Grado Labs SR80

$125.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.0 (3)

1 Critic Review

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Page last updated Mar 16, 2026

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We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated February 3, 2026.

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4.3 (937)

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Average Price: $125

Standard/Professional

$100

$301+

Price Tier

In the Headphones & In-Ear Monitors category, Grado Labs SR80 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Experience sound like never before with the Grado Labs SR80 headphones, a staple in the world of high-fidelity audio. These open-back headphones are designed to deliver exceptional sound clarity and immersive listening, making them a favorite among musicians and audiophiles alike. With a reputation for quality and innovation, Grado Labs has fine-tuned the SR80 to provide an optimal balance of precision and warmth, perfect for both studio and casual listening.

The SR80 boasts an updated driver design, a new polymer housing to reduce distortion, and an improved cable design for enhanced sound transfer. These features come together to offer a listening experience that's both dynamic and detailed. The open-back design allows for an expansive soundstage, ensuring that each note is heard in its truest form. Whether you're mixing tracks or simply enjoying your favorite album, the SR80 delivers consistent performance every time.

The comfortable foam ear cushions and adjustable headband ensure that these headphones can be worn for hours on end, making them ideal for long studio sessions or extended listening periods. Their lightweight construction means you can enjoy your music without the burden of cumbersome gear, while the retro aesthetic pays homage to Grado's rich history in audio engineering.

Key Features:

Open-back design for an expansive soundstage
Updated drivers for enhanced sound clarity
Polymer housing to minimize distortion
Improved cable design for better sound transfer
Comfortable foam ear cushions and adjustable headband
Lightweight construction for long listening sessions

Videos

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Jason T Lewis

AMAZING SOUND: Grado SR80 "Audiophile" Headphone Review

Jason T Lewis

Grado Prestige Series SR80 headphone review and SPL dB test

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Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional instrument separation and soundstage for immersive listening
Detailed and accurate mids and highs reveal new musical nuances
Lightweight design enhances comfort for extended use
No amplifier needed; easily driven by standard devices
Improved padded headband enhances comfort compared to previous models
Durable, thick cable with woven sheathing adds structural integrity
Surprisingly good bass response for open-back design
Made in the USA, supporting local manufacturing
Offers excellent value for money with audiophile-level sound
Effective for a wide range of music genres with improved sound balance

CONS

Glossy plastic construction feels less durable than competitors
Open-back design leaks sound, unsuitable for public spaces
Foam earpads can cause discomfort during long sessions
Headband padding may separate with time
Susceptible to "Grattle" due to hair debris in earpads

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Grado Labs SR80.

Mods and upgrades

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Swapping to Gekiria G cushions enhances soundstage and imaging, providing a "movie theater" experience, while increasing comfort compared to stock earpads.
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Bending the headband can adjust clamp force for comfort, particularly useful for users with varying head sizes or those who wear glasses.
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Geekria and AliExpress offer affordable pad alternatives that can significantly alter the sound signature while maintaining Grado's characteristic forward mids.
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The "quarter trick" involves cutting out the padding in the middle to slightly enhance the soundstage, according to some users.
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Comparisons

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The Grado SR80x offers clearer highs than the HD 650 and a more enjoyable midrange than the HD 560s, although HD 560s have better sub-bass.
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The SR80x is noted for having a more lively and flavorful sound compared to the DT990, with better mids, despite both having a similar sound profile.
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Users describe Grado headphones as providing a "liveness" similar to classic Altec Lansing or Klipsch La Scala speakers, distinguishing them from more refined but less vibrant alternatives.
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Features and functionality

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The SR80x's soundstage and imaging transform significantly with bowl-shaped foam pads, enhancing immersion in gaming without the need for surround software.
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User experience

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The Grado SR80x is described as brighter and warmer than previous models, offering more bass with less treble harshness compared to older Grado headphones.
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Owners appreciate the SR80x's ability to enhance vocals and instrument clarity, especially when listening to live recordings like Allman Brothers at Fillmore and Jimi Hendrix.
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For users who prefer a punchy bass, the SR80x delivers presence without overwhelming, making it suitable for those not focused on bass-heavy genres.
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Owners transitioning from stereo setups find the SR80s deliver a more compelling musical experience, even converting some to dedicated headphone use.
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Build quality

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The SR80x features a heavy, non-detachable wire that conveys quality, despite the plastic build, providing a satisfactory overall construction.
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Use cases and applications

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These headphones excel in video calls, allowing users to hear themselves better due to the open-back design, enhancing communication clarity.
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Some owners find the SR80s bring entire albums and specific genres to life, offering a unique listening experience not replicated by other headphones.
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Critic Reviews

Grado SR80 Review

audio-head.com

The Grado SR80 headphones offer an enticing entry into high-fidelity sound at a budget-friendly price. They excel in delivering a lively listening experience, particularly for rock and fast-paced genres, with a pleasing soundstage due to their open-back design. While the treble is prominent, it’s generally well-balanced with mids and lows, though bass extension is somewhat limited compared to more expensive models. The vintage design might divide opinions, but the lightweight and comfortable fit are universally appealing. However, significant sound leakage makes them unsuitable for quiet environments. Overall, the SR80s are a fun, detailed choice for those looking to explore the Grado sound without breaking the bank.

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Patrick Alavi

Singer, Guitarist

Verified via Photo

There you can see a modified Version of the SR 80

EMBRZ

Music Producer

Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "EMBRZ - Sunrise Set in Austin, TX" by This Never Happened, EMBRZ can be seen wearing Grado Labs SR80 headphones. A clear view of the headphones, particularly the earcups and details, is visible at 2:39 into the video.