Grado SR80e - The Headphone I Hate to Love

[@ryandevry]

I've had these since I was 18.... Still have them at 35!

[@PalashBackup]

I love that I have happily ignored everyone hating on this headphone for 5 plus years. I love to watch movies, play light games, listen to some good music, audiobooks and podcasts on it. I love that I am not totally isolated from my surroundings when listening to them.

[@chairlord]

I have these and on long listens they make my ears a bit hot but they sound incredible. They do look cheap, but I think that’s just because they spent all the money on the important bits. I love them.

[@smterrillion]

Grado reviews are always hilarious. They are all over the place. Everyone agrees they are bright, no one agrees on the bass. Everyone agrees on the staging, no one agrees on the detail. Everyone hates them, but no one says don’t buy them. Classic example of subjective fun versus objective measurements. They are unique and they are fun. I have had them forever in all sorts of iterations from the original SR60s, to RS2es, even the wireless GW100s (love them!). Get the SR60x for $99 and you will have something engaging that has different sound than any other cans you own. Love the show Randy - so much fun!

[@chimps4gimps]

Goose is really tasty. My grandma used to cook one for Christmas dinner.

[@TheFern5000]

So glad you did this review! I have a pair of SR80’s that have been sitting in a drawer for years. I originally thought they sounded ok but I didn’t really give them a chance. I just put them back on about a month ago and was so surprised. After comparing them to the 3 other headphones I have been using in that price range, they are the superior headphone and sound much better.

[@jeffl7864]

Had them nearly 10 years (old model) paired with a Yamaha CR-2040, have held up with no issues and sound is OUTSTANDING! The are so good that they revel all the limitations in my speakers! Time for new speakers...

[@hondaphan4172]

I'm listening to this on my SR80e's. I've had mine for over two years and I never thought they lacked bass.Granted, they don't go overboard on bass like the overpriced Beats lineup but overall I love the way they sound. I certainly can't disagree with your take on the build quality and the design features. I baby mine because the wiring is something like 22 gauge and prone to fail.

[@johnlockwood367]

I've had a pair of the original SR80 for about 20 years. I also have the SR325e and the Audioquest Nighthawks. I now use the SR80 mostly for travel, but I still think they are an amazing headphone for the price. Very musical, and I love the "open" sound. They are light and comfortable and they have held up to two decades of use.

[@kuyaemil2077]

I've had my sr80e for almost 4 years now and I use them daily. The Stock "S" foam pad are still intact, and look and feel the same from the day I got them.

[@MMaybeLaterr]

I just bought the SR60x and for the price, they are amazing.

[@christian2123]

I have a pair of SR125 Grados that are possibly 15-16 years old. Completely agree on the build. It is like, wow they're really getting some mileage out of those molds from the 70s. But! They do last!! Mine look like the day I got them, and other than replacing the earcups (they do dry out and disintegrate over time) no problems. I love the sound also. They do take some time to warm up, but once they do it is awesome. Massive soundstage for a headphone. The closest to listening to actual speakers to me.

[@jameskroeger3730]

I also have the SR125’s that are also about 15 years old and have had basically the same experience with them. They are very durable and have replaced the ear pads only once. The New “X” series has definitely piqued my interest and I may consider a new pair of 325X’s in the near future.

[@christian2123]

@@jameskroeger3730 same here replaced the pads only once. Do you use a headphone amp with yours? I've been using an equally old Musical Fidelity xCan v2 on mine. Swapped out the tubes to take the edge off but ever since it's been magic.

