GRADO SR80e Prestige Series Headphones
Brand | GRADO |
Model Name | SR80e |
Color | Black |
Form Factor | Over Ear |
Connectivity Technology | Wired |
About this item
- Upgraded driver design. Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Large ear cushions for comfortable listening
- Adjustable, soft vinyl headband
- Superb sound quality
- Mini stereo plug with 1/4-inch adaptor
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Price | Currently unavailable. | $225.00$225.00 | $175.00$175.00 | $99.00$99.00 | $125.00$125.00 | $399.00$399.00 |
Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Sound quality | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.6 | — |
Noise cancellation | 2.3 | 2.1 | 2.5 | 2.1 | 2.7 | — |
Value for money | — | 3.7 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.3 | — |
Comfort | — | 3.1 | 3.8 | 4.1 | 3.9 | — |
Volume control | 4.1 | 4.7 | 3.6 | — | — | — |
Sold By | — | 4OurEars - The Official Grado Store | 4OurEars - The Official Grado Store | 4OurEars - The Official Grado Store | 4OurEars - The Official Grado Store | Sole Source AV Supply |
connectivity tech | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired |
headphones form factor | Over Ear | On Ear | On Ear | On Ear | On Ear | Over Ear |
connector type | 3.5mm Jack | Wired | Wired | 3.5mm Jack w/1/4" adapter | Wired | 3.5mm Jack |
headphones jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5mm with 1/4" adapter | — | 3.5mm Jack and 6.3mm adapter | 3.5mm with 1/4" adapter | 3.5 mm Jack |
cable feature | Fixed | Retractable | Retractable | Retractable | Retractable | Detachable |
control type | — | — | — | Media Control | Volume Control | Media Control |
What's in the box
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Customer Review: An audiophile listening experience for cheap.
M. Erb
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Product information
Product Dimensions | 3.15 x 6.69 x 7.48 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 8.2 ounces |
ASIN | B00L1LXOWS |
Item model number | SR80e |
Customer Reviews |
4.5 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #182,408 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #2,400 in On-Ear Headphones #3,904 in Over-Ear Headphones |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | June 16, 2014 |
Manufacturer | GRADO |
Item Weight | 8.16 ounces |
Units | 1.0 Count |
Number Of Items | 1 |
Warranty & Support
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Product Description
The SR80 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 grade says he strove for the best sounding phones for the money and with the glowing reviews the SR80's have received, who can argue. Product features: Vented diaphragm, no resonant air chamber, standard copper voice coil wire, standard copper connecting cord, mini plug with 1/4" adaptor.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the sound quality, build quality, value, and appearance of the headphones. For example, they mention that the bass is pronounced, not boomy or muffled, and that they are able to resolve nuances in sound. That said, opinions are mixed on comfort, performance, and thickness.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the sound quality of the headphones. They mention that the bass is pronounced, not boomy, and not muffled. They appreciate the detailed highs and warm bass that compliments the sound. They say the headphones are able to resolve nuances in sound that blow their old $80 pair. They also say the sound can leak out and allow them to hear their surroundings while letting others hear some. Customers also say that the vocal reproduction is clear and very good.
"...are very easy to drive, I use them with a Dac at my desk but they sound quite well when using my phone also, but this can differ depending one what..." Read more
"...I wanted a set of headphones that were inexpensive and made heavy metal sound exciting and energetic. I got what I was looking for...." Read more
"...Nothing gets muddled out... Jazz, classic rock, sound great, very detailed, vocals just pop, guitars are sharp, and the whole sound is just, again..." Read more
"...Vocal reproduction is clear and very good. The Yamaha earbuds sound almost muddy by comparison.3rd: Resurrection Song, by Mark Lanegan...." Read more
Customers like the build quality of the headphones. They say they are sturdy, unbeatable, and well regarded. The cables are extremely heavy-duty, and terminate in a phone-friendly plug. They also say the headphones are hand made with no lack of attention. Customers say the highs are incredible and the best headphones they have ever heard. They are a great pair of entry-level headphones for those who don't mind on-the-ear builds.
