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What You Need to Know
The SR60 Classic — Where Grado Begins
Grado Labs has made headphones in Brooklyn, New York since 1953. The company is still family-owned, now in its third generation. Their headphones are known for open-back, wired designs that deliver a vivid, immediate, and musical presentation — a character that has earned them a loyal following among listeners who value that direct connection to the music over features or convenience.
The SR60 Classic is the entry point into the Classic Series. At $125, it is the most affordable Grado headphone in the lineup, and it has been the starting point for countless listeners discovering what Grado sounds like for the first time. The 2026 Classic version brings the updated 44mm X2 driver to the SR60, improving clarity, balance, and consistency over previous generations. The housing, headband, and cable have also been refined. Same essential character — better execution.
Grado describes the SR60 as tuned for “balance and musicality,” aimed at long listening sessions rather than maximum bite or excitement. It is designed to be inviting and easy to live with, not fatiguing. At $125, it is one of the most honest-to-goodness hi-fi headphones available at any price.
Open-Back Design — What That Means
The SR60 Classic is an open-back headphone. The rear of the driver housing vents freely to the outside air. This design produces a wider, more natural-sounding presentation than most headphones at this price — the driver breathes in both directions rather than bouncing sound inside a sealed cup.
The trade-off is leakage. People nearby will hear what you’re listening to, and ambient noise will come in. The SR60 is not suited to offices, public transit, or shared spaces. It is a home listening headphone. In a quiet room, the open design is a genuine advantage that most closed headphones at this price simply cannot match.
The 44mm X2 Driver — Tuned for Balance and Musicality
At the center of the SR60 is Grado’s 44mm X2 dynamic driver, built around a Mylar diaphragm, copper voice coil, and rare earth magnetic system. The X2 was developed across the entire Classic Series through extensive listening and refinement, with the goal of delivering improved consistency, clarity, and balance while preserving the lively character that defines Grado.
In the SR60 specifically, Grado tuned the X2 for a presentation that favors clear midrange, natural detail, and a smooth, approachable tonality. The SR60 is not tuned for maximum excitement or analytical precision. It is tuned to be balanced and musical — the kind of headphone you reach for after a long day because it just sounds good without demanding anything from you. Driver-to-driver matching is held to 0.1 dB, keeping the left and right channels well balanced.
Die-Injection Molded Housing — Lightweight and Durable
The SR60 uses a die-injection molded plastic housing. This is the same fundamental housing material used on the SR80. It is lightweight, consistent in shape, and durable in day-to-day use. It does not have the tonal warmth of mahogany or the density of cocobolo — this is a precision-controlled housing that keeps the headphone light and comfortable for extended wear, and lets the driver’s character come through clearly.
The open-back architecture vents through the rear of the housing, producing the spacious, natural presentation that is a defining quality of Grado’s sound at every price level.
Standard Headband with Padded Synthetic Strap
The SR60 uses Grado’s standard headband assembly with a padded synthetic headstrap — a lighter and simpler construction than the Signature Silver or Gold assemblies found on the Hemp, RS1, and GS models. The strap is padded for comfort during extended sessions. An internal steel spring band allows easy, tool-free adjustment of the clamping pressure for a personalized fit. This is the same essential headband design that has appeared on Grado’s entry models for decades, refined here for the Classic Series.
S Cushions — Close-Coupled On-Ear Fit
The SR60 ships with Grado’s S cushions — the smallest cushion in the Grado lineup. S cushions sit on the ear (supra-aural) rather than around it, creating a close, direct coupling between the driver and the ear. This contributes to the SR60’s clear, immediate character. Like all Grado cushions, S cushions are a tuning element as well as a comfort feature. Experimenting with other cushion types will shift the sound: larger cushions like F or G will push the driver farther from the ear, widening the soundstage and softening the directness of the presentation.
Bronze Cable — Fixed, Updated, Dependable
The SR60 ships with Grado’s Bronze cable in a fixed, hard-wired configuration. This is the entry-level cable in the Grado Classic Series hierarchy — below the Silver cable used on the Hemp and RS1. The Bronze cable is engineered to be lighter, softer, and more flexible than previous Grado cables while maintaining signal integrity. The standard termination is a 3.5mm plug with a 1/4” adapter included, making it compatible with both phones and dedicated headphone amplifiers out of the box.