[@NWPipeSmoker]

I've had to have my SR80's repaired three times now, but since Grado is in Brooklyn, they sent new parts free of charge and it was fast, out of warranty notwithstanding. The older Sennheisers I had broke at the yoke, and they were out of warranty, so no service. -Tom

[@colinmartin9797]

My wife and best friend really dislike my 80x's. But to quote Dankpods - THEY SING TO ME. Something about these things feels so "intimate" in a way that none of my other headphones do. The soundstage isn't narrow, but somehow they just make me feel like I'm sitting in a small rehearsal room, right in front of the ensemble. I'm a dirty filthy bass-head, too. Skullcandy crusher evo's get a big thumbs up from my idiot smile on a lot of content. And I'd say the 80's have really, really good bass. It's so tight and clean, with just the right punch. Is it as meaty as my meze 99's or extensive as hifiman he4xx's? no. But it gets the point across and makes music feel dazzling. Human speech alone is just awesome. I listen to all my online lectures through these, nothing else comes close. One singular gripe is the fact that the earcups spin and the cord is fixed, so they constantly tangle up the cord. And I'd love some closed back versions that I can take outside the house. you can adjust the clamp by bending the band. I found them a little tight when I got them, but just bent them a bit until they were perfect. Personally disagree with the "V" sound. I like V sounding stuff, lots of my headphones have it. These are definitely not neutral, but they're just so dazzling in a way that nothing else I own does. I'm actually just about to pull the trigger on a custom GS3000 DIY kit that uses the GS drivers. I'm honestly a little worried that the drivers in the $1000 grados will lose some of that dazzling brightness that I love so much in the cheap fisher price 80's.

[@mentok3027]

I miss my SR60e's. I let my ex "borrow" them along with my Topping NX-1 when her cheap Sony's died, and now I will have to pry them from her cold dead hands. Probably be easier to just order some of these.

[@dereknelson7108]

I've had these for a few years now and I really do love them. I also was a bit disappointed with the sound when I first got them, but over time i've learned to appreciate the sound they have. I highly recommend these. Been considering upgrading to the 325x.

[@texasbassranger]

I downsized my headphone collection when I retired. When I was making decent money, I kinda went crazy buying kilobuck headphones and a LittleDot tube amp/DAC. I finally did a lot of AB and ABC comparisons and sold off all but my GR1s. I did buy a Zen DAC II for the desktop and it works great. Sometimes good enough is just good enough. I broke my one headphone rule after I damaged my GR1s while in the car, nothing a new cable wouldn't fix, but still...they are my daily driver and I decided to look for a road trip or running errands' headphone. While shopping around, I ran across Z's review of the SR80x. I looked around and found them on sale for 80 bucks and pulled the trigger for a set. It took me a few days to get used to "the Grado Sound", but when I did, I came to enjoy them. I can't wear them in the house because my wife complains she can hear every note, even when they are turned down, so I take them with me when I go out. I did find that the iBasso DC04 brought back a decent amount of bass with the Grados though, so there's food for thought. It's a fantastic dongle for the money.

[@dsonyay]

I have an older model 80 and now the 325x. Yes- burn in time.. I cranked mine up pretty loud and streamed music through them for a couple days (left them playing on my dresser). It really gets these things working like they should. 325x is a giant leap from the 80. Not that the 80 is bad.. the 80s are really good sounding headphones.

[@JustEric1]

I picked up a pair of the 325x and they take that Grado fun factor up to the next level with build improvements that just feel so old school and justify the price increase. Still a good bargain for someone looking for something a little less mainstream and a nice complement to other more 'audiophile' choices out there. Nice review!

[@josexavierjr.5633]

Not just New York, but Brooklyn, New York! Fuggedabbouttit Randy!!

[@donvittoriosierra]

Listening to this with my Grado sr325X

[@donvittoriosierra]

The new X series is. definitely less gritty than the E. Using cheap aftermarket L pads on my 325x and they are insane! eyeblinking impact literally like a gun was fired beside you when turning up great drum recordings. Refined highs without losing too much of the forward 2khz push that makes grados what they are. Overall these are the best grados I have ever owned.

