Grados are tuned for OLD PEOPLE like me who have lost hearing in the treble region I want to hear those clear sounding sounding woodwinds and horns and strings. They’re perfect for us old folks
I bought the sr80e and man... the most fun pair of headphones I've ever tried. Classical music, the Mariachi Vargas de Tecatitlán, rock music... the kind of music that is just not base sounds better than in any other headphones.
I just bought some returned Grado 225x. The first open-backed headphones I've heard, but I was blown away by them. I can't see my M50x being used now, unless my wife is in the room. Hooked up to my Mojo (another used bargain) they are a joy and a delight. My cable is getting more flexible, and I have taken time to fit them correctly, so don't know I have them on my head. Above all else I absolutely LOATHE corporations and private equity groups, watching your video on the Grado brooklyn set-up warmed the cockles of my heart, that's the kind of people I want to have my money, not parasitical share holders. Workers of the world unite!
What a horn does is couple the high pressure / short displacement of the compression driver to the low pressure / high displacement air in the room. The short displacement at the driver allows the driver a wider dynamic range: moving from a quiet passage to a loud one can be done with a small increase in displacement - this is why they can play loud without distortion and why they are so sensitive. I think a similar case can be made for headphones: If you’re able to build one that is both very sensitive and can play loud, you will get a similar sound from a horn, and in my experience (having owned only the SR80) this is what the Grado design is about. Incidentally, this is very similar to what an output transformer in a tube amp does: transform the low current / high voltage signal at the tube anode to a high current / low voltage signal to drive the speakers.
Started with SR80s and moved up to rs1 ten years ago. When I had burned them in I listened for almost a weekend straight to hear new aspects of all my favorite music. It was like hearing everything fresh. Amazing vocals and soundstage. So intimate. Honestly In many ways sitting back in a chair with eyes closed and grados playing is transformative,y rewarding.
Have to agree Steve. SR80e owner here and they really are my trusted go-to. Amazing sound for the price. Nobody mentions this but OPEN headphones are the best for when you have to make a phone call etc. Speaking is so natural when you can hear your voice clearly - try it with closed headphones it feels like you are talking inside your head. ;-)
My Grado SR 80 brought me back to headphone listening after a stint with a boomy, barrel-sounding bass set of cans put me off for many a year. I experienced the 80 bass as “tight.” And they had flat pads. Eventually I upgraded to RS-1, mostly out of love of wood. Had that new headphone love for a while with “upgraded” bowl pads, but then started to feel the RS-1 as too thin. Experimented with other hp. Eventually thought to re-try my RS-1 with flat pads. AHA! That Grado “so open” magic plus decent bass impact coupled with that sense of bass being tight. So I’m so stoked to find Steve G, the Audiophiliac himself, expressing a similar experience. Maybe I have learned a thing or two by listening with “open ears.” Thanks!
I absolutely loved my sr80's, so much that when grado released the prestige "X" line of headphones in 2021 with upgraded cables and drivers I ended up upgrading to the sr325X and they are one of the best purchases I have made so far.
I agree! I own the SR325x and they are becoming my favorites - even among many higher-priced headphones. They are so good that everything else just sounds fake or compressed. Great headphones!
I'm older but my hearing is like someone in their 20s ( tested ) and I have always preferred good treble in speakers and Headphones. And your description of Grado's is spot on . Since I've been an Aerospace Machinist and have attended over 300 Concerts including the Who which are notorious for very loud Concerts I should have diminished hearing but eyes fail in my family not ears LoL
Have you ever been to Killing Joke? They had the most messed-up sound ever during the concert I went to. My ears were devastated after that show. I wonder if they always do that.
Hi Steve, interesting video as always. I have Grado 325s and love them. Seem like a very natural sound with my all valve system. A year or so ago sound became intermittent in my left ear and as the foam was disintegrating I got in touch with Grado here in the UK. They were incredibly helpful. Sent them back with a small payment and a week later they returned like new with a detailed report on what they had done. Sound better than ever. Fantastic service. Well done Grado.
I once requested a replacement part for my SR125. It turned out, that the company that provides those for Grado in UK is located a few minutes away from me, so they popped it through my letterbox the same day.
I've had a pair of sr-80's for about 10 years. They are the only audio component that i have not wanted to change out. i'm on my 4th set of speakers and 6th set of amplification.
Gonzodub, I feel the same way about my sr225s which I have owned about 15 years now. During that time I have probably owned or still own more than double the number of speakers and amps you mentioned. The Grados rock!
Just to let you know, following your advice, and to try my first open headphones I bought a grado-sr125e, and they are simply AWESOME, even did a test against a AKG 550 with a good DAC behind, this even proved I did an amazing purchase. Thank you, thank you.
I’m a speaker guy and a horn speaker guy at that. Love my JBLs. Have always wanted to get some good headphones but find myself uninterested until this video. I’m gunna give some Grados a try. Thanks Steve.
Absolutely spot on Steve! Grado headphones set the music free, other headphones sounds veiled & lack of air. When I heard my RS1e for the first time I was sold already, one of a kind
Thank you for your video, Steve. I just purchased the Grado RS2e and it's just fricking scary how good these headphones are ... I mean, SERIOUSLY! I just got mine and they are not near being broken in yet. But holy crap!!! I'm afraid of how good they are going to sound after they are completely broken in! No matter what music I play on these, it sounds awesome and I just want to keep listening to more. They just completely pull me into the music. Man, I love these headphones! I also found a great $12.95 fix for the ear pads on Amazon. I just bought the G-Cup, which is the largest of the Grado cup sizes. They measure 105mm in diameter, which is about 25-30mm larger than the stock pads. This larger size foam pad acts like a large over-ear pad because of it's size. I noticed no degradation in sound, just sweet, sweet music! 😊 Here's the link to the pads I purchased: Geekria Comfort Foam Replacement Ear Pads for GRADO PS1000, GS1000, SR80e, SR80i, SR125i, SR225i, SR60, SR80, SR125 Headphones Earpads, Headset Ear Cushion Repair Parts (Black) www.amazon.com/dp/B0155XZLUU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_0AGDJGZ07S37D7G1YXB3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I too own Grado RS2e’s as well as a pair of RS1’s. The 2e’s are phenomenally accurate. Try a well recorded solo piano on them Most other headphones I have heard: Focal Clear, Hifiman Arya, AKG 812, the high end Sony’s. make the piano sound boxy or muffled.
I agree with the sentiment, i have owned Audeze lcd2f, great sound BUT, now own Grado Rs2e, am seriously impressed, and they are to me, far more truthful and exciting
I have noticed that as one ages, one appreciates grado's and horns more and more, almost like it is correlated to the reduced ability to hear high frequencies :)
SR80e owner here, Steve. She sounds shockingly good and is the world's most accurate headphone under $200 (Ken Rockwell said this). Made in the USA for only $99? Just get one!
