Grado SR80e

[drummerman]

Anyone heard this newest line and successor to the 'i'?

New driver, housing and other things, this is reported to be a completely new Grado headphone whilst still somewhat staying true to the house sound (Not my impressions, just some comments from reviewers). Apparently a little warmer, less forward.

I want to treat myself to a new headphone but not spend a fortune. Like sound to be balanced and clear whilst rythmic (I dont like overly warm headphones, reason why I had to mod my Aurvana's).

Source will be laptop and the superb headphone stage of my cyrus.

I've never heard a Grado headphone.

Thanks peeps x

 

[drummerman]

PS. must also say the classic looks appeals (but only good if the sound is liveable with ... )

 

[pauln]

Not heard these but wasn't keen on the 80i's - a tad too strident for me and quite uncomfortable. Have you heard the Beyerdynamic dt880's? Sounds like they might suit your tastes.

 

[dalethorn]

I had the SR325 circa 2001 and the PS500 in 2011. The PS500 was excellent, but I also loved the sound of the SR325 - hifi but not strident. I've read a lot about the lower priced Grados and avoided them due to apprehension about high freq. harshness.

 

[drummerman]

Thanks guys, I'm reading into the Beyers 880's. Lots of options 250ohm ...

Got to say I am intrigued by the often quoted Grado sound and may just order a pair of amazon, just in case I don't like them.

 

[pauln]

Thanks guys, I'm reading into the Beyers 880's. Lots of options 250ohm ...

Got to say I am intrigued by the often quoted Grado sound and may just order a pair of amazon, just in case I don't like them.

600 ohm reputed to be best if your headphone amp is up to it.

Can also be customised:

http://europe.beyerdynamic.com/shop/hah/headphones-and-headsets/at-home/hifi-manufaktur/dt-880-manufaktur.html?options=cart

Maybe nice in candy pink and gold?

 

[JoelSim]

The 250 Ohm would be the best one to go for. The 600 needs a headphone amp, the 250 is better than the 32 with hifi and amps. I don't think you'll be disappointed, truly excellent headphones.

 

[dalethorn]

I ordered the SR325e yesterday, in the new black color. There will be a detailed review when I get it, after B&H opens back up after their 10-day Passover observance and sends it to me.

 

[britain4]

I have had a set of SR80is for a while now. They are modified (silver cable, various other mods to grills and pads) but they sounded stunning to my ears even before the mods, which have made a big collecive improvement - most likely better than the 80es.

I'd be curious to try these new ones but I hope they haven't changed the character too much.

 

[audioaffair]

We got the full Grado range on demo when we refitted our store recently and while the workmen were finishing our headphones bar, we took the opportunity (in the evening when it was quiet!) to compare the latest "e" models to the prior "i" models and even the earlier models (in one case we had a very early pair of SR80 and SR325).

In short, they do sound improved, but importantly, their character is still there. Frankly, there wasnt much to improve on over the older "i" models as theyve always sounded fantastic yet they have managed with an incremental improvement. The biggest improvements we heard were on the SR80e, SR325e and on the GS1000e models, and while we didnt have every iteration of the other older "i" models to hand, we're sure the improvements will be there across the board.

Really nicely as well, the RS models now feature brown leather style headband rather than the black headband of the lower SR models - a cosmetic change only, but a really nice touch which really offsets the RS models as separate from the lower range.

Under £500, the SR80e are still our favourites. For the money you really cant beat them. Above that the SR325e are fantastic, though we've found many customers at this level will happily take the jump to RS2e or even RS1e level to get one of the "reference series" models. Money no object? The guys in store are all still split between either GS1000e and PS1000e with a consensus being it depends on the music and the partnering headphones. For me, its the GS1000e and Sugden HA-4, pure Class A bliss!

 

[Green Bow]

The SR80e is being praised as an incredible headphone. I believe you could not go wrong buying it.

(I have the SR225e playing right now. The SR80/i was always higher rated in its price range, therefor the SR80e has a better starting point.)

I understand those that say the 80i was a little 'strident'. I found fractionally bright, however great upper end detail.

The e-series has tamed the highs across the Grado SR range. It is smoother and clearer, and really just a good as your sound source plays. The overall sound signature is more solid.

However don't be confused into thinking the e-series looses any top end detail. The top end is right the way you want it. Cybmals etc could not be better. I have also added a little sub-bass with an equaliser in the player I use on my PC. It compensates for the slight roll off on the Grado bass in many of the SR range. (The SR60 doesn't roll off.) Check out frequency response of Grado headphones at Headroom.com Build a graph.

