{"product_id":"grado-sr80-classic-series-open-back-headphones","title":"Grado SR80 Classic Series Open-Back Headphones","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Grado SR80 is an open-back headphone that runs the same 44mm X2 driver and molded housing as the SR60 but ships with F cushions instead of S. That single change pulls the driver closer to the ear, and Grado's own comparison of the two is direct: greater immediacy and presence, tighter bass, more forward midrange energy and extended high-frequency detail, for fifty dollars more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eKey Features of the Grado SR80\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e44mm X2 Dynamic Driver:\u003c\/b\u003e Mylar diaphragm, copper voice coil and a rare earth magnet system engineered for efficiency and control.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eF Cushions:\u003c\/b\u003e Flatter than the SR60's S cushions, bringing the driver closer to the ear and reinforcing an energetic presentation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eRefined X2 Tuning:\u003c\/b\u003e Grado credits years of listening and feedback with improving balance and clarity while keeping the lively character the SR80 is known for.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eDie-Injection Molded Housing:\u003c\/b\u003e Lightweight and durable, keeping the headphone easy to wear over long sessions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eStandard Headband Assembly:\u003c\/b\u003e Padded synthetic headstrap over a steel spring band you bend by hand to set clamping pressure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eBronze Cable:\u003c\/b\u003e Grado's fixed-configuration cable, balancing durability with dependable signal performance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eOpen-Back Architecture:\u003c\/b\u003e Lets the music breathe rather than sealing it in, producing the spacious presentation the range is built on.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e20Hz to 20kHz Response:\u003c\/b\u003e 38 ohms nominal, 98 dB at 1mW, so a phone or laptop output will drive it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eAssembled in Brooklyn, New York:\u003c\/b\u003e Built in the same building the Grado family has owned since 1918.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eThe X2 Driver Behind the Classic Series\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the center of the SR80 is Grado's 44mm X2 dynamic driver, built around a Mylar diaphragm, a copper voice coil and a rare earth magnet system engineered for efficiency and control. Grado says the X2 platform carries refined tuning developed through years of listening and feedback, improving balance and clarity while preserving the lively character that has long defined the SR80.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe driver is matched channel to channel within 0.1 dB, the same tolerance Grado specifies for the SR60. Tighter matching, at 0.05 dB, is what the SR325 adds further up the line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/sr80-inline-02.jpg?v=1788460712\" alt=\"Grado SR80 open-back headphones, front view with both driver grilles facing camera\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:1000px;height:auto;border-radius:12px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eF Cushions: The Change From the SR60\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe SR80 ships with Grado F cushions, which are flatter than the S cushions fitted to the SR60. Sitting flatter brings the driver closer to the ear, and Grado is specific about the result: compared with the SR60, the SR80 delivers greater immediacy and presence, with tighter bass response, more forward midrange energy and extended high-frequency detail. The driver, the housing and the cable are otherwise identical between the two models.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrado treats cushions as a tuning element in their own right, sold separately so owners can experiment. Moving between S, F, L and G cushions changes the driver-to-ear distance and shifts tonal balance, which means the SR80 is not locked to the voice it arrives with.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/sr80-inline-04.jpg?v=1788460713\" alt=\"Grado SR80 open-back headphones, one earcup showing the F cushion, one showing the driver grille\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:1000px;height:auto;border-radius:12px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMolded Housing and the Open Back\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe SR80 uses a lightweight die-injection molded housing, the same shell as the SR60, chosen for durability while keeping the headphone comfortable and easy to wear. Stepping up to the SR325 swaps this for precision-machined aluminum, which is the other structural difference across the three models we stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe back of each cup is open. Air moves freely behind the driver rather than being trapped in a sealed cavity, which is what produces the spacious presentation Grado is known for. It also means these leak sound in both directions, so they suit a room of your own rather than a shared office or a commute.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/sr80-inline-03.jpg?v=1788460713\" alt=\"Grado SR80 open-back headphones, side profile of a single earcup with the R marker\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:1000px;height:auto;border-radius:12px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eHeadband, Cable and Fit\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe SR80 uses Grado's standard headband assembly with a padded synthetic headstrap, over a steel spring band. Clamping pressure is set by bending that band by hand, so the fit is adjusted once rather than clicked through detents. The cable is Grado's Bronze design in a fixed configuration, balancing durability with dependable signal performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cable is hard-wired and cannot be detached. That is deliberate across the whole Classic Series: Grado reserves detachable cables for its Signature Line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/sr80-inline-05.jpg?v=1788460714\" alt=\"Grado SR80 open-back headphones, angled view with both earcups turned\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:1000px;height:auto;border-radius:12px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eWhat the Classic Series Changed\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrado introduced the Classic Series, gathering the SR80 together with the SR60, SR325, Hemp, RS1, GS1000 and GS3000 and moving them onto the X2 driver platform. Grado's stated aim was improved consistency, control and refinement, with greater clarity, extension and balance, while preserving the lively presentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cable and headband were reworked at the same time. Grado's newly developed Signature cable design is lighter, softer and more flexible while keeping the traditional hard-wired construction, and the headbands were refined for comfort and long-term durability without changing the familiar look. The Classic Series also consolidated the range: the separate SR125 and SR225 tiers that sat above the SR80 in the previous lineup are gone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eGrado Labs, Three Generations In\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrado Labs has been a family-owned American company since 1953, founded by Audio Hall of Fame member Joseph Grado, who invented the moving coil stereo cartridge and developed the first true high-end dynamic headphone. The company still works out of the Brooklyn building that Pasquale Grado bought in 1918, which started life as the family fruit store.