Grado GS3000x Statement Review: Stunning Sound at a Stratospheric Price

Experience the remarkable sound of Grado GS3000x Statement headphones, where timeless design meets high-end audio craftsmanship.

A Blast from the Past with High-End Sound

Imagine stepping into a time machine that takes you straight back to an era when headphone design was all about function over flashy form. That’s exactly what the Grado GS3000x Statement headphones feels like. If you’re hunting for premium full-size headphones, the GS3000x is as if the past made a glorious comeback — at least visually.

Grado has poured its soul into perfecting the sound quality of these headphones, seemingly leaving the aesthetics to fend for themselves. So, what exactly are you getting for your deep pockets? And will you feel cool rocking these “ornaments” on your head? Let’s dive in.

Pricing and Where to Find Grado GS3000x Statement

The wired, open-back Grado GS3000x Statement headphones are priced at a hefty $1,995. Opt for the version with balanced XLR connectors, and you’re looking at roughly $2,165. It’s steep, no denying that. But hey, Grado isn’t alone in this price bracket — brands like Final Audio, Focal, and Sennheiser also cater to those with serious audiophile budgets.

If you’re curious about availability beyond the States, these gems are typically reserved for high-end audio salons and specialty stores. Due to customs and shipping complexities, prices can climb moderately above the direct currency conversion. Often, these beauties are available only by special order or in limited numbers at select showrooms.

Things to Know Before Using Grado GS3000x Statement

Owning the GS3000x means embracing their open-back nature — you’ll hear everyone, and everyone can hear you. These headphones shine best in peaceful home environments where your music won’t disturb neighbors.

Crafted with cocobolo wood ear cups, they demand a little TLC. Dry air, especially during heating seasons, can cause tiny cracks if you’re not careful — so a room humidifier can be your best friend. Also, the cable is non-detachable and ultra-thick, making damage a costly headache, especially since official servicing options are limited nowadays.

What’s New in the Grado GS3000x Statement?

Replacing the beloved GS3000e, the GS3000x Statement carries the torch forward with subtle but meaningful upgrades. If you’re expecting radical design or feature overhauls, think again. Grado’s ethos is about perfecting sound above all else.

The overall look remains classic Grado: open, “leaky” ear cups, oversized foam pads that don’t exactly flatter any head size, a somewhat pressured headband, and a chunky, non-removable cable as thick as your thumb.

But the magic lies inside:

• A brand-new 12-strand ultra-durable annealed copper cable encased in a tougher shell.
• The debut of Grado’s 52mm “X-driver” offering a frequency range stretching from a deep 4 Hz to a shimmering 51 kHz.
• An enhanced magnetic assembly, a re-engineered voice coil, and a freshly redesigned diaphragm.
• Drivers housed in a hybrid metal chamber, snugly fitted into cocobolo wood cups — a tropical wood prized for its acoustic qualities and eye-catching aesthetics.

Grado swears by cocobolo’s sonic and mass properties, suggesting it’s an ideal material for headphone cups. The fact that it looks stunning is probably just a lucky bonus.

Design and Fit: Good Luck Being Subtle

If you think headphone design has evolved leaps and bounds in recent decades, Grado’s flagship might make you chuckle. Looking like a relic from a design fossil museum, the GS3000x Statement embodies a charmingly rough-hewn, handmade vibe.

While the craftsmanship and build quality are unquestionable, the “design” itself feels like an afterthought. The headband’s slim leather strap with white stitching is about as fancy as it gets in Grado’s world.

Comfort-wise, these are headphones, after all. The adjustable metal sliders are simple and effective but not flashy. Despite a relatively thin headband, the GS3000x weighs 515 grams — manageable thanks to smart engineering.

The large foam “G-cushion” ear pads are bulky, but surprisingly cool and comfy during marathon listening sessions. The nearly two-meter cable? Thick, heavy, and prone to tangling. Nothing you can do about that with a 12-strand cable.

Sound Characteristics: A Musical Journey

Unlike some pricey headphones that disdain everyday music sources, the GS3000x Statement embraces them, wringing out every last drop of goodness. That said, to truly appreciate these headphones, your gear needs to be equally top-notch—and pricey.

For this review, the GS3000x was paired with the powerful iFi iDSD Diablo DAC/amp ($1,000), revealing the headphones’ full potential with ease.

Here’s what stands out:

• Deeply musical sound that makes you forget you’re listening through headphones.
• Natural, neutral tonality that steps back to let the music shine.
• Jaw-dropping detail retrieval — catching everything from the faintest nuances at the edges of the soundstage to the singer’s breath and microphone technique.
• Extremely precise bass control that articulates attack and decay with obsessive clarity.
• Midrange clarity and expression that conveys every ounce of emotion and character from vocalists and instruments alike.
• Smooth, seamless integration across the entire frequency range.
• Impressive dynamic range that stays calm even during the most chaotic symphonic passages.
• Emphasis on the subtlest dynamics, spotlighting delicate vocal or instrumental flourishes.

The only real caveats are the need for high-quality source files and the headphones’ “leakiness” — neighbors beware, because these aren’t for shared listening sessions.

The Verdict on Grado GS3000x Statement

If your goal is to unravel the very fabric of your favorite recordings, if you thrive on accuracy without sterile clinical sound, and if you’re okay with minimal sound isolation, the Grado GS3000x Statement could be your dream headphones.

Just be prepared for the price tag and the quirky aesthetic — these aren’t headphones designed to blend into a crowd.

Also Consider: Focal Stellia

The Focal Stellia are our top pick among ultra-premium wired headphones, noted for their sleek, refined look — a clear contrast to Grado’s rugged aesthetic. Sonically, Focal and Grado are apples and oranges rather than better or worse. If you have the budget, it’s worth sampling both to decide which vibe suits your ears and style.

If something exists in the recording, no matter how subtle or buried in the mix, the GS3000x will find it, contextualize it, and present it to you.

— Grado GS3000x Statement Review

• What type of headphones are the Grado GS3000x Statement?
  They are open-back, wired, full-size headphones designed for high-end audio enthusiasts.
• Are the Grado GS3000x comfortable for long listening sessions?
  Yes, despite bulky pads, the foam cushions remain cool and comfortable over extended use.
• Can I use the GS3000x in noisy environments?
  No, due to the open-back design, they leak sound and are best used in quiet, private spaces.
• Is the cable replaceable if damaged?
  No, the cable is non-detachable and repairs can be challenging and costly.
• What kind of sound quality can I expect?
  Expect natural, highly detailed, and musical sound with excellent bass control and dynamic range.

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