Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Clear, detailed, and lively sound with a focus on vocals and spaciousness
- Lightweight and comfortable, allowing for long listening sessions
- Hand-assembled with beautiful materials like maple, hemp, and cocobolo wood
- Impressive soundstage, a step up from previous Grado headphones
- Good separation and definition of instruments
Product Considerations
- Bass response has noticeable roll-off, not suited for bass-heavy genres
- Mids can be a little forward, and upper mids on the RS1X were slightly reedy
- The on-ear fit may not be comfortable for everyone
- The cable is a bit short for some users
- Open-back design leaks sound, not practical in all environments
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs GS3000X: RS1X emphasizes upper frequencies, while GS3000X focuses on a big, strong sound
- Vs original RS1: RS1x is significantly more transparent, alive, and dynamic, with tighter and faster bass
- Vs Audeze LCD2: RS1x has forward momentum and excitement, while LCD2 has a softer presentation
- Vs Sennheiser HD600: RS1x is more vivid, while HD600 is more laid back and relaxed
- Vs beyerdynamic T1 (3rd Generation): RS1x is comparable in fleet-footedness, though T1 has greater solidity and refinement
Takeaway: The RS1x is a great choice for those who appreciate clarity, detail, and a vibrant sound signature with a focus on vocals, and they are very light. For open headphones that look as good as they sound, these are worth checking out.
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reviews

Manufacturer details
- Transducer type: dynamic
- Operating principle: open air
- Frequency Response: 12-30,000 hz
- SPL 1mW: 99.8
- Normal Impedance: 38ohms
- Driver matched db: .05
- Driver Size: 50mm
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- 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.
Select products
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.
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Used
Grado
What if you spend more?
Product Strengths
- Effortlessly detailed and fluid sound is delivered, as well as impressively articulate midrange.
- High efficiency allows it to be easily driven by a variety of sources, from smartphones to high-end amplifiers.
- The use of cocobolo wood paired with a metal chamber is praised for its aesthetic and sonic properties, creating a unique and attractive design for each unit.
- Extremely comfortable and lightweight, making it suitable for long listening sessions.
- Has a vast and engaging sound that embodies the classic open and energetic Grado headphone sound.
Product Considerations
- Open-back design offers next to no isolation, causing sound leakage.
- Some reviewers felt lacked the luxurious feel expected at its price point.
- The cable is bulky, doesn't straighten easily, and can drag the lightweight headphones off a desktop if not careful.
- Stock foam earpads look plain and cheap.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sennheiser HD800S and Focal Clear Mg, it lacks some of the low-frequency weight and punch.
- Vs Focal Utopia (2022), the GS3000x has a left/right soundstage space, while Utopia has a clearer 360-degree picture, despite its more intimate 'around head' soundstage; GS3000x bass is more assertive and punchy, but the Focal reaches deeper, with greater control and refinement.
- Vs Grado RS1x, bass is more accurate and tactile, and feels faster and more surefooted; it offers a more natural and balanced overall listening experience.
Takeaway: The Grado GS3000x is a wonderfully musical and entertaining headphone that makes music come alive, especially for listeners who appreciate a bright, vivid, and detailed sound. Its comfortable design and high efficiency make it enjoyable for long listening sessions at home or on the go.
Video review
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Product Strengths
- Lightweight design and large ear cups distribute pressure, making them comfortable for long listening sessions
- Excellent instrumental separation, allowing listeners to easily follow individual musical lines and appreciate production nuances
- Reproduces midrange and treble detail beautifully and purely
- Delivers a vivid and almost forensically detailed sound that is almost endlessly absorbing
- Even, naturalistic tonality
Product Considerations
- Not ideal for listeners prioritizing heavy, chest-thumping bass, as the bass is somewhat rolled off in the mid to lower frequencies
- May reveal defects in hot or poorly recorded treble
- Leaks sound readily, making them best suited for solo listening
- Headband adjustment mechanism is rudimentary and squeaky
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Audeze LCD-X: Both are single-minded, but the Audeze LCD-X offers a planar magnetic driver for a 'reference' sound ideal for detailed recording analysis
Takeaway: The Grado GS1000x headphones offer a comfortable listening experience and reveal a lot of musical detail. If listeners want to explore and appreciate the nuances in music, these could be the headphones for them.