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn Grado took over from his uncles in the early 1990s, having swept the floors of that building as a boy in the 1960s. He handed leadership to his brother Richard in 2023, with Jonathan and Matthew Grado, the third generation, coming up behind them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cstyle\u003e\n.tlr-cmp{margin:18px 0 6px;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-sub{color:#6b6b68;font-size:13.5px;margin:0 0 14px;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-row{border:1px solid #eee;border-radius:8px;padding:12px 14px;margin:8px 0;cursor:pointer;transition:border-color .2s ease;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-row:hover{border-color:#d9c6b3;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-cur{background:#f7f1ec;border:1px solid #ecdcca;border-left:3px solid #a3704d;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-cur:hover{border-left-color:#a3704d;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-name{font-weight:700;color:#2a2b2a;font-size:15px;}\n.tlr-cmp a{text-decoration:none!important;opacity:1!important;color:#2a2b2a;padding-bottom:2px;\n  background-image:linear-gradient(#a3704d,#a3704d),linear-gradient(#cbb9a6,#cbb9a6);\n  background-position:left 100%,left 100%;background-size:0% 2px,100% 1px;background-repeat:no-repeat;\n  transition:background-size .35s ease;}\n.tlr-cmp a:hover{opacity:1!important;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-row:hover .cmp-name a,.tlr-cmp .cmp-name a:hover{background-size:100% 2px,100% 1px;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-youre{font-size:10px;letter-spacing:.06em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#9a8e74;font-weight:700;margin-left:7px;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-price{color:#a3704d;font-weight:700;font-size:13px;margin:2px 0 3px;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-diff{color:#555;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.45;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-verdict{margin:16px 0 4px;font-size:14.5px;line-height:1.5;color:#2a2b2a;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-verdict a{color:#a3704d;font-weight:700;\n  background-image:linear-gradient(#a3704d,#a3704d),linear-gradient(#d8c3ac,#d8c3ac);}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-verdict a:hover{background-size:100% 2px,100% 1px;}\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eWhere the Grado SR80 fits in the Grado Classic Series\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"tlr-cmp\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"cmp-sub\"\u003eThe three Classic Series models The Listening Room stocks, priced low to high. Grado also builds the Hemp, RS1, GS1000 and GS3000 in this series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-name\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/grado-sr60-classic-series-open-back-headphones\"\u003eGrado SR60\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-price\"\u003e$125\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-diff\"\u003eThe entry into the Classic Series. The 44mm X2 driver sits in a die-injection molded housing with Grado's Bronze cable and S cushions, which hold the driver a little further off the ear for a smoother, more relaxed balance.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-row cmp-cur\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-name\"\u003eGrado SR80 \u003cspan class=\"cmp-youre\"\u003eYou're viewing\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-price\"\u003e$175\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-diff\"\u003eThe same X2 driver, molded housing and Bronze cable as the SR60, switched to F cushions. Bringing the driver closer to the ear tightens the bass, pushes the midrange forward and extends the treble.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-name\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/grado-sr325-classic-series-open-back-headphones\"\u003eGrado SR325\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-price\"\u003e$350\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-diff\"\u003eTrades the molded housing for precision-machined aluminum to damp resonance, and tightens driver matching from 0.1 dB to 0.05 dB. Adds the Signature Silver headband with a genuine leather strap and the lighter, more flexible Signature Silver cable.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"cmp-verdict\"\u003eEvery Classic Series headphone runs the same 44mm X2 driver, so stepping up the line buys cushion geometry first, then housing material and tighter driver matching. Browse the full range in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/grado-headphones\"\u003eGrado Headphones\u003c\/a\u003e, or see the cartridges in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/grado\"\u003eGrado\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Listening Room Difference\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on exceptional service and relentless passion for hifi. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don't just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eGrado SR80 Specifications\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTransducer Type\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eDynamic\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOperating Principle\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003eOpen air\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDriver\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e44mm X2 dynamic, Mylar diaphragm, copper voice coil, rare earth magnet system\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFrequency Response\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e20Hz - 20kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSPL at 1mW\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e98 dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eNominal Impedance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e38 ohms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDriver Matched Within\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e0.1 dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHousing\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003eDie-injection molded\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHeadband\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003eStandard assembly, padded synthetic headstrap, steel spring band\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCushions\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003eF cushions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCable\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003eBronze, hard-wired (not detachable)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003eGrado Classic Series\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAssembly\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003eBrooklyn, New York\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Grado","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43120043688032,"sku":"GRADSR80","price":175.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/grado-sr80-side-hero.jpg?v=1788464693","url":"https:\/\/listenroom.com\/products\/grado-sr80-classic-series-open-back-headphones","provider":"The Listening Room","version":"1.0","type":"link"}