Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs GRADO SR80e

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x review
vs
GRADO SR80e review

How about comparing two pairs of wired headphones? Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs GRADO SR80e is closed back, while the other device is open back. Another difference is in their wearing style. The product made by GRADO is over-ear and the headphones by Audio-Technica are on-ear.

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Features

The sensitivity of these appliances is pretty much similar. In the case with GRADO SR80e, it is 100 dB, while Audio-Technica ATH-M50x has 99 dB. The second device has a much wider frequency response which is 15 Hz - 28 kHz. To comparison, the GRADO headphones work in a range between 20 Hz and 20 kHz. Now, let's take a look at their impedance. GRADO SR80e vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50x has 32 Ohm and the other appliance has 38 Ohm.

Sound

The bass of GRADO SR80e I would describe like smooth, tight, unboosted, non-resonant and non-boomy. The headphones have an amazing wide soundstage and every note here is distinct. The highs and mids of Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are pretty good and audible. Also, there is a great balance to the overall sound. Moreover, this device adds some color to every song. Like many other wires headphones, they do not have noise-canceling option.

Comfort and design

When choosing headphones, first of all, I look at the weight. In this comparison, Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is lighter as it weighs 230 g. Meanwhile, GRADO SR80e has 285 g. Both of these devices have an adjustable headband, however, only the one made by Audio-Technica is foldable and comes with a carry case.

GRADO SR80e made of plastic and it feels quite cheap. With respect to Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, this appliance is made of heavy-duty plastic with an aluminum headband and aluminum extenders. The second construction looks more solid and luxurious.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x pros and cons

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x pros and cons

Pros

  • The ear cups sit well on the ears to give a good fit
  • Comes with a detachable cable
  • The era pads have very nice plush padding that makes it comfortable to use
  • The ear cups comfortably swivel 180 degrees

Cons

  • Poor noise isolation
  • Available only in black

GRADO SR80e pros and cons

GRADO SR80e pros and cons

Pros

  • No amplifier needed — you just have to plug into your phone or iPad and that's it
  • The foam ear cushions are replaceable
  • Easy to drive
  • Exceptional clarity of sound

Cons

  • No click adjustment on headbands
  • No bass boost, therefore it sounds a bit thinner at lower levels than many other more colored headphones

Votes 24 24
Rating 3.4 3.4

Headphones comparison chart

Overall
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
8.3
GRADO SR80e
6.5
10
7
GRADO SR80e

GRADO SR80e review

May 20, 2020

GRADO SR80e is a decent model of critical headphones of American production intended for critical li...

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Common

Product

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
GRADO SR80e

Model

ATH-M50x
SR80e

Brand

Audio-Technica
GRADO

Reviews

15298
3006

General

Wearing style

over ear
on ear

Enclosure

closed back
open back

Wireless

Wired

Specifications

Transducer

dynamic
dynamic

Driver size, mm/inches

45/1.7

Impedance, Ohm

38
32

Frequency response, Hz

15Hz-28KHz
20Hz-20KHz

Total harmonic distortion (THD), %

0.3

Sensitivity (SPL), dB

99
100

Magnet type

neodymium

Weight (headphones), g/oz

285/10
230/8.2

Comfort

Adjustable headband

Foldable

Noise cancelling

Active noise cancelling

Adjustable noise cancelling level

Microphone

Built-in microphone

In-line microphone

Detachable microphone

Cables

Detachable cable

Audio cable length, cm/ft

300/9.8

Jack connection (TRS)

3.5
3.5

Balanced connection

Control

Built-in control buttons

In-line control

Touch control

Voice control

App control

Control functions

Wireless connectivity

Bluetooth

has not
has not

Bluetooth version

has not
has not

aptX

has not
has not

aptX HD (Hi-Res Audio)

has not
has not

Bluetooth profiles

has not
has not

NFC

Wi-Fi

Battery

Battery type

has not
has not

Battery life, hrs

has not
has not

Charging time, hrs

has not
has not

Charging port

has not
has not

Charging cable

has not
has not

Speed charge

has not
has not

Battery free listening mode

has not
has not

Battery level indicator

has not
has not

Additional features

Water resistance

Light indication

Additional audio features

In the box

Audio cable

Carry case

Charging cable

has not
has not

1/4 Adapter (6,35 mm)

Interchangeable ear pads

User manual

Manual

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
GRADO SR80e
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
GRADO SR80e

Headphones HeadphonesArena comparison rating

  • better
  • worse
  • 8.3
  • 6.5
  • 8.3Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
  • 6.5GRADO SR80e

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is better headphones in this comparison. Check Audio-Technica ATH-M50x price