I purchased these today because I've been looking for some versatile cans with emphasis on the treble for a while now and i have tried them before. Watching this video has me feel much better about my purchase... Love how it's still family run and how modest the setup is.
I am a Grado fan going back 30 years. I have several pairs and still have my original SR60s. I've replaced the ear cups several times and they still sound great. Currently using the Prestige series daily. I asked my nephew to try my prestige and he was blown away. He bought his own and got rid of his garbage BEATS. Wonderful cans and last decades.
@@magusperde365 anyway my grado is allready broken the ear part has detached from head band!!! and i bought them in London!! just awful how everything today is of cheap cheap quality!!
Hearing Jonathan talk about being embarrassed about what his Family did hits home, my Parents for most of my life worked at a Zoo. None of my friends parents did that.
I have just ordered my first pair of Grado headphones and am excited to hear an open-back model with mid-range and treble emphases. As someone who listens to a lot of Baroque music and period-instrument rexordings in a quiet setting here in our prairie town, I am goping these will be an ideal model. I very much appreciated your video and the idea of a multigenerational, famiky business.
I've recently downloaded some albums featuring Tallis, Striggio, Byrd, Alonso Lobo, and Gregorio Allegri, and they sound darn good on my Grado headphone.
bought one back in my college days around 2014, still using my sr325 to this day. really beautiful headphone, straight to the point, no gimmicks, amazing sound. hope they get bigger.
Nice to note that the albums John listens to when tuning the headphones don't contain distorted guitars and heavy drums. He listens to jazz and acoustics.
I had my eyes set on a pair of Sennheiser HD600, but when I read about this company and the great reviews on their headphones, I decided that I have to support my fellow Americans. Same reason why I bought a Schiit Mani and a Schitt Freya +. And I am extremely pleased with my purchases. It is great quality and above all Made in The USA by our fellow Americans!
I listened to a pair of 660s2’s today and also the Grado 325 … the sennheiser is as boring as can be, seriously the Grado sounds exactly as you want but not expect at all… really wow
I just got the prestige black cartridge and i love it. Their products are the closest you'll get to the quality that audio companies had in the 70s and 80s
@@czondag their frequency response is not very balanced or neutral, most are pretty bright and have unique profiles. Build quality is also not always good
To my ears my Grado RS1’s and my Grado RS2e’s sound more natural, especially on well recorded solo piano music, than any other headphones I’ve heard, including the Focal Clear, the AKG K 812, and the Hifiman Arya and 5xx.
This documentary is amazing! I assumed that the Grado headphones were expensive, but... for almost $50, you can't go wrong with that. This is amazing that this small business in Brooklyn is doing an incredible job of the "bang for your buck" headphones.
I love this video. I recently picked up the 325x, and they are the best headphones I've ever had. i'm hearing music in a new way. Instruments sound natural and alive. I wasn't used to this before. I plan on coming back to Grado and ordering the RS-1X so i can have it around for special occasions.
I got my first pair of Grado SR60s back in 1998 for $69. I went out to the local hifi shop at lunch because my other headphones broke that morning at work. The hifi salesman convinced me that this cheap $70 headphone was worth it. So I bought it and went back to my office, and plugged them in. No more work got done that afternoon. I was mesmerized. While they were on the bright side, the detail was fantastic. 22 years later, I still have those cans. One of the cables is starting to wear a little, but hey, they're 22 years old. Years later, I picked up Grado PS500s and eventually a pair of GS3000es. Every Grado headphone I have has blown me away. Now that we're stuck at home during the pandemic and I have accidentally left my PS500s in my office, it may be time to have a pair of RS1es sent to the house.
Got some old 60s as well. I don't use them now becsue the cable perished due to age, it doesn't bend anymore without force. One day I need to get the cable replaced but unfortuanty Grado only offers that for locals.
