Grado boasts some of the most distinctively designed headsets in the industry, amidst the sea of headphone brands now available on the market. They’ve been making headphones in Brooklyn, New York, since 1953, and they’re renowned for generating incredibly crisp, high-quality sound. Open-back styles and incredibly high sound output are two features of Grado headphones experience. They not only create a full sound stage to enhance the listening experience but also give off such a nice vintage aesthetic. They are perfect for use in recording studios where signature sound quality is important.
You are never restricted to a single type of sound or style because Grado has such a large selection of headphones across numerous classes. To assist you in selecting the best Grado Headphones for you, we’ve written in-depth reviews of a few of them. Discover the distinctive qualities of these prestigious headphones and learn why they have grown to be such a cherished standard in the audio business.
Table of Contents
GRADO SR80e Prestige Series Wired Open Back Stereo Headphones
- Grado's award winning headphone - open back design offer a larger sound stage with greater detail and clarity
- "The Grado SR80e's are special, buy them and love them" - What HiFi
- Mini plug termination, incudes a 1/4 inch adapter
Grado’s SR80e is something of an anomaly in today’s headphone market. Not only is the grado house sound handcrafted in Brooklyn, New York, but they’re not proudly tech-savvy. There is no Bluetooth connectivity, no in-line microphone or active noise canceling, and thanks to their open design, they’re hopelessly impractical for commuting or commuting to the office. Despite all of these flaws, however, the Grado SR80e delivers an unrivaled listening experience at its price range and is unbeatable value for money for an audiophile headphone brands in pure sound.
Grado’s Prestige series of headphone models has been around for over twenty-five years and this is immediately evident in the design of its SR80e headphones. With a build quality designed to sit on your ears rather than on them, the grado lineup simply consist of two large plastic earphones connected by metal rods to a simple vinyl headband. While the sleek retro look is a statement series, the flip side is that the headphones aren’t sturdy and aren’t particularly practical. The cord, for example, is a chunky, non-detachable wire that attaches directly to each earbud, and while the earbuds can rotate 360 degrees, there’s no way to fold the earbuds for storage.
Matching 0.1dB speakers deliver a punchy bass texture at high speeds, while maintaining exceptional midrange tones. As mentioned, the open back construction means the conductors are exposed. This is impressive considering how strong the bass resonance is, as this style usually results in a flat, low pitched sound. The ear cushions are very comfortable because they don’t compress your ears and cause pain when removing each other. They are lightweight which makes them easy to travel. Plus, the long cable is handy for those who play instruments when plugged into a stereo or other device.
If you’re worried about the price range of over ear headphones, the best Grado audiophile headphones in this series fall somewhere in the mid-range of headphones, so they shouldn’t really bother you on the cost front. In terms of performance, the sound quality is smooth, creamy and warm. The sound quality is second to none. Grado SR80e is the Best Grado Headphones 2023.
GRADO SR325e Stereo Headphones
- 4OurEars is the only Grado Authorized Amazon Reseller
- The new "e" series headphones, hand made in Brooklyn, NY
- Manufacturers Warranty is only applicable in the US
The SR325e stereo headphones provide slightly heavier bass than the previous model. Like the Prestige series, these share a similar classic design with exposed speakers and nice foam ear pads. These SR325e headphones are a bit sturdier than the SR80e. They feature a luxurious leather headband, powder-coated aluminum outer ear cups, and soft foam ear cushions that fit snugly over the ears. Thanks to this heavier construction, the transition between low and high frequency range is very smooth. It also reduces distortion along with the 8-conductor cable to produce a more detailed and wider sound.
The SR325e offers slightly more powerful bass with the same overall sound as its predecessors. The 325 also has a leather headband and metal casing, unlike the SR80e’s polymer and plastic. The 325s also weigh more and the overall sound is brighter and therefore more revealing. Here’s a detail that you won’t find on the 125 or 225, but keep in mind that the difference is pretty subtle.
GRADO SR60e Prestige Series Wired Open-Back Stereo Headphones
The SR60e headphones are designed to dampen static electricity in the plastic construction for more enjoyable listening. The new matching .1Db drivers are designed to move the air inside so that the vibrations can precisely block any distortion. It maintains the signature Grado sound full of clarity.Recover full spectrum sound with punchy bass sounds and uniform mids for a fully realistic experience. For such incredible quality in form and sound value, these are rather affordable compared to the competition.
High on quality, bass, midrange and treble are the main highlights while talking about the SR60e Prestige series from Grado. The audiophile sound are a good example of great durability and good value for money. On the look side, they may look like the old school ones, but they sure look stylish too. These do not have a fancy remote control inside, and also have a missing removable cable. But the sound quality puts them at par. In short, they would perfectly fall under the category of the best mid-priced Grado headphones, traditional in design and amazing sound quality with several latest upgrades missing (if they don’t really make a huge difference), they should be the ones that you would make love.
