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Grado SR80e Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£120
Avg. price in US: ~$100
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Grado SR80e review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

3.3

Poor

3.3

Poor

?

2.1
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
1.6
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
7.3
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
2.7
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
4.3
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
7.3
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

N/A~ £120

Best rankings

#1066 in Best Wired Headphones
#1748 in Best Headphones with Mic

Verdict

The Grado SR80e is a handcrafted, open-back on-ear headphone featuring 40mm dynamic drivers, a frequency response of 20Hz–20kHz, 32-ohm impedance, and a sensitivity of 99.8dB, making it exceptionally easy to drive from portable devices. It is celebrated for its 'Signature Grado Sound,' characterized by a vivid, forward midrange and sparkling treble detail that excels with rock and acoustic genres. While it offers tight, punchy bass and a spacious soundstage for its price, notable cons include a lack of deep sub-bass extension, potentially piercing or fatiguing highs for sensitive listeners, and a retro plastic build with a non-detachable cable that provides virtually no noise isolation.

Technical Specifications of Grado SR80e

Overall score

3.3

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?

Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

2.7

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

2.8

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A

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Connectivity

6.2

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

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Features

2.7

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

1.0

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

7.2

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Grado

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

on-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

open-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Grado SR80e vs the average headphone

Why is Grado SR80e better than the average headphone?

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Direct 3.5 mm plug
Grado SR80e includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.
Importance: MEDIUM
Grado SR80e includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
40.2% lower weight
Grado SR80e is lighter than the average headphone (130.4 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Grado SR80e is lighter than the average headphone (130.4 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.130.4 g vs 218 g
1.9 lower clamp force
Grado SR80e has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.4 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.
Importance: MEDIUM
Grado SR80e has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.4 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.2.4 vs 4.3
Open-back design
Grado SR80e uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.
Importance: MEDIUM
Grado SR80e uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
0.63 m more useful cable length
Grado SR80e offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (1.8 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.
Importance: LOW
Grado SR80e offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (1.8 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.1.83 m vs 1.2 m
40.2% lower weight
Grado SR80e is lighter than the average headphone (130.4 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
1.9 lower clamp force
Grado SR80e has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.4 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
Open-back design
Grado SR80e uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
0.63 m more useful cable length
Grado SR80e offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (1.8 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Grado SR80e includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Why is Grado SR80e worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Grado SR80e has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
Tangle-prone cable
Grado SR80e uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
No travel bag
Grado SR80e does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
No passive noise reduction
Grado SR80e does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Grado SR80e has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
2.2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Grado SR80e has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (99.8 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
10.2 dB lower max SPL
Grado SR80e has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (99.8 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
1 fewer microphones
Grado SR80e has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Grado SR80e does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No passive noise reduction
Grado SR80e does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.
Importance: MEDIUM
Grado SR80e does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
No voice assistant support
Grado SR80e does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.
Importance: LOW
Grado SR80e does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Grado SR80e has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.
Importance: MEDIUM
Grado SR80e has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Grado SR80e has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Grado SR80e has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
2.2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Grado SR80e has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (99.8 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Grado SR80e has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (99.8 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.99.8 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
27% worse value for money
Grado SR80e has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.30 vs 6.736).
What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Grado SR80e has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.30 vs 6.736).5.3 vs 6.74
1 fewer microphones
Grado SR80e has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2
Grado SR80e has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
4.65x less popular
Grado SR80e is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Grado SR80e is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Grado SR80e and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Grado SR80e?

Exceptional midrange clarity and detail retrieval for the price point
Lively, energetic sound signature ideal for rock, jazz, and classical music
Wide and natural soundstage due to the open-back design
Lightweight and breathable build, preventing ear heat during long sessions
Highly customizable with a large community dedicated to 'modding' pads and cables
Excellent value for money, often outperforming more expensive rivals in raw detail

What customers dislike about Grado SR80e?

