Audio-Technica ATH-M50X vs Grado Classic SR80
Quick Verdict
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X is the better choice for listeners who need a closed-back headphone with strong bass and passive isolation, making it suitable for studio monitoring and use in slightly noisy environments. The Grado Classic SR80 appeals to home listeners who want an open-back design with a spacious, energetic sound and do not need to block outside noise. Both are wired only, so neither works for wireless needs. Choose the ATH-M50X for isolation and low-end control, or the SR80 for an airy, natural presentation at home.
| Spec | Audio-Technica ATH-M50X | Grado Classic SR80 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Closed-back over-ear headphones | Wired open-back over-ear headphones |
| Driver | 45 mm large-aperture dynamic drivers with rare earth magnets and copper clad aluminum wire voice coils | Not published in listing |
| Noise cancelling | No active noise cancelling; passive isolation only | No (open-back design) |
| Bluetooth and codecs | No Bluetooth; wired only | None (wired only) |
| Battery life | Not applicable; passive wired design | Not applicable (wired) |
| Wired option | Detachable cables (specific included cables not published in listing) | Yes, wired connection (cable details not published) |
| Controls and app | No inline controls or app support published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Water resistance | Not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Weight | Not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Included accessories | Detachable cables mentioned; other accessories not published in listing | Not published in listing |
Sound Quality
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X scores 28 out of 30 for sound quality in the listing. Its published driver specifications include 45 mm large-aperture dynamic drivers with rare earth magnets and copper clad aluminum wire voice coils. The listing describes the sound as detailed and controlled with deep bass. This closed-back design likely contributes to a focused low-end response, though the listing does not include in-person testing data.
The Grado Classic SR80 scores 24 out of 30 for sound quality. The listing does not publish driver details such as size or magnet type. However, the listing emphasizes an open-back design that creates a spacious, natural sound and a classic energetic sound signature. The listing indicates clear vocals and detailed highs, but the absence of driver specifications makes direct technical comparison difficult.
In direct comparison, the ATH-M50X appears to favor bass impact and control due to its closed-back enclosure and specific driver materials. The SR80 likely offers a wider soundstage and airier presentation because of its open-back design. Buyers who want deep bass and isolation should lean toward the ATH-M50X, while those who prioritize an open, natural listening experience should consider the SR80. Both score well for sound quality, so the choice depends on musical taste.
Comfort and Fit
The ATH-M50X scores 17 out of 20 for comfort and fit. The listing does not publish a weight, which makes it hard to assess long-term wear objectively. However, the design includes 90 degree swiveling earcups, which allow for one-ear monitoring and may improve fit adjustments for some users. The headphone is described as over-ear, or circumaural.
The Grado Classic SR80 scores 15 out of 20 for comfort and fit. The listing describes the headphones as lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions. The exact weight is not published, but the open-back design typically reduces overall mass compared to closed-back models with heavier magnets. The over-ear fit is similar, but the open-back build may feel cooler over time because of air circulation.
Without published weight figures for either model, direct comfort comparison relies on qualitative descriptions. The ATH-M50X offers swiveling earcups that can aid in fit customization, while the Grado is specifically called lightweight. Buyers who value a lighter feel may prefer the SR80, while those who like the flexibility of swiveling earcups may choose the ATH-M50X. Both are over-ear designs, so they fully cover the ears.
Noise Control and Features
The ATH-M50X scores 10 out of 15 for features and noise control. It has no active noise cancelling, according to the listing. However, its closed-back design provides good passive isolation, which helps block outside noise and keeps your music from leaking out. This makes it more suitable for use in moderate noise environments than an open-back design.
The Grado Classic SR80 scores 7 out of 15 for features and noise control. The listing states that the open-back design leaks sound and lets ambient noise in. There is no active noise cancelling. This means the SR80 is not appropriate for commuting, office use, or any situation where you need to isolate yourself from the environment or keep your audio private.
In terms of extra features, the ATH-M50X has a detachable cable system, which is a practical advantage for storage and replacement. The Grado listing does not mention any detachable cable or inline controls. Neither model has app support or built-in microphones according to the published information. So for noise isolation and the convenience of a detachable cable, the ATH-M50X is the stronger choice.
Battery, Bluetooth and Connectivity
Both headphones are wired only. The ATH-M50X has no Bluetooth and no battery, so battery life is not applicable. Its connectivity score from the listing is 5 out of 15. The Grado Classic SR80 also has no Bluetooth, and battery life is not applicable because it is wired. However, the Grado listing assigns a score of 15 out of 15 to battery and connectivity.
The Grado listing emphasizes that the wired connection eliminates battery and latency concerns, and that there are no batteries to charge or replace. This may explain the higher score. The ATH-M50X listing does not mention these specific benefits; it simply notes no Bluetooth and no battery. From a practical standpoint, both models require a wired source with a headphone jack, and neither offers wireless freedom.
Buyers who want a completely battery-free, latency-free connection will appreciate both models. If the listing's scoring is taken at face value, the Grado treats its wired-only design as a positive feature, while the ATH-M50X does not highlight that aspect. Still, neither headphone is suitable for someone who wants Bluetooth connectivity or portable wireless listening.
Build, Design and Portability
The ATH-M50X scores 8 out of 10 for build and portability. It is a closed-back over-ear headphone with a detachable cable system. The 90 degree swiveling earcups are a notable design feature that can make the headphone easier to store flat or wear around the neck. The listing does not publish weight, so portability cannot be fully judged.
The Grado Classic SR80 scores 7 out of 10 for build and portability. It is an open-back over-ear headphone with a wired connection, but the cable details are not published. The listing describes it as lightweight, which should help with portability and long-term comfort. However, the open-back design may be more fragile because the drivers are exposed through the grille, though that is not stated in the listing.