@@dcarcher12 Ken's opinion on the SR80e is the same as Steve's. And Steve is one of the most respected audio reviewers in America (I've been reading his publications for about 20 years). While Ken is not best known for his expertise in audio, he has a top notched electrical engineering degree and many years of experience working in this field in Hollywood before becoming a professional photographer. Also, his tests are objective, using state of the art testing equipment and are not sponsored by anyone. He's dead on with his Grado SR80e review.
@@jn3750 Tests mean absolutely nothing (they can't predict how good any particular audio gear plays music). Last thing we need is objective tests. We have two ears. Science doesn't get music (at least for now).
Steve, You owe it to yourself to listen to a pair of Klipschorns paired with a really good tube amp. After 40 years still my favorite audio purchase of all time.
TH-cam recommend this video yesterday, the day before I got my grado 325e. Today I almost returned them. They are heavy and when I woke up I was still feeling them. I'm a Sennheiser guy. Light, comfortable, easy to listen. So the grado's are a bit different. I returned home with the same grado's I was gonna return. They just sound so good. The electric guitar is just there. Floor Jansen almost made me cry with her cover of shallow. The sound is just wow.
I have the 80's and absolutely have had my point of view on headphones changed by these. They do what you need to appreciate the experience of listening to whatever you currently subscribe to in a really true way.. I used to think you had to have the major emphasis on thump of bass--- these even at their low cost playback at a much more engaging sound quality. Love them. Can't wait to expand my Grado collection.
I have a pair of Grado SR80e and a pair of AKGs that cost many times the price. Both are open-backed. I enjoy listening on both but agree that the sound is definitely different. I bought the AKGs as I mainly listen to classical at home but the Grados perform quite well on this front, too, given the price point.
I have Grado SR125i's and I love them. Pity I can't use them at work because they are very leaky. I could go for some closed ones, but that would mean downgrading for my budget.
There’s a whole community of people on headfi.com that swear by Grados paired with the little dot 1+ tube hybrid amp. The tube pre amp takes the edge off the brightness of the Grados and the solid state power amp has a low out put impedance that matches the impedance of grado cans. In other words they’re a good match. I have the sr225 and LD1+ amp and I agree with that statement.
Steve, There are 2 things the world can do with out. 1. Flying blackwidow spiders . 2. Horn driven headphones. I like the Sr 80, and the RS1 , I got the Anneversery gold anodized 325i and disliked the brightness after weeks of burn in they just never got better. My 2 favorite MM cartridges is the Grado red on a tight budget and Gold with a little more money. My last cartridge was a Sumiko blackbird and it reminded me at times of the Grado Gold but with just more of everything I liked in the Gold. So I get Grado sound it has a big open midrange with loads of sparkle. El84 like chime . And they are dynamic but RS 1 has mellowness and horns just struggle with subtlety. They are like a sledge hammer , the Grado is far from that. Even Zingalli horns seem to struggle when whisper soft passages are played. In my opinion, they do hard hitting like Bryce Harper but horns get throaty when played softly. I will be glad when you move on from this horn obsession you are going through. The one time I fell in love with horns was listening to Miles Davis Sketches of Spain with a little Audion El34 amp at a watt or 2 into Klipsch RB 61 II . That little set up brought the trumpet to life for me that night. But horns have rarely Gotten it right consistently unless in very large rooms. A big horn in a small room EEEEEEKKKKKK make it stop!
I like my grado headphones. It took me a little time to get used to them after 20 plus years with my senhieser hd 560 ovation headphones. It's hard to explain but the sound seems closer or more in your face with the grado sr225. The senhieser sounds more open or like listening to speakers. Now I use the grados all the time.
I'm with you, Steve. I love Grado headphones. I have compared my Grado PS-500's against $1800-$3,000 planar and dynamic headphones from Audeze, HifiMan, Mr Speakers, Sennheiser and on and on......none of them can touch my PS-500's that retail for $595.00. Maybe because I owned Klipsch LaScalas many decades ago.... Oh yeah, I have heard from headphone salemen at Axpona that because of my age (bought my first system 44 years ago), I am an obvious candidate for Grados, because as they say, my old ears can take the somewhat irritating treble. I don't buy that. I think the reason I love Grados is because I have a trained ear: studied violin under the tutorship of a symphony musician, had a Steinway in the house and and my son had a $8k gig ready drum it with every drum and cymbal one would need, Marshall amp stacks and a few nice Les Paul guitars back in the day, so, I think that maybe I just might know what real instruments sound like. For me, Grado is the sound I know and Love!
Same here I heard them when I was 20 and I am a car audio competition expert installer. Only thing I heard that matched the realism of the ott sq value for money top car audio systems.
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Damn, recently I've upgraded my main headphones to AKG K712 Pro, but I hear so much praise for Grado (from you, DankPods, etc.) that I'm starting to consider getting SR60e or SR80e as extra headphones just for fun :D
Many thanks Steve. Alas I am in a minority with my adoration of high Classical music... but I can say without reserve that the SR80e Grado headphones are a phenomenon... reason.... with around 110-120 musicians in front of you in a semi-circle in a standard orchestra, one does not want too close a position as the sound is too powerful. But seated back a little in the hall is perfect, with added ambient sound from the hall. This is exactly what these Grado SR80e do... i.e. provide a slightly distant sound, but with with a hall-like ambience, and a sharpness and immediacy that you describe. Many thanks, they are wonderful headphones.
My Shure SRH-840's get the most use due to great sound and great comfort. But I do love my Grado 325i's. I had a broken gimble once and they replaced it at no charge and that was like 12 years after I bought them.
I just ordered a pair of 225e after trying them. I also liked the 80e. Frankly these headphones are a real revelation. Why pay more when you can reach the audio climax with the 225 ? Thanks to Steve for the review. I was wondering if he's in a studio, an office or in his apartment. Well if it's his flat interior, Steve you should apply some serious Marie Kondo in your interior and just keep the essential. An amp and a pair of headphones !!
I have the Sr-225 along with Audeze LCD-2s and Focal Elegia. Although in absolute terms both the Focal and Audeze are better reproducers, the Grado is far and away a better value, and much easier to drive.
I love my Grado PS-500's. I have heard others say the Grado PS-500 can beat most other company's headphone up to $1200. I would agree with that statement. I've compared the PS-500's to $1800-$2900 planar headphones and to me these PS-500's are just the absolute best headphone I have heard. I'm almost scared to try their higher end models. I can only imagine.
