Quality headphones are essential to musicians, video game players, artists, and music lovers alike. Not only does the sound determine the quality of them, but also the construction and features that comprise them, such as material, cord length, microphone options, volume control, and so on. While there are many different types of headphones, ranging from in ear buds to over ear headsets, true quality and clarity of sound is the main goal when purchasing headphones for your personal needs. Within this review, two headsets are compared in terms of quality, style, and overall customer satisfaction.
For those not familiar with the brand, Grado has been producing quality, high-frequency, handmade headphones in Brooklyn, NY since the 1970s. Their business hasn’t relied on advertisements or endorsements to gain customers, but instead by word of mouth from satisfied, returning customers. Unlike their competitors, Grado offers individually made headphones, and not mass produced items sold in regular retail stores. In addition to the unique craftsmanship, each product comes with a warranty or a free repair.
Grado Prestige Series SR80e Headphones
The first set of headphones boast superb quality of sound and throwback design, all while maintaining a modest but accurate price against its competitors. With a standard dynamic transducer and perfectly tuned bass energy, this set aims to please those who seek a natural and toned sound experience. Classical and jazz genres are especially catered to with this headphone unit, as it allows high pitches to be heard clearly and low frequencies to go on smoothly. Listeners will also notice the larger size of the set, as well as the comfortable, on ear design.
Features Include:
- Frequency response of 20 – 20,000 Hz
- 32 ohms
- Open Air operation
- Vinyl head strap
- Vintage design
- Handmade in the USA
Cons
Unfortunately, many users are not aware of the open air design, which allows background noise to leak in and disrupt the listener’s experience. These headphones are not noise cancelling or tight fitting. Users that wish to eliminate ambient noise should not invest in any open air designed set.The overall look of these headphones might be viewed as dated, considering the head strap is embossed vinyl and the accessorizing is plain, silver metal. There is no volume control dial or microphone.
Grado Prestige Series SR60e Headphones
Much like the previous set, these SR60e Grado headphones offer listeners crisp, high frequency sound without the burden of static or unleveled toning. This particular set costs much less than its predecessor (and most competitors) and carries with it very similar features. It’s also redesigned with solid plastic and less bulk. Those who prefer a lighter feeling headset might prefer this particular item if regular, on ear headphones are uncomfortable to wear.
Features Include:
- Frequency response of 20 – 20,000 Hz
- 32 ohms
- Open Air operation
- Realistic sound
- Virtually no transient distortions
- Vintage Design
- Handmade in the USA
Cons
The only downside to this set is also the open air design. The main function of these headphones is to produce amazing sound, not to drown it out. Users may find the plastic construction of the headphones to be lighter and cheaper in comparison to the SR80e, and in turn may find that to be unsatisfying in terms of physical quality and durability.These headphones are also looser fitting, restricting movement and travel levels of the wearer. Sadly, this product contains no additional features, such as volume control, either.
Recommendation
Considering that both of these headphones come from the same prestige line and are crafted by the same company, their qualities are virtually identical. With little to no differences except the price range, a normal user could easily choose the Grado Prestige Series SR60e Headphones and be completely satisfied with their purchase. Many users find this unit to deliver sound in ways they’ve never heard before, which is always a plus for those who feel passionately about music and sound.
Click here to purchase Grado Prestige Series SR60e on Amazon!
Click here to purchase Grado Prestige Series SR80e on Amazon!