[@kaunas888]

I have had a couple of these headphones for years now and have no complaints. I have never felt that they seemed cheap and they have held up well with use. The build is practical, functional, clean and retro. Other headphones have a heavier overstuffed quality, but that does not mean that they last longer. The Grados are light and comfortable, and image very well. They have an open quality and are non-fatiguing. The bass is definitely there, but it is not boomy and overpowering like many. The Grados are great for acoustic music, jazz, bossa nova and classical.

[@musicforfun5350]

I have Grado SR-80's and like them a lot. I just swap out the stock ear pads and use the Sennheiser yellow pads in their place.

[@nunofernandes4501]

Yep, they have that WW2 submarine comms officer look. That's superduper cool! The SR80x are going for €149 at my dealer, maybe I'll jump on the Grado train.

[@nunofernandes4501]

@@slothrob your father was cool! B29 crew member... wow!

[@mattgiunt]

You never had a Christmas goose at Bob Cratchits house?

[@mattmiller2761]

I've got a lot of Grados. There's 2 different drivers used in the SR60's and I believe the SR80's too. Look through the back of the earcups, the magnet on the drivers will be either silver or red. The silver drivers have a lot better bass. There's also some mods that can be done. Venting and damping. Grados are all I use for a few years now.

[@derpydestinies]

SR80e's are my dailies. Yes, they sound... err... lacking in bass at first. And the pads are scratchy AF when brand new. But it's been 5 months and the bass got better and the pads "wore in". And if the headband is too loose or tight, you can bend them to adjust the clamping force. Overall, very satisfied with them. Also great that these are still made in the USA.

[@NoEscape459]

Pretty much the same here. Hook them up to a headphone amp the bass really improves. I’ve had them for years and still enjoy them

[@CJNooberson]

I love to love my sr225e

[@brochg]

They really are a special headphone, and I’m still listening to my 25 year old SR60’s as welll

[@knobbshots]

You should check out the “Grado tour” video by Steve G. If you haven’t already. Understandable you got a hand written invoice after watching that one. Thanks Ron…er, Randy (sorry)

[@romanjohnston]

Had the SR80es for quite a while. Now listening to RS2e on a Schiit Stack. Use the same pads as the SR80, but with a quarter sized hole cut in the center. REALLY makes the RS2e my favorite. I love open back.

[@sting0072007]

Had mine for about 10 years, still work, did have to buy new ear pad foam though

[@brizbizel]

i always listen to them on tube amp and they are the only pair of headphones that make me smile when I listen to them. Pads were changed, and yes, not the best build, nor the most comfy ones (with larger pads more comfy).

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

You can bend the headband to fit your head. The metal core in the headband is easy to adjust. And they are VERY durable. The AKG K361 K371 are GREAT headphones. Perfectly balanced FR. The build looks great but in "real life" NOT as reliable as the Grado. The adjustment thumbscrews can go wonky, treat them gently. The Grados can be thrown into a travel bag. These specific AKGs are a bit more fragile. (The K701/702/712 are sturdier).

[@chrismurray790]

+1 for the sr225e. Upgrading the earpads really improved the comfort

[@koobs4549]

Grado’s need to be fitted to your head. You have to adjust them until you get the best fit & sound. Bend the headband to get more or less clamping force. Once you fit them properly, you will be blown away.

[@MickeyMishra]

Audio quality is Much better on this one. Still to many clicks and pops and Hiss, but it's MUCH better! THank you!

[@franciscoortiz6980]

grado 80s sound good. I LOVE my sennheiser 580s. Grado only makes "on ear" which after couple hours hurt. I only buy full cups. Headphones are all over the place in performance and value.

[@gerasimger15]

Well, my grado SR80e never hurt me. Maybe because its like no clamping pressure what so ever which I very find convenient for my glasses

[@johnnorris9066]

Bang on review Randy. Love my SR80s but they give my ears a bit of gyp after a while listening. I got a pair of SR225s for a bit more bass 👍

[@JohnScheppler]

Been waiting for this review since B got them for your birthday.