I use my Grados sr80s every day on my travel to and from work. I get the unusual stares as they are not familiar to other passengers. Whilst every other person is wearing Bose . I'm happy with the Grado, including the chunky cable they come with. Great sound for the money
My pair of SR60s was my 1st set Grados and my first open back headphones. I remember the first song and thinking how real the sound was. It connected me to the music in a whole new way. After owning several pair of other cans from Fostex, Audio Techinca and Monoprice. I'm thinking about going back and getting the SR-80s as Zeos says they have a bit more bass which to me is the low point of the 60s. Great video. Thumbs up.
I love my Grado SR-60s. Just auditioned a pair of Shinola Canfield headphones and they sounded close to the Grados but they retail for much more. Only downside to Grado is they(SR60) become uncomfortable over time.
I own and use the SR80e's. I love their sound, their price, their low impedance, and their open-back design. One thing I experienced that I have not heard discussed anywhere is that out of the box they sounded a bit too forward but smoothed out over the course of two to three weeks of daily use. I'm sure some people would say I had just become accustomed to the sound but for a variety of what I think are very good reasons I do not think this is the case. It seems to me that these headphones break in over that period and subsequently have a more pleasant sound.
Steve, why do I prefer the sound of my original SR60 (with upgraded open ear pads of course) vs my SR325e? didn’t try other Grados. My only IE are the Tin T2 which sound worse. I love Apple buds for phonecalls and stuff. Oh, I have an AT 9 for airplane use which sounds horrendous (much worse than Apple buds)
I spent ~45 mins comparing SR60e, SR80e and SR325e in a hi-fi shop in Manhattan (holiday) - All great, but took moments to decide the 325e wasn't for me, and the rest to decide that I preferred the 60e over the 80e. Love them.
First time I heard Grado’s I was blown away by the difference compared to the other headsets I sampled. Still never bought a set, but I remember the difference I sound.
Hey Steve: Very late to the party. I have had my 125x for about a year now. Music, movies, TH-cam videos and spoken word are absolutely wonderful through these headphones. Maybe one day I can get a beautiful Tube amp to complement them. Greetings from the Great State of Texas
I love my grado headphones. It took me a little time to get used to them after 20 plus years of using Sennheisers. The Sennheisers seem to be laid back. It's hard to explain. I have the Sr225 model. The only negative thing I have with them is after a while my ears feel sore. The padding could be better.
For me, every headphone requires an accommodation to its sound signature. I've owned and then sold-off a number of headphones over the years. I kept my Grado RS-1s and Sennheiser HD 600s over some more expensive cans. Both allow me to forget about the equipment and involve myself with the music. The Grado puts me "on the stage" and it is my go to headphone most of the time. The Sennheiser seats me a few rows back. I agree with you about the sore ears with Grado, but the ear pads will become more comfortable over time.
I have loads of headphones and some Grados are in there too. However, as much as I "get" the Grado sound, nothing below the RS2s did it for me. I was underwhelmed by the overall presentation of 325s when I had them so sold them pretty quickly. I took the risk of buying the GS1000s and PS1000s and that was it. I am never selling them.
today i was thinking between buyin 80s and 225e and in the end bought 80s 225 are much more detailed but 80s are more sensitive 99.8 dcb and i could notice that, i wanted them both lol
Steve, went into a fairly high end shop years back and was hooked up with Grado Prestige 325,s a $200 DAC and a nice CD player. Afterwards, I argued with the salesman that it must be a SACD player and was shot down. IN FLAMES ;) . Anyway, he put on DARK SIDE OF THE MOON. The hair on my neck literally STOOD UP and a shiver went thru me... I, as most of the world, have listened to this album, CD, mp3, WAV, FLAC etc. hundreds of thousands of times. But when the bells and chimes kicked in, it actually scared me! I heard sounds I NEVER KNEW were in that album! That includes the DIRECT TO DISC RECORD! Back in the day, of course... Just thought I would jump in with that story. Sorry if I drew it out too long...
Grado fan from the UK here.... I own the SR80e, SR125e and SR325is (and some iGrados as well). My only issue is the L Cushion pads on the 325is are not as comfortable as the S Cushions.... I tried some Sennheiser HD414 yellow pads recently on the 325is and they sounded great and were far more comfortable for longer sessions. I agree they are the most "Live" sounding headphones I own (I also have Beyer DT1990 pro and 1770 pros, AKG K712pro and Sennheiser HD660s and I love them all) ... Would love to own some wooden Grados too (GH2?)
The Grado sound is akin to Coca Cola. It is the best kept secret of audiophilia. Grados are the best sounding headphones in the world. That's just me. But I stand by this. And I auditioned a number of headphones in varying prices. Pound for pound (or dollar per dollar), they are the best. Oh and by the way, live sound is in your face. It is neither soft nor lifeless. Just like the Grado house sound, it is very much alive!
I'm with you on the Grado sound. The whole line sounds live. But their hot, direct firing brightness gives me tinnitus. Whereas my old Stax are just as good, but in a different way, without the fatigue.
Love my SR325is phones...... Just ordered some new L Pads too as the old ones were starting to get a bit squashed/tired... Looking forward to getting them sounding tip top once again!!! Really tempted to buy a set of SR80e to try!!!
Do you think you've lost some hearing sensitivity in the upper frequencies as you got older? Could this be why you're liking horns and other speakers/headphones that others find "harsh"?
Harshness is usually due to peaks in the treble. You can EQ them down, or with speakers change the room placement or add curtains etc. With headphones there are some good acoustic foam strips that can be added to the earcups, like Shure makes.
Had a pair of the SR60 years ago. Great sound for the price but after 2 years, one of the sides lost audio signal. Unfortunately, the problem was due to the design. The left/right cans allow for 360 degree swivel and after lots of twisting due to use, it wears down the cable which causes breakage at the Y-joint where the left and right wires meet. In simple terms, the cable goes bad and there’s no way to replace it. Since then, I swore to never buy a Grados headphones again.
I have a Grado headphone case where the earcups fold flat. So I take the headphone out and put it on my ears to listen, then when I'm done I return it to the case exactly like I took it out. That way the cable never twists.
Bit of a late comment, I know, but I think the cheaper Grado SR series headphones are amazing for the price. I use headphones in two locations, and I went for SR80 and SR125. The SR125 is that bit more refined, but the SR80 is very impressive too. I think they're both excellent value.
Steve, just plug those Grado SR225i headphones into an NAD amp and enjoy the best sound for the rest of your life. That's what I did about 10 years ago and I will never need anything else. I am completely happy and always will be.
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Would you mind giving me the exact model number of the amp? I am buying used 225 from a friend and I would like to match it with an amp that would work great with it.