While the bass volume levels are perfect headphone, the higher treble is also well thought out. You can hear them in detail instead of being muffled like some others on the market. The midrange is smooth, so there are no irregularities when listening to all types of music, even harsher metallic or electric genres. What it lacks in a wireless connection it makes up for with a 2.1m long cable, which allows more freedom of movement than others on the market. These have the same super comfortable foam earmuffs as the previous ones, with a leather headband that is thin and fits the head well. These are true on-ear headphones, so they don’t seem bulky at the price point.
Grado SR60e is the best budget Grado Headphones in 2023.
GRADO SR125e Prestige Series Wired Open-Back Stereo Headphones
Whatever your musical taste, the Grado Prestige Series SR125e headphones can enhance the sound of your tracks. They deliver classic Grado sound in spades – intimate mids with full-bodied vocals, crisp, sparkling highs, and tight, punchy bass. These headphones feature updates to Grado’s previous SR125i headphones, including an improved driver design, better sound dampening and a new cable. Grado’s SpaceBlack polycarbonate enclosures minimize resonance and vibration, for crisp, clear sound. The feeling of warmth and immediacy of the SR125e can sometimes surprise you. We believe these phones are exceptional value for audiophiles on a budget. You can easily drive them with your portable player or laptop. They also benefit well from the addition of a headphone amplifier.
Every pair of SR125e headphones are still made in Brooklyn, New York, where the John Grado family have been making award-winning audio gear for over 60 years. Like all Grado headphones, the SR125e uses an “open-air” ventilated headphone design with large, non-resonant air chambers for a powerful and extended low-frequency response and a more open, spacious sound to your ear tips. The diaphragm of each speaker has been subjected to a special “de-stressing” process which allows it to provide more musical detail for an even greater soundstage during your listening sessions. A sturdy eight-conductor patch cable and ultra-high-purity copper voice coils give these phones a refined high-end, ultra-smooth and dynamic, yet tightly controlled bass.
This grado headphone are high-performance with a remarkable distinction between sound textures. Wide-open sound is produced due to the open-back structure. You have an equally smooth range between each sound level: punchy bass, lively mids, and sparkling highs. The first thing you will notice about these headphones is their design, and for good reason, they are extremely unique. The word “elegant” doesn’t necessarily apply here – but “classic” does. It’s also very simple: there’s a simple leather strap that goes over your head and the earbuds extend to different sizes thanks to a basic metal rod. We think the retro styling of these cans is a good thing for excellent dynamics – they don’t conform to the same treatment the Beats and Monster give their headphones, and that makes Grado’s headphones stand out.
Grado’s ability to combine lightness, extreme stiffness and internal damping has been put to good use in the wireless headphone. Based on the same design as the SR80e, the SR125e also features an improved driver and cable design using UHPLC (Ultra-High Purity, Long Crystal) copper voice coil wire. With the new 8-conductor cable design, you’ll notice improved control and stability of the upper and lower range of the frequency spectrum instead of high frequency, both of which better support Grado’s world-famous midrange. The diaphragms go through a special “de-stressing” process to enhance interior details. The way the wired headphones new driver, cable and plastic housing move air and respond to sound vibrations are now less affected by transient distortions. The bass, midrange and treble are all more open and you’ll appreciate the fine tonal distribution and balance.
GRADO RS2e Reference Series Wired Open-Back Stereo Headphones
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- 1 Year Manufacturers Warranty from authorized dealers (Amazon or 4OurEars)
- Hand-crafted from select Mahogany tone-woods, like a fine musical instrument.
If you’re looking for rich, detailed sound with natural warmth, realistic vocals and explosive dynamics, Grado’s Reference Series RS2e headphones are Best Grado Headphones. These headphones feature updates to Grado’s older RS2i headphones, including an improved rider design, better sound dampening, and a new cable. These mahogany wood beauties immerse you in a listening experience so engaging that you’ll want to re-explore every track in your music library for this rich full bodied vocals.
Each earpiece is handcrafted by Grado in Brooklyn, New York from a particular species of mahogany. The wood is carefully treated using Grado’s enhanced drying process to take advantage of the natural acoustic properties of wood for optimum sound quality. These Grados can be driven using the headphone outputs of most home audio systems, or even a portable player or laptop. But they’ll really sound their best with the addition of a headphone amplifier.
In terms of aesthetics, retro chic meets no frills. But when it comes to durability, you might need to be careful with Grados. The minimalist design is not meant to be rushed. And the cable is thick, but not replaceable. The pads, however, are replaceable. Plus, the ear cups swivel 350 degrees and move back and forth at an angle to accommodate your head shape.
