Grado Igi Review | 93 Data compared

The Grado iGi wired earbuds offer an exceptionally balanced sound across the entire frequency range, delivering an appealing tone that adapts well to different tracks, whether exciting or soothing. Tested at a price tag of £90, these headphones prove to be worth the money by providing highly detailed and dynamic audio. Reviewers noted their impressive capability during quiet, insightful vocal moments, which contrast beautifully when heavy elements like a drum kick into life. The major pro of the Grado iGi is its highly accurate sonic delivery, with sound that is uniquely detailed, dynamic, and perfectly balanced. This impressive all-round audio ability makes them an excellent alternative to competitors like Beyerdynamic, justifying their extra cost. However, a notable con is the total lack of an inline microphone. This omission might deter mobile phone users who rely on their headphones for taking calls on the go.

The Grado iGi earphones offer a budget-friendly in-ear monitor (IEM) solution that captures the brand’s signature, detailed, and airy sound, particularly excelling in rock and metal genres. Key strengths include an energetic, non-fatiguing sound signature, efficient design not requiring an amplifier, and excellent isolation when a proper seal is achieved. However, the iGi is limited by a generic plastic housing, a non-removable cable prone to tangling, and a lack of a protective carrying case. Furthermore, users report ergonomic difficulties in finding a secure fit with the stock tips, which is crucial for preventing a boomy or thin sound signature.

The review of the Grado iGi in-ear monitors (IEMs) highlights that a mandatory, lengthy break-in period of 100 hours is required to transform the sound from "stiff" and "squished" to a performance featuring tight bass and an exceptionally clean midrange. Once fully broken in, the IEMs deliver high-quality musical impact and are described as having the clearest midrange the reviewer experienced in this price category. Rudy's CornerKey strengths, or pros, include remarkable long-term comfort for extended listening sessions, secure fitment with the provided conical silicone tips, and a smooth, fatigue-free audio profile. The primary drawback, or con, is a persistent, noticeable treble peak that can sound harsh on sibilant recordings, which the reviewer attributes to the metal protective driver screens.

The Grado iGe in-ear headphones represent the brand's first venture into smartphone-optimized listening, introducing a "Made for iPhone" three-button inline remote and microphone. Priced at £100, these entry-level buds replace the older iGi model and feature an improved driver response housed inside a functional, easily-gripped rubberized casing. The packaging includes four sizes of silicone ear tips to ensure a stable fit, alongside a generously long and flexible cable. While the remote offers comprehensive volume, playback, and call controls for iOS users, compatibility with Android devices is restricted to more limited playback functions. In terms of performance, the headphones deliver Grado's signature open, expressive, and dynamically strong presentation, characterized by a fast and agile performance with a detailed midrange. However, the sonic signature leans toward a bright, upfront balance that suffers from a lack of bass presence and can feel coarse during long listening sessions. Key pros include excellent rhythmic drive, an impressive sense of instrument scale, and a highly spacious presentation. Conversely, the primary cons focus on a bright, unrefined top-end that can harsh electronic beats or female vocals, alongside...

The Grado iGe is an economically priced $99 in-ear headphone aimed primarily at casual consumers and smartphone users. It distinguishes itself as the manufacturer’s first earphone to incorporate an Apple-licensed controller. Performance-wise, it delivers a deep, strong, and rich low end that mostly stays clean, alongside highly accurate, almost pristine midrange frequencies. Additionally, the earphone boasts an exceptionally expansive soundstage with an impressive sense of space and depth that outperforms some closed-back over-ear models. However, the review highlights several distinct drawbacks regarding the design and sound tuning. Sonically, the midrange can sound a bit disjointed or removed from the rest of the frequency spectrum, and the high end is distinctly bright to the point of occasionally bordering on piercing. There is also minor fuzziness