Grado Classic SR60 Headphones

Where Grado Begins

The Grado Classic SR60 is the entry point into Grado's Classic Series, the starting point for countless listeners discovering the brand's vivid, immediate, genuinely open-back character for the very first time in their lives.

A new 44mm X2 driver brings improved clarity, balance, and consistency to the SR60 over previous generations, tuned specifically for genuine balance and musicality rather than maximum bite or excitement across the board.

Grado has hand-assembled headphones in Brooklyn, New York since 1953, still family-owned and now in its third generation, and the SR60 carries forward that same open-back philosophy at an entry-level price today.

Where the 44mm X2 Driver Earns Its Keep

Tuned for Balance, Not Excitement

Built around a Mylar diaphragm, copper voice coil, and rare earth magnetic system, the X2 driver favors clear midrange, natural detail, and a smooth, approachable tonality over genuinely long listening sessions.

Driver-to-driver matching is held to 0.1dB across every pair, keeping left and right channels genuinely well balanced no matter which specific SR60 unit you actually happen to end up receiving.

A Lightweight Housing That Lets the Driver Speak

A die-injection molded plastic housing keeps the SR60 light and durable for day-to-day use, venting through the rear for the spacious, natural presentation that genuinely defines Grado's sound at every single price point.

S cushions, the smallest in Grado's entire lineup, sit directly on the ear for a close, direct coupling between driver and ear that reinforces the SR60's clear, immediate character throughout every session.

What Reviewers Are Saying

ecoustics.com found the SR60 "keeping one foot planted where the brand actually built its audience in the first place," praising the X2 driver update as a meaningful refinement.

HiFi Blog called it "a relatively approachable starting point into the company's open-back philosophy," praising the Classic Series structure for giving new listeners genuine access to Grado's core character at the lowest possible commitment.

Who Is the SR60 Best For?

• You're new to open-back hi-fi headphones: the SR60 is one of the most recommended entry points into genuine hi-fi listening
• You want balance and musicality over aggressive excitement: Grado specifically tuned this driver for long, fatigue-free listening sessions
• You listen at home in a quiet environment: the open-back design rewards a dedicated listening room over a noisy commute
• You want to experiment with tuning through cushions: S, F, and G cushions each meaningfully shift the SR60's character
• You want a calmer, more relaxed Grado — the SR60 is the easy-going end of the Classic range

How Does It Connect to Your System?

The fixed Bronze cable terminates in a 3.5mm plug with a 1/4" adapter included, connecting easily to phones, laptops, and dedicated headphone amplifiers right out of the box.

At 38 ohms and 98dB sensitivity, the SR60 plays plenty loud from modest sources, though a dedicated headphone amplifier still improves clarity and control noticeably.

Pairs Well With

What finishes the system around a Classic SR60:

• Headphone amplifiers — optional, but genuinely improves clarity and control over a phone or laptop alone
• Digital-to-analog converters — a clean digital source feeding your amp matters as much as the amp itself
• Headphone cables — the standard 3.5mm termination accepts a wide range of aftermarket options
• Headphone stands — a proper resting spot between listening sessions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an amplifier for the SR60?

Not at all. At 38 ohms and 98dB sensitivity, it plays well from a phone, laptop, or tablet. A dedicated amplifier improves sound quality but isn't required at this level.

Can I use these at the office or while commuting?

Not really. The SR60 is open-back and leaks sound significantly in both directions, so it's built for a quiet room rather than shared or mobile spaces.

How does the SR60 compare to the SR80?

Both share the same driver and housing. Grado tunes the SR80 for tighter bass, more midrange presence, and more top-end detail — a livelier, more forward alternative.

Can I change the cushions?

Yes. S cushions ship installed for the closest, most direct presentation. F cushions relax the sound slightly, and G cushions widen it considerably for a more spacious feel.

Is the cable detachable?

It isn't. All Classic Series headphones use fixed, hard-wired cables by design. Detachable cables are reserved for Grado's Signature Line, not the Classic Series.

Where is the SR60 made?

By hand, in Brooklyn, New York, in the same facility and to the same standards as every other headphone in Grado's current lineup, top to bottom.

See It in Action

Audio Arkitekts presents Should You Buy the Grado SR60 Headphones?.

The Headphone Show presents Audiophile on a budget? Grado X Review.

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Learn More

Want to learn more about open-back headphones, headphone amplifiers, or getting the most from a dynamic-driver design? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.