Grado Prestige SR80x Open-Back Headphones

The Grado Prestige SR80x is an open-back on-ear headphone with a 44mm X driver, taking the entry class up a notch in foundation compared with the SR60x.

The trade press has given it multiple awards – and yet it remains one of the most unassuming headphones on our shelf.

Why the SR80x?

The 44mm X driver of the Prestige x series works here in a polycarbonate housing with a vinyl headband and a 4-conductor super-annealed copper cable. Compared with the SR60x, Grado shifts the tuning a notch further down: more foundation, a touch more calm, the same Grado character. What Hi-Fi? named it winner of the wired on-ear category between £100 and £200 at the 2022 Awards.

What you get

Mids that come forward without jumping in your face, and a bass with contour rather than volume. The flat S-cushions keep the soundstage close and focused. Rock, pop, singer-songwriter, live recordings: this is where it feels at home.

Who is the SR80x for?

For you if the SR60x feels a touch too lightweight but you still want to stay in the entry range. Straight talk: it isolates nothing, neither in nor out. In the office, your neighbour sits in on the concert with you – this is not a headphone for shared spaces.

Our verdict

If we could only hand someone a single headphone to start with, this would usually be it. The SR80x does nothing wrong and nothing spectacular – and that's exactly what you can live with for years.

Technical data

• Type: Open-back on-ear headphone (Open-Back, dynamic)
• Series: Grado Prestige x
• Driver: 44 mm, Grado X driver
• Frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz
• Sound pressure (1 mW): 98 dB
• Nominal impedance: 38 Ω
• Driver channel matching: 0.1 dB
• Ear cushions: S-cushion (flat)
• Cable: 4-conductor, super-annealed copper, permanently attached
• Housing: Polycarbonate
• Headband: Vinyl
• Connector: 3.5 mm jack, 6.3 mm adapter included
• Manufacturing: Hand-assembled in Brooklyn, NY
• What's included: Headphones, 6.3 mm jack adapter

Frequently asked questions

How much better is the SR80x than the SR60x?

The difference is real but small: a bit more bass foundation, a touch more calm in the mids. Spec-sheet figures, driver, S-cushions and cable are identical. Comparing them side by side, you'll hear the SR80x as the more grown-up of the two – if you only know one, you won't miss any of it.

What award did the SR80x win?

What Hi-Fi? named it winner of the wired on-ear headphones £100 to £200 category at the 2022 Awards and rated it five out of five stars for sound in its review. The magazine called it an insightful, dynamic performer.

Does the SR80x work from a phone?

Yes. A nominal impedance of 38 Ω and 98 dB sound pressure at 1 mW pose no problem – a headphone adapter on your smartphone is all you need. A separate headphone amplifier or DAC brings out more calm, control and dynamics – not required to get started, but worth it later.

Why buy the Grado SR80x from HD Zürisee?

Because we've worked with these headphones since the early days of the Prestige series and know which model suits which music. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil you get Grado from an authorised dealer, plus cushions, cables and amplifiers from one place. Get in touch – phone, email or WhatsApp.

Goes well with

Replacement cushions and extension cables are in our headphone accessories. For the next step: headphone amplifiers, or take a look at our whole headphones range.