Video review
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Product Strengths
- Neutral, uncolored, and music producer-tuned sound makes it the most neutral headphone ever produced by Grado Labs.
- Improved components such as all-aluminum hand-machined housing, steel gimbaled ear cup supports, a 52mm paper and carbon fiber driver, and a powerful magnet assembly.
- Comfort is superior due to 50% more leather in the headband, providing a stable fit.
- Deep and well-rendered bass, maintaining extreme clarity through the mid-band and high-band.
- Has detachable compatible 4-pin XLR balanced cables, a first for Grado headphones.
Product Considerations
- The HP100 SE can reveal flaws in recordings, sounding etched or steely if the source material is poorly produced.
- The included cable may be heavy and stiff.
- Synergy with DAC and amp is crucial, as the headphone can lean bright with certain setups, with one reviewer finding the sound bright with their Schiit Modius and Midgard stack.
- The alternative F pads are uncomfortable and dampen the sound.
- One reviewer noted a rolling off nature in the low sub-bass region.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs GS3000x: The HP100 SE is more neutral, transparent, and dynamic, while the GS3000x has a warmer sound that some may prefer for casual listening.
Takeaway: The Signature HP100 SE headphones deliver detailed, neutral sound and are Grado's new flagship product. With a comfortable design and detachable cables, these headphones offer a top-tier listening experience and are made for the Grado fan.
Video review
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What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Uses premium materials like carbon fiber, metal, sheep lambskin earpads, and zebra wood faceplates for a luxurious feel, with excellent build quality
- Has a mostly neutral sound signature, with lambskin pads bass response is very good with a tasteful emphasis placed on the sub-bass region, and a decent midrange
- Provides good detail retrieval, resolution, and transparency of sound, the drivers can show plenty of information and micro detail
- A pad swapping system allows changes to sound characteristics, with lambskin pads and breathable fabric pads included
- Comes with a quarter-inch adapter and a 4-pin XLR adapter for use with portable or desktop devices
Product Considerations
- The stock cable is 3 meters long, which is too long for desktop use
- Headband adjustment can be a little stiff to move
- With leather pads, the highs can get slightly sharp
- There is a slight sharpness in the upper treble that might pose a problem for some listeners, using fabric pads can mitigate this
- Weight distribution could be better, there's not enough padding on the headband, and the clamp force is low, this distributes all the weight across the top of the head, which can be bothersome after 40-50 minutes
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HiFiMan Susvara: Has a similar driver structure
- Vs HiFiMan HE1000 Unveiled: Is close in terms of technical performance like resolution, transient response, soundstage, depth, and openness
- Vs HiFiMan Arya Stealth: Has a better build quality and bass response
Takeaway: The FiiO FT7 is a well-built, comfortable headphone that offers a neutral-leaning-warm sound that can be tailored with different earpads. The FT7 competes with other headphones that cost significantly more, making it a great pick at its price point.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent stereo separation for mixing and monitoring
- Built with aluminum, it has a durable feel
- Designed for reference listening
- Clean, linear, and very detailed mids
Product Considerations
- Sound can be considered somewhat restrained, lacking upper midrange and low to HF 'hype'
- Cloth ear pads may not feel as soft or luxurious as velour pads on some other headphones
- Lacks impact and bite
- Headband padding is uncomfortable
- Single-entry cable is on the right side, which is an unusual placement
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sennheiser HD650: Differences come down to something similar to a full-range studio monitor versus a full-range hifi speaker of equal build quality and similar design, Sennheisers are geared more towards enjoying the brain-pleasing sounds of music, while you probably want to mix with the Neumanns
- Vs Sennheiser HD600/650: The HD600 and HD650 are more comfortable, with a better industrial design than the NDH-30
Takeaway: The Neumann NDH 30 is a tool that can be very helpful for mixing sessions, especially for identifying details in the mid-range of a mix. Its design and build quality also make it a lasting product.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Wraith features an all-metal alloy body that feels sturdy and durable
- The earcups feature a rotating mechanism, making it convenient to rest the headphones around the neck
- The design is considered stylish, industrial, and unique
- The suspension headband design distributes weight evenly, making it comfortable to wear for long listening sessions
Product Considerations
- The Wraith's headband adjustment system is not very practical and requires a screwdriver to adjust
- Stock pads may not create the best seal, impacting sound isolation
- The soundstage is intimate, and the resolution is average
- The 2.5mm connectors on the earcups might limit replacement cable options
- Sub-bass can roll off with stock pads
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HiFiMan Edition XS: The Edition XS has better resolution, clarity, and sub-bass response out of the box, but the Wraith has superior build quality, materials, robustness, and comfort
- Vs Sendy Audio Aiva: The Wraith and Aiva share a similar bass roll-off
- Vs Moondrop Venus: The Moondrop Venus costs slightly more and provides a wider soundstage and more refined sound
Takeaway: The ThieAudio Wraith has excellent build quality and a unique design, making them durable and comfortable for many users. The sound is warm and laid-back, making them suitable for casual listening.