While I'm sure your set up works for you, there are others too and a few may change your mind about what "perfect" sounds like. But you will never know until you have tried.
The Grado SR-80 was my first step into audiophilia. I eventually owned the RS-2 and the PS500e. I eventually sold them for more subtle, nuanced headphones but I really do miss the sound.
My headphone odyssey started with Grado SR60s. Now I wish I'd coughed up the extra 20 bucks for the 80s. But the 60's were enough to get me hooked. Now I've added Monoprice M1060s and Sennheiser HD700s to the inventory, and the Grado's get used less. But they still surprise me with how well they reveal transients and atmospheric information. Just a little less refined than the other two.
I've been using a pair of sr125 for around 18 months now and find them to sound accurate. My only gripe is that the headband is tight - It's like sticking my head in a vice so I can only cope with about an hour wearing them max. I thought they would loosen off with time but they haven't.
Funny thing. I bought my first set of headphones for 44 years. Grado Hemps. Thought a set of Grado's for my only/first was probably not recommended. Just that they are supposedly a short-term offering. And they have had great reviews. And then I find this review recommending a Grado above the 60s.
I bought a set of Stax electrostatic headphones back around 1975 & loved them. When they finally died I bought some Grados loved the sound but twice had problems with intermittent cable connections at the phones- not the jack end. Maybe just bad luck. no other commenters mentioned this ptoblem
Hi Steve. I have recently started watching your videos, and I really like it. Thanks for the awesome info, reviews, suggestions and advices! 👍 Greetings from Edmonton, Alberta - Canada!
My take, from owning a pair of Grado SR80x, quite lightweight headphones, good strong cable, adjustable. They don't have anything too fancy on the outside. Having owned a lot of headphones over the years, I have made peace with myself that on-ear headphones are not my thing, my ears go numb / hurt in less than 30min, that doesn't happen with these SR80x, they do not compress your ears, but after listening to one album (about 50 min/1h) I can't stand them on, they become uncomfortable and that's a big downside for me. I don't know if there are pads I can switch to become over-the-ear. I personally think that the comfort for me is very important. Yes they do sound "enlightening", specially if you never owned anything considered hi-fi. For $100-$120, yes, they do come on the cheapest side, it may be a good introduction to hi-fi for many. But these are headphones to keep at home and at home I want to be comfortable, no pain or aches. I have a pair of Sennheiser HD800 which are my go-to headphones to be relaxed, comfortable and be analytical. My go-to all-around headphones for every day, 8-12h hours constant use are Bose QC35 (including travelling etc) - I can wear them for hours on end, always comfortable and no aches. If I had to compare these one the same price range, I'd have to compare them with the Austrian Audio HI-X15, over the ear and closed headphones, which I can withstand for as long as the Bose QC35. If I have to compromise on sound quality for comfort I will, there's nothing worse than having to stop because your ears hurt. I understand that we are all different, so this is my personal opinion on Grado, they sound good, they are not comfortable to wear on my ears and I wish I had the option to have over-the-ear pads - if that's a thing let me know, I'd be glad to try.
Ok, I caught the PELTOR hearing protection on that video unit... Those are the newest ones with the polished black shells. We have them at our shop! What might you use them for Steve..... NYC traffic' (like those horns that we hear honkin' in your videos ? (O:
I just listen to Spotify at 320 kbps but enjoy my RS2e with the large ear pads, a Dragonfly Red DAC, and a FiiO E12 portable amp with its bass boost turned on. It’s so airy yet tight and punchy in the low end without loss of any mid and high details. Nothing fancy but sounds amazing to me.
Listening to this through my SR60 e headphones. My SR80s are at home. My only problem with Grados would be the non replaceable cable. For reasons I won't go into, I share my life with a rabbit. She chews on things, so I have learned to bunny-proof my space but I got lazy last week and she snipped the cord on my SR80s; I was able to splice the wires back together but I would prefer the ability to replace the cables.
Grados are tuned for OLD PEOPLE like me who have lost hearing in the treble region I want to hear those clear sounding sounding woodwinds and horns and strings. They’re perfect for us old folks
I love my Grados. They’re my go-to headphones at home.
"They have a horny sound"; I'm giving my SR60s to my wife after work today! Hope you're right, Steve!
*wink wink*
I bought the sr80e and man... the most fun pair of headphones I've ever tried. Classical music, the Mariachi Vargas de Tecatitlán, rock music... the kind of music that is just not base sounds better than in any other headphones.
COOl! they were out of stock forever...but I'm getting a set today!
@@lilpoindexter Now they have the x series
@@praszu I ORDERED 80X's !!!!
instaBlaster...
I just bought some returned Grado 225x. The first open-backed headphones I've heard, but I was blown away by them. I can't see my M50x being used now, unless my wife is in the room. Hooked up to my Mojo (another used bargain) they are a joy and a delight. My cable is getting more flexible, and I have taken time to fit them correctly, so don't know I have them on my head.
Above all else I absolutely LOATHE corporations and private equity groups, watching your video on the Grado brooklyn set-up warmed the cockles of my heart, that's the kind of people I want to have my money, not parasitical share holders. Workers of the world unite!
What a horn does is couple the high pressure / short displacement of the compression driver to the low pressure / high displacement air in the room. The short displacement at the driver allows the driver a wider dynamic range: moving from a quiet passage to a loud one can be done with a small increase in displacement - this is why they can play loud without distortion and why they are so sensitive. I think a similar case can be made for headphones: If you’re able to build one that is both very sensitive and can play loud, you will get a similar sound from a horn, and in my experience (having owned only the SR80) this is what the Grado design is about.
Incidentally, this is very similar to what an output transformer in a tube amp does: transform the low current / high voltage signal at the tube anode to a high current / low voltage signal to drive the speakers.
Started with SR80s and moved up to rs1 ten years ago. When I had burned them in I listened for almost a weekend straight to hear new aspects of all my favorite music. It was like hearing everything fresh. Amazing vocals and soundstage. So intimate. Honestly In many ways sitting back in a chair with eyes closed and grados playing is transformative,y rewarding.
"give it a chance" - I did, bought the 225 , love them ....
Thank you Steve😊
Glad you love them. They are fantastically detailed and involving.