[@JohnScheppler]

Canadian geese in the fall are some good time. To bad they don't grab any Anthem and Paradigm products before they take off.

[@steveh545]

Ok grado guys. Here’s my predicament. Bought a topping amp, WiiM, and some hifiman sundaras. Too much KZbin & alcohol one night. Sounds good/great. Plugged in my 30+ year old grado 80s, and damn if I didn’t like it better. So, Q: what would people recommend for a similar sound but more comfortable? I sort of prefer around the ear I guess, but love the grado sound signature. (Forgot to mention, my brother was passing through town, and he had Focal Bathys. I was expected to be blown away, but wasn’t. Not too far off the Sundaras. What you get for the extra $$ is quality (European style, which is good), wired or blue tooth, built in dacs (?), and noise cancellation. So, all good stuff. But not vastly better sound). All of my reviews are from an untrained ear, causal listener, and not super extensive testing, just fyi. i.e. YMMV.

[@mahoslash]

I would just suggest you to ask your local shop to see if they can smuggle you a SR-225 class driver and a 6.3mm 8 connector cable. (I got my spare parts in a garage sale.) Just did a mod replacing the driver and cable and sort of got a make shift first gen SR-225 upgrade after the mod. The SR-225 class drivers are a bit underrated in my opinion but it's a more refined sound signature of the SR-80.

[@misterroboto571]

For me, the SR60e and SR80e are (were) very similar, the SR325e was not as "fun" (spent an hour in a store comparing all three). I chose the SR60e cos I love their open treble over the SR80e's relatively more pronounced bass, just a bonus that they are the cheapest. and once you've done a few long sessions with them the pads don't hurt your ears. Only 3 years ago but still love them. definitely a marmite product.

[@jimashby43]

I'll always need a few pair of headphones. Sometimes you just got to have that Grado sound.

[@ledze973]

I have those headphones, good sound, bad cables broke twice.

[@lilpoindexter]

EDIT: What other products can you get still made in the USA? They sound great, they arent expensive....what more do you need to know.

[@MCMTL]

Hey Randy, I own two pairs of Grado SR325 (one chrome, one gold). When fitted with G Cushions and a custom leather headband, they are incredible. I highly recommend.

[@scootermcgee8064]

Well, the Grados are built in Brooklyn. To afford US labor, some cuts have to be made.

[@Seritias]

I have the Grado GW100s, which is their bluetooth model, and I love those. Wireless open-backs are kinda niche but I love them for watching TV at night, movies just sound so much better on them than on any closed back headphone I've owned before

[@Seritias]

Although I have to say that the built quality is kinda painful for a headphone at that price, I think I got them for like €180ish as an open-box from Amazon.

[@supergranular]

So many odd design decisions and yet, for the price, I still think they can't be beat. Bought the SR60 in 2007 right from the factory, now have the SR80e. Love them.

[@DougMen1]

The 80x is currently $125 on Amazon and the 60x is $100. The foam can be replaced for a few bucks when it wears out. I love bright 'phones, like my classic Sennheiser HD424s from the 70s, and if they ever die, I'll probably try some 60s, 'cause all the current Sennheisers that I've tried are too bassy for me. I also LOVE open ear types rather than over the ear ones. The AKG 240s at $80 are also a great option

[@pavelperina7629]

I have Grados since xmas 2015 :O and I had mixed feelings about them at first. They sound way better and clear than anything I tried for the same price range, other that I liked were AKG 550 but these were huge. Build quality is basically like a Koss Porta Pro. I could not stand the headband after few hours, because being bald I could feel metal through some kind of toxic waste padding and I googled that there is leather headband from Onyx Manta. I've ordered it, replaced original headband and I'm happy with them since. Even foam ear padding lasted 7 years. From time to time I need to take a tweezers and pull few hairs from it, when headphones start to resonate. It could be awesome headphones, but original headband was AWFUL and I can't believe I have them for 7 years already being used a lot. I had to replace Koss Porta Pro which have higher impedance and sounded awful with my previous computer.

