I was a bit apprehensive at spending this sort of money on a pair of headphones, especially since I hardly use them. All I can say is my fears were swept away as soon as I slipped those mildly uncomfortable ear pads on my bonce. The sound coming from those tiny speakers is unbelievable. So clear and detailed, and the bass is so taught and strong. Trust me, these are superb.
Unless you live alone in the middle of the country in a detached house you are going to want some headphones at some point and I would thoroughly recommend these for their top quality sound and extraordinary detail. Now if only full size reasonably priced speakers sounded this good we'd all be laughing.
Summary:
I've had these for some time now, I haveto say that these are one set of amazing headphones!
Bought them for £200. Used to listen with Sennheisser headphones but after listening to these for the first time, I was blown away by the sound reproduced. The Senns were quality headphones but lacked the openness and clarity and the tight bass of the Grados.
i think look is very retro (circa 1066!!) and flimsy looking but overall, this is outweighed by its quality of sound.
I auditioned these cans for quite a long time before settling on the SR80. The SR60 is not too far behind; very similar in sound. I also tried the other Senns, Beyer D., and Grados but for the price and overall sound, it can't be touched.
Strengths: Very open, clear, neutral and detailed sound. Bass is tight, fast and solid. Lightweight and comfortable on the ears. Simple, understated, utilitarian look.
Weaknesses: Revealing of source components. You get what you put into them. Some may find the look to plain and flimsy.
Similar Products Used: Sennheiser HD480, Rox, old Sony cans
Features: Vented diaphragm Non Resonant air chamber Standard copper voice coil wire Standard copper connecting cord mini plug with 1/4" adaptor
Tranducer type dynamic Operating principle open air Frequency response 20-20 SPL 1mV 98 Normal impedance 32ohms Driver matched db .1
ROLL OF HONOUR. (other reviews and awards)
"Creating a stereo image of excellent depth and clarity, they ensure every detail is heard, every strand separated." First Headphone ever awarded a "GOLDEN NOTE AWARD"
Presented by the Academy for the Advancement of High End Audio. Winner of Audio Video's "GRAND PRIX AWARD"
"In the recording studio or for the serious hobbyist, I can't think of a more versatile or dimensionally satisfying personal speaker system." Fi magazine / Vol. 2, No. 4 / Anthony Chiarella
"It figures that these Brooklyn-made phones would kick some serious butt. These babies have a pretty big sound; a powerful, tight bottom end, very articulate midrange, and a good top end. They have an airy, open quality-less in your head then most phones near their price." Audio Video / Vol. 1, No. 4 / Steve Guttenberg
"If you are looking for a headphone to use as a reference, you may want to go up the line. To me, the SR80 is the price-performance winner." Pro Audio Review / Vol. 2, No. 5 / Tom Jung, DMP recordings
"...these are truly wonderful hearphones, they've got the bass energy... ripping into heavy tracks with a gusto that eludes lesser rivals. With vocals they intoxicate with a natural feel and beautifully proportioned soundstage: few headphones can transport you as convincingly... The Grado SR80's are special. Buy'em, and Love'em."
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