Grado Signature HP100 SE Review: Simply Brilliant Wired Headphones

Experience the true brilliance of Grado Signature HP100 SE wired headphones that blend classic design with modern sound engineering.

Introduction: Honoring a Legacy

Grado Labs proudly acknowledges that its founder, Joseph Grado, pioneered the high-end headphone concept more than 30 years ago with the release of the iconic Signature HP1 model. To celebrate Joseph's 100th birthday and honor this milestone, Grado has introduced the Signature HP100 SE headphones—a fresh, modern take on a true classic.

The question remains: can the Signature HP100 SE live up to the legacy and become one of the best wired headphones available today?

Grado Signature HP100 SE: Price Overview

Launched in late November 2024, these wired, full-sized, open-back headphones carry a substantial price tag ranging between approximately $2,600 and $3,900 USD—if you can find them in stock.

This is quite an investment for wired open-back headphones. However, Grado is not alone in this price range. Competitors such as Austrian Audio, Final Audio, Focal, and Yamaha offer alternatives within a similar bracket, making the market quite competitive.

Key Features of Grado Signature HP100 SE

For the first time, Grado Signature HP100 SE headphones come with detachable cables—a welcome upgrade. The cable ends with an asymmetrical 6.3 mm connector. Although Grado hints at other cable options with different connectors, details on availability and pricing remain scarce.

Each headphone cup requires a separate cable connection, splitting into left and right four-pin mini-XLR connectors. Inside, a pair of newly redesigned 52mm drivers crafted from paper composite deliver the sound. These house a magnet assembly of rare-earth alloy with high magnetic flux and a new aluminum voice coil coated with copper.

This design achieves an impressive frequency response from just above 3 Hz to over 51 kHz. It also aims for optimum dynamic and transient response, a spacious and well-defined soundstage, and low distortion combined with precise reproduction. Sounds promising on paper, doesn’t it?

Exceptional Sound Quality

Due to their asymmetric 6.3 mm jack, these headphones cannot connect directly to some digital audio players like the FiiO M15S digital audio player. However, pairing them with a headphone amplifier like the iFi iDSD Diablo 2 headphone amplifier connected to an Apple MacBook Pro running Colibri software offers an excellent listening setup.

Thanks to Colibri’s high-resolution playback capabilities (beyond Apple's own offerings), any minor imperfections in source material become less noticeable. The Grado Signature HP100 SE delivers a rich, immersive listening experience.

From deep, textured, and clean bass to bright, detailed highs and everything in between, these headphones maintain a balanced, insightful, and musically convincing performance. The tonal balance is finely tuned, and the frequency response is smooth and even. No matter what genre or source, the HP100 SE confidently and cohesively reproduces music.

They produce bass that’s not just powerful but textured and layered with light and shadow. Whether the music is languid, intense, or dance-driven, the rhythm feels authentic and compelling.

Midrange frequencies are highly detailed, ensuring listeners won’t miss nuances in technique, mood, or vocal intent. The upper range is also rich with information, balancing brightness with fullness. No detail slips past these headphones—they excel at placing even fleeting recording moments into their proper context.

But the best part? This level of analysis never detracts from enjoyment. The HP100 SE not only analyzes music critically, but it also conveys the energy and excitement that make music entertaining.

Dynamic response is outstanding across the board—from a solitary wooden wind instrument’s gentle notes to a full orchestra's climactic crescendo, the contrast is jaw-dropping. Harmonic overtones emerge clearly in solo passages, almost automatically recognized.

Simply put, the Grado Signature HP100 SE is a true all-rounder in performance and, considering its price, is among the best-value headphones on the market.

Design Highlights

The design deviates from typical Grado headphones, although it might not be obvious at first glance since they retain the classic Grado look—both the good and the not-so-good.

The ear cup edges are milled aluminum finished in a stylish "space gray" color, engraved with the Grado logo and model name. The headband features 50% more padding than previous Grado models—enough to notice but not overly plush.

The cable is softer yet remains robust and lighter, promising better flexibility, which is a significant upgrade over older Grado cables known for their stiffness and weight.

Otherwise, the HP100 SE closely resembles older premium Grado models. They come equipped with large "G" foam ear cushions—ideal for their purpose but hardly luxurious. A smaller "F" size set is also included, offering a choice between "too big" and "not quite big enough" ear pads, according to Grado’s philosophy on achieving the perfect sound balance.

The headband adjusts using the classic “friction pole” mechanism. While effective, this method feels a bit basic for headphones nearing a $3,000 price tag. However, the fact that the HP100 SE is hand-assembled at Grado’s Brooklyn factory adds a touch of craftsmanship and pride.

Final Verdict on Grado Signature HP100 SE

If headphone evaluation were solely about sound, the HP100 SE would easily top the charts.

However, spending this amount on headphones involves more than just audio quality. When it comes to peripherals, Grado doesn’t always hit the mark with polish and refinement in other areas.

Still, it’s impossible to overstate the stunning sound quality Grado delivers—you just need to weigh that against your expectations for build quality and overall value.

Alternatives to Consider

• Meze Audio Liric 2: A more budget-friendly option with excellent sound and craftsmanship that’s almost as impressive to the touch and smell as to the ears.
• Austrian Audio The Composer: Slightly pricier than the HP100 SE, offering excellent sound without compromise in materials or perceived value.
• Focal Stellia: Another premium choice with superb audio and a luxurious feel, though its sound profile differs from Grado’s and may appeal based on personal taste.

"The Grado Signature HP100 SE offers a rich, immersive listening experience that balances detailed analysis with musicality and enjoyment." — Audio Enthusiast

Conclusion

Are you ready to elevate your audio journey with a pair of headphones that combine legendary sound quality with a touch of modern innovation? The Grado Signature HP100 SE may just be the wired masterpiece you’ve been searching for.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What makes the Grado Signature HP100 SE stand out from previous models?
  They feature detachable cables for the first time, redesigned 52mm drivers, and enhanced headband padding, all crafted to improve both sound and comfort.
• Can the Signature HP100 SE connect to portable music players?
  Due to their asymmetrical 6.3 mm jack, they don’t connect directly to some digital audio players but work well with dedicated headphone amplifiers.
• How does the sound quality compare to other high-end headphones?
  The HP100 SE offers a smooth, balanced, and dynamic soundstage that competes strongly with similarly priced premium headphones.
• Are the ear cushions comfortable for long listening sessions?
  The large foam ear cushions are effective but not luxurious. A smaller size is included for fit customization, and the headband is padded for added comfort.
• Is the price justified for these headphones?
  If sound quality is your priority, the HP100 SE offers exceptional value. However, build refinement might not fully align with the high price point for everyone.

Shop your favorite album cover poster at our store to complement your audio setup in style! Visit Architeg Prints today.