Significant sound leakage and zero noise isolation; unsuitable for commuting or office use
Thick, heavy, and non-detachable cable that can feel cumbersome and prone to tangling
Polarizing comfort; stock foam 'S-cushions' can feel scratchy or cause ear fatigue
Noticeable 'shouty' peak in the upper midrange (around 2kHz) that can be tiring
Lacks deep sub-bass impact, making it less suitable for EDM or bass-heavy genres
Utilitarian, plastic-heavy build quality that some users find 'flimsy' or cheap

Expert reviews

homestudiobasics.com

28/11/2025

Grado Labs SR80e Review – Truly POINTLESS Headphones

The Grado Labs SR80e is an open-back, dynamic headphone that delivers a lively, highly detailed, and liquid sound signature with excellent transient response and tight bass. It excels at handling fast, instrument-heavy genres like rock, progressive metal, and classical music, and offers surprisingly decent comfort over short sessions due to its lightweight polymer build and soft...Read more

matduggan.com

14/04/2021

GRADO SR80e Headphone Review

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audiophile-heaven.com

20/05/2020

Rock On - Grado SR80e On-Ear Headphones Review

The Grado SR80e on-ear headphones are a retro-styled, entry-level, open-back pair priced at 100 USD. The Audiophile Heaven review highly praises their exceptional value, build quality, and outstanding technical performance, specifically noting that their clarity, dynamics, and impactful sound rival many headphones in the 200 USD price bracket. The sonic profile strongly emphasizes a...Read more

audiostance.com

21/04/2020

GRADO SR80E Headphones Review

The Grado SR80E is an affordable, retro-inspired, open-back headphone handmade in Brooklyn, New York, that prioritises high-quality audio engineering over flashy packaging. It features a lightweight build with replaceable foam ear pads, a faux-leather headband, and metal prongs that adapt easily to the wearer's head. Functionally, its 32-ohm impedance allows it to run efficiently...Read more

rtings.com

19/09/2018

Grado SR80e/SR80 Headphones Review

The Grado SR80e/SR80Go are open-back, on-ear headphones designed for a neutral, audiophile-focused sound, characterized by a well-balanced mid-range, accurate vocals, and decent bass response. Their lightweight, non-fatiguing design provides good comfort for stationary listening, though they are limited by mediocre build quality and a lack of, or very high, audio leakage. However,...Read more

whathifi.com

08/10/2018

Grado SR80e review - What Hi-Fi?

The Grado SR80e is a unique pair of open-back, on-ear wired headphones that delivers exceptional audio performance for its budget-friendly price point of roughly £89 to £100. Sporting a retro "radio-operator" design with a synthetic leather-effect headband and chunky plastic earcups, these headphones prioritise sound quality over flashy premium aesthetics. Their open-back...Read more

majorhifi.com

16/03/2018

Grado SR80e vs Sennheiser HD 559 Comparison Review

The Grado SR80e and Sennheiser HD 559 are distinct $99 open-back headphones, with the SR80e offering an energetic, detailed sound ideal for acoustic and vocal genres, while providing excellent resolution, an airy soundstage, and forward mids. However, its drawbacks include a lack of heavy sub-bass and a bright, potentially fatiguing treble. Conversely, the HD 559 provides a warm,...Read more

head-fi.org

24/10/2014

Grado Labs SR80e | Headphone Reviews and Discussion

The Head-Fi community review highlights the Grado Labs SR80e as an exceptional, budget-friendly, on-ear headphone featuring a vibrant, forward, and detailed sound profile. It is praised for superior midrange clarity, impressive dynamic impact, and excellent imaging for its price point. Head-Fi.orgHowever, the SR80e is noted for having a fatiguing, treble-forward sound that can be...Read more

headfonia.com

28/10/2014

GRADO SR80E: The Evolution

The Headfonia review of the Grado SR80eGo identifies the open-back headphones as a successful, budget-friendly audio component featuring a firm, deep bass extension, detailed treble, and a signature midrange that dominates the soundstage. Key strengths highlighted include an exceptionally lightweight, comfortable design for long listening sessions and a tangle-free, non-microphonic...Read more