[@Astro-ck6mh]

At first glance I thought your videos were average, but you are the funniest guy lmao. Love your sense of humor. Subscribed!

[@paznewis107]

I went for pimped out Samson SR850 would love to see you review them, with the pad upgrade they are braw.

[@ThePuka]

Love these headphones, just in case anyone wants a similar sound in IEM I think KZ ZSN ProX is very close. Ignore the cheap price. I have Zero, Moondrop, Tin2 etc and would rather this KZ over them all. Everyone’s hearing is different but if you like these grados then it’s a great pairing.

[@pointsbeingmade7996]

Had grado s500e lost em and my pono player on the train. Still pissed.

[@ericdaniel323]

Hurts me to read that. The ps500e is pretty special.

[@pointsbeingmade7996]

Thx Eric

[@OkieDokieSmokie]

What I love about Grado is you can spend $80 or $800 and they’ll be just as uncomfortable

[@AviMP]

😂

[@CraigCougar]

I would love to see a comparison between these and the Koss budget king headphones like the KPH30i, KSC75, or Porta Pro. Those punch far above their weight as well, even though they are much cheaper. Great review though, have never tried Grado's but this makes me curious about the Grado sound.

[@fungt89]

Yeah when mine broke I was sad but I didn't run out to buy another pair. Worth trying but not my thing.

[@g.fortin3228]

Heck with the android phones... Yamaha natural sound AV receiver makes them sound super. I agree they are a cheap build quality but this is harsher than reality. The sound is quite nice!! .. but poor recordings will be revealed and can't blame the headphones for being detailed if the recording is noisy. I love them ! ( the SR80x) edit: i replaced my earpads with some odd amazon-vever brand. Even better sound.. wow. Grado should change the earpads they supply.

[@natitoalvarez234]

There's a close back headphones that compare to the Grado SR80?

[@r423fplip]

They have been living on their name for too long.

[@caseyjennings9542]

Ay randy i would really appreciate your opinion on something non related to this video i want to buy the klipsch r51-m's but u said they were bright. So i was considering the fluance signature series bookshelfs. Which one would sound better all around paired with a sub, i do not want a bright sound i want a more warm/true to sound speaker.

[@johnnixon2504]

After the WWII sonar station reference… I think Down Periscope is on the watch list.

[@Newrecordday2013]

Wait, when did you get these?!

[@johnnytoobad7785]

"Long Sally Sodda.."

[@kungfuchemist]

It’s Yersell!

[@paznewis107]

Aye.

[@timo5601]

I got a pair from my son and they sound much better than my Sony MDR 7506. I used to own SR60's and really liked them. Bass performance solid on both! I am looking to get a grownup pair of phones this year though. Grado Hemp?

[@ThePgkessler]

LOL, they look like they where made in Brooklyn... baddasss

[@damianzaninovich4900]

Nice job again. Check out Corey Greenberg’s review in Stereophile 1995 of the Grado SR 60. Younger guy who wrote the most entertaining reviews. I think he’s from Texas.

[@radicalgambino2959]

Sad they've been discontinued

[@TheHammerofDissidence]

The fact that they use the same cheap build on their expensive models is unforgivable. I have the 80e's, they sound fine for what I use them for, but I'd never go higher up than that.

[@STF_YVR]

The build of the new X series is much improved ….

[@TheHammerofDissidence]

@@STF_YVR no, it's not. It still has attached cables and the crappy plastic clasps that break, two of the most common complaints that Grado consistently ignores. Not to mention the cups still swivel all the way around and twist your non-detachable cable.

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

Materials are different. Aluminum, turned wood. They DO use pricier materials in the higher ranges. Replaceable cables would be nice. Maybe in the next revamp. Metal C "stirrups" are available in the Grado 'modding" scene.

[@vinniemorciglio4632]

They have upgraded the entire line a few months ago.....