All Classic Series headphones use fixed, hard-wired cables. Detachable cables are reserved for the Signature Line. This is a deliberate Grado design choice maintained throughout the Classic range.
Hand-Built in Brooklyn, New York
Every SR60 Classic is assembled by hand at Grado’s facility in Brooklyn, New York — the same building where Grado has been making headphones since 1953. At $125, the SR60 is the most affordable Grado headphone, but it is hand-built in the same facility and to the same standards as the $1,995 GS3000.
What the Experts Say
ecoustics described the SR60 as “Grado keeping one foot planted where the brand actually built its audience in the first place.” They positioned it as a headphone aimed at balance and musicality for long listening sessions rather than maximum bite — the entry point that has introduced more listeners to Grado than any other model. The X2 driver update was praised as a meaningful refinement that improves consistency across the entire Classic lineup without changing the fundamental character that made these headphones popular.
HiFi Blog described the SR60’s role in the Classic Series as offering “a relatively approachable starting point into the company’s open-back philosophy” for listeners new to the brand. They praised the internal logic of the Classic Series structure, noting that the SR60’s position at the entry level gives new listeners access to Grado’s core open-back character — the vivid, immediate, airy presentation — at the lowest possible commitment.
Grado describes the SR60’s tuning as favoring “balance and musicality,” with “clear midrange, natural detail, and an inviting presentation designed for long listening sessions.” They describe it as “one of the most accessible ways to experience the Grado sound” and note that it shares the same hand-built construction and workbench-to-workbench process as every other headphone they make in Brooklyn.
Note: The Classic Series launched late March 2026. No scored, fully published reviews of the SR60 Classic specifically exist at time of writing. Replace these entries with scored reviews as they are published.
Building Your Listening Setup?
- Headphone Amplifier (Optional). The SR60 is very easy to drive at 38 ohms and 98 dB sensitivity — a phone, laptop, or portable DAC will get plenty of volume. A dedicated headphone amplifier will improve clarity and control, but it is not required to enjoy the SR60. Browse Headphone Amplifiers.
- DAC. An outboard DAC can improve the signal quality from a computer or streaming device, and pairs well alongside a headphone amp. Browse DACs.
- Alternative Cushions. S cushions (included) create a close, direct on-ear presentation. F cushions place the driver slightly farther away for a smoother, more relaxed character. G cushions create the widest, most spacious Grado sound. All are interchangeable — ask us which are compatible with the SR60.
- Step Up: Classic SR80. The SR80 ($175) shares the same driver size and housing type but is tuned by Grado for tighter bass, more midrange presence, and more top-end detail. If you want more energy and immediacy, the SR80 is the natural next step. Browse Grado headphones.
- Step Up: Classic SR325. The SR325 ($350) moves to a CNC-machined aluminum housing and Signature Silver headband, with a more resolved and detailed presentation. A significant step up in materials and character.
Features & Specifications
44mm X2 Dynamic Driver — Balanced and Musical Tuning
Grado’s X2 driver platform uses a Mylar diaphragm, copper voice coil, and rare earth magnetic system. In the SR60, the 44mm X2 is tuned for balance and musicality — clear midrange, natural detail, and a smooth, inviting presentation designed for long listening sessions without fatigue. Driver-to-driver matching is held to 0.1 dB across every pair.
Open-Back Design — Spacious and Natural
The open-back housing vents the driver freely, producing a wider and more natural-sounding presentation than most closed-back headphones at this price. Designed for home listening in a quiet space.
Die-Injection Molded Housing — Lightweight and Consistent
Precision injection-molded plastic construction keeps the SR60 light and durable for day-to-day use while providing a consistent acoustic environment for the driver. The same fundamental housing used on the SR80.
Standard Headband with Padded Synthetic Strap
Grado’s standard headband assembly with a padded synthetic strap for comfortable extended wear. Internal steel spring band allows easy, tool-free clamping pressure adjustment for a personalized fit.
S Cushions — Direct, On-Ear Presentation
Grado’s smallest cushion sits directly on the ear, creating a close coupling between the driver and the ear for a clear, immediate presentation. Interchangeable with other Grado cushion types for tonal customization.
