Grado SR80 Hi-Fi Headphones

Open-Back Headphones with the Lively Grado Sound

The Grado SR80 is the open-back headphone that has introduced more listeners to serious listening than any other model in Grado's history. Built around a 44mm X2 dynamic driver with a Mylar diaphragm and copper voice coil, it delivers the immediate, forward presentation that defines the Grado house sound. The SR80 is the right choice for first-time open-back listeners wanting the energy and detail this design delivers.

What Sets the SR80 Apart

At the heart of this model is the 44mm X2 dynamic driver platform, with refined tuning that improves balance and clarity while preserving the lively character that has long defined the SR80. The lightweight die-injection molded housing keeps the cups comfortable, and the open-back architecture lets music breathe naturally. A steel-spring headband adjusts the inward pressure for a personalized fit.

Specs That Shape the Sound

The 38-ohm impedance and 98 dB SPL at 1 mW mean the SR80 reaches satisfying volume straight from a phone or laptop, while still scaling up with a dedicated amplifier.

• Transducer Type: Dynamic — Mylar diaphragm and copper voice coil for fast, controlled response.
• Operating Principle: Open air — open-back housing for a spacious, room-like presentation.
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz — full-range coverage for music and gaming.
• Nominal Impedance: 38 ohms — easy to drive from phones, laptops, and home amplifiers.
• Build — lightweight die-injection molded housing with a steel-spring headband for long sessions.

Built for Home Listeners and First-Time Open-Back Buyers

The SR80 is the right choice for home listeners who want an engaging headphone for long sessions at a desk. It pairs naturally with rock, jazz, and acoustic music where the Grado house sound — forward vocals, detailed highs, and tight bass — shines. The 38-ohm impedance runs cleanly from phones and laptops, suiting listeners without a dedicated amplifier. Open-back design means significant sound leakage, so the SR80 fits best in private spaces rather than shared offices.

Brooklyn-Made, Family-Owned Since 1953

Grado has been hand-building headphones in Brooklyn since 1953, and the SR80 remains the company's best-selling model. For more than three decades it has introduced generations of listeners to the energy of open-back headphones, and many audio reviewers and engineers first discovered serious listening through an SR80.