I’d always been into bigger, heavier, bassier headphones. Last week my father in law took me to a family-run Hi-fi store in Madrid and told me to try Grados. I walked out with the SR80X. The sound was so clear, clean and expressive. They impressed me so much that a week later I’ve returned them to the store and upgraded to the SR225X. The made-in Brooklyn artistry really shows, and I can say these are the best headphones I’ve ever owned.
Grado's are so righteous, nearly all hand built, in-house, just custom everything with endless possibilities. I'm looking forward to buying my first pair, the sr80x's.
Interesting how some people have had a bad experience with more than one Grado. I've had nearly a dozen and every one flawless. I take care of mine, but I guess not everybody does that. I think taking good care of one of these is like taking good care of a prized instrument - trumpet, violin, guitar etc.
I got 2 sr60, igrado, sr125, rs1.. i don't take care any of them.. None of them broken (10+ years). Now I don't have any reason to buy a new one, it is sad
I was a Sennheiser user , about 10 years ago a very good friend asked me to buy him the best headphones for £300 , so I bought Grado SR325e , he found them uncomfortable , so I said , dont pay me for them I'll keep them , still have them , they sound stunning :-)
I have one pair of the SR80. They sound great, flat and great response. But I think that Grado should increase the comfortability, nothing wrong with tweaking a little of the design to make it a little bit more comfortable to wear.
Grados are not flat but that's not a bad thing. I buy them becsue I like their sound signiture for rock and heavy metal. I use other flat headphones for recording... If you have a big head then you could find them uncomfortable. Just bend the bend straight a bit and try them, keep going until comfortable. The band is spring steel and will widen with bending. They are the most comfortable headphones I own after bending, very much like old Walkman headphones...
I love the sound of my Grado SR-80's. To make them more comfortable, I replaced the standard earpads with the yellow Sennheiser ear cushions. They fit perfectly and feel so much better.
to anyone who is just now learning of grado headphones I couldn't recommend them more! I have owned 3 pairs so far, may latest pair is the sr325x from the new prestige "X" lineup that was released in 2021 I believe, and with the new cable and driver upgrades they did I couldn't be happier! grado labs hasn't disappointed me yet
@@UnconventionalMoney there is only one other brand I can think of that's made in the USA and it's Audeze. But they are all extremely expensive by most people's standards. Andy other HiFi brand is based out of Europe or Japan
The grados are great from the sr60 to the sr325 and even the rs2e. However after that it's hard to justify the price tag. The build has to improve esp the cups. The stock cups on the rs2e are painful after 30m of listening as they are on ear instead of over ear. It was a shame as I liked the sound.
The SR80e were my first step up in audio quality; what I (then) thought was my first step into the audiophile world. I mostly listen to modern rock/metal and they're absolutely wonderful for that. about 6-8 months ago I dissected them to make a custom Symphones V7 build. Now I'm wondering why I haven't gone back to Grado since I haven't found anything that I like for rock as much as I liked those... I think it's time for another pair of Grados.
great video amazing I have some via recommendation and love this story taught me about what I bought honestly.... love the sound. wonder if they'll make a bass type headphone with thumping bass for an open back headphone and still good kids and highs. I know asking for the world and I know sign of the times but never hearts to ask :) keep up the great work grado team
Tried to buy some replacement ear pads at my local audio store today but they were out of stock and mentioned that Grado labs is currently closed. Does anyone know if this is temporary?
I have the SR125i and today I went to test the new wireless GW100 in comparison to SONY WH-1000XM4. Grados are £165 SONY are £300. Sony headphones were stunning in terms of sound quality and punchy lows. Grados have the ability to perfectly recreate all layers and tiniest background sounds (NIN's 'The Fragile' album) and make voices sound alive with very detailed echo/reverb sound (DCD - The Host Of Seraphim). I was really impressed but also felt However I am disappointed that they haven't improved the quality of the ear cups as they are absolutely terrible. GW100s have uneven pressure distribution on the ears, pressing against the top of your ear with the edge of the cup. The lows sound rather washed out, not punchy at all. It feels that these headphones are not suitable for all kinds of music. I hope that they will drastically change the cup design in future and make the lows sound punchier without the need of manual equalisation, so that I could buy their headphones without any hesitation.
sooo cool, I'm buying one right now, those type business we need to support.
