What's unique about the brand
What reviewers are saying
We read all the reviews. Here's what reviewers feel most strongly about:
- The brand's headphones are known for their open-back design which trades noise isolation for an expansive and airy soundstage favored by audiophiles.
- Grado largely retains a characteristically "vintage" or "retro" design, despite ongoing component upgrades, making them visually distinct and instantly recognizable.
- They are designed for easy amplification, working well even with smartphones without requiring dedicated headphone amplifiers.
Our favorite reviewer quotes:
- "The Grado RS1x Reference Series Headphone is everything you expect in a reference headphone. Linear but not sterile, musical but not veiled, dynamic, detailed, open and airy but with deep bass extension, with a massive three-dimensional soundstage, and on top of that unbelievably light and comfortable that allows for hours-long listening sessions." (https://headphone.guru/grado-rs1x-reference-series-headphone)
- "After sitting down with the SR325x, the best the series has to offer, the excitement that Grado generates for some people finally clicked with me. It's not about EQ accuracy and analytical listening: it's about an absolutely off-the-wall energy that made me feel helpless against the temptation to pump the volume and get the biggest dose of vibrating harmonic energy possible." (https://majorhifi.com/grado-sr325x-reiview)
- "The speed of the HP100 SE driver is shocking. One forgets the dynamic capabilities of a carefully engineered pistonic driver operating in just 3 or 4 cubic inches of air." (https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/grado-labs-signature-hp100-se-headphones)
- "Turns out that reaction wasn't a fluke—I whispered "Wow!" when I started my formal tests with "Trouble Is a Man," from Patricia Barber's Clique (24-bit/176.4kHz FLAC, Impex/Qobuz), because the RS2xes delivered such a realistic sense of space—more like what you'd hear with one of the better Dolby Atmos music mixes played on a really, really good surround-sound system. Very few headphones I've heard, at any price, could come close to the RS2x headphones' ability to produce a realistic sense of musicians playing in a room." (https://www.soundstagesolo.com/index.php/equipment/headphones/324-grado-rs2x-headphones)
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
Products
Lineup comparison
We think it's helpful to understand how their products compare. To learn more about each, scroll to the section above to click through to individual product pages.
GW100X
- Positioning: The entry-level wireless model that removes the wires without compromising Grado's signature sound.
- Description: Features Bluetooth 5.2, a 44mm reengineered X Series driver, and a long battery life designed for on-the-go listening. Compared to the wired SR325x and RS1x, it offers the convenience of wireless connectivity while sacrificing some of the refined acoustics and build complexity found in higher-tier models.
SR325X
- Positioning: A Prestige Series option focused on delivering clear, precise imaging through a metal housing design.
- Description: Uses a metal chassis with redesigned wiring and an 8-conductor super annealed cable to enhance sound transparency and instrument separation. When compared to the wireless GW100X and the more detailed RS1x, it provides a practical, wired solution that balances clarity with a straightforward build.
RS1X
- Positioning: A Reference Series model aimed at achieving natural, balanced sound through a tri-wood design.
- Description: Uses 50mm X Series drivers matched with maple, hemp, and cocobolo woods to provide a spacious and natural tonal character. In contrast to the simpler SR325X and the larger, more driver-intensive GS3000x, it offers a balance between sophistication and approachable performance.
GS3000X
- Positioning: A Statement Series headphone positioned to deliver an expansive soundstage with detailed imaging.
- Description: Uses a new 52mm X driver with a cocobolo wood housing and hybrid metal chamber to reduce distortion and boost dynamic range. Compared to the RS1x's balanced approach and the HP100-SE's flagship engineering, it offers a refined build with robust cable design for enhanced sonic clarity.
HP100-SE
- Positioning: The flagship Signature Series model that pays homage to Grado's heritage with advanced driver technology and modern design.
- Description: Introduces a completely redesigned 52mm driver featuring a paper composite cone, high flux magnetic circuit, and detachable cables for improved transient response and precise tonal accuracy. Relative to the GS3000x's detailed imaging, it represents the most premium option with superior build quality and innovative performance enhancements.
Used
Grado
Every month, we find the brand's used items for sale across the web and offline hifi stores. We have the largest database of used hifi products. Search it here.
Search hifi products
Explore our database of 10,000+ new and 25,000+ used hifi products.
Similar
Headphones
brands
Featured products
About the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
.png)
Featured products
About the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
Featured products
About the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
Featured products
About the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
Featured products
About the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
Featured products
About the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