Have to agree Steve. SR80e owner here and they really are my trusted go-to. Amazing sound for the price. Nobody mentions this but OPEN headphones are the best for when you have to make a phone call etc. Speaking is so natural when you can hear your voice clearly - try it with closed headphones it feels like you are talking inside your head. ;-)
My Grado SR 80 brought me back to headphone listening after a stint with a boomy, barrel-sounding bass set of cans put me off for many a year. I experienced the 80 bass as “tight.” And they had flat pads. Eventually I upgraded to RS-1, mostly out of love of wood. Had that new headphone love for a while with “upgraded” bowl pads, but then started to feel the RS-1 as too thin. Experimented with other hp. Eventually thought to re-try my RS-1 with flat pads. AHA! That Grado “so open” magic plus decent bass impact coupled with that sense of bass being tight. So I’m so stoked to find Steve G, the Audiophiliac himself, expressing a similar experience. Maybe I have learned a thing or two by listening with “open ears.” Thanks!
Love my Grado 325e's! They have a great sound that has to be experienced.
I absolutely loved my sr80's, so much that when grado released the prestige "X" line of headphones in 2021 with upgraded cables and drivers I ended up upgrading to the sr325X and they are one of the best purchases I have made so far.
I agree! I own the SR325x and they are becoming my favorites - even among many higher-priced headphones. They are so good that everything else just sounds fake or compressed. Great headphones!
I'm older but my hearing is like someone in their 20s ( tested ) and I have always preferred good treble in speakers and Headphones.
And your description of Grado's is spot on .
Since I've been an Aerospace Machinist and have attended over 300 Concerts including the Who which are notorious for very loud Concerts I should have diminished hearing but eyes fail in my family not ears LoL
Have you ever been to Killing Joke? They had the most messed-up sound ever during the concert I went to. My ears were devastated after that show. I wonder if they always do that.
Hi Steve, interesting video as always. I have Grado 325s and love them. Seem like a very natural sound with my all valve system. A year or so ago sound became intermittent in my left ear and as the foam was disintegrating I got in touch with Grado here in the UK. They were incredibly helpful. Sent them back with a small payment and a week later they returned like new with a detailed report on what they had done. Sound better than ever. Fantastic service. Well done Grado.
I once requested a replacement part for my SR125. It turned out, that the company that provides those for Grado in UK is located a few minutes away from me, so they popped it through my letterbox the same day.
@@praszu nice!
I've had a pair of sr-80's for about 10 years. They are the only audio component that i have not wanted to change out. i'm on my 4th set of speakers and 6th set of amplification.
Gonzodub, I feel the same way about my sr225s which I have owned about 15 years now. During that time I have probably owned or still own more than double the number of speakers and amps you mentioned. The Grados rock!
If I upgrade my Grados I will be keeping the old ones anyway.
Just to let you know, following your advice, and to try my first open headphones I bought a grado-sr125e, and they are simply AWESOME, even did a test against a AKG 550 with a good DAC behind, this even proved I did an amazing purchase. Thank you, thank you.
I love my Grado 125's. And, you're right, you have to find the sweet spot on your head and replacing the earpads can help.
I’m a speaker guy and a horn speaker guy at that. Love my JBLs. Have always wanted to get some good headphones but find myself uninterested until this video. I’m gunna give some Grados a try. Thanks Steve.
I have one of the oldest grados a sr60 which I bought over 20 years ago.. For a cheap headphone it's still working and still sounds great..
Absolutely spot on Steve! Grado headphones set the music free, other headphones sounds veiled & lack of air. When I heard my RS1e for the first time I was sold already, one of a kind
Thank you for your video, Steve.
I just purchased the Grado RS2e and it's just fricking scary how good these headphones are ... I mean, SERIOUSLY! I just got mine and they are not near being broken in yet. But holy crap!!! I'm afraid of how good they are going to sound after they are completely broken in! No matter what music I play on these, it sounds awesome and I just want to keep listening to more. They just completely pull me into the music. Man, I love these headphones!
I also found a great $12.95 fix for the ear pads on Amazon. I just bought the G-Cup, which is the largest of the Grado cup sizes. They measure 105mm in diameter, which is about 25-30mm larger than the stock pads. This larger size foam pad acts like a large over-ear pad because of it's size. I noticed no degradation in sound, just sweet, sweet music! 😊
Here's the link to the pads I purchased:
Geekria Comfort Foam Replacement Ear Pads for GRADO PS1000, GS1000, SR80e, SR80i, SR125i, SR225i, SR60, SR80, SR125 Headphones Earpads, Headset Ear Cushion Repair Parts (Black) www.amazon.com/dp/B0155XZLUU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_0AGDJGZ07S37D7G1YXB3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I too own Grado RS2e’s as well as a pair of RS1’s. The 2e’s are phenomenally accurate. Try a well recorded solo piano on them Most other headphones I have heard: Focal Clear, Hifiman Arya, AKG 812, the high end Sony’s. make the piano sound boxy or muffled.
I agree with the sentiment, i have owned Audeze lcd2f, great sound BUT, now own Grado Rs2e, am seriously impressed, and they are to me, far more truthful and exciting
Great video Steve, keep up the good work!
I have noticed that as one ages, one appreciates grado's and horns more and more, almost like it is correlated to the reduced ability to hear high frequencies :)
Grados have serious highs.
SR80e owner here, Steve. She sounds shockingly good and is the world's most accurate headphone under $200 (Ken Rockwell said this). Made in the USA for only $99? Just get one!
Not saying anything about your headphones, but I wouldn't take anything Ken Rockwell writes too seriously...
With Rockwell, you need to read between the lines.
@@dcarcher12 Ken's opinion on the SR80e is the same as Steve's. And Steve is one of the most respected audio reviewers in America (I've been reading his publications for about 20 years). While Ken is not best known for his expertise in audio, he has a top notched electrical engineering degree and many years of experience working in this field in Hollywood before becoming a professional photographer. Also, his tests are objective, using state of the art testing equipment and are not sponsored by anyone. He's dead on with his Grado SR80e review.
Usually Ken has no idea what he's talking about outside photography and any idiot can recognise the beauty of Grado sound.
@@jn3750 Tests mean absolutely nothing (they can't predict how good any particular audio gear plays music). Last thing we need is objective tests. We have two ears. Science doesn't get music (at least for now).
Steve, You owe it to yourself to listen to a pair of Klipschorns paired with a really good tube amp. After 40 years still my favorite audio purchase of all time.
Big time!
That headphone makes me cry.... It sounds so good
I LOVE my SR325s I bought about 20 years ago. They are extremely detailed to my hearing.
I have the same model. They are my go to headphone while listening to vinyl.
TH-cam recommend this video yesterday, the day before I got my grado 325e. Today I almost returned them. They are heavy and when I woke up I was still feeling them. I'm a Sennheiser guy. Light, comfortable, easy to listen. So the grado's are a bit different. I returned home with the same grado's I was gonna return. They just sound so good. The electric guitar is just there. Floor Jansen almost made me cry with her cover of shallow. The sound is just wow.