3 years later and during a pandemic. did you buy one? they need business now more than ever.
I purchased these today because I've been looking for some versatile cans with emphasis on the treble for a while now and i have tried them before.
Watching this video has me feel much better about my purchase... Love how it's still family run and how modest the setup is.
I am a Grado fan going back 30 years. I have several pairs and still have my original SR60s. I've replaced the ear cups several times and they still sound great. Currently using the Prestige series daily. I asked my nephew to try my prestige and he was blown away. He bought his own and got rid of his garbage BEATS. Wonderful cans and last decades.
You don’t have to hate on beats like that
@@meafterigotmyaccountdelete5633 for the asking price of beats vs quality you kinda can
@@meafterigotmyaccountdelete5633 We can and will
Really cool to see the faces behind the historic company.
Such a cool story. As a small handmade business, this story gives me hope! Awesome video.
I bought the 85's used, $50 and they are amazing!
I thought manufacturing was outsourced in China. All new respect for them Grados, made with love and pride
grado sr 225 is made in china :(
@@hrabmv no? Only their bluetooth ones are outsourced.. because its kinda hard to hand make bluetooth headphones lol
@@magusperde365 anyway my grado is allready broken the ear part has detached from head band!!! and i bought them in London!! just awful how everything today is of cheap cheap quality!!
@@hrabmv They haven't changed the recipe in a couple decades, so the quality is the same. You just got very very very unlucky.
@@bnktopa i dont buy that!! since this happened after less then a month
Hearing Jonathan talk about being embarrassed about what his Family did hits home, my Parents for most of my life worked at a Zoo. None of my friends parents did that.
I have just ordered my first pair of Grado headphones and am excited to hear an open-back model with mid-range and treble emphases. As someone who listens to a lot of Baroque music and period-instrument rexordings in a quiet setting here in our prairie town, I am goping these will be an ideal model.
I very much appreciated your video and the idea of a multigenerational, famiky business.
I've recently downloaded some albums featuring Tallis, Striggio, Byrd, Alonso Lobo, and Gregorio Allegri, and they sound darn good on my Grado headphone.
I just bought the PS2000e today, along with a Chord Mojo.
bought one back in my college days around 2014, still using my sr325 to this day. really beautiful headphone, straight to the point, no gimmicks, amazing sound. hope they get bigger.
Nice to note that the albums John listens to when tuning the headphones don't contain distorted guitars and heavy drums. He listens to jazz and acoustics.
Honestly, seeing the history and the passion behind the brand just makes me want to purchase Grado even more.
I had my eyes set on a pair of Sennheiser HD600, but when I read about this company and the great reviews on their headphones, I decided that I have to support my fellow Americans.
Same reason why I bought a Schiit Mani and a Schitt Freya +. And I am extremely pleased with my purchases.
It is great quality and above all Made in The USA by our fellow Americans!
HD600's are amazing. I would absolutely recommend them.
I listened to a pair of 660s2’s today and also the Grado 325 … the sennheiser is as boring as can be, seriously the Grado sounds exactly as you want but not expect at all… really wow
I just got the prestige black cartridge and i love it. Their products are the closest you'll get to the quality that audio companies had in the 70s and 80s
I'm really amazed at the time and quality made into these headphones!
They're very special, but don't be fooled, they have a lot of problems.
They're not good quality
@@jeanpierresnyman652please explain?
@@alcurtis93so tell me please?
@@czondag their frequency response is not very balanced or neutral, most are pretty bright and have unique profiles. Build quality is also not always good
Damn. Just watched this video wearing the SR80X's. Honestly didn't realize how cool the heritage of this headphone brand was.
