When comparing Audio-Technica ATH-M40x vs Grado Prestige Series SR80e, the Slant community recommends Audio-Technica ATH-M40x for most people. In the question“What are the best headphones?” Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is ranked 17th while Grado Prestige Series SR80e is ranked 32nd. The most important reason people chose Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is:
Sound signature is quite accurate, almost flat. Bass is much more controlled instead of boomy, while there is a slight elevation on the highs, resulting in extra energy and detail up top. These offer a nice middle ground between a fun sound and a more reference/analytical sound signature. This sound quality makes the headphones quite versatile as music enjoyment headphones or studio-use cans.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Fairly neutral sound signature
Sound signature is quite accurate, almost flat. Bass is much more controlled instead of boomy, while there is a slight elevation on the highs, resulting in extra energy and detail up top. These offer a nice middle ground between a fun sound and a more reference/analytical sound signature. This sound quality makes the headphones quite versatile as music enjoyment headphones or studio-use cans.
Pro These have a high quality and durable feel
The M40xs feel solid and are known to be quite durable. The plastics used in the build do not easily flex or make creaks, giving the impression that these can last quite a long time.
Pro Can be used in noisy environments
The over-ear, closed back design along with the thick pleather ear pads can block out quite a lot of ambient noise, and will help users to focus in on the music. These make the headphones great for travel or for mixing/monitoring use.
Pro Comes with two detachable cables
The headphones come with a straight cable and a coiled cable, making them useful in the studio or while walking.
Pro Fun sounding with extended bass and highs along with warm mids
The highs are quite forward which brings out a lot of detail from the music. The mids, while not upfront, have nice presence and body to the music. The bass has good impact and is well-defined.
The SR80e works best for rock, country or live music, but can also perform well for classical music, EDM and similar genres.
Pro Open back design results in good sound stage
Th ear cups sport an open-back design, with mesh as the only covering on the driver. This gives a good sound stage which, while not very wide, is enough to give a feeling that the sound is coming from some distance away instead of just from beside your ears. This gives the music a more natural feel.
Pro Cable feels high quality
The cable is fairly long, thick and has a good weight to it. This is reassuring, as it means the cable will not break easily.
Pro Hand assembled in America
Grado Labs first started in the 50's, and to this day still hand craft all their products in their Brooklyn plant.
Pro Very light
The headband is only a piece of leather with a very thin metal sheet inside to give it structure, along with thin metal rods as gimbals for the plastic ear cups. Not only is it light, it's also quite portable too.
Cons
Con Incompatible with cables from other brands
Only Audio Technica cables can be used with these headphones.
Con Highs can sound piercing/harsh
Some users may find the highs to be too much. This is especially true if used with music that have a lot of high frequency sounds or effects like cymbals for example.
Con On ear design can be uncomfortable
The SR80e's ear cups sit on top of the user's ears with just a thin foam piece acting as cushion. This can result in an uncomfortable listening experience, especially when worn for extended periods.
Con May feel flimsy/cheap
These sound great, but build quality might not be up to par with the sound. The headband is very thin while the ear cups are mostly made of plastic. If you are looking for headphones that look and feel premium then these may not be for you.
Con Open-back design leaks a lot of sound
These headphones leak a lot of sound which means that other people near you can easily hear what you are listening to. These are not the best to use if you are in a place where silence is important.
Con Cable is non-removable
The cable is long, thick and non-removable, which makes it quite difficult to manage.
Con Very bulky plug
The 3.5mm plug is very large, and if you use a case on your phone, you won't be able to fit it in all the way. This can make the headphones sound off, or not produce any sound at all.
Con Barebones accessories
There is no included case, no in-line remote, and no microphone.