Finally, someone can explain what Grados really sound. Thanks.
Great video, Steve. Always food for thought, thanks.
Huh.. neat! I'm not super knowledgeable about speakers but acknowledge the uniqueness of the Grado sound. Cool take on it!
I have the 80's and absolutely have had my point of view on headphones changed by these. They do what you need to appreciate the experience of listening to whatever you currently subscribe to in a really true way.. I used to think you had to have the major emphasis on thump of bass--- these even at their low cost playback at a much more engaging sound quality. Love them. Can't wait to expand my Grado collection.
Can't wait to see your tree of headphones I have a whole bunch of vintage headphones and new headphones and I'm just ordered a Nightowl .. .
I have a pair of Grado SR80e and a pair of AKGs that cost many times the price. Both are open-backed. I enjoy listening on both but agree that the sound is definitely different. I bought the AKGs as I mainly listen to classical at home but the Grados perform quite well on this front, too, given the price point.
The AKGs are probably a lot less efficient and power-hungry, no?
I have Grado SR125i's and I love them. Pity I can't use them at work because they are very leaky. I could go for some closed ones, but that would mean downgrading for my budget.
There’s a whole community of people on headfi.com that swear by Grados paired with the little dot 1+ tube hybrid amp. The tube pre amp takes the edge off the brightness of the Grados and the solid state power amp has a low out put impedance that matches the impedance of grado cans. In other words they’re a good match. I have the sr225 and LD1+ amp and I agree with that statement.
I will use Grado for life. They are wonderful.
Steve,
There are 2 things the world can do with out.
1. Flying blackwidow spiders .
2. Horn driven headphones.
I like the Sr 80, and the RS1 , I got the Anneversery gold anodized 325i and disliked the brightness after weeks of burn in they just never got better.
My 2 favorite MM cartridges is the Grado red on a tight budget and Gold with a little more money.
My last cartridge was a Sumiko blackbird and it reminded me at times of the Grado Gold but with just more of everything I liked in the Gold.
So I get Grado sound it has a big open midrange with loads of sparkle.
El84 like chime . And they are dynamic but RS 1 has mellowness and horns just struggle with subtlety. They are like a sledge hammer , the Grado is far from that. Even Zingalli horns seem to struggle when whisper soft passages are played.
In my opinion, they do hard hitting like Bryce Harper but horns get throaty when played softly. I will be glad when you move on from this horn obsession you are going through. The one time I fell in love with horns was listening to Miles Davis Sketches of Spain with a little Audion El34 amp at a watt or 2 into Klipsch RB 61 II .
That little set up brought the trumpet to life for me that night. But horns have rarely
Gotten it right consistently unless in very large rooms. A big horn in a small room EEEEEEKKKKKK make it stop!
I like my grado headphones. It took me a little time to get used to them after 20 plus years with my senhieser hd 560 ovation headphones. It's hard to explain but the sound seems closer or more in your face with the grado sr225. The senhieser sounds more open or like listening to speakers. Now I use the grados all the time.
I'm with you, Steve. I love Grado headphones. I have compared my Grado PS-500's against $1800-$3,000 planar and dynamic headphones from Audeze, HifiMan, Mr Speakers, Sennheiser and on and on......none of them can touch my PS-500's that retail for $595.00. Maybe because I owned Klipsch LaScalas many decades ago.... Oh yeah, I have heard from headphone salemen at Axpona that because of my age (bought my first system 44 years ago), I am an obvious candidate for Grados, because as they say, my old ears can take the somewhat irritating treble. I don't buy that. I think the reason I love Grados is because I have a trained ear: studied violin under the tutorship of a symphony musician, had a Steinway in the house and and my son had a $8k gig ready drum it with every drum and cymbal one would need, Marshall amp stacks and a few nice Les Paul guitars back in the day, so, I think that maybe I just might know what real instruments sound like. For me, Grado is the sound I know and Love!
A good bit of wisdom there!
I agree ps500 are the best!
I have to agree as a PS-500 owner, easily best sound per pound ratio..
Same here I heard them when I was 20 and I am a car audio competition expert installer. Only thing I heard that matched the realism of the ott sq value for money top car audio systems.
Damn, recently I've upgraded my main headphones to AKG K712 Pro, but I hear so much praise for Grado (from you, DankPods, etc.) that I'm starting to consider getting SR60e or SR80e as extra headphones just for fun :D
Many thanks Steve. Alas I am in a minority with my adoration of high Classical music... but I can say without reserve that the SR80e Grado headphones are a phenomenon... reason.... with around 110-120 musicians in front of you in a semi-circle in a standard orchestra, one does not want too close a position as the sound is too powerful. But seated back a little in the hall is perfect, with added ambient sound from the hall. This is exactly what these Grado SR80e do... i.e. provide a slightly distant sound, but with with a hall-like ambience, and a sharpness and immediacy that you describe. Many thanks, they are wonderful headphones.
My Shure SRH-840's get the most use due to great sound and great comfort. But I do love my Grado 325i's. I had a broken gimble once and they replaced it at no charge and that was like 12 years after I bought them.
I just ordered a pair of 225e after trying them. I also liked the 80e. Frankly these headphones are a real revelation. Why pay more when you can reach the audio climax with the 225 ? Thanks to Steve for the review. I was wondering if he's in a studio, an office or in his apartment. Well if it's his flat interior, Steve you should apply some serious Marie Kondo in your interior and just keep the essential. An amp and a pair of headphones !!
got the SR60e love their brand ever since
Thumbs up for "Horn-y sound"
Yeah 😏
…and, keeping with the -- *ahem* -- theme, his shirt makes a considerable statement, too.
I have the Sr-225 along with Audeze LCD-2s and Focal Elegia. Although in absolute terms both the Focal and Audeze are better reproducers, the Grado is far and away a better value, and much easier to drive.
I love my Grado PS-500's. I have heard others say the Grado PS-500 can beat most other company's headphone up to $1200. I would agree with that statement. I've compared the PS-500's to $1800-$2900 planar headphones and to me these PS-500's are just the absolute best headphone I have heard. I'm almost scared to try their higher end models. I can only imagine.
You have the best - no worries.
I use my Grados sr80s every day on my travel to and from work. I get the unusual stares as they are not familiar to other passengers. Whilst every other person is wearing Bose . I'm happy with the Grado, including the chunky cable they come with. Great sound for the money
Are you sure you aren’t getting stares because the sound is leaking out everywhere ?
@@jdavis234no I play them at a low volume. If they did hear any sound come from them they can enjoy some bad ass funk .