Found a pair of sr 60’s at goodwill for $1.99.
What a steal!
You should get guilty for a steal like that lol
What a lovely history they have there. Thank you for sharing your story sir. Such humility.
To my ears my Grado RS1’s and my Grado RS2e’s sound more natural, especially on well recorded solo piano music, than any other headphones I’ve heard, including the Focal Clear, the AKG K 812, and the Hifiman Arya and 5xx.
This documentary is amazing! I assumed that the Grado headphones were expensive, but... for almost $50, you can't go wrong with that. This is amazing that this small business in Brooklyn is doing an incredible job of the "bang for your buck" headphones.
I love this video. I recently picked up the 325x, and they are the best headphones I've ever had. i'm hearing music in a new way. Instruments sound natural and alive. I wasn't used to this before. I plan on coming back to Grado and ordering the RS-1X so i can have it around for special occasions.
I got my first pair of Grado SR60s back in 1998 for $69. I went out to the local hifi shop at lunch because my other headphones broke that morning at work. The hifi salesman convinced me that this cheap $70 headphone was worth it. So I bought it and went back to my office, and plugged them in. No more work got done that afternoon. I was mesmerized. While they were on the bright side, the detail was fantastic. 22 years later, I still have those cans. One of the cables is starting to wear a little, but hey, they're 22 years old. Years later, I picked up Grado PS500s and eventually a pair of GS3000es. Every Grado headphone I have has blown me away. Now that we're stuck at home during the pandemic and I have accidentally left my PS500s in my office, it may be time to have a pair of RS1es sent to the house.
Got some old 60s as well.
I don't use them now becsue the cable perished due to age, it doesn't bend anymore without force.
One day I need to get the cable replaced but unfortuanty Grado only offers that for locals.
I’d always been into bigger, heavier, bassier headphones. Last week my father in law took me to a family-run Hi-fi store in Madrid and told me to try Grados. I walked out with the SR80X.
The sound was so clear, clean and expressive. They impressed me so much that a week later I’ve returned them to the store and upgraded to the SR225X. The made-in Brooklyn artistry really shows, and I can say these are the best headphones I’ve ever owned.
Grado's are so righteous, nearly all hand built, in-house, just custom everything with endless possibilities. I'm looking forward to buying my first pair, the sr80x's.
Interesting how some people have had a bad experience with more than one Grado. I've had nearly a dozen and every one flawless. I take care of mine, but I guess not everybody does that. I think taking good care of one of these is like taking good care of a prized instrument - trumpet, violin, guitar etc.
I got 2 sr60, igrado, sr125, rs1.. i don't take care any of them.. None of them broken (10+ years). Now I don't have any reason to buy a new one, it is sad
A humble beginning but delivers a top of the line quality headphones, thank you Grado Labs.
Grado is a beautiful company. I can't wait to save up and grab a pair. This is why we should all support!
Got my first pair of Grados today (SR 80). Love the way the snare and hihats SNAP on these headphones.
The best turntable heads simply play music and the enjoyment is unique, congratulations!!!!!
I love my sr80e, perfect for rock and metal. Forward mids and highs
You could do more of these, Engadget. And maybe you'll get your viewers back.
I liked how the story was told and edited.
I've had SR80 headphones for over 15 years. They are worth double the price. Looking forward to stepping up to an RS series when I grow up.
This video reminds me that I need to get my RS-1s fixed. Had them for 10 years and the left channel died on me. Best headphones I ever owned. =(
I recently bought the sr80e. The most fun pair of headphones I've ever bought. Turns out that there's a whole world of audio outside base.
Awesome story and video. Glad they still do these by hand.
Still enjoying my Grado sr60e since 2014
I was a Sennheiser user , about 10 years ago a very good friend asked me to buy him the best headphones for £300 , so I bought Grado SR325e , he found them uncomfortable , so I said , dont pay me for them I'll keep them , still have them , they sound stunning :-)
225 owner here... I've nothing but good things to say about them.
