EmailBest Reviewed
Headphones
- Best value full-size headphones Grado SR60i *Est. $80
- Lightweight headphones Sennheiser PX 100 *Est. $50
- Budget headphones Koss KSC75 *Est. $20
- Best noise-canceling headphones Bose QuietComfort 3 *Est. $350
- Pro-quality headphones AKG K702 *Est. $400
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Best value full-size headphones
- Great sound quality
- Great value
- Light weight
- Suitable for portable players
- Comfort
- Sound leakage
- Retro style
The Grado SR60i headphones replaced the top-rated SR60s in early 2009, and professionals and users alike are as impressed with the Grado SR60i's value as with that of its predecessor. The Grado SR60i has an upgraded driver design from the older Grado SR60, but reviewers say that the differences are very subtle. Like the SR60, the SR60i can't match the bass and detail of the pricier Grado SR80 (*Est. $95) and SR120 (*Est. $150), but they produce clear, lively sound, particularly in the midranges. The Grado SR60i headphones have an open back design, so those next to you will be able to figure out your musical tastes. It also has the same retro style as the SR60, which some reviewers don't like.
Early reviews of the SR60i are available at What Hi-Fi? and HeadRoom, which indicate that they are very similar in appearance and performance to the SR60. One forum poster at Head-Fi.org even reports getting a pair of SR60is in an SR60 package and provides a full review and comparison. Otherwise, most of the reviews we found are for the SR60s; Amazon does not carry the SR60i model and it's not yet been reviewed on AudioReview.com, but both sites offer users reviews for the SR60 model and give a good idea of long-term performance.
Our Sources
1. What Hi-Fi?
British audio-enthusiast magazine What Hi-Fi? has up-to-date reviews of many types of audio equipment, including headphones. Reviews are of varying length, but are generally brief and undated. The Grado SR60i gets a perfect rating and is described as having "hugely accomplished sound in all respects." Visually, it is almost indistinguishable from its predecessor model, the SR60.
Review: Grado SR60i, Editors of What Hi-Fi?
2. HeadRoom
Although HeadRoom only rates headphones it sells, editors provide useful overviews based on technical testing. The Grado SR60i headphones are recommended as an excellent value, delivering audiophile-quality sound in the under-$100 price range. Although the styling may not be cutting-edge, "for many folks it could be the best-sounding headphone they've ever put their ears around."
Review: Grado SR60i, Editors of HeadRoom
3. Head-Fi.org
Head-Fi.org has forums where users can post their opinions of headphones. Here, user "fjrabon" compares the Grado SR60i with Denon's AHD1001 closed-style headphones in a lengthy posting, concluding listening to the SR60is to be a "jaw-dropping experience."
Review: Intro and Compare/Contrast to the Grado SR60i and Denon AHD1001, "fjrabon", Feb. 18, 2009
4. Which? (UK)Details/Subscribe
Which? rates the precursor of the Grado SR60i, the SR60, as a Best Buy. Editors say sound is "rich" and bass is full and pleasing. Comfort and ease of use are also highly rated, but editors note these headphones leak a lot of sound.
Review: Headphones, Editors of Which?
More than 170 users post feedback on the Grado SR60 headphones here, but the newer Grado SR60i isn't yet listed. Owners are impressed with their value, but some long for deeper base and less leakage.
Review: Grado SR60, Contributors to AudioReview.com
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