"...had the most impact, with my modification to them, they increased the quality of the highs, they create a better seal around my ears, and they are..." Read more
"...SR325 - Build quality is better, easily the best-sounding, worth the extra $100 over SR225 for the build quality...." Read more
"I love these Grado's. The sound stage, the build quality are simply unmatched at this price point...." Read more
"...I disagree. I found reproduction to be very good, clean and uncolored. The reviewer indicated a lack of bass response, but this is a matter of taste...." Read more
Customers appreciate the value of the headphones. They say that they sound like twice their price and are jaw-dropping for the price. Customers also appreciate the price to performance ratio, saying that the headphones have the best sound per dollar. They also mention that the vinyl headband cover is inexpensively replaced with new parts when necessary.
"...I wanted a set of headphones that were inexpensive and made heavy metal sound exciting and energetic. I got what I was looking for...." Read more
"...what they were talking about, because these headphones easily sound like twice their price...." Read more
"Great headphones for this price range. The reason I ordered these particular headphones is a little complex...." Read more
"Great headphones for the price. I am not an audiophile but enjoy listening to quality music...." Read more
Customers like the appearance of the headphones. They say it has a retro design, which is good for their aesthetic. They also say the highs are glistening and the reproduction is very clean. Customers also say that the mid and high notes are nice and enjoyable.
"...Classical music sounds detailed, soft and very realistic, as you can also hear the individual instruments clearly...." Read more
"...material, there is no trace of any harshness or grittiness; reproduction is very clean...." Read more
"...Since the backs aren't closed, sound can leak out and allow you to hear your surroundings while letting others hear some of what you're listening too..." Read more
"...was incredibly lifelike and detailed which I attribute to the open back design. The soundstage and instrument separation is wonderful...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the detail level of the headphones. They mention that it has an incredible level of detail, providing a very clear representation of the native file. The soundstage is broad, and the drums and cymbals are incredibly clear. The headphones are detailed enough to get good separation in live recordings, and reproduce music with astonishing accuracy and details.
"...Nothing gets muddled out... Jazz, classic rock, sound great, very detailed, vocals just pop, guitars are sharp, and the whole sound is just, again..." Read more
"...Lanegan's voice is perfect, and the guitar is clean and accurate.4th: Schumann's 4th Symphony, Scherzo Lebhaft...." Read more
"...I don’t mind it. In fact I like it. I hear a lot of crazy good clarity I missed in all my recordings...." Read more
"...With the incredible level of detail I find that I don't have to push the volume to have a realistic listening experience...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the comfort of the headphones. Some mention that they are very comfortable for open-back on-the-ear use, with nice ear pads. They say they can be worn for 90 minutes straight, and the music sounds detailed, soft, and very realistic. However, others say that the earpieces can become mildly uncomfortable over time, and become screechy and hurt their ears.
"...highs, they create a better seal around my ears, and they are just super comfy, the leather is perforated so they stay cool as well, even in the..." Read more
"...Classical music sounds detailed, soft and very realistic, as you can also hear the individual instruments clearly...." Read more
"...rounded, you might find the headband on these phones to be somewhat uncomfortable. I will be looking for some padding...." Read more
"...I love the sound of the bass, not overly booming but tight with nice presence...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the performance of the headphones. Some mention that they have performed admirably no matter the genre, with incredible sound quality. However, others say that they are quite unreliable, terrible, and unsatisfying.
"...The bass is loud and sharp, not booming. Rap music still sounds great, but the Grado's do not emphasize bass over the other tones...." Read more
"...when I received them I agreed, they were terrible...." Read more
"...I love the sound of the bass, not overly booming but tight with nice presence...." Read more
"...The bass from these cans is tight and natural. It is not booming, thumping bass. If you're looking to rattle your skull, look elsewhere...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the thickness of the headphones. Some mention that they have a seriously thick cord that won't easily break, and the cords are of a heavy gauge. However, others say that each ear has a wire, the wire is thick, and they don't have.