Have the cushions disintegrated yet? Cables all twisted and cracked near the splitter?
@@praszu ive own the sr125x and no complain about it. The cable is heavy but nice quality
@@praszu who uses the stock pads?
Got - SR80e , SR-325e , RS-2e & Egrado . Damn fine HP's
because you're uncle is so humane and has a BIG heart + adopted orphans , I started buying Grado
0:38 that font
I love my grados. Customer for life!
I have never owned a pair of Grado, after watching this video i want a pair (I have listened to them from friends).
This kind of history is sick. Glad I went with Grado RS2E over some Sennheisers.
I've got to buy a Grado headphone someday. It's handmade and from the dozens of reviews it sounds good.
I bought an RS2e. It's sublime.
I used to own a few pairs from Grado when I first entered the Head-Fi world. I really enjoyed them back then. Rock = Grado.
I have one pair of the SR80. They sound great, flat and great response. But I think that Grado should increase the comfortability, nothing wrong with tweaking a little of the design to make it a little bit more comfortable to wear.
Grados are not flat. Try hd600s... That's flat
Grados are not flat but that's not a bad thing.
I buy them becsue I like their sound signiture for rock and heavy metal.
I use other flat headphones for recording...
If you have a big head then you could find them uncomfortable.
Just bend the bend straight a bit and try them, keep going until comfortable.
The band is spring steel and will widen with bending.
They are the most comfortable headphones I own after bending, very much like old Walkman headphones...
Grado also used to make a wooden Tonearm, my dad's Thorens turntable has one and I own it now, it was recently refurbished it is an amazing tonearm.
Ditto. Very cool to see where my old 60's were born.
Can I have a job there, I've been doing assembly and soldering work for 40 years I wish I was doing it for Grado!!!😎✌
You are hired! Your shift starts at 8:00 AM tomorrow, don't be late!
Love my GH3's, keep up the great work Grado
Really nicely put together guys, classy content.
Love Grado! American made.
I just bought my first set, cannot wait to get em...
Really cool video! Thanks for making this, whoever was involved.
I own the SR60-X, and I love them. Opened up Pandora's box for me....
Grade is a giant in the world of headphones.
❤❤I knew Joseph Grado … we worked on static guard control… this was in 1978… I also own the 1000.00 head phones…
Interesting, and American made. Where can I get a pair? Any wireless options?
My SR-80s are the best phones I’ve ever had. I’m going to upgrade to the reference series soon.
gs1000e user, and key is grado sounds like no other! outside looks cheap but it sounds soooooo good!! very alive music.
I'm a big fan of Grado head phones, it's not the first time I saw the factory on video or, I really want to go there and see these.
I love the sound of my Grado SR-80's. To make them more comfortable, I replaced the standard earpads with the yellow Sennheiser ear cushions. They fit perfectly and feel so much better.
Imagine if Enzo Ferrari went into Audio instead? Tada! Welcome...this is it...
Fantastic video recently bought a pair of Grado headphones
Great story! I think I will consider getting a pair of those next time
No extraction for the soldering fumes?
to anyone who is just now learning of grado headphones I couldn't recommend them more! I have owned 3 pairs so far, may latest pair is the sr325x from the new prestige "X" lineup that was released in 2021 I believe, and with the new cable and driver upgrades they did I couldn't be happier! grado labs hasn't disappointed me yet
Do they have Bluetooth
@@UnconventionalMoney no.
@@UnconventionalMoney they are the kind of headphones you buy because they sound amazing, not because of any new or convenient features
@@joshhill583 Thanks Josh I was looking for an American based company
@@UnconventionalMoney there is only one other brand I can think of that's made in the USA and it's Audeze. But they are all extremely expensive by most people's standards. Andy other HiFi brand is based out of Europe or Japan
my sr80e's are my babies :) thanks grado!
