Grado Labs SR80 headphones are a step up from the SR60, the basic model in the Grado Prestige Series. Even though it is just one step up, however, the SR80 is a vast improvement over the already well-performing SR60. The differences were like night and day, and the slightly increased price tag is well worth the improvement.

The SR80 headphones have the same basic features of the SR60 model. It has an open design, copper voice coil, 20-20 frequency response, and 32 ohm impedance. Additionally, they both house the exact same drivers. Why, then, the huge increase in performance? It all has to do with the connecting cable and the ear cushions. The SR80 adds a 4-conductor cable with gold-plated contacts. The circular ear cushions are slightly larger than those of the SR60, but the increase in size translates to improved sound imaging. The downside is that the larger ear cushions do nothing to improve comfort. The cushions are slightly abrasive and the headband continues to wear on the nerves with long use.

The trade of comfort for quality of sound more than makes up the difference for most listeners. The high-range is impressive, but it is the mid-range and bass that has created Grado’s loyal following. Grado headphones are known for their superior mid-range sound reproduction. This range is used primarily in the guitar-based music of rock and country, so it is important to many modern music fans. The bass on the SR80 is also greatly improved over the SR60. No matter if the music is soft and soothing or loud and head-banging, the Grado SR80 headphones deliver it all as it was meant to be heard. Part of this sound quality is due to the open design. The fault of the open design, however, is that it does not contain the sound. Mid-volume to high-volume music will be heard by everyone around you.

The Grado SR80 headphones are a perfect choice for a home stereo system or home theater. The sound quality is perfect for both full-tone music and movies. They perform slightly less spectacularly on a portable music player. For a portable device, the SR60 still holds a slight edge. Many users reported buying the SR80 simply for its retro style and affordable price tag. What they got in return was much more than they were expecting. All-in-all, it is hard to go wrong with this set of cans.

Although Grado Labs has been in business for over 50 years, in many ways they have just come into their own very recently. Notwithstanding, Grado Labs has some of the best headphones available. Grado Labs is a family business that started in Brooklyn, NY in 1953 by Joseph Grado. Joseph began the business by putting together $2,000 and producing phonograph cartridges on the kitchen table of the family home. He soon moved the business into the same building as his father’s grocery. This location remains the headquarters of Grado Laboratories.

After success in the phono cartridge industry, Joseph expanded to turntables, wooden tonearms, and speakers. Grado tonearms are of such high quality that the company claims they still receive buyer inquiries thirteen years after being discontinued. Joseph began development high-quality headphones in the late 1980s. The first Grado Signature Series headphones were one of the best available at the time, and the first to be called true audiophile-quality headphones.

Joseph Grado’s nephew John began working for his uncle when he was just twelve years old. He began by sweeping floors, but after learning about electronics in high school, began to take more of an interest in the technical aspects of the business. John Grado is now president of Grado Labs and he is responsible for spearheading the Prestige Series of headphones that went on to win more awards than any other single line of headphones in the world. The Prestige Series includes five models: Grado Labs SR60, SR80, SR125, SR225, and SR325 Headphones. Again, Grado became responsible for producing the some of the best headphones available. The Prestige Series offers listeners the best sound quality in their price range.

John Grado also led Grado Labs in production of two new high end lines of headphones: the Reference Series and the Statement Series. Grado reports that their RS1 and GS1000 models are in such demand that they are almost continually on back order.

In 2009 Grado Labs updated all three of their award winning headphone lines to birth the i versions of each series. Every model from the SR60 to the GS1000 has been improved, offering even better sound quality than before. At the same time, a new series, the Professional Series, was released. This line of headphones introduced a metal/wood hybrid as one of the best headphones available in the world. Each series continues to win awards and please listeners worldwide.

Offered by Grado Labs, a company known for its superior headphones, the iGrado Headphones are lightweight headphones designed specifically to complement the variety of MP3 players and other devices on the portable electronics market. The iGrado Headphone is a lightweight, stylish, well-designed headphone with enough street style and quality performance to outmatch any other headphone in its class.

The iGrado Headphones are built on the same technology as the other Grado Company headphones specifically the Grado SR60 model, using the same driver as the SR60. This gives the iGrado headphone superior performance and clarity that makes them far and above other competitor’s headphones for use with portable devices such as an iPod or Zune.

The iGrado offers tonal balance by providing the best sound at the higher frequency levels as well as reproduction of the midrange frequencies without any distortion or compression. Whether you’re listening to hard rock, jazz, hip hop, or classical music with the iGrado Headphones, the sound will be rendered in a manner that is superior and crystal clear. The sounds from the headphones are natural and uncomplicated. On the low end, the iGrado Headphones produced very good bass tones. The headphones provide less sound leakage that is often commonplace with many opened-back headphones. Overall, the iGrado Heaphones provide greater clarity that most headphones in its price class.

The Grado Labs iGrado Headphones feature a vented diaphragm that allows it to produce the wide range of bass sounds. The UHPLC copper voice coil wire and UHPLC copper connecting cord produces the clearest transmission and lowest coloration possible. It’s one Designed with a plastic headband that fits behind your neck and over the top of your ears, the compact iGrado Headphones with their stylish design are a great value at their suggested price of $49.99. The headphones, despite being made of plastic and lightweight, feel solidly built. This goes back to the quality and care that Grado Labs put into all their products. They are also comfortable with ear pads that are not clunky or heavy. With great styling, performance, and functionality, the iGrado Headphones live up to the reputation of products developed by the well-respected Grado Labs. For those looking for lightweight headphones, the iGrado Headphones can’t be beat.

The Grado Labs GS1000 headphones are an audiophile’s dream come true. John Grado has been respected for years for producing high-quality headphones, and this product lives up to that reputation. Now with his latest GS1000i (the “i” stands for “improved”) he is sure to pick up a new generation of followers.
Like previous Grado headphones, the GS1000i has the classic wood body headphone, handcrafted Mahogany to be exact, which is reminiscent of the old hi-fi days. This is not only for looks but also for the distinct full-bodied sound quality it provides. From Jagger to Chikofsky, your favorite music will be enhanced beyond your imagination. The large circumaural earpads provide space around the ears thus creating a large soundstage that gives a live-concert feel. They also make the GS1000i one of the most comfortable headphones on the market. Keep in mind they may need a little “burn-in” time to allow the cushions to equelize.

The GS1000 headphones provide the sound quality one would expect from a Grado. You will experience detailed presentation, a smooth top end, deep bass, and tight, non-fatiguing music. Rich full-bodied vocals clearly stand out from the instrumental accompaniment It is truly the next best thing to a live performance. Now with the new conductor cable, made of ultra-high purity, long-crystal copper, and the upgraded dynamic transducers you will find improved stability and control of the upper and lower frequency ranges. Rediscover your favorite sounds and savor the detail and clarity. Note that these “cans” are not meant for compressed files. They are best experienced with lossless downloads and an amplifier.

While being one of the larger and more expensive headphones on the market, the audio adventure you’ll receive from the Grado Labs GS1000 headphones is well worth it. While you won’t have the crowd-surfing and smoky ambiance common to some live performances, you will have the sound quality experience without having to buy the ticket.