Over-Ear
Grado SR80
72Good
$175
Full review dataGrado SR80 vs Nectar Hive: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Nectar Hive comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Nectar Hive - Outstanding overall at around $197.
Over-Ear
Nectar Hive
85Outstanding
$197
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Grado SR80
Sound7.5
Noise cancelling1.0
Value6.5
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Grado SR80 | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $175 | $197 |
| HearWiki score | 72 / 100 · Good | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 1991 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 44 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | - |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz | 20Hz-7kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Controls | buttons | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | - | 370 g |
| USB-C | No | - |
What reviewers said
Grado SR80
The Grado SR80 is a wired, open-back on-ear headphone with a retro aesthetic and a lively, forward sound that leans toward a neutral-ish signature with a strong midrange and respectable bass for its type. While it offers an engaging, vinyl-like character and easy-to-drive 32-ohm impedance, its open design means almost no noise isolation, and the build feels somewhat basic with a snug fit that may tire some listeners.
- Pro:Engaging, open sound with a strong midrange
- Pro:Good bass response for an open-back model
- Pro:Lightweight and easy to drive from most devices
- Con:Very poor noise isolation due to open-back design
- Con:Clampy fit can be uncomfortable over long sessions
- Con:Treble can sound bright or peaky on some recordings
Nectar Hive
The Nectar Hive is a wired electrostatic over-ear headphone priced around $600, weighing just 370 grams. It delivers a bright neutral sound signature with a frequency response spanning 20Hz to 7kHz, offering a detailed and airy presentation that leans toward analytical clarity. This model earns high marks for its tonal balance and technical performance, making it a strong contender in its price bracket for listeners who prefer a crisp, revealing sound.
- Pro:Excellent tonal accuracy and neutrality
- Pro:Impressive technical detail retrieval
- Pro:Featherweight design for comfort
- Con:Bright tilt may be fatiguing for some
- Con:Limited bass impact due to electrostatic nature
- Con:Requires dedicated amplifier for proper use
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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