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Grado SR-80 Earpads

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Posted on September 26, 2016 at 22:02:22
mark.korda@myfairpoint.net
Audiophile

Posts: 1253
Location: Maine
Joined: August 16, 2011
 Hi, I don't want to part with my Grado SR-80 earphones but I'm on my second pair of ear pads and they are falling apart again. I've hardly used them and the foam disinigrates. I can't spell that one. Are there any other headphone ear pads out there that might slip on the Grados. I like the soft black leather idea....thanks Mark.

 

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RE: Grado SR-80 Earpads, posted on September 27, 2016 at 07:58:14
genungo
 Earpad material can affect the tonal balance of headphones so you need to think before you change earpad style. Some headphone manufacturers offer a choice of earpads made from different materials for reasons related to comfort and customization of sound, but Grado always uses foam earpads.

Grado uses two basic types of foam earpads for their classic over-ear headphones - flat pads and two sizes of bowl pads. Grado has never used leather earpads because leather is not porous enough for design parameters.

Leather (or imitation leather) reflects too much sound back into the ear structure so it alters the intended tonal balance of Grado headphones. Those who have tried leather earpads on Grado headphones almost always report negative consequences.

Grado style foam earpads may not be as durable or as long lasting as some types but they are usually cheaper to replace than other types are. The cheapest replacement foam earpads are not the genuine Grado ones and can be found on ebay and Amazon. The flat "comfy" style pads in particular can be purchased very cheaply while the "bowl" style costs a bit more. Genuine Grado earpads will cost you much more than the ebay clones and must also be purchased directly from Grado or one of Grado's authorized dealers.

So stock up on cheap foam earpads and be happy. Storing your Grado headphones or replacement foam earpads in a sealed carrying case or plastic bag will make the foam last longer.

 

RE: Grado SR-80 Earpads, posted on September 27, 2016 at 14:25:02
mark.korda@myfairpoint.net
Audiophile

Posts: 1253
Location: Maine
Joined: August 16, 2011
 Hi Genungo,
That was about the best answer I ever got using Audio Asylum. Thanks so much! I will look for the cheap ones. I still can't believe the rate of deterioration of Grados foam rubber...any way thanks again for giving me some direction....Mark Korda

 

RE: Grado SR-80 Earpads, posted on October 6, 2016 at 18:29:54
Triode_Kingdom
Audiophile

Posts: 10045
Location: Central Texas
Joined: September 24, 2006
 I bought my last set for the SR60 from BH Photo video, about $10. They typically last about two years, so I haven't seen a reason to complain. If yours are wearing out more quickly than that, you should contact Grado and let them know. They're really nice folks and easy to deal with.



 

RE: Grado SR-80 Earpads, posted on October 9, 2016 at 09:12:52
mark.korda@myfairpoint.net
Audiophile

Posts: 1253
Location: Maine
Joined: August 16, 2011
 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/182245684484#rwid) Hi guys, someone made the new Grado leatherette ear pads and the review is just what I wanted to hear, as well as the Grados. I had to order them after reading that. Thanks for any help and throw in my review after hearing them. They make the Grados more (high end) looking as the reviewer said....Mark Korda

 

Those are the earpads..., posted on October 9, 2016 at 11:48:47
genungo
 ... that have also garnered some very bad reviews.

But everyone hears things slightly differently. The way headphones fit on the ears and head can differ greatly from one person to another, and "fit" has a lot to do with the way a pair of headphones sound to us.

So, please post a review here and tell us about any changes in sound you hear once your new earpads have been installed. I look forward to reading your review.

 

RE: Grado SR-80 Earpads, posted on October 15, 2016 at 01:29:34
Drumhead
Audiophile

Posts: 244
Location: Atl, GA
Joined: May 24, 2009
 I have sr125's that always hurt my ears after extensive listening. Several years ago I ordered, I think from Amazon, the large version. No doubt, better comfort and better, smoother bass.

 

RE: Grado SR-80 Earpads, posted on October 25, 2016 at 08:48:20
mark.korda@myfairpoint.net
Audiophile

Posts: 1253
Location: Maine
Joined: August 16, 2011
 Hi Genungo, I finally received a pair of leatherette headphone ear pads from EarZonk for 20.00 bucks. It took a while for them to arrive in my mailbox. When I e-mailed to check on them a man named Rob gave me prompt and cheerful help. I think it was my mistake on a address or something. They were on my doorstep when I got home for the Pats/Steelers game. That was a Sunday. Who delivers on Sunday?
I was not sure how to put them on, there was this certain mesh screen involved. A quick e-mail to Rob and he gave me fail proof instructions and said if I screw it up which he thought impossible that he would just send me a free pair. Like Enzo and Big Cass say on the WWE...you can't beat that!
An idiot could of snapped them on but Rob was polite and didn't laugh at me...this guy went above and beyond and has earned my business as long as he hangs his shingle over the front door.
Grado never spends any money on anything that is not equated with sound. Buying their cartridges over the years I noticed they come in glorified toilet paper tubes while a cheaper Shure cartridge I just bought came in a velvet lined (Cross pen/pencil) styled case. I kind of thought about that when examining the deteriorating foam ear pads, my second set.
When you put on the leatherette replacement pads my Grado 80's became more like the Sennheiser 600's. I'm not talking sound but build quality.
I can't give a sound review yet because I've only had the best hits cd of the Ventures on. Someone else said the bass improved in a review.Maybe it was suggestive but I could follow every bass note the guitar player was plunking where I never noticed this before.
This is the best 20 bucks I ever threw down for stereo stuff and you can always go back to the original foam pads if not to your liking. If you own Grado headphones it's a no-brainer to e-mail Rob at Earzonk and get a pair. I'm only giving the Zonk a nod is because I'm still flabbergasted about how well a small company can treat you without thinking your on Candid Camera...extremely happy!....Mark Korda

 

Thanks!, posted on October 25, 2016 at 10:12:32
genungo
 Good to know, thanks...

Reviews of the Earzonk leatherette pads have certainly been "mixed" ones, so far. A number of people over at Headfi have tried them and promptly dissed them. The durability aspect was never under dispute, but some questions remain about sound quality.

Do you still have the original "bowl" pads? Unless it is too much of a hassle to switch earpads on different recordings, I wish that you would carefully compare the Earzonks to the originals and note any changes in soundstage and tonal balance.

I noticed that Earzonks also sells a $19.99 headphone case that comes with a free pair of replica "bowl" style earpads that would seem to made of a softer foam than the originals. I need a carrying case for my Grados and I'm wondering if these replicas sound as good as the originals do. I'll post my impressions if I get a pair.

 

Earpads, posted on February 26, 2017 at 16:58:52
hifitommy
Audiophile

Posts: 15387
Location: canyon country califiornia, orig from buffalo ny
Joined: June 9, 2000
 no need to spend any more than you need.
...regards...tr

 

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