Grado SR80 Reviews
Built on the same features as the SR60, but utilizes a 4 conductor connecting cable and larger ear cushions, the result of which gives a more open stage. The SR80 provides an improved bass resonance, which enhances the overall detail. John Grado says he strove for the best sounding phones for the money, and with the glowing reviews the SR80's have received, who can argue.
SRP: $95.00
Summary
| Construction: | 4 from 2 response |
| Comfort: | 3.5 from 2 response |
| Sound Quality: | 4.5 from 2 response |
| Value: | 4 from 2 response |
| Overall: | 4 from 2 review |
Reviews
| Price Paid: | |
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| Email: | cj-Miller9405@dangerbase.com |
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| Price Paid: | $95 from Amazon.com |
| Related Link: | None |
| Email: | ctz_828@yahoo.com |
The SR80 follows a mature color scheme - an all black exterior that will fit quite well with the majority of the music players in the market. The headstrap is made of real leather, nothing fancy, and is adjusted by sliding the plastic end over two antenna-looking posts. The cable runs from both earcups and joins together to become one larger cable via a y-connector. I guess I could best describe the SR80's construction as "nothing fancy." Just right and what's needed. Typical of Grado headphones.
Grado is notorious for producing uncomfortable headphones. The reason for such is that the drivers are placed directly on your ears without any foam insulation. This is so that the audio is clearer. The foam surrounding the earcups in my unit has already been upgraded, which is where majority of the people who bought the SR80 complain about in reviews. I was already expecting the worst but was surprised when it felt comfortable after wearing them. If you're used to spoiling yourself with big, comfortable, circumaural headphones, you might not like what the SR80 has to offer.
The sound of the SR80 is somewhat kind of "in your face." Great detail and lively. It's quite good for rock music, but I understand how it can get tiring after a while. The midbass is quite humped, treble is hot and bass is slightly depressed (really slight). Frequency separation is excellent. Listening to live albums, you could almost hear what people are saying in the background as opposed to what once seemed like hiss/noise.
I was able to try out an SR60 from a friend before purchasing these. I have yet to test them head to head but my initial impressions were that the difference between the two were very little. Grado's SR60, even though it's their "budget" line is quite a deserving entry to the audiophile world. That's just how Grado does things, everything is good to begin with. I can't say that the SR60's are more bang-for-the-buck, and I'm not complaining about purchasing these either.
If you think you would have no problems dealing with it's subpar look and comfort in exchange for great sound quality, go ahead. At this price range I know there are a couple of Sennheisers, AKGs or Audio-Technicas worth looking at, but these carry the Grado sound which I am quite a fan of. I try to listen and familiarize myself with other brands' sound signature, but I always end up leaning towards Grado's.