The grados are great from the sr60 to the sr325 and even the rs2e. However after that it's hard to justify the price tag. The build has to improve esp the cups. The stock cups on the rs2e are painful after 30m of listening as they are on ear instead of over ear. It was a shame as I liked the sound.
those headphones look cool. open back... so sound leak, but definitely worth it.
Well i just ordered a statement GS1000e looking forward to them, i currently have the 325e
Pretty cool, thanks for posting this!
I have one pair of SR80e for $100. It's really amazing!
The SR80e were my first step up in audio quality; what I (then) thought was my first step into the audiophile world. I mostly listen to modern rock/metal and they're absolutely wonderful for that. about 6-8 months ago I dissected them to make a custom Symphones V7 build. Now I'm wondering why I haven't gone back to Grado since I haven't found anything that I like for rock as much as I liked those... I think it's time for another pair of Grados.
Superb ...... enough said.
they would be even better with a detechable cable
How much for the chair at 4:51 ?
at least $500
I would like to have an Eames Chair as well!
the feeling when watching this video for the first time and have sr80i on my head at the moment
Now this is a cool company! I need more money! 😎
Just watched this with my SR80e on my head, love them but would like tan leather headband upgrades.
Look up Turbulent Labs if you haven't already.
@@HeretixAevum Do you know any good source of alternative replacement cushions? Turbulent Labs don't do them.
I never liked Grado but now when i watched this i wanna just buy one
These aren't mass produced? And they sound so amazing? And they cost 60 usd? What sorcery is this?
great video amazing I have some via recommendation and love this story taught me about what I bought honestly.... love the sound. wonder if they'll make a bass type headphone with thumping bass for an open back headphone and still good kids and highs. I know asking for the world and I know sign of the times but never hearts to ask :) keep up the great work grado team
that young guy look like a main character from Mass effect Andromeda
Awesome video, well done!
I had a pair of reference series headphones I very much regret selling they were wonderful
The GS1000 was my best Glenn Gould headphone I ever had..(paired with Grace M902)..should never sold it..
My next headphone will be a Grado hopefully but its difficult to find one in my place. These headphones are so under rated.
Grado really is an interesting company tho i have a question if somebody travels in public with theirs just how loud are the to others?
Well, guess I'm buying grado's now.
Hey why did you never heard of grado before? They are the best right
i just went to the grado website and they said they won't deliver me a pair of headphones because i live in Canada. why not ?
Going to be getting some SR80s as soon as possible
Are those tower speakers made of headphone drivers available for sale?
very enjoy my sr125e to watch this videos ☺️
Tried to buy some replacement ear pads at my local audio store today but they were out of stock and mentioned that Grado labs is currently closed. Does anyone know if this is temporary?
several families and adopted orphans 1 passion
What can you say about the 325e?
I love my SR60e headphones, sadly they're starting to fall apart.
chiken da gr8 When did you buy them?
Snoempert Like a year or two ago.
i have mine for almost a year now, but its fully modded, try to mod it with better materials
Choa Park Yeah i planned to do that as well
How to mod it?
I have the SR125i and today I went to test the new wireless GW100 in comparison to SONY WH-1000XM4. Grados are £165 SONY are £300. Sony headphones were stunning in terms of sound quality and punchy lows. Grados have the ability to perfectly recreate all layers and tiniest background sounds (NIN's 'The Fragile' album) and make voices sound alive with very detailed echo/reverb sound (DCD - The Host Of Seraphim). I was really impressed but also felt However I am disappointed that they haven't improved the quality of the ear cups as they are absolutely terrible. GW100s have uneven pressure distribution on the ears, pressing against the top of your ear with the edge of the cup. The lows sound rather washed out, not punchy at all. It feels that these headphones are not suitable for all kinds of music. I hope that they will drastically change the cup design in future and make the lows sound punchier without the need of manual equalisation, so that I could buy their headphones without any hesitation.
I'm Gredo SR60i 😃