Grado SR60i Review
The Grado SR60 was first introduced to the world almost 20 years ago (1993-1994). The SR60 was known to be one of the best open headphones that delivered amazingly clear and detailed sound despite the affordable price tag. Last year they refreshed this timeless classic with the Grado SR60i making it more current and modern for the next generation of audiophiles.
Click here for our initial impressions as well as the unboxing. Full review up ahead.
Build
The SRO60i isn’t too flashy. The Grado SR60i sports a very classic and vintage look… in fact it looks exactly like the SR60 released almost two decades ago. It has a black leather headband and the open ear cups are connected via retractable short steel rods. The branding and the detail is found on the outer face of the cups with the Grado logo branded at the lower half and the model number at the middle. You’ll also notice that there are holes (thus the term “openback”) which actually reduces the bass frequency and resonance which in turn delivers a more extended and clear sound.
The foam isn’t made from leather or similar material. It’s just… foam, hehe. This component combined with the openback vents lets the sound leak out. This means that when you’re listening to an emo song on the elevator everybody else in there will hear it and feel for you, hehe.
One thing that really got my attention though is the cable. It’s sooooooooo long! It’s actually a bit hard to manage.
Sound Quality
Now this is the section where I’m all praises for the Grado SR60i! Expect vivid, smooth, rich, clear, detailed, and warm mids. You will hear stuff you never heard before especially if you’re just coming from the default iPod earphones. The bass is also just right, not too overwhelming or powerful. The bass melds together effortlessly with the melody giving great tonal balance. If you jack up the volume everything will still sound fine.
The sound has a very forward and aggressive character as well which reminds me a lot of the Marshall Major. It’s like you’re in front of the band while the rock out.
What kind of music shines with the Grado SR60i? Definitely ROCK. The Grado SR60i will bring out the best from bands like 30 Seconds to Mars, Switchfoot, Stone Temple Pilots, Linkin Park, Incubus, Santana, and Paramore. The sound of harmonic guitar rifts continuously flowing will just turn your world upside down!
(Music source: iPhone 4 with FiiO E11 Amp)
So what would people hate about this product? Well obviously the design won’t appeal to everyone. The bass also isn’t something that a lot of hiphop or bassheads would love. The sound also leaks out a lot. Lastly the soundstage is a bit flat. :/ Then again this is the price you pay to get the insanely good mids.
My number 1 complaint for the Grado SR60i is the price here in the Philippines. In the US it only sells for $79 or roughly Php3,400. It’s selling for 50% more here at Php5,750 in Acoustic Dimension in Power Plant. At Php3,400 this is an awesome deal. At Php5,750… I’ll have to think twice before getting it. That’s the sad truth.
Verdict
If there is some way you can get this for less than Php4,000 this would be a great buy. The Php6,000 price range is a completely different category and you would have better options with that kind of money. In fact that can get you the higher Grado model already, the Grado SR80i (99$ or Php4,400). If you can’t find an alternate source though then go for it. Just be sure to try to haggle down the price as much as you can.
