The Headphone Wars, Ch. 1: Grado SR-80 vs. Sennheiser HD 265

al j · August-18th-2004, 10:45 PM

I own the lush, comfy Sennheiser cans but am thinking of switching to the Grados. There's no place in my area that will accommodate a taste test, so I'm hoping some can chime in here with preferences toward the two. I'm looking for a little bit more of a bass response, something less cumbersome, but don't want to lose the comfort. I'm not too concerned about noise-cancelling, which is moot anyway since both the SR-80's and the 265's use open air dynamics.

Anyone have experience with either?

SinginSumo · August-19th-2004, 07:31 AM

In hopes that these sites may help you:

http://headroom.headphone.com/layout.php

http://headwize.com/ubb/forumdisplay.php?fnum=1

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If I'm not mistaken, Father Thorne has the Grado SR-80s so you might want to PM him.

Chris D · August-19th-2004, 11:07 AM

The SR-80s are super fine; I love mine. They're neutral, clean, true to the music. But they are NOT the most comfortable headphones I've ever used.

milesbeyondjazz · August-28th-2004, 09:16 AM

I have the Grado SR 125s (bought them two weeks ago) and I think their great.I find I listen to them more than my speakers.

Dennis Gonzalez · August-28th-2004, 12:57 PM

Radio Shack makes a very cheap. but very good, light and accurate headphone. It's called "Extreme" and I use it all the time for mixing and mastering. I think it's only 39 clams or so.

jaka · August-28th-2004, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Christmas

..., but don't want to lose the comfort. I'm not too concerned about noise-cancelling, which is moot anyway since both the SR-80's and the 265's use open air dynamics.

Maybe I will sound out of topic in this 'war', but why wouldn't you try AKG 401 or 501 models. They're "open" models too, but really comfortable & good sounding.

Squaredancecalling Steve · August-28th-2004, 01:34 PM

After one Grado 60 and 2 Grado 80s (my son and I both bought 80s), I've given up Grados. We liked the sound and found them somewhat uncomfortable, but they broke too easily. Perhaps Daniel and I are more physically active than most Grado wearers -- we are both prone to spontaneous dancing -- but most of the time we are as sedentary as most Grado users. (We both used other headphones for running -- the Grados would be way too bulky to take on a run, anyway.) But my recollection is that I got maybe 8 months out of my 60, Daniel got about 4 months out of his 80, I got 6 months out of mine, sent it in for repair, got another 4 months and gave up.

So if you're liable to burst into a boogaloo -- or are in other ways physically active while you listen -- the Grados are not for you.

SinginSumo · August-29th-2004, 01:04 AM

Steve makes a valid point. I am usually one to listen on headphones while at the computer or sitting in the comfy chair - no probs if this is how you listen. However, one day my Grados had fallen off where I had left them and I inadvertently quickly stepped on them...hello, new pair.

For audiophile sound at a bargain price, and assuming sedentary listening & reasonable care, you can't go wrong with the cheapo Grados - certainly soundwise the best in their price range (and higher).

I would cream my jeans just to audition those in-the-ear-canal expensive (over $300) Etymotics!

Dennis Gonzalez · August-29th-2004, 11:20 AM

I've attached big confortable straps to the tops of my stereo system speakers and then I hang them from my head. They're really heavy, but accurate as all-get-out, and if they fall on the floor, you can't ruin them if you step on 'em.

Beats the brands you guys are debating hands...er, heads down!

Chris D · August-31st-2004, 11:41 AM

I must not be as vigorous as SQDCS and son, or Sumo. I've had my Grado SR-80s for four years with no incident. They've been pulled at by toddlers but never really abused.

milesbeyondjazz · March-20th-2005, 11:02 AM

I used to really love my Grado 125s untill I bought some Beyerdynamic DT770-80s.An incrediable set of headphones.The best sounding closed cans I have ever heard.Incrediable bass,they sound like speakers.

graypencil · March-20th-2005, 01:54 PM

Biiig Second on the Beyers ...

clarke68 · March-23rd-2005, 04:23 PM

I've got Sennheiser HD-580s and Grado SR-225s...you almost couldn't find two more different pairs of headphones. Grado has a definite house sound. Sennheiser does too, but they have so many models (of varying quality) that their house sound isn't consistent through their entire line.

Most days I much prefer the Grados, but I like having the Senns around for an occasional mellow, relaxing listen. Neither is particularly accurate (get Etymolics for that). the Senns lean towards lush, liquid, & spacious (some would say distant), while the Grados are fast, rhythmic & up front (some would say bright).
If I had to compare them to record labels, Sennheiser is like ECM and Grado is like Mapleshade. Venues? Sennheiser is Lincoln Center, Grado is the Knitting Factory (the old one, down on Houston...I've never been to the new one). Sennheiser sounds like tubes, Grado sounds like solid state.

Another nice thing about Grados is you can change the pads and radically change the sound of the 'phones. More information about Grado pads than you ever thought possible here.

Hope that helps!