Well it’s been a while since I added anything new to the systems, but finally I succumbed! Ever since my Sennheiser PX100s packed in while on vacation in Europe, I’ve been on the lookout for (improved) replacements. Candidates have come and gone (Bose and AKG to name a few) but I’ve finally settled on the Grado SR80i. Fantastic open-style headphones with amazing transparency. Anybody chasing a pair of these (or their smaller brother, the SR60i) should contact Audiophile in Melbourne.
Hi Markh
My name is Michael and I am a fellow Sandgroper living SOR @ Warnbro, I would really appreciate your advice on headphones.
I have been looking at the AKG K480NC unit advertised in the latest West Coast Hi-Fi catalogue $400 reduced to $199 but I am concerned about buying NC types. Reports I have read state you should stay clear unless you do really require this feature as open headphones give far better performance.
I have researched Grado (SR80i – SR325i) and really like the feedback given by people who know their stuff, my budget is limited to a max of $200
Would you recommend the SR80i or is it worth going up one level to the SR125i? Also, where is the best place to purchase Grado from, I would prefer to buy in Perth to support local business but don’t want to be shafted either.
These headphones will be solely used plugged into a laptop listening to itunes whilst working doing databasing, are they comfortable for long periods.
PS. http://www.headphone.com.au have Alessandro MS1 & 2, are these worth buying or the genuine Grado’s better.
Your advice would be appreciated.
Kind regards,
Michael
Hi Michael,
First let me put your mind at ease and say that the AKG K480 headphones are great, and at the advertised price are an absolute steal. However, I do follow the sentiments that noise-cancelling headphones are a compromise, and a dedicated conventional headphone should be a better performer overall for music duties. I would go as high as you can in the Grado range personally, but I do love my SR80i’s. They are very comfortable (in my opinion) and of course have the award-winning sound performance that Grado is famous for. About my only complaint (?) is the very open nature of these ‘cans’ – at modest to loud level EVERYONE will hear your music! So be warned if out in public. The SR80i’s are also a little light on the bottom-end, but this is probably more of a Grado trait than anything else. I hear the SR125’s are much better in this regard. It is my belief (re: assumption) that the Allesandro models are basically re-badged Grados, and personally I’d rather have the real thing. For Grado headphones, you must contact Audiophile in Melbourne, they offer free shipping from memory.
http://www.audiophile.com.au/product_grado.html
Hope this helps.
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