Video review
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Specially shaped magnets allow sound waves to pass through without interference, minimizing diffraction and distortion for a cleaner, more accurate soundstage.
A precisely engineered grille reduces reflections and refractions, enhancing openness, imaging precision, and overall acoustic purity.
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Very comfortable, even for extended listening sessions, due to a suspension strap design and large earcups.
- Soundstage is large and open, creating a concert-like experience with sounds coming from a distance and feeling like a three-dimensional experience.
- Deliver detailed and transparent sound, making it possible to hear all the nuances in music.
- Easy to drive with high sensitivity, though still benefit from a dedicated amplifier.
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers find the bass lacking in punch, preferring a more pronounced bass response.
- Treble might sound a touch bright and fatiguing, depending on the music and amplification.
- Build quality isn't mind-blowing for the price; made of plastic and metal, not always appropriate for long-term durability.
- Stock cable isn't the most wonderful, a little bit stiff.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Audeze LCD-X 2020: Arya Stealth has better resolution and soundstage, but the LCD-X has a more visceral bass and organic sound.
- Vs HiFiMan Ananda: Arya Stealth is better, with more bass, crisper resolution, and a bigger soundstage; everything is sharper, clearer, better resolved, and more refined.
- Vs Sennheiser HD800S: Arya has a slightly V-shaped profile, while the HD800S is smoother with a more neutral tuning; both trade blows equally regarding soundstage, imaging, and resolution.
- Vs HiFiMan Sundara: Arya Stealth has deeper bass response and cleaner sound, while Sundara is warmer and more mid-centric, with darker treble.
- Vs Sendy Audio Peacock: Arya has clearer, more transparent, and more detailed treble, but Peacock's bass is heavier and more impactful, its midrange is fuller and smoother.
- Vs HiFiMan Edition XS: Arya Stealth is more comfortable and feels better built, but both have a similar sound, with the Edition XS having a slightly punchier bass.
Takeaway: The Arya Stealth Magnets are great for listeners looking for exceptional imaging, transparency, and clarity in their music, offering a high-end sound experience with a spacious soundstage. These headphones are a good option for audiophiles who want a detailed and engaging listening experience.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Premium build quality and materials, including zebrawood earcups, leather, aluminum, and steel
- Detailed and resolving sound signature, with an airy and extended high-end
- Wide soundstage and precise imaging for an immersive listening experience
- Comfortable for long listening sessions due to a well-designed comfort strap and plush earpads
- High-quality stock cable made of 6N single crystal copper
Product Considerations
- Can sound sharp or metallic if underpowered, requiring a powerful and warm source
- Bass response is somewhat reserved, lacking significant impact for some listeners
- Lower mids can lack presence and definition compared to the upper midsection
- Treble can be bright and fatiguing for some, and may exhibit mild veiling in densely orchestrated tracks
- Driver matching may not be perfect past 2kHz, potentially causing channel imbalance
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sivga P2 Pro: Aiva 2 sounds more balanced and relaxed with a warmer tonality compared to P2 Pro, which has a slightly brighter tonality due to a more elevated upper midrange
- Vs Sennheiser HD600: Aiva offers superior design, materials, cable, technicalities, and a wider frequency response
Takeaway: The Sendy Audio Aiva 2 is a beautifully crafted headphone that delivers a detailed and engaging sound, perfect for listeners who appreciate clarity and high-frequency sparkle. With its comfortable design and premium build, the Aiva 2 provides a luxurious listening experience.
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