Quick Summary
Grado's new Signature headphones feature brand new drivers and a new design direction.
The HP100 SE over-ears are available from November 2024 for £2,795 / $2,495 a pair.
Grado makes some of the world's best headphones, and its high-end models regularly receive five-star rave reviews from the audio press. Now there's a new Signature model that heralds a new design direction for the audiophile over-ears maker.
And, as ever with Grado, each pair is assembled by hand in its Brooklyn HQ.
Grado Signature HP100 SE: key features and pricing
The newly designed drivers are 52mm with a new paper composite cone, a new voice coil made from lightweight copper-plated aluminium, and a powerful high flux magnetic circuit incorporating rare earth alloys.
According to Grado the result produces "excellent dynamics and transient response, along with a highly refined sense of space, soundstage and image". Frequency response is an exceptionally low 3.5Hz to a high 51.5kHz, and the SPL at 1mW is 117dB. Total harmonic distortion is \<0.1% @ 100dB.
The housings are made from aluminium, and for the first time for Grado the cables are removable; the braided finish is softer "but durable" with more flexible insulation and lower cable weight than before.
The cable has a 6.3mm plug and connects to each housing via a 4-pin mini XLR; additional cable options including 4-pin XLR termination and 4.4mm balanced termination will be available in the near future.
The headband has 50% more padding than before, and it incorporates a stainless steel band and height rods to get the perfect fit.
The new Signature HP100 SE will be available from November. The recommended retail price is £2,795 / $2,495 / about AU$5,470.
