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Grado SR 80 problems

R

retroJ

Member
I read all the great reviews, so I won a pair of these off ebay. Several weeks later, the sound on the right side cut out. So I sent them to Grado to be repaired. In apparently record time(under 2 weeks) I got what looked like another pair of SR 80s, I dont think it was the original one. I burned these in and about a month later, the sound cut out again on the left side.
I really like the sound of these, but I am hesitating to get them repaired AGAIN..
For a bit over the cost of repair, I bought a brand new pair of Audio TecnicaATHM 40fs head phones, which I'm burning in right now.
Its a shame about the Grados. Just a word of warning...
I noticed that the new AT are a little touchy around the plug. I hope that isnt going to be a problem!
Why dont they build sturdier headphones??!!:sigh:
 
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Hi Celt,
How would I be able to tell this?
In the past I used the SR80s on both my 2235b and 2245b Marantzes. Both have been serviced by a reliable tech. I dont think that would be the problem.
BTW, dont get me wrong...I LOVE the sound onthe SR 80s, its just that they are kind of delicate. I treat my headphones gently, too...
 
I've been fairly rough with a pair of SR60's that I've owned since the early 90's and (knock wood) they've held up really well for me.
Anyway, hook up a DVM (digital volt meter) set it to mV (millivolts) up to your outputs and see what kind of reading you get.
Measure each channel at idle (no music or signal) and report back your findings.
 
Hmm, I need to buy one of those..
Well, I'm taking the 2245b to my tech this week, and he can check that possibility out.
It does seem strange that the SR80 had problems so soon.
 
Have your tech clean the headphone jack contacts, also check your headphone adapter (the 1/8th inch to 1/4 inch adapter). Sometimes those cause issues.
 
I now realize that my marantz receivers need new headphone jacks. That was the problem.
I'm just bought an Insignia receiver from BB, and found out that my SR80s work after all! They are a bit touchy, but they work again. I kept on "bopping" them and adjusting them to try to get it to work on htat one side. That is probably why it cuts out a bit. Sigh...I'lll probably still send them to be repaired at some point.
I compared the 2 head phones and I think I like the Audio Technicas a bit better. It still has to be burned in more before I can fully determine which I prefer.
Anyway, the mystery is cleared up now!
 
retroJ said:
I treat my headphones gently, too..


I kept on "bopping" them and adjusting them to try to get it to work on htat one side.

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Click to expand...

What do you consider "rough" treatment?

You might be able to clean the headphone contacts in your receiver or bend the connectors so they fit tighter.
 
I am beyond rough on headphones. I drop them, step on them, fall asleep on top of them, set them in food, let the dog throw them around... My approx. 2 year-old SR60s look just terrible, but the wiring is fine.
 
My SR-60s were fine until I rolled my desk chair over the cord (which was lying on the floor). Eventually had to put a new cable on them from the 'Y' down. Worked for a while, but now the cable for the left ear has an intermittent break. Can't decide whether to fix them again or just get new ones.

SteveH
 
If the headphone jack is only dirty and not damaged, you could try cleaning it with a little Deoxit (red stuff). With the amp OFF, I apply it liberally to the headphone plug, plug it into the jack and exercise it back and forth, in and out a few times. After it dries for a while, give it a try.
Stan
 
Skrol,
Thanks for the tip. I need to do this in the 2235b, so maybe that will help.
The 2245b has already been cleaned but Ihavent had a chance to test the grados on it yet.
 
I used to love my Grado cans. Was a x-mas gift from the wife a couple years ago. The RS-1. Like I say, used to. The dogs one day liked them too. That was the last time they worked. sniff sniff
 
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