Grado SR80
Grado’s classic entry open-back: forward, lively, and unmistakably Grado. A bright, energetic take on the budget reference.
Our take
The SR80 is fast and forward with a bright, present top end and surprisingly punchy midbass for an open on-ear. It is not neutral and does not pretend to be. It is fun and revealing, and a little treble EQ tames the peaks if they get hot.
Measured on a Head Acoustics HMS II.3 artificial head — raw response, left/right averaged, normalized to 0 dB at 1 kHz. From the Sonic Temple Archive(2008–2014, one unit per model). Honest limits: seating variance runs ±0.4 dB in the mids to ±3.9 dB above 12 kHz, and open headphones read bass-light on this fixture — don’t read fine treble detail as settled. How we measure →
Common questions
Straight answers — the same ones our measurements support.
Does the Grado SR80 need an amp?
No. At 32 Ω and sensitive, it runs loud and clean off a phone dongle or laptop. An amp changes nothing about its character.
Is the Grado SR80 bright?
Yes, a forward upper midrange and treble are the Grado signature. Some love the energy; a couple dB of treble EQ calms it if it is too much.
SR80 vs SR60 vs SR125?
Small steps in the same voicing; the 80 is the value sweet spot most people land on.
If you like the SR80
Close on the graph, or a deliberate step in one direction.