If you absolutely dont' want to spend a fortune, the SR60e/80e is the headphone to buy. However the SR125 is a beautiful headphone too, so should not be overlooked. The SR225 is great. However I think the best is clearly the SR325e if you're going into spending more in the SR range.

 

[rich51080]

Alessandro MS2i. Built in conjunction with Grado. Amazing headphones.

 

[GeoffreyW]

I have the MS1 phones, with StoreONE donut pads, and agree they're rather good.

 

[drummerman]

Ok, finally got round to pick a pair of Grado's up (80e).

I am not a headphone expert so can't give umpteen comparisons and my other headphones are either modified by your good-self or so lefty that no-one else has probably heard them so comparisons there are pretty fruitless too.

I have listened to a few other phones whilst picking them up so this may be more helpful; AKG 550 (awfull, like listening through a tube with a very unbalanced sound ... sucked out middles and harsh treble) and AKG Y50 (almost as awful. Flabby bass but better mids/treble) and Grado SR325e (Good but I found some harshness in the low and high treble which the 80e does not have but the 325's have dfferent ear cushions so the difference may well be coming from there. Still obviously better than the other two). Granted, all not very scientific and done very quickly through a CA system. Even so, I thought the Grado SR80e suited my ears/listening habits best of the bunch, even if they'd all cost the same.

I know more about separates/speaker system than headphones so I would sum the Grado's up this way;

If you like the Naim* house sound ie. involving, rythm driven, not to hifi with great attack, smooth mids, an integrated bass and sweet but not super extende treble/soundstage ... you like these.

Also, Valve amplifier afficionados will probably like those; they (SR80e's) make those little micro dynamics which can make music alive stand out without sounding grainy or harsh, just very clear and focused.

If panoramic imaging, sub terranean bass and ultra extended treble are your thing, you should perhaps look elsewhere.

I find them subtle, attacking when the need arises and tonally relatively even. Equally important, bass is lovely textured but taught, punchy and snappy (I really dislike excessive and flabby bass).

I have never heard Grados before and there are a lot of conflicting opinions out there but have to say I am pleasantly surprised.

Fun then

* Whilst waiting for the phones to be picked they had a Naim Mu-so dem in store. I appreciate room acoustics where probably not ideal and it was playing from a Bluetooth stream but it sounded not great to me. The lack of separation was obvious as was the piercing highs and somewhat overwhelming upper bass. - Based on that I would not buy one for 'serious listening' purposes but it sounded somewhat fun and the small'ish size factor is clearly a selling point. - Still, having heard some of the good reviews I have to assume that the sound I heard is mostly down to bad shop acoustics.

 

[dalethorn]

Grado 80e and valves - great combination!

 

[Vladimir]

Well done. I hope you enjoy them immensely. *yes3*

 

[drummerman]

Thanks Vlad and interestingly enough I recently watched your youtube review of the 325 Dale.

They are not perfect of course. They leak sound (expected, there are many online reviews) and clamping force is a little high for my big noggin. Easily enough solved. Build quality, whilst solid, is mostly plastic but the upshot is they are light.

Love the retro look.

 

[fths]

Looks really good! Wish I had the spare change to splurge

 

[dalethorn]

Just a thought here - I've now had 3 of the small Grados, and even some extra earpads, and every earpad was different. The best ones were very comfy, so I'd suggest replacing the un-comfy earpads, or try the washing suggestions to soften them up.

 

[drummerman]

Just a thought here - I've now had 3 of the small Grados, and even some extra earpads, and every earpad was different. The best ones were very comfy, so I'd suggest replacing the un-comfy earpads, or try the washing suggestions to soften them up.

I am not sure if that was directed at me but I find them very comfortable now I've loosened the headband a little. The shop 325 with the bowl pads seemed comfy too.

 

[Vladimir]

Just a thought here - I've now had 3 of the small Grados, and even some extra earpads, and every earpad was different. The best ones were very comfy, so I'd suggest replacing the un-comfy earpads, or try the washing suggestions to soften them up.

I am not sure if that was directed at me but I find them very comfortable now I've loosened the headband a little. The shop 325 with the bowl pads seemed comfy too.

I think what Dale was aiming at was that the bigger more comfortable cups also balance the sound more (mo bass and less harsh mids). Better seal maybe.

 

[drummerman]

Just a thought here - I've now had 3 of the small Grados, and even some extra earpads, and every earpad was different. The best ones were very comfy, so I'd suggest replacing the un-comfy earpads, or try the washing suggestions to soften them up.

I am not sure if that was directed at me but I find them very comfortable now I've loosened the headband a little. The shop 325 with the bowl pads seemed comfy too.