"...They're super comfortable and light. The headband looks cheap and thin and has zero padding, but for some reason I don't even really feel it on the..." Read more
"...The cable is long and durable and has lasted me about two years now..." Read more
"...Lastly is the cable.. Its beefy, a little too long and has a few creases in the sleeving...." Read more
"...The cord is thick but gets easily bent and damaged with minimal use...." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews from the United States
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Thoughts:
- Sound Sound Sound, they sound great, I mentioned in the beginning that this is subjective, but I love them. The mids are very present. the bass is punchy and crisp, not muddy. And the highs out of the box are great, but with my modifications they are even more to my liking now.
- Head clamping strength is just right in my opinion, but if it is too tight it will wear out over time and become more comfortable (if you like them tighter, they also have a metal headband which can be bent back into place as well). To further prove my claim on the perfect head clamping I will share with you something I'm quite ashamed of, on more than one occasion I have taken these headphones out for my runs when I couldn't find my running headphones, they stayed on just fine, although I don't recommend this.
- The cable is long and durable and has lasted me about two years now (I wear these daily as well as at my desk and I have had them ripped off my head a few times being caught on a desk or a railing, all solder connections have held up fine)
- These can sound great on almost anything, they are very easy to drive, I use them with a Dac at my desk but they sound quite well when using my phone also, but this can differ depending one what phone you have (my phone is the ZTE Axon Pro for reference).
Probably my favorite part of these headphones is when you own a pair, you are opened up into the classic Grado modification community.
I did do a few modifications for increased comfort and (in my opinion) better sound. I'll list them below for those who are interested.
- I replaced the ear cushions with these ear pads (http://www.amazon.com/EarZonk-Long-Life-Leatherette-Cushions-Headphones/dp/B00OM21W1I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1453399895&sr=8-2&keywords=ear+zonk+grado+earpads) sorry for the huge link.
^ With these ear cushions, people in their reviews were saying they are trash and they create a very muddy and muted sound, but I still picked them up because I had an idea on how to fix that issue. when I received them I agreed, they were terrible. But it was very easy to fix, all I did was use an xacto knife to remove the fabric inside the cushion to expose the driver, this kills two birds with one stone, the sound was not only improved back to its "stock" nature before the new ear-pads, but it was improved even more by exposing the drivers which gives clearer highs, that brings me to the next modification.
- One of the easiest and oldest Grado mods is the "Ear-Pad quarter mod" I'm not using the stock ear-pads but I still was able to use them for this modification. This is when you cut out a quarter sized hole in the middle of the ear-pads to get clearer highs (achieved in the last bit) and take that small bit of foam you cut out and glue it to the back of the ear-cup behind the mesh, this absorbs up the leftover sound waves bouncing around in the ear-cup that haven't escaped through the mesh, creating a clearer sound.
Out of those two mods the new ear-pads probably had the most impact, with my modification to them, they increased the quality of the highs, they create a better seal around my ears, and they are just super comfy, the leather is perforated so they stay cool as well, even in the summer.
Most Grado mods are bashed and people say that it doesn't really improve sound. But once again it is subjective and those who do it don't really care. I will most likely continue with my modifications because I just plain enjoy tinkering and customizing my belongings. I have a few more ideas of mods that I will do when they get older:
- I will sand down the outside of the ear-cups to remove the branding and make them flat black
- I would like to replace the mesh on the back with a less dense, black metal mesh, this would open them up to the point where you wouldn't have to worry about absorbing those sound waves, plus it would look neat to be able to see into the drivers
- I want to have a go at creating my own custom, removable cable, that way I can have a few, like a shorter one for on the go, or a longer one for at the desk. or an even longer one to reach my receiver from my couch
- If I get around to it, I would love to recreate the driver housings with something along the lines of walnut or maple and give them a nice grain-popping stain. I already have them modeled, I just need to source the woods and get a hardwood bit for the CNC machine in the lab
- Also I have some leather around and I would love to dye it black and make a thick, authentic leather headband-cover to replace the one that it comes with
TL;DR These are a great pair of headphones that will stand the test of time, plus they are made in America, which I can be proud of. There is a large modding community if you're into that, but they sound just fine out of the box as well. I would buy these again
Thanks for taking the time to read my quick review and I hope it helps!
Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2016
Thoughts:
- Sound Sound Sound, they sound great, I mentioned in the beginning that this is subjective, but I love them. The mids are very present. the bass is punchy and crisp, not muddy. And the highs out of the box are great, but with my modifications they are even more to my liking now.
- Head clamping strength is just right in my opinion, but if it is too tight it will wear out over time and become more comfortable (if you like them tighter, they also have a metal headband which can be bent back into place as well). To further prove my claim on the perfect head clamping I will share with you something I'm quite ashamed of, on more than one occasion I have taken these headphones out for my runs when I couldn't find my running headphones, they stayed on just fine, although I don't recommend this.
- The cable is long and durable and has lasted me about two years now (I wear these daily as well as at my desk and I have had them ripped off my head a few times being caught on a desk or a railing, all solder connections have held up fine)
- These can sound great on almost anything, they are very easy to drive, I use them with a Dac at my desk but they sound quite well when using my phone also, but this can differ depending one what phone you have (my phone is the ZTE Axon Pro for reference).
Probably my favorite part of these headphones is when you own a pair, you are opened up into the classic Grado modification community.
I did do a few modifications for increased comfort and (in my opinion) better sound. I'll list them below for those who are interested.
- I replaced the ear cushions with these ear pads (http://www.amazon.com/EarZonk-Long-Life-Leatherette-Cushions-Headphones/dp/B00OM21W1I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1453399895&sr=8-2&keywords=ear+zonk+grado+earpads) sorry for the huge link.
^ With these ear cushions, people in their reviews were saying they are trash and they create a very muddy and muted sound, but I still picked them up because I had an idea on how to fix that issue. when I received them I agreed, they were terrible. But it was very easy to fix, all I did was use an xacto knife to remove the fabric inside the cushion to expose the driver, this kills two birds with one stone, the sound was not only improved back to its "stock" nature before the new ear-pads, but it was improved even more by exposing the drivers which gives clearer highs, that brings me to the next modification.
- One of the easiest and oldest Grado mods is the "Ear-Pad quarter mod" I'm not using the stock ear-pads but I still was able to use them for this modification. This is when you cut out a quarter sized hole in the middle of the ear-pads to get clearer highs (achieved in the last bit) and take that small bit of foam you cut out and glue it to the back of the ear-cup behind the mesh, this absorbs up the leftover sound waves bouncing around in the ear-cup that haven't escaped through the mesh, creating a clearer sound.
Out of those two mods the new ear-pads probably had the most impact, with my modification to them, they increased the quality of the highs, they create a better seal around my ears, and they are just super comfy, the leather is perforated so they stay cool as well, even in the summer.
Most Grado mods are bashed and people say that it doesn't really improve sound. But once again it is subjective and those who do it don't really care. I will most likely continue with my modifications because I just plain enjoy tinkering and customizing my belongings. I have a few more ideas of mods that I will do when they get older:
- I will sand down the outside of the ear-cups to remove the branding and make them flat black
- I would like to replace the mesh on the back with a less dense, black metal mesh, this would open them up to the point where you wouldn't have to worry about absorbing those sound waves, plus it would look neat to be able to see into the drivers
- I want to have a go at creating my own custom, removable cable, that way I can have a few, like a shorter one for on the go, or a longer one for at the desk. or an even longer one to reach my receiver from my couch
- If I get around to it, I would love to recreate the driver housings with something along the lines of walnut or maple and give them a nice grain-popping stain. I already have them modeled, I just need to source the woods and get a hardwood bit for the CNC machine in the lab
- Also I have some leather around and I would love to dye it black and make a thick, authentic leather headband-cover to replace the one that it comes with
TL;DR These are a great pair of headphones that will stand the test of time, plus they are made in America, which I can be proud of. There is a large modding community if you're into that, but they sound just fine out of the box as well. I would buy these again
Thanks for taking the time to read my quick review and I hope it helps!
