Prestige Series

Grado SR80 Headphones

Transducer type:

Dynamic

Operating principle:

Open Air

Frequency response:

20–20 kHz

SPL 1mW:

98 dB

Nominal impedance:

32 ohms

Driver Matched dB:

±0.1

Ear pads:

S Cushions (Flat Cushions in early versions)

Grado SR80 Headphones

The Grado SR80 is one of the most popular models in Grado’s Prestige Series, offering an excellent balance of performance, comfort, and affordability. Released shortly after the SR60 in the 1990s, the SR80 was designed for listeners looking for a step up in sound quality without a significant increase in cost. With its lively sound signature and lightweight design, the SR80 quickly became a favorite among audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

Facts

History and Trivia

Build Quality and Design

Sound Description

Modding Potential

The SR80 was introduced as a follow-up to the SR60, offering enhanced sound quality and improved ear pads for a more comfortable listening experience. It quickly became one of Grado’s best-selling models, praised for its engaging sound and excellent value.

Step Up from the SR60: The SR80 introduced the use of bowl-shaped ear pads (L Cushions), which increased driver distance and expanded the soundstage.
Awards and Recognition: Like the SR60, the SR80 garnered numerous accolades and cemented its place as a go-to choice for budget-conscious audiophiles.
Evolving Design: Over the years, the SR80 has seen updates in its construction and tuning with newer versions like the SR80i, SR80e, and SR80x.

The SR80 maintains the classic Grado aesthetic, featuring a minimalist design with lightweight construction and functional materials.

Materials: Plastic housings with a matte black finish, complemented by metal gimbals.
Headband: Leatherette-covered metal headband, offering adequate comfort for most users.
Cable: A thick, fixed Y-cable terminating in a 1/8-inch jack, with a 1/4-inch adapter included.

While the SR80 is similar in design to the SR60, its upgraded ear pads provide a more comfortable fit for longer listening sessions.

The SR80 takes the lively, energetic sound of the SR60 and adds more refinement, making it a favorite for listeners seeking more detail and a wider soundstage.

Bass: Slightly deeper and more controlled than the SR60, providing better impact and texture.
Mids: Forward and engaging, with excellent clarity for vocals and instruments.
Treble: Crisp and extended, though it can occasionally verge on sharpness for treble-sensitive listeners.
Soundstage: Wider and more open compared to the SR60, thanks to the bowl-shaped ear pads.

The SR80 excels with genres like rock, acoustic, and classical, where its dynamic and detailed presentation shines.

Like other Grado models, the SR80 is a favorite among modders due to its modular design and ease of customization. Simple tweaks can significantly enhance its comfort and sound.

Common Mods:
- Swapping ear pads for larger options, such as G-Cush or Nyczaj Earpads, to further expand the soundstage and improve comfort.
- Replacing the headband with a padded alternative to reduce clamping pressure.
- Re-cabling to improve durability and flexibility.
- Adding acoustic dampening materials to smooth treble and enhance bass response.

Collectibility and Reception

The SR80 is widely regarded as a classic Grado model and has been a staple in the Prestige Series lineup for decades. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its exceptional value and engaging sound.

Community Reception:
- The SR80 is often praised as one of the best entry-level headphones for audiophiles, offering a noticeable improvement over the SR60 for a modest price increase.
- Later revisions, such as the SR80e and SR80x, have refined the design and tuning, but many enthusiasts still hold the original SR80 in high regard.
Rarity:

Early versions of the SR80 are still relatively common, but unmodified units in excellent condition are becoming harder to find as the model ages.

The Grado SR80 remains one of the most iconic headphones in the Prestige Series, striking a perfect balance between price and performance. Its lively sound, comfortable design, and modding potential have made it a favorite among Grado enthusiasts and a benchmark for affordable audiophile headphones.