My pair of SR60s was my 1st set Grados and my first open back headphones. I remember the first song and thinking how real the sound was. It connected me to the music in a whole new way. After owning several pair of other cans from Fostex, Audio Techinca and Monoprice. I'm thinking about going back and getting the SR-80s as Zeos says they have a bit more bass which to me is the low point of the 60s. Great video. Thumbs up.
I love my Grado SR-60s. Just auditioned a pair of Shinola Canfield headphones and they sounded close to the Grados but they retail for much more. Only downside to Grado is they(SR60) become uncomfortable over time.
I have a pair of SR-80e's with Ear Zonk replacement pads. The pads widen the sound stage and sound significantly better than the stock pads.
You are spot on regarding the Grado sound. Its very horn like. Grados are also about as polarizing as horns too.
Yes they are!
I own and use the SR80e's. I love their sound, their price, their low impedance, and their open-back design. One thing I experienced that I have not heard discussed anywhere is that out of the box they sounded a bit too forward but smoothed out over the course of two to three weeks of daily use. I'm sure some people would say I had just become accustomed to the sound but for a variety of what I think are very good reasons I do not think this is the case. It seems to me that these headphones break in over that period and subsequently have a more pleasant sound.
Yes, with Grados especially. The way they're made with more handwork rather than pure machine assembly.
Steve, why do I prefer the sound of my original SR60 (with upgraded open ear pads of course) vs my SR325e? didn’t try other Grados. My only IE are the Tin T2 which sound worse. I love Apple buds for phonecalls and stuff. Oh, I have an AT 9 for airplane use which sounds horrendous (much worse than Apple buds)
I spent ~45 mins comparing SR60e, SR80e and SR325e in a hi-fi shop in Manhattan (holiday) - All great, but took moments to decide the 325e wasn't for me, and the rest to decide that I preferred the 60e over the 80e. Love them.
"Horny Sound" ... Steve, you just gave us a new phrase that should spread like wildfire throughout the audiophile world!
First time I heard Grado’s I was blown away by the difference compared to the other headsets I sampled. Still never bought a set, but I remember the difference I sound.
You were blown away, and then bought a different set?
@@DutchmanAmsterdam I did not buy a headphone
Hey Steve: Very late to the party. I have had my 125x for about a year now. Music, movies, TH-cam videos and spoken word are absolutely wonderful through these headphones. Maybe one day I can get a beautiful Tube amp to complement them. Greetings from the Great State of Texas
Started with MS1 (Alessandro), then the Sr125e, now I have Sr325e. Maybe Rs1 someday?
Is the grado sr60e better than the shp9500?
I love my grado headphones. It took me a little time to get used to them after 20 plus years of using Sennheisers. The Sennheisers seem to be laid back. It's hard to explain. I have the Sr225 model. The only negative thing I have with them is after a while my ears feel sore. The padding could be better.
For me, every headphone requires an accommodation to its sound signature. I've owned and then sold-off a number of headphones over the years. I kept my Grado RS-1s and Sennheiser HD 600s over some more expensive cans.
Both allow me to forget about the equipment and involve myself with the music. The Grado puts me "on the stage" and it is my go to headphone most of the time. The Sennheiser seats me a few rows back.
I agree with you about the sore ears with Grado, but the ear pads will become more comfortable over time.
@@trollbuster9834 that's exactly correct. Grado's on stage and Sennheisers a few rows back.
I have loads of headphones and some Grados are in there too. However, as much as I "get" the Grado sound, nothing below the RS2s did it for me. I was underwhelmed by the overall presentation of 325s when I had them so sold them pretty quickly. I took the risk of buying the GS1000s and PS1000s and that was it. I am never selling them.
today i was thinking between buyin 80s and 225e and in the end bought 80s 225 are much more detailed but 80s are more sensitive 99.8 dcb and i could notice that, i wanted them both lol
Steve, went into a fairly high end shop years back and was hooked up with Grado Prestige
325,s a $200 DAC and a nice CD player. Afterwards, I argued with the salesman that it must be a SACD player and was shot down. IN FLAMES ;) . Anyway, he put on DARK SIDE OF THE MOON. The hair on my neck literally STOOD UP and a shiver went thru me...
I, as most of the world, have listened to this album, CD, mp3, WAV, FLAC etc. hundreds of thousands of times. But when the bells and chimes kicked in, it actually scared me! I heard sounds I NEVER KNEW were in that album!
That includes the DIRECT TO DISC RECORD! Back in the day, of course...
Just thought I would jump in with that story. Sorry if I drew it out too long...
john matson i Also tested my grado with dsotm awesome just awesome
@@andreasleonlandgren3092 Which model do you own?
I feel ya bro. SR 225 + DSOTM = ecstasy.
@@sbornot2b are u running a DAC in between?
Grado fan from the UK here.... I own the SR80e, SR125e and SR325is (and some iGrados as well). My only issue is the L Cushion pads on the 325is are not as comfortable as the S Cushions.... I tried some Sennheiser HD414 yellow pads recently on the 325is and they sounded great and were far more comfortable for longer sessions. I agree they are the most "Live" sounding headphones I own (I also have Beyer DT1990 pro and 1770 pros, AKG K712pro and Sennheiser HD660s and I love them all) ... Would love to own some wooden Grados too (GH2?)
Probably the headphone most resembling horn sound is the Beyer DT-48 series.
I've got Rs2e...Luv em.
The Grado sound is akin to Coca Cola. It is the best kept secret of audiophilia. Grados are the best sounding headphones in the world. That's just me. But I stand by this. And I auditioned a number of headphones in varying prices. Pound for pound (or dollar per dollar), they are the best. Oh and by the way, live sound is in your face. It is neither soft nor lifeless. Just like the Grado house sound, it is very much alive!
I love grados and just bought Klipsch bookshelves! I need to power them and I don't know what to do for a budget entry level amp for the Klipsch r-51m
I'm with you on the Grado sound. The whole line sounds live. But their hot, direct firing brightness gives me tinnitus. Whereas my old Stax are just as good, but in a different way, without the fatigue.
I love my sr80e, I'm hoping to upgrade to the 225 or 325 very soon
Should test the Philips Fidelio X2HR.
I just bought the Grado GW100 Bluetooth which has surprisingly nice lows for an open headphone.
PS----they really sound great paired with IFI hip dac and Little Bear B4 X--- a simple yet powerful sort of portable sort of tube amp.
I have a pair of GRADO speakers built by Joseph Grado back in the early '60s. I wish that I could say they have horns, but they don't.
Horns are fun what's not to like?
SR80i - the only stereo components that I have never wanted to change
Love my SR325is phones...... Just ordered some new L Pads too as the old ones were starting to get a bit squashed/tired... Looking forward to getting them sounding tip top once again!!! Really tempted to buy a set of SR80e to try!!!