Had I done more research, I would have spent $20 more and bought the SR80. The only discernible difference between the 2 is an increase in bass on the 80s, which is absolutely worth the extra cash. That doesn't mean you'll get anything close to a "booming" bass sound out of these, or any Grado for that matter. Closed-back headphones are much more suited to that sound. The bass, however, is punchy and perfect for metal and rock.
The open-back design of these means that sound leaks out and everyone around you will hear what you are listening to. Don't buy these for listening to music in bed next to your partner (unless they also have headphones on), for listening at work, or anywhere else you have the potential of disturbing other people. These truly are headphones for home use. Closed-back headphones are much more suited for portable use.
There are 5 headphones in this line, the "Prestige Series". I have spent time with 4 of them, excluding the SR125. I am going to list how I personally evaluated them in my own mind when it came time to settle on a pair.
SR60 - Not worth it when the SR80 is so close in price and has much better bass.
SR80 - Best option on a budget, not enough of an upgrade to justify a purchase if SR60 is already owned.
SR125 - No personal experience, but the online community seems to lean to either the SR80 or SR225. Not many recommendations.
SR225 - Referred to as the best value in the series. Sound is almost the same as the 325, but build quality is still questionable and cheap feeling.
SR325 - Build quality is better, easily the best-sounding, worth the extra $100 over SR225 for the build quality.
This is very abbreviated. I could talk all day about the Prestige series. My recommendations for you are as follows:
New to Grado or on a budget -> SR80
Love Grado sound, want an upgrade, don't mind cheaper build -> SR225
Love Grado sound, want an upgrade, want better build -> SR325
Top reviews from other countries
Je me suis amusé à réécouter des titres que j’ecoute régulièrement, et les ai redécouvert : les timbre de voix sont beaucoup plus précis, des instruments apparaissent... une merveille !
Juste un regret au niveau du confort, très bien au niveau des oreilles mais légèrement désagréable au niveau du support.
J’ai commandé une mousse qu’il devrait gommer cela, et la qualité de son vaut bien ce petit désagrément.
La scatola è di cartoncino leggero, di colore azzurrino con all'interno la foto della famiglia Grado, presumo padre e figlio, che dal 1953 producono cuffie, amplificatori per cuffie e testine per giradischi. All'interno è descritta la storia della famiglia Grado, consigli sull'uso delle cuffie ed infine gli auguri per un buon ascolto.
Le cuffie SR80E fanno parte della serie entry level Prestige, sono cuffie aperte con padiglioni auricolari di materiale plastico di qualità con imbottitura in poliuretano, mentre l'archetto è in metallo rivestito da una fascia di pelle sintetica, hanno un impedenza di 32 ohms, per cui sono pilotabili da qualsiasi dispositivo.
Si, ma come suonano? Come uno strumento ben accordato. Le SR80E sono cuffie eccezionali nella loro fascia di prezzo, hanno una qualità del suono e resa musicale estremamente naturale e dettagliata, con medi e alti raffinati e bassi lineari e rotondi.
Sono fedeli a quanto si sta ascoltando. Pertanto con vinili, cd e tracce musicali non compresse danno il massimo delle loro capacità.
Per iniziare ad entrare nell'ambiente dell'alta fedeltà è una scelta praticamente obbligata. Buon ascolto!