Digital Trends

If you're using an amp and would like to take a slight step up in Grado sound quality from the SR60, try the SR80. They have good sound quality, with good bass, articulate mids and subtle highs. They can be a bit uncomfortable if you don't have Grado's new earpads, but are otherwise well-crafted and lightweight. They can be powered by a portable, but an amp is necessary for higher quality soundThe SR80 use a coarse, densely pored foam earpad that does not cover the driver; this earpad makes a ring around the outer edge of the earpiece and has a cut-out center. Grado has come out with a new, softer earpad, which is much more comfy, that can be purchased separately. The SR80 have a flexible, vinyl-covered headband and metal height adjusters that connect the earpieces to the headband, allowing up and down adjustment plus 360 degree rotation.