I think what Dale was aiming at was that the bigger more comfortable cups also balance the sound more (mo bass and less harsh mids). Better seal maybe.

Ah, got it.

I actually find nothing harsh about them, quite the opposite. There is a warmth to proceedings which my other phones (or the AKG550 I tried in the shop) dont have. That has been achieved without a bloaty bass or drastically shelved down treble.

Interestingly, I just read a 2014 grouptest in HifiChoice where the Grado (SR125i) was also described as 'punchy, intimate and cosy' plus other things. Corrected, it measured flatest of the group.

This kinda corresponds with what I have found. I'd probably add the adjectives of fast, clear and involving.

Bear in mind, I really don't have many reference points, only my systems (which, in the cyrus's case has also often been described as lean, bright etc., which I really can't identify with what I'm hearing but there you go .

It's most certainly not the worlds best headphone but for me it'll do for the moment.

 

[dalethorn]

Just a thought here - I've now had 3 of the small Grados, and even some extra earpads, and every earpad was different. The best ones were very comfy, so I'd suggest replacing the un-comfy earpads, or try the washing suggestions to soften them up.

I am not sure if that was directed at me but I find them very comfortable now I've loosened the headband a little. The shop 325 with the bowl pads seemed comfy too.

I think what Dale was aiming at was that the bigger more comfortable cups also balance the sound more (mo bass and less harsh mids). Better seal maybe.

The really big Grados are another world, although you have to sit very still with those. But the mid-size, which would include the SR80 up through the RS series and the new GH1 'woodie' (surf talk) can range from really comfy to not, depending on the earpads. I'd hate to think those pads are hit-or-miss variable. I do remember my first SR325 circa 1999-2000 - those pads were OK, but not exactly comfortable.

 

[drummerman]

Just a thought here - I've now had 3 of the small Grados, and even some extra earpads, and every earpad was different. The best ones were very comfy, so I'd suggest replacing the un-comfy earpads, or try the washing suggestions to soften them up.

I am not sure if that was directed at me but I find them very comfortable now I've loosened the headband a little. The shop 325 with the bowl pads seemed comfy too.

I think what Dale was aiming at was that the bigger more comfortable cups also balance the sound more (mo bass and less harsh mids). Better seal maybe.

The really big Grados are another world, although you have to sit very still with those. But the mid-size, which would include the SR80 up through the RS series and the new GH1 'woodie' (surf talk) can range from really comfy to not, depending on the earpads. I'd hate to think those pads are hit-or-miss variable. I do remember my first SR325 circa 1999-2000 - those pads were OK, but not exactly comfortable.

Interesting. I'll probably order a set of bowl pads, more out of curiosity than anything else but in the shop they felt perfectly good (as do the flats, I forget about them after a while). I guess with all those different shaped ears out there it is a nightmare for manufacturers to make something that feels (and sounds) good.

Out of interest, as you have heard probably most phones available what, in your opinion, is the best all-round-valueformoney headset you have?

 

[dalethorn]

Just a thought here - I've now had 3 of the small Grados, and even some extra earpads, and every earpad was different. The best ones were very comfy, so I'd suggest replacing the un-comfy earpads, or try the washing suggestions to soften them up.

I am not sure if that was directed at me but I find them very comfortable now I've loosened the headband a little. The shop 325 with the bowl pads seemed comfy too.

I think what Dale was aiming at was that the bigger more comfortable cups also balance the sound more (mo bass and less harsh mids). Better seal maybe.

The really big Grados are another world, although you have to sit very still with those. But the mid-size, which would include the SR80 up through the RS series and the new GH1 'woodie' (surf talk) can range from really comfy to not, depending on the earpads. I'd hate to think those pads are hit-or-miss variable. I do remember my first SR325 circa 1999-2000 - those pads were OK, but not exactly comfortable.

Interesting. I'll probably order a set of bowl pads, more out of curiosity than anything else but in the shop they felt perfectly good (as do the flats, I forget about them after a while). I guess with all those different shaped ears out there it is a nightmare for manufacturers to make something that feels (and sounds) good.

Out of interest, as you have heard probably most phones available what, in your opinion, is the best all-round-valueformoney headset you have?

Well, here goes my credibility ....

I like the AKG K553, being fairly neutral, a little bland maybe, ehhhh.

The Harman Soho isn't easy to keep on the head when moving around, but still a decent sounding headphone for small and inexpensive, and more hi-fi than the B&W P3.

The Philips SHP9500 is quite good.

The Sennheiser PX100ii is a little dark, but with a small treble boost is very good.