The balance is about as perfect as it gets for over ears. No matter what you want to listen to, the sound will be the best it has ever been. I threw every genre of music I could find at these things, from classic symphonies and low-fi blown amp punk to bubblegum pop, hard trap and shoegazery sludge metal, and they stood up every time. Nothing blew them up, nothing was pushed too far forward or too far back. Every sound, every note was exactly where it needed to be. These are the types of headphones that pick up the songs you’ve heard a thousand times and play them back. It didn’t matter what I played, the RS2e let me hear all the way to the back of the mix, choosing individual instruments in the back, even in the tumult of vocals up front. For those who spend a lot of time streaming their music from services such as Spotify or Google Play Music, I recommend turning on high quality streaming. Do you remember Tidal? Remember how everyone laughed at Tidal? These headphones will make you want to enjoy Tidal for that good, good audio quality at best price points.
GRADO SR225e Prestige Series Wired Open-Back Stereo Headphones
The Grado SR225e Headphones deliver true high-fidelity sound signature reproduction with realistic bass, middle, and treble motions. An open-back design allows for more air circulation, resulting in a more intimate listening experience.
With the SR225e from the Prestige Series headphones, you can hear new subtleties in your favourite music. Sound range is balanced and stereo image is improved with dynamic de-stressed drivers. The drivers on these headphones have been improved for the greatest quality compared to prior models. The cable, plastic, and metal housing are all part of the overall construction, and the drivers are designed to minimise transient distortion for accurate sound reproduction.
These earbuds, in particular, focus on the exact instrument or voice that is playing at a given time, resulting in a truly delightful listening experience. These characteristics make them ideal for use in a music studio, where precise audio is required to create excellent songs. These are sturdy headphones with an exterior metal grill, solid plastic earcups, and malleable foam pads that stay pleasant and pleasurable to wear. The earpads may be replaced, which is useful in the long run. The metal grill’s open-air design produces rich sounds, but it isn’t appropriate for shutting out extraneous disturbances.
GRADO GW100 v2 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
- Open back design offers larger sound stage with improved detail and clarity
- The lightweight and comfortable design with a padded headband and foam ear cushions make extended listening sessions a pleasure
- Now featuring Bluetooth 5.0 - Apt-X, AAC and SBC Compatibility. Up to 40 hour battery
GRADO GW100 v2 headphones have a larger backdrop than any other brand and increased sound clarity. Grado has also greatly enhanced the sound containment of the headset, with an amazing open-back and on-ear design for a longer range. This wireless headset is lightweight, weighing only 11 ounces, so it will never be difficult to carry and use while traveling or when you have a lot of luggage to enjoy your precise sounds.
The redesigned design features a padded headband for additional comfort, as well as a foamy ear cushion to prevent discomfort while listening for long periods of time during playing instruments. The headset also offers an excellent clamping force on your ears. The same driver structure will go unnoticed by you in this top products. The GRADO GW100 headphones have Bluetooth 5.0 with Apt-x, AAC, and SBC compatibility. A better-quality antenna is included in the new, enhanced v2 variant. Just a matter it vastly improves the headset’s connectivity and extends the Bluetooth range of this earphone. One lithium-ion battery (included in the box) with a 40-hour listening time is required. The 40-hour duration, on the other hand, is promoted as having a 50% volume which is pretty good.
GRADO PS500e Professional Series Wired Open-Back Stereo Headphones
True audiophiles with a passion for high-fidelity sounds that need to be heard with surgical precision will appreciate the PS500e Headphones compared to a higher price. They’re designed for the Professional Series, which features metal housings for unrivalled precision. With these PS500e Professional Series Headphones, you’ll be able to hear every breath and tone change. To scatter resonances for uninterrupted flow, a hybrid air chamber comprised of wood and metal was created. On songs, you’ll notice full-bodied vocals, fantastic dynamics, and a very smooth top-end sound signatures.
These are built for professional audio work, they produce spacious tones that allow you to hear and distinguish each instrument individually and clearly. Flaws in music are readily apparent, which is why they benefit sound engineers by assisting them in detecting and correcting faults.
Grado Reference Series RS1e Headphones
- Tranducer type - Dynamic / Operating principle - Open Air / Frequency response - 12-30 kJZ / SPL 1mV - 98 / Normal impedance - 32ohms / Driver matched...
The earpieces on the RS1e Reference Series Headphones have undergone an elaborate curing process that has enhanced the tonal quality for unrivaled sound quality. For clear listening, an open-back design delivers a highly expansive audio with a lot of purity.
These entry level headphones not only look elegant on the outside, but they also provide deep, complex sounds. The subsequent sound experience is controlled, yet with comprehensive dynamics, thanks to the 8-conductor wire and 50mm transducer. This also permits even the tiniest aspects in any piece of music to be revealed, resulting in a new listening experience.