reviewed.com

13/08/2014

Grado SR80e Headphones Review

The Grado SR80e open-backed on-ear headphones ($99 MSRP) deliver exceptional, high-fidelity sound quality with a flat, expertly balanced frequency response that highlights delicate musical details across the entire audible spectrum. Hand-assembled in Brooklyn, these durable headphones feature unique polycarbonate materials to lower distortion, rhodium plating to prevent corrosion on...Read more

stereo.de

22/02/2016

Grado SR 80e - Review Results", "Grado SR 80e - Test Results

The Grado SR80eGo, reviewed by Stereo, are praised for an exceptionally vibrant, detailed sound with a forward midrange and energetic treble, ideal for acoustic and rock music. These open-back, on-ear headphones deliver an expansive, natural soundstage, providing a "live" listening experience that surpasses many in its budget price category. However, the design results in...Read more

kopfhoerer.de

26/01/2018

Grado SR80e review on kopfhoerer.de

The Grado SR80e is an open-back, on-ear headphone that serves as an evolutionary update in Grado's Prestige Series. According to the kopfhoerer.de review, its primary pros include a lightweight 150-gram construction and an incredibly lively, engaging sound signature that excels with rock and metal music. It delivers a schlankere (leaner) bass response compared to its smaller...Read more

hifichile.cl

14/11/2015

Comprehensive Review of the Grado Labs SR80e Headphones

The Grado Labs SR80e, as reviewed on the HiFi Chile forum, are praised as a top-tier, budget-friendly open-back headphone offering wide, natural soundstaging and exceptional mid-range clarity for the price point. Key advantages include an incredibly detailed, energetic sound signature that excels with acoustic and vocal tracks, plus efficient performance that does not require...Read more

tnt-audio.com

06/05/2017

Letters to the Editor of TNT-Audio (Audio System Advice with Grado SR80e)

The provided text is a collection of reader letters and editorial replies from the Italian audiophile publication TNT-Audio rather than a single product review. The main discussions focus heavily on analog setups, specifically optimizing turntable performance and diagnosing amplification issues. Multiple readers seek advice on cartridge upgrades for entry-level turntables like the...Read more

estatica.it

22/09/2016

Grado SR80e review

Grado SR80e The Grado SR80e is a unique entry-level, open-back headphone that delivers an exceptionally realistic soundstage, fast transients, and an impressive level of detail across the entire frequency range. It features an admirable linear phase response from 100 Hz to 11 kHz and a durable plastic build with a premium leather-covered aluminum headband. While traditionally...Read more

tomshw.it

14/05/2016

Grado SR80e, great listening headphones at an affordable price

The Tom's Hardware Italia review highlights the Grado SR80eGo as an excellent pair of budget-friendly, open-back headphones that deliver exceptional acoustic performance for just over €100. The primary pros center around its superb sound quality, which features clean, precise audio detailing, well-balanced mids and highs, and present yet non-intrusive bass. Additionally, despite...Read more

afdigitale.it

08/02/2017

Grado SR80e: all the charm of natural sound

The Grado SR80e open-back on-ear headphones are highly praised by AF Digitale for delivering an exceptionally natural, agile, and lively musical presentation that is difficult to beat at its budget price point (list price €169, online around €140). The pros highlighted in the review focus heavily on its superb sound quality, specifically its excellent dynamics, clarity, and detail...Read more

tweakers.net

25/06/2020

Grado SR80E Black - xs4me - Product reviews

The Grado SR80E Zwart headphones receive a highly critical and disappointing evaluation in this user review, earning a low score of 2 out of 5 stars. The reviewer strongly emphasizes that the product is overpriced, arguing that it should cost no more than 50 euros and is at least three times more expensive than it deserves to be. Given that these headphones feature an open-back...Read more

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