Neither listing provides a weight specification, which is a common metric for portability. The ATH-M50X has a detachable cable that can be removed for packing, while the Grado's cable appears fixed based on the lack of a detachable cable mention. The closed-back ATH-M50X may be more durable for travel, while the SR80 is better suited for stationary home use.
Call Quality and Daily Use
The ATH-M50X listing does not mention a built-in microphone or inline controls. That means it is not designed for taking phone calls or controlling music from the cable. Its primary use case is music listening and studio monitoring, where a microphone is not required. Daily use is best as a wired headphone for desk work, mixing, or listening at home.
The Grado Classic SR80 also has no inline controls or microphone mentioned in the listing. Like the ATH-M50X, call quality is essentially nonexistent because there is no microphone. The open-back design further limits daily use in shared spaces, because sound leaks out and ambient noise comes in. This headphone is best used in a quiet private room.
For daily use scenarios, the ATH-M50X's closed-back design offers more flexibility. You could use it in a library at moderate volume without disturbing others, and it provides passive isolation from chatter. The Grado SR80 would be inappropriate in that setting. However, neither headphone is suitable for hands-free calling, so if that is a priority, look elsewhere.
Who Should Buy It
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X is best for a budget-minded buyer who wants a closed-back wired headphone for music listening and studio monitoring with strong passive isolation. Its detailed and controlled sound with deep bass suits genres that need low-end impact. The detachable cable and swiveling earcups add practical value for musicians and audio editors.
The Grado Classic SR80 is best for a budget-minded home listener who wants an open-back wired headphone with a lively, engaging sound and does not need noise isolation. The listing describes spacious, natural sound and a classic energetic signature. It is comfortable for long listening sessions and eliminates battery concerns.
Buyers who need wireless connectivity, active noise cancelling, or a microphone for calls should avoid both models. The ATH-M50X is not a good fit for travel on planes or trains because it lacks ANC, though its passive isolation helps somewhat. The Grado is completely unsuitable for any shared or noisy environment. So each model has a clear target audience.
The Deciding Question
The central deciding question is whether you need isolation and bass impact or an open, spacious soundstage. If you plan to use the headphones in a quiet room for critical listening and want an airy, natural presentation, the Grado Classic SR80 is likely the better choice. Its open-back design creates a sense of space that closed-back models often cannot match.
If you need a headphone that blocks outside noise and keeps your music private, or if you want strong bass for studio monitoring, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X is the more appropriate option. Its closed-back design provides passive isolation, and the driver specifications point to controlled bass. The ATH-M50X also offers a detachable cable and swiveling earcups for practical use.
Both models are wired only, so if wireless freedom is a requirement, neither will satisfy. The Grado scores higher in battery and connectivity because its listing treats the lack of battery as a positive, but in practice both need a physical connection. Before choosing, confirm that your source device has a standard headphone jack or an adapter.
Who Should Buy Which
Choose the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X if you are a musician, producer, or content creator who needs a closed-back headphone for tracking or mixing. The passive isolation helps you focus on the music without outside noise. The deep bass and detailed sound are suited for modern music production. The detachable cable is a bonus for durability.
Choose the Grado Classic SR80 if you are a home listener who wants a lively, open-back sound with clear vocals and detailed highs. You do not need to block ambient noise, and you enjoy the spacious soundstage that open-back designs provide. The lightweight build is comfortable for long sessions of music enjoyment.
If you need a headphone for commuting or office use, the ATH-M50X is the better pick because its closed-back design reduces sound leakage and provides some passive isolation, though it lacks ANC. The Grado SR80 is not suitable for these settings because it leaks sound and lets noise in. For pure home listening without isolation concerns, the Grado is more engaging.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
Pros
- Detailed and controlled sound with deep bass
- 45 mm drivers with rare earth magnets
- Closed-back design with good passive isolation
- Detachable cable system
- 90 degree swiveling earcups for one-ear monitoring
Cons
- No Bluetooth or wireless option
- No active noise cancelling
- No published weight or water resistance
- No inline controls or app support
Grado Classic SR80
Pros
- Open-back design for spacious, natural sound
- Lightweight and comfortable for long listening
- Wired connection eliminates battery and latency concerns
- Grado's classic energetic sound signature
- Budget-friendly price tier
- No batteries to charge or replace
Cons
- No Bluetooth or wireless connectivity
- Open-back design leaks sound and lets ambient noise in
- No active noise cancelling
- Listing does not specify driver details, weight, or included accessories
- No inline controls or microphone mentioned
Who Should Buy Each
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
- Audio engineers and music producers
- Listeners who prefer a wired connection
- Users who need passive isolation in loud rooms
- Budget buyers who want a proven studio design
Grado Classic SR80
- Home listeners seeking a natural, spacious open-back soundstage on a budget
- Fans of Grado's energetic and immediate presentation
- Those who prefer a simple wired connection with no charging or pairing
- Listeners who do not require noise isolation or a built-in microphone
Quick Decision Guide
| If you want deep bass and passive isolation for studio monitoring or noisy environments | Choose Audio-Technica ATH-M50X |
| If you prioritize an open, spacious soundstage for home listening and do not mind sound leakage | Choose Grado Classic SR80 |
| If you need a detachable cable and swiveling earcups for practical one-ear monitoring | Choose Audio-Technica ATH-M50X |
| If you want a lightweight headphone that avoids battery charging and latency concerns | Choose Grado Classic SR80 |
| If you require Bluetooth, active noise cancelling, or a microphone for calls | Choose Neither model |
FAQ
About This Comparison
Mandrillis Team
The Mandrillis editorial team researches and compares audio and music gear using manufacturer documentation, verified specs and real buyer feedback, so you can make a confident purchase without wading through marketing claims.
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