Grado SR80x

Yes, the open-air design allows sound to escape freely, meaning anyone sitting near you will likely hear what you are listening to. These are best suited for private listening environments rather than public spaces like offices or commutes.

With an impedance of 38 ohms and a sensitivity of 98 dB, the SR80x are efficient enough to be driven directly by most laptops, tablets, and smartphones. While a dedicated amplifier can refine the audio performance, it is not strictly necessary to get a great sound.

The SR80x features a redesigned, padded headband that significantly improves comfort for longer listening sessions. However, because these are on-ear headphones with a distinct foam pad style, they have a different fit profile than over-ear models, which some users find takes a few days to break in.

The open-air architecture creates a wide, immersive soundstage that is excellent for spatial awareness in gaming and cinematic detail in movies. Just keep in mind that they do not have a built-in microphone, so you would need a separate solution for voice chat.

You can expect a natural, dynamic, and highly detailed sound profile. Grado is known for prioritizing clarity and musicality, making these headphones ideal for listeners who want to hear the subtle nuances in their favorite tracks rather than heavy, artificial bass.

The SR80x does not include a built-in microphone or remote controls. They are designed primarily as a high-fidelity listening device for music and media consumption.