TechRadar Verdict
Like an ageing rocker, these cans are not much to look at, but sound performance is second to none
Pros
- +
Refined
Open performance
Tightly composed bass
Lightweight design
Cons
- -
Prehistoric styling that will make people snigger, but you'll never hear them
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
As the dated design suggests, Grado's SR80 headphones have been around long before most of its rivals were just a twinkle in their manufacturer's eye.
While they may look like a throwback from days gone by, the secret to their sonic success that's stood the test of time is the outstanding sound quality. The open design allows air to escape through a vented diaphragm, which may upset anyone sat close to you, but gives the sound an uncluttered, open feel.
The stiff leather headband and awkward adjusters give the headphones a deceptively inexpensive appearance, but the well-cushioned, lightweight ear cups are at least comfortable, if not pleasing to the eye.
Style aficionados may not be swayed, but for pure sound performance, the SR80s have few peers. The beautifully composed sound is doused in detail without extinguishing the depth of bass response.
And the expansive, airy quality separates each strand of music to create a wonderfully proportioned soundstage full of clarity and natural expression. With sound performance this good, you can turn a blind eye to aesthetics.
Tech.co.uk was the former name of TechRadar.com. Its staff were at the forefront of the digital publishing revolution, and spearheaded the move to bring consumer technology journalism to its natural home – online. Many of the current TechRadar staff started life a Tech.co.uk staff writer, covering everything from the emerging smartphone market to the evolving market of personal computers. Think of it as the building blocks of the TechRadar you love today.