[@charleskatz2606]

Zeos dug the Hemp's

[@sidesup8286]

Who invented the moving coil cartridge and then sold the patent, came out with a tonearm made entirely of wood, praised a 1990's portable Radio Shack CD player and speakers and started a sensation, crowned his top of the line cartridge with the model name XTZ, was a master watchmaker and professional opera singer? Give up? At the end of this comment, turn your phone upside down to read the answer. Wait, you can't do that on here. It's.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Joe Grado.. . .. ................

[@charleskatz2606]

Hmmm I think they had Geese in a couple Charles Dickens stories

[@pizzaearthpancakesandother2549]

Don't be afraido of Grado

[@matthewhilty4209]

I heard they make decent turntable cartridges, maybe someday you could try them out.

[@1mctous]

The 'phones are better than the cartridges until you get to the Reference lines.

[@tarodt7484]

I also have these. They look great and are good for first headphones but high frequency are too sharp and will hurt your ears. After few hours of listening i felt tiered.

[@pdcragin33]

You nailed the Grado mystery. I keep thinking I should sell my RS-1 but then I keep coming back to them. They provide an aural experience none of my other supposedly superior cans offer. Perhaps Grado is the Magnepan of the headphone world.

[@midnightsocean2689]

I think I had the deluxe version of these ages ago. they were awful. Shake your head? How about falling off when ever you even tilt your head forward. Too bad too. If they actually sat on the ear properly and weren't shrill as fvck, they would have been amazing. Great clarity. Decent bass (if you hold them against your ears).

[@barlow2976]

Sounds like you didn't fit them correctly, or you're a pinhead

[@andyhales4031]

Goose is nothing like turkey more like duck.

[@ginom407]

Great Review! Not sure they'd survive on my huge melon...

[@leonardblush2557]

Try cutting a quarter -sized hole in the stock cushions.

[@mattmiller2761]

Get some L cushions, the medium size with the hole in the center. They sound better than the stock S cushions.

[@davidbailey6350]

Randy, your T-Shirt, RAW…. Rapid Air Weapons….? PCP air rifles..?

[@mattmiller2761]

RAW is an uncompressed digital image file.

[@davidbailey6350]

Matt Miller Ah, thank you… learned something today, again… Thanks.

[@think2023]

Try listening with the Grado...and a sub. I know...its weird.... But try it and get back to me.....

[@pdcragin33]

Whoa, an old school solution re-emerges. Nice!

[@think2023]

@@pdcragin33 Really old. As a young teenager I would listen on Senheiser 414 While holding my back covering a 12" University Woofer i glued lead weights to. All so I could pump up the volume late at night.

[@pdcragin33]

@@think2023 I had an Audio Technica electret open back and a Velodyne sub. Problem was, when other folks in the house heard only a sub, that (understandably) made them a little… tense. They urged me to use the speakers as well, and to stop damaging my hearing.

[@salmonline]

I do not taste like turkey ("Geese" is literally my last name.😁)

[@Soxcessful]

My brother in law gave me these headphones 5 years ago. I thank him every time I put them on.

[@doifeellucky]

Some aspects of the build quality and their QA are terrible. I’d take made in China over made in Brooklyn. I bought the 325x and the ear cups are completely misaligned when they hang naturally. They face in the same direction instead of towards each other. DMS had the same issue with his review pair. The headband leather is also very poorly finished. I’ve had better finishing on a pair costing less than £50. Whoever built and checked mine clearly didn’t care much. With regard to the sound quality I was expecting something special. They don’t deliver for me. I use them with the Zen DAC V2 and that is also a disappointment. All it offers is more power. I don’t see any noticeable difference between my Beoplay H6 2nd gen direct from my old iPhone, compared to the 325x and the Zen. I personally wouldn’t recommend either. But that’s just my opinion.

[@brydon10]

The problem with being a reviewer is you become a hoarder.