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ALTERNATIVES
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Grado GS3000e Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£1,910Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Grado GS3000e Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Grado GS3000e
4.8/10

Overall score

Score
4.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

80%

4.8

Technical score

20%

?

User score

▼Worse than 99% of headphones
3.7

Value for money

Value for money
3.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

70%

4.8

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

▼Worse than 99%
4.8

Technical score

Technical score
4.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components

52%

5.3

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.2

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

▼Worse than 96%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

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Where to buy
    N/A~ £1,910
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Grado GS3000e

Technical score
Technical score
4.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components:

52%

5.3

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.2

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

4.8
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Grado GS3000e has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 73.4% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
3.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components:

70%

4.8

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

3.7
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
50 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 50 mm, larger driver size than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 8.2% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
4 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 4 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 97.2% of headphones and equal to 2.1% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
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Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Grado
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
300 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 300 g, heavier than 80.9% of headphones and equal to 1.3% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

Grado GS3000e vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 14 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (4 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    4 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    50 mm vs 40 mm
  • 31,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (51,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    51,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 0.9 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (2.1 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    2.1 m vs 1.2 m
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 0.45 dB tighter channel balance
    This pair of headphones has a lower channel balance tolerance than the average pair of headphones (0.1 dB vs 0.5 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.5 dB.
    0.05 dB vs 0.5 dB
  • 0.9 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (2.1 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    2.1 m vs 1.2 m
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 14 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (4 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    4 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    50 mm vs 40 mm
  • 31,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (51,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    51,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 0.45 dB tighter channel balance
    This pair of headphones has a lower channel balance tolerance than the average pair of headphones (0.1 dB vs 0.5 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.5 dB.
    0.05 dB vs 0.5 dB
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 37.6% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (300 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    300 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 12 mm tighter earcup height
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (48 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    48 mm vs 60 mm
  • 21.22x more expensive
    Grado GS3000e is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£1,910 vs £90).
    £1,910 vs £90
  • 22 mm tighter earcup width
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (22 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    22 mm vs 44 mm
  • 97.8% worse value for money
    Grado GS3000e has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (3.68 vs 7.3).
    3.68 vs 7.27
  • 21.22x more expensive
    Grado GS3000e is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£1,910 vs £90).
    £1,910 vs £90
  • 97.8% worse value for money
    Grado GS3000e has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (3.68 vs 7.3).
    3.68 vs 7.27
  • 5.87x less popular
    Grado GS3000e is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 37.6% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (300 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    300 g vs 218 g
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 12 mm tighter earcup height
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (48 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    48 mm vs 60 mm
  • 22 mm tighter earcup width
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (22 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    22 mm vs 44 mm
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No travel bag
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 2.2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (99.8 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    99.8 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 10.2 dB lower max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a lower max SPL than the average pair of headphones (99.8 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    99.8 dB vs 110 dB
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

4.0
TotallydubbedHD
≈ estimated
27/09/2020
Hands-on review · sound, comfort and design
Verdict
Grado GS3000e left us unimpressed; it is hard to recommend at this flagship price given the alternatives.
Not graded yet

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

majorhifi.com
10/10/2018
Hands-on review · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Grado GS3000e is a naturally warm, highly detailed open-back pair for Grado fans and bassheads, with astounding value despite its weighty price.
positive-feedback.com
20/12/2018
First review · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Grado GS3000e is a light, detailed, nearly neutral open-back pair that is easy to drive and comfortable, ideal for quiet rooms and music lovers.
H
headphone.guru
11/02/2019
Summary of the review
The Magical Wonder of Grado Labs - Headphone Guru
whathifi.com
27/02/2020
Test room review · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Grado GS3000e is a detailed, entertaining open-back headphone that sounds superb in a quiet room, but it leaks sound and isolates poorly.
musicalhead.de
26/09/2019
Listening test · Over-ear headphones
Verdict
The Grado GS3000e is a warm, balanced over-ear pair that excels with voices and strings, but its deep bass fades early, so bass fans should look elsewhere.
H
hifivaudaine.com
28/01/2022
Summary of the review
The Review: Grado GS3000e Headphones
(Translated)Show original
M
musique-o-casque.com
03/03/2020
Summary of the review
A propos du Grado GS3000e Hifi Vaudaine
(Translated)Show original
A
afdigitale.it
06/03/2020
Summary of the review
Grado GS3000e: The Review
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Grado GS3000e

  • Warm and emotive sound signature, distinct from the typically brighter 'Grado house sound'
  • Excellent detail retrieval and resolution, making them highly revealing of music quality
  • Lightweight design compared to metal-housed flagship models, aiding long-term comfort
  • Beautiful and premium aesthetic featuring exotic cocobolo wood housings
  • Exceptional midrange performance with clear, natural-sounding vocals
  • Realistic and airy soundstage with precise instrument imaging
  • Easy to drive with a low 32-ohm impedance, suitable for a variety of sources

What customers don't like about Grado GS3000e

  • Fixed, non-detachable cable that is widely described as stiff and cumbersome
  • Open-back design results in significant sound leakage and zero noise isolation
  • Bass punch and authority can be lacking compared to closed-back or planar magnetic rivals
  • Stock foam 'G-cushion' pads can feel scratchy or uncomfortable for some users
  • Unforgiving of poor-quality recordings or low-tier source equipment
  • Minimalist packaging and lack of a protective carrying case for the premium price point

Verdict

The Grado GS3000e is a high-end, open-back dynamic headphone featuring a 50mm driver and signature Cocobolo wood housing. It boasts a wide frequency response of 4 Hz – 51,000 Hz, a nominal impedance of 32 ohms, and a sensitivity of 99.8 dB, making it efficient enough to be driven by most sources. Its primary characteristics include an expansive soundstage and a warmer, more emotive tonal balance compared to traditional Grado models, attributed to the unique resonant properties of the Cocobolo wood. Main pros include exceptional detail retrieval, a lightweight and comfortable design for long sessions, and a lush, natural midrange that excels with acoustic and vocal-centric music. However, significant cons include massive sound leakage due to the open design, a fixed non-removable cable, and a lack of punch in the deep bass that some listeners may find anemic for hip-hop or electronica.

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