🎧 Grado SR80x Prestige Review
Did you know Grado Labs has been making audio for over 50 years? They started in 1953 in New York. Grado is known for making good headphones that don’t cost too much. The Grado SR80x came out in May 2021. It’s part of the Prestige Series. This series offers great sound for a good price. The SR80x has big drivers and can play sounds from 20Hz to 20kHz.
This means you get clear and detailed sound, especially in the high notes. In this review, we’ll look at how the SR80x sounds, feels and works. We want to help you decide if they’re right for you.
Key Takeaways
- 🎧 The Grado SR80x headphones combine affordability 💸 with audiophile sound quality 🎶.
- 🌬 Open-back design offers superb sound clarity 🎶 but may cause potential sound leakage 🔊.
- ⚖️ 240g weight and comfortable on-ear fit 🛋️ make them highly rated for comfort and usability.
- 🎶 Ideal for treble-heavy sound enthusiasts 🎵 over those seeking noise isolation 🛑.
- 💲 Affordable price in comparison to other alternatives in the market 📉.
- 🏭 Manufactured in-house, upholding Grado Labs’ tradition of quality craftsmanship 🛠️.
🎧 Overview of the Grado SR80x Headphones
Exploring high-quality audio? The Grado SR80x headphones are a top choice. They’re known for their top-notch craftsmanship and sound. These headphones are part of the famous Grado SR80x prestige series.
Introduction to Grado Labs 🏭
Grado Labs is a top audio company. It’s a family business in Brooklyn, NY. They’re known for their *handcrafted* products. Grado has won many awards for its designs. The SR80 series is special. It combines old charm with new sound tech.
🔧 Specifications of the Grado SR80x
The Grado SR80x has cool specs for better sound. Here are some key features:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| 🎧 Driver Size | 44mm 🎶 |
| 🎵 Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz 🎶 |
| 🔊 Impedance | 38 ohms 💡 |
| ⚖️ Weight | 240 grams 🏋️♂️ |
| 🎚️ Transducer Type | Dynamic 🎚️ |
| 🌬️ Operating Principle | Open air 🍃 |
| 📏 Cable Length | 1.8m 📏 |
| 🔌 Connection Type | 3.5mm and 1/4-inch adapter 🔌 |
The Grado SR80x is priced well for quality sound. They’re comfy, with thick headbands and foam earpads. This makes them great for long listening times. The new driver design improves sound clarity. It gives a clearer sound than before. This is why many people love them.
🎶 Sound Quality and Performance
The Grado SR80x headphones give you a great sound. They focus on high sounds, which is good for music with lots of cymbals and voices. Some people might find the high sounds too loud, but the clarity is still a big plus. Tests show the headphones bring out high sounds, especially around 2kHz and 4-10kHz. If you love music with lots of vocals, you’ll like the sound. But, listening for too long might make your ears tired.
👂 Listening Experience
Using the Grado SR80x, you’ll need only about 40% of the Samsung Galaxy’s volume. This means they work well with many devices. The 44mm drivers help make the sound rich, with a range of 20 – 20,000 Hz. The soundstage is deep and clear, making your music sound better. It’s like you’re right there in the music.
⚖️ Comparison with Previous Models
Compared to the SR80e, the SR80x is better in many ways. It has clearer sound and less distortion. If you had the SR60x, you’ll notice the SR80x sounds deeper and richer. This makes the SR80x a good choice for those who want great sound without spending too much.
🎧 Here’s a comparison of the Grado headphones:
| ⚙️ Feature | 🎧 Grado SR80x | 🎶 Grado SR80e | 🎧 Grado SR60x |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🔊 Driver Size | 44mm 🔊 | 40mm 🎵 | 40mm 🎶 |
| 📡 Frequency Response | 20 – 20,000 Hz 📡 | 20 – 20,000 Hz 📡 | 20 – 20,000 Hz 📡 |
| ⚡ Impedance | 38 ohms ⚡ | 32 ohms ⚡ | 32 ohms ⚡ |
| 🎼 Sound Signature | Pronounced treble, clear mids 🎼 | Balanced output 🎚️ | Smooth, warm 🌟 |
Some people might like the SR80e more because it’s balanced. But the SR80x is great for those who love high sounds.
📊 Grado SR80x Prestige Review
The Grado SR80x is a great mix of comfort and usability. It’s perfect for music lovers. These headphones are designed to make listening easy and fun.
💺 Comfort and Design Features
The Grado SR80x is very comfortable. It’s light, weighing only 240 grams. The design lets air flow, making long listens comfy. The headband is soft, and the ear cups swivel. This means they fit your head just right. People say they get even more comfy after a few days.
🔌 Usability and Connection Options
The Grado SR80x is easy to use. It works with most devices with a 3.5mm jack. You also get an adapter for 1/4-inch inputs. The cable might feel stiff at first. But it gets softer over time. Some might miss wireless, but the sound quality is top-notch.
Conclusion
The Grado SR80x headphones are a great choice for good sound without spending too much. Rock and metal fans will love the clear midrange and bright treble. Their open-back design makes the sound feel alive. But, they leak sound, so it’s better in quiet places.
These headphones are comfy and look classic. They might feel tight at first, but adjusting them helps. They’re good for both taking them on the go and using them at home. They don’t block out sound and don’t have detachable cables. But, if you’re okay with that, they’re a great addition to your music collection.
In short, the Grado SR80x headphones are a good pick if you want great sound and style at a low price. They’re built well and improve your listening experience.
FAQ
What makes the Grado SR80x suitable for audiophiles?
The Grado SR80x headphones are designed for audiophiles thanks to their high-quality sound. They feature 44mm dynamic drivers and a wide frequency range, delivering clear and detailed sound, especially in the high frequencies. These features make them a top choice for critical listening.
How comfortable are the Grado SR80x for long listening sessions?
The Grado SR80x is both lightweight and has soft ear cups, offering comfort for long listening sessions. However, because they are open-back headphones, they may not provide the same level of isolation as closed-back models, but they remain comfortable for extended use.
Are the Grado SR80x headphones wireless?
No, the Grado SR80x is wired. The headphone comes with a 1.8m long cable with a 3.5mm jack and a 1/4-inch adapter for use with various devices.
Does the Grado SR80x have good sound isolation?
The Grado SR80x features an open-back design, which provides a more natural and open sound. However, this design also means that it leaks sound and does not offer effective sound isolation, making them less ideal for noisy environments.
How does the Grado SR80x compare to the previous models?
The Grado SR80x offers improved clarity and less distortion compared to the SR80e. While it maintains the comfort and stylish design of its predecessors, it delivers a better listening experience with enhanced sound quality.
What genres of music are best suited for the Grado SR80x?
The Grado SR80x excels in genres like acoustic, jazz, and any music with strong vocals and cymbals. Its open-back design and detailed sound make it perfect for music that emphasizes clarity and a natural listening experience.
Can the cable of the Grado SR80x be replaced?
The Grado SR80x has a fixed cable. While this means the cable cannot be easily replaced by the user, Grado offers repair services to extend the life of the headphones if the cable becomes worn or damaged.
