Grado headphones swing for the fences but come up short

• Affordable SR80s have great frequency response
• Mesh back leave some connections exposed to the elements
• Fun, retro-looking headphones are better for home use

It's easy to see why the Grado Labs SR80 headphones (MSRP $99.00) are popular. They're affordable, have great frequency response, are quite comfortable, and have a fun, retro look that should please those who are into that sort of thing.

In spite of the positives, there are a few sound quality quirks. Distortion in bass frequencies is notable at higher volume levels, and the SR80's frequency response pattern doesn't prioritize bass, meaning these headphones probably aren't a good choice for drum 'n' bass or hip-hop aficionados. They also have some problems with tracking, so you won't always get a perfect stereo experience.

On the hardware side, some exposed connections — including solder points and circuit connections — are visible through the mesh on the back, leaving them vulnerable to the elements. The open-back design also means they won't shut out the noise around you, and other people will often be able to hear what you're listening to. This makes these headphones far from ideal for air travel.

So while they're comfortable and look cool, the Grado Labs SR80 headphones are a bad choice for the demanding high-end audio crowd. As a budget solution with above-average sound quality, though, they're not a bad bet for use at home.

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