midnight Black Focal Celestee
Type
Open-back
Closed-back

Grado SR325x · Midnight Black

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

Focal Celestee

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

FAQ: Grado SR325x · Midnight Black vs Focal Celestee

Which is better, Grado SR325x · Midnight Black or Focal Celestee? +

Focal Celestee scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Grado SR325x · Midnight Black worth the price? +

At $349, Grado SR325x · Midnight Black delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in battery.

Is Focal Celestee worth the price? +

At $999, Focal Celestee delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in battery.

Does Grado SR325x · Midnight Black or Focal Celestee last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound quality, Grado SR325x · Midnight Black or Focal Celestee? +

Focal Celestee — leads on sound (88 vs 84). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is the better value, Grado SR325x · Midnight Black or Focal Celestee? +

Grado SR325x · Midnight Black — more score per dollar ($349 vs $999). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.