Bronze Cable — Lightweight and Flexible
Grado’s Bronze cable in a fixed hard-wired configuration. Lighter, softer, and more flexible than previous Grado cables. 3.5mm plug with 1/4” adapter included.
Specifications
- Driver: 44mm X2 dynamic (Mylar diaphragm, copper voice coil, rare earth magnetic system)
- Design: Open-back, on-ear (supra-aural)
- Frequency response: 20 Hz–20 kHz
- Sensitivity: 98 dB
- Impedance: 38 ohms
- Driver matching: 0.1 dB
- Cushions: S cushions (included)
- Housing: Die-injection molded plastic, open-back
- Headband: Standard assembly with padded synthetic strap and steel spring band
- Cable: Bronze, fixed hard-wired
- Termination: 3.5mm plug (1/4” adapter included)
- Series: Classic Series (entry point)
- Made in USA (Brooklyn, NY)
- MSRP: $125
- Available from: Late March 2026
Note: Cable length and weight not confirmed in available sources. Verify with Grado or Audio Advisor rep before publishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SR60 a good first pair of hi-fi headphones?
Yes — it is one of the most recommended entry points in open-back hi-fi. At $125, it gives you a genuine taste of what Grado’s open-back sound signature is about: clear midrange, natural detail, and a spacious presentation that most similarly priced closed-back headphones cannot match. If you’ve only used standard earbuds or budget headphones, the SR60 will be a meaningful upgrade.
Do I need an amplifier for the SR60?
No — the SR60 is very easy to drive at 38 ohms and 98 dB sensitivity. It will play well from a phone, laptop, tablet, or portable DAC. The 3.5mm plug and included 1/4” adapter cover both. A dedicated headphone amplifier will improve the sound quality, but it is not a requirement at this level.
Can I use these at the office or while commuting?
No. The SR60 is open-back — it leaks sound significantly in both directions. People near you will hear your music, and ambient noise will come through to you. These are home listening headphones. In a quiet room they work beautifully; in an office or on transit they are not practical.
What’s the difference between the SR60 and the SR80?
Both use the same 44mm X2 driver in the same injection-molded housing with the same Bronze cable. The difference is in tuning. Grado positions the SR80 ($175) as delivering tighter bass, more midrange presence, and more top-end detail than the SR60 — a more forward, energetic presentation. The SR60 is tuned for balance and long listening; the SR80 is tuned for immediacy and engagement. Which is better depends on what you want from a headphone. If you’re not sure, call us and we can help.
Can I change the cushions?
Yes. Grado cushions are interchangeable across the lineup. S cushions (included) create the closest, most direct on-ear presentation. F cushions push the driver slightly away from the ear for a smoother character. G cushions create the widest, most spacious Grado sound. Swapping cushion types is one of the easiest ways to tune the SR60’s character. Ask us which types are compatible and available.
Is the cable detachable?
No. The Classic Series uses fixed, hard-wired cables by design. The SR60 ships with the Bronze cable in 3.5mm with a 1/4” adapter. Detachable cables are reserved for Grado’s Signature Line.
How does the SR60 compare to the Hemp Classic?
The Hemp Classic ($495) is a significantly different headphone. It uses a bi-wood hempwood and maple housing, a Signature Silver headband, F cushions, and is tuned for a fuller, warmer, more grounded presentation. The SR60’s strength is balance and musicality at an accessible price. The Hemp’s strength is its distinct tonal character and more premium build. If you want the Grado sound with a warmer, denser quality, the Hemp is the model to consider.
Where is the SR60 made?
By hand, in Brooklyn, New York. Every SR60 Classic passes through multiple workbenches at Grado’s facility before it ships — the same building and the same process used for every headphone they make, from the $125 SR60 to the $1,995 GS3000.
What’s in the Box
- Grado SR60 Classic open-back headphones
- S cushions (installed)
- Fixed Bronze cable (hard-wired)
- 1/4” (6.35mm) adapter
Note: Confirm exact packing list with Grado or Audio Advisor rep before publishing.
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New to open-back headphones and wondering what all the fuss is about? Or looking to build your first real home listening setup? Visit our Audio Advisor Learning Center for guides on headphone types, what to listen for, and how to get the most from your music at home.