These are extremely attractive headphones that stand out from the crowd. The headband is constructed of silky genuine leather, and the foam earpads are so comfort level that you may listen for hours. The earcups’ modest glimpse of lovely brown mahogany adds so much sophistication. Even with their retro aesthetic, they may undoubtedly complement a variety of styles.
GRADO GS1000e Statement Series Wired Open-Back Stereo Headphones
Grado Labs’ 14-ounce brown-colored headset is perfect for listening to all forms of media with high sound clarity. It includes prominent ear chambers that suit your earlobes nicely for a private listening experience. Air flows with the music you’re listening to with this design, imitating enhanced clarity and range.
The mahogany tone is hand-matched for maximum aesthetic appeal. Warm harmonic colors are also present in your Grado GS1000e headphones. You have the perfect headset when you combine bodied vocals, superb dynamics, and a seamless top end. It includes 50mm dynamic transducers and a new 1-conductor wire for professional sound quality in your ears. Furthermore, the hand-crafted wood on the earpieces and headband, as well as the ergonomic cable design and driver, ensure tight control and stability on higher and lower frequencies.
Grado Headphones Buying Guide
Before plunging into the world of Grado headphones, it’s essential to identify your specific needs. Define the purpose of your headphones. Are they for casual listening, professional use, or a high-fidelity audio experience? Understanding your usage context will guide your selection process.
Budget Considerations
Grado offers a wide range of headphones across various price points. The Prestige Series, including models like the SR60e or SR80e, offers excellent value for beginners stepping into the high-quality audio ecosystem. For audiophiles seeking unparalleled audio performance, the Professional and Reference series, with models like the PS500e or RS2e, represent a significant but worthy investment.
Comfort and Design
Comfort is an essential factor to consider when investing in headphones. Grado’s open-back designs allow for extended comfortable use. However, they may leak sound, which could disturb people around you. If this is a concern, consider your environment and whether a closed-back headphone would be more suitable.
Sound Preferences
Grado’s signature sound is characterized by vibrant, detailed midrange frequencies, precise bass, and sparkling treble. If you prefer a different sound profile, such as emphasized bass, you may want to explore other brands. But, if you’re looking for a balanced, detailed sound, Grado headphones might be your perfect match.
Wired or Wireless
Grado is renowned for its wired headphones, which are favored by audiophiles due to their superior sound quality. However, the company has made strides in the wireless market with models like the GW100, offering the signature Grado sound without the constraints of a cable.
The Power of Reviews
Before making a final decision, seek out reviews from reputable sources. Reviews from professional audio reviewers and actual users can provide valuable insights into the performance, comfort, and durability of the headphones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Grado Headphones Worth the Investment?
Absolutely. Grado headphones are recognized for their superior sound quality, unique design, and exceptional craftsmanship. Every model, from the entry-level to the high-end, offers a distinct, immersive audio experience. While they might come with a higher price tag compared to some other brands, the investment in Grado headphones is an investment in high-quality audio.
What Is the Sound Signature of Grado Headphones?
Grado headphones are known for their vibrant and lively sound signature, with a focus on the midrange frequencies. The bass is precise and impactful, while the treble frequencies sparkle without sounding harsh. This results in a balanced and detailed sound that allows for an immersive listening experience.
How Do Grado Headphones Compare to Other Brands?
Grado stands out in the audio industry due to its commitment to sound quality and handcrafted design. Their headphones are characterized by a vibrant, detailed, and balanced sound signature that many audiophiles appreciate. While other brands may offer features such as noise cancellation or wireless technology, Grado focuses on delivering the purest sound experience possible.
Are Grado Headphones Comfortable for Long Listening Sessions?
Yes, Grado headphones are designed for comfort during long listening sessions. Their open-back design allows for better air circulation, reducing ear fatigue. However, comfort can be subjective and depends on individual preferences. It’s recommended to try them on if possible before purchasing.
Where Are Grado Headphones Made?
Grado headphones are handcrafted in the USA, specifically in Brooklyn, New York. This commitment to domestic manufacturing ensures a high level of quality control and contributes to the robust build of their headphones.
Do Grado Headphones Have Wireless Options?
Grado primarily specializes in wired headphones, but they do offer a wireless model, the GW100. These headphones maintain the Grado signature sound quality while providing the convenience of wireless listening.
Can I Use Grado Headphones for Professional Music Production?
While Grado headphones are not specifically marketed towards professional music production, their high-quality sound reproduction makes them a viable choice for professionals. Their detailed and balanced sound signature can provide accurate monitoring for music production tasks. However, it’s essential to consider the open-back design, which may not be suitable for all studio environments.