Do you think you've lost some hearing sensitivity in the upper frequencies as you got older? Could this be why you're liking horns and other speakers/headphones that others find "harsh"?
Harshness is usually due to peaks in the treble. You can EQ them down, or with speakers change the room placement or add curtains etc. With headphones there are some good acoustic foam strips that can be added to the earcups, like Shure makes.
I know I haven't. At age 51, I cannot tolerate harsh or metallic, screechy highs and mids in any headphones. I think my hearing is still pretty solid.
Had a pair of the SR60 years ago. Great sound for the price but after 2 years, one of the sides lost audio signal. Unfortunately, the problem was due to the design. The left/right cans allow for 360 degree swivel and after lots of twisting due to use, it wears down the cable which causes breakage at the Y-joint where the left and right wires meet. In simple terms, the cable goes bad and there’s no way to replace it. Since then, I swore to never buy a Grados headphones again.
I have a Grado headphone case where the earcups fold flat. So I take the headphone out and put it on my ears to listen, then when I'm done I return it to the case exactly like I took it out. That way the cable never twists.
Bit of a late comment, I know, but I think the cheaper Grado SR series headphones are amazing for the price. I use headphones in two locations, and I went for SR80 and SR125. The SR125 is that bit more refined, but the SR80 is very impressive too. I think they're both excellent value.
Steve, just plug those Grado SR225i headphones into an NAD amp and enjoy the best sound for the rest of your life. That's what I did about 10 years ago and I will never need anything else. I am completely happy and always will be.
Would you mind giving me the exact model number of the amp? I am buying used 225 from a friend and I would like to match it with an amp that would work great with it.
While I'm sure your set up works for you, there are others too and a few may change your mind about what "perfect" sounds like. But you will never know until you have tried.
The Grado SR-80 was my first step into audiophilia. I eventually owned the RS-2 and the PS500e. I eventually sold them for more subtle, nuanced headphones but I really do miss the sound.
My headphone odyssey started with Grado SR60s. Now I wish I'd coughed up the extra 20 bucks for the 80s. But the 60's were enough to get me hooked. Now I've added Monoprice M1060s and Sennheiser HD700s to the inventory, and the Grado's get used less. But they still surprise me with how well they reveal transients and atmospheric information. Just a little less refined than the other two.
I've been using a pair of sr125 for around 18 months now and find them to sound accurate. My only gripe is that the headband is tight - It's like sticking my head in a vice so I can only cope with about an hour wearing them max. I thought they would loosen off with time but they haven't.
Who else noticed Steve's vintage pair of GRADO RS-1 headphones with buttons?
Funny thing. I bought my first set of headphones for 44 years. Grado Hemps. Thought a set of Grado's for my only/first was probably not recommended. Just that they are supposedly a short-term offering. And they have had great reviews. And then I find this review recommending a Grado above the 60s.
Any thoughts about the Alessandro line of Grados? I've listened extensively to the MS2s; with a cheap Bravo V2 tube amp, they sound glorious.
80se. I love them.
80e is pretty good but too bright for metal music. I prefer koss porta pros fun, fast, warm allround sound
I bought a set of Stax electrostatic headphones back around 1975 & loved them. When they finally died I bought some Grados loved the sound but twice had problems with intermittent cable connections at the phones- not the jack end. Maybe just bad luck. no other commenters mentioned this ptoblem
Hi Steve. I have recently started watching your videos, and I really like it. Thanks for the awesome info, reviews, suggestions and advices! 👍 Greetings from Edmonton, Alberta - Canada!
Just bought grado sr80x...you were absolutely right...for jazz great headphones!
hey steve Grados sr225e or Sennheiser momentum 2.0?
had the sr80s they had a unique pleasing sound when they weren't shrill. I'll probably get another pair when my ears are older.
This reflects my experience exactly.
You should listen to alessandro version. I have the ms-pro and love it to bits.
I just made a move this morning on a pair of sr225x. I hope they perform as good as everybody says they do.
Wait that t-shirt.. Is that what I think it is?
My take, from owning a pair of Grado SR80x, quite lightweight headphones, good strong cable, adjustable. They don't have anything too fancy on the outside. Having owned a lot of headphones over the years, I have made peace with myself that on-ear headphones are not my thing, my ears go numb / hurt in less than 30min, that doesn't happen with these SR80x, they do not compress your ears, but after listening to one album (about 50 min/1h) I can't stand them on, they become uncomfortable and that's a big downside for me. I don't know if there are pads I can switch to become over-the-ear. I personally think that the comfort for me is very important. Yes they do sound "enlightening", specially if you never owned anything considered hi-fi. For $100-$120, yes, they do come on the cheapest side, it may be a good introduction to hi-fi for many. But these are headphones to keep at home and at home I want to be comfortable, no pain or aches. I have a pair of Sennheiser HD800 which are my go-to headphones to be relaxed, comfortable and be analytical. My go-to all-around headphones for every day, 8-12h hours constant use are Bose QC35 (including travelling etc) - I can wear them for hours on end, always comfortable and no aches.
If I had to compare these one the same price range, I'd have to compare them with the Austrian Audio HI-X15, over the ear and closed headphones, which I can withstand for as long as the Bose QC35.
If I have to compromise on sound quality for comfort I will, there's nothing worse than having to stop because your ears hurt.
I understand that we are all different, so this is my personal opinion on Grado, they sound good, they are not comfortable to wear on my ears and I wish I had the option to have over-the-ear pads - if that's a thing let me know, I'd be glad to try.
Ok, I caught the PELTOR hearing protection on that video unit... Those are the newest ones with the polished black shells. We have them at our shop! What might you use them for Steve..... NYC traffic' (like those horns that we hear honkin' in your videos ? (O:
I just listen to Spotify at 320 kbps but enjoy my RS2e with the large ear pads, a Dragonfly Red DAC, and a FiiO E12 portable amp with its bass boost turned on. It’s so airy yet tight and punchy in the low end without loss of any mid and high details. Nothing fancy but sounds amazing to me.
you should use tidal over spotify - it goes up to 10,000 kbps
Contemplating upgrading from Grado SR225e to the Hemp (in part chasing better bass presence). Worth it???
Listening to this through my SR60 e headphones. My SR80s are at home. My only problem with Grados would be the non replaceable cable. For reasons I won't go into, I share my life with a rabbit. She chews on things, so I have learned to bunny-proof my space but I got lazy last week and she snipped the cord on my SR80s; I was able to splice the wires back together but I would prefer the ability to replace the cables.
At least you don't have a trophy wife that "chews through" your Gold card! Or maybe you do....