Grado headphone opinions

They aren't portable in the sense that I'd go out on the street with them, but they're fine for walking around the house. They fit plenty snug--you aren't going to lose them if you move your head--in fact I have mine on right now--see, I just moved my head--no problem. Here, I'll do it again, opposite direction--see, still no problem. Seriously though, you won't have any problems.

Now, SR 60's vs SR 80's--this causes some disagreement. I bought the 60's because of multiple reviews rating these as the best unamped headphone you can get for a portable unit. The sr 80's ARE a better headphone, mainly slightly better bass, BUT the opinion of many (including me)--but not all is that you need them amped to get it. In fact, some people think the unamped SR 80's actually sound worse than the unamped SR 60's. So, if you're going to use an amp, get the 80's. If not, I'd recommend the SR 60's, or at least trying the SR 60's and SR 80's side by side before purchasing...

I own the 80's, have never heard the 60's so couldn't comment on a comparison. Never run them through an amp and the sound is great, would be very interested to hear the diff when amped. They are semi portable, though you cop an 80 metre cord that is rather thick. But as far as the actual cans go, they're alot smaller than a set of sony's or senn's.

My SR60's have the best definition of any headphones I've ever heard. That said, I've certainly never listened to really high end (over $200) headphones.

However, to those who have only listened to inexpensive phones, these will be a true revelation.

Hmm, I'm not sure if I'd consider the iPod "amped." Yes, the iPod has much higher output (30mW/channel) than a standard MD plalyer (5mW/channel) but decent headphone amps produce easily double the power of the iPod.

For more information about the Xin and other topics in headphones and headphone amps, check out www.head-fi.org. There are lots of comments on various Grado models as well.

Grado's are very open. They leak sound out and let sound in quite easily. While they are small enough to be 'portable', they aren't good for loud places or really quiet ones.

If you've never heard high-end phones, just get the 60's. Otherwise, save for the 225's...

Columbo you need to read a bit more carefully...I never said the SR80's didn't work with the ipod, and I qualified my statement by saying some people think they're just fine the way they are, others don't. A much more balanced post than yours, and several notches below yours on the claptrap scale.

I have the Grado SR60s and I love them, although they're not my main headphone (never heard the SR80s). But for portable use, I wouldn't use them on the street--the chord is very bulky and they provide no islolation--I use etymotic 4p for a majority of my listening, and break out he Grados for noisier rock, and at the office when I have to hear the phone ring. Some people don't like Grado's (especially the 60s) because they sound too "shrill." I never found that to be the case. Order from headroom.com, and you have 30 days to try them out.

Ah, rather than a rationale discussion of the issue, another insult instead...

Columbo, your opinion counts around here, but it's not the only opinion that counts. Deal with it. I don't take it personally when your opinion disagrees with mine, you shouldn't either. Move on man, move on.

The SR60 cord is 6 feet long.

Can anyone suggest a place where I can get a good deal on the SR60's?

You can get the SR60s for $62 including shipping at www.hcmaudio.com.

Originally posted by aribus
I want to have the best setup possible

What exactly do you mean and how much are you willing to spend? You can go way beyond the SR60's...

Haha, $10,000 headphones would be great but i'll probably stick with something $9,850 or so less. So, $150 would be the absolute ceiling. An unamped, ipod with case (booq), headphones, and 20 gigs of music for my in-between class, music listening needs. A simple, very portable setup is what i'm looking for, but I want the best for my money with regards to sound quality and comfort. If i'm being too vague, please let me know. This is my first serious foray in portable music listening so i'm open to suggestions.

I personally would recommend the E2's--they're built for portability, and some have complained of phonic cord noise with movement with the E6's. And some people prefer the sound of the Shure's over the E6's, but this is subjective; others prefer the E6's. Bottom line if you're going to be moving about, I'd recommend the Shure's; if this is just for stationary listening, I'd try both the E6's and E2's in that price range and decide.

The Shure's are about $80.00, the last time I saw the Etys' they were about $130, but I'm not 100% sure on the price of the Etys...

I think I may go with the E2's. I realized that I may be using my iPod in my school library most often and the noise isolation issue will definately come into play. I do still like the Grado's however, but that purchase may have to wait until later. Thanks a lot dmt1, mikem, and everyone else who helped me with this decision. Hopefully my presence on these boards will increase as I use my iPod. Thanks again.

As an SR60 owner, I wouldn't get them for portable use or for listening in the library. They sound great, but block out no noise, and everyone else will hear your music. If you have $150 and can stand things shoved deep into your ears, go for the etymotice er-6, which sound great--well worth the money. Some people swear by the Shure's too, but I've never heard them so I can't comment.

I have had my Grado SR60s for almost four years now and am still in love with them.

I have rated them against other cans and still find I prefer the sound from the Grado's. Im not sure what other people are on when they say they have no bass, they can produce plenty.

Another thing about the grados is that they are so comfy you can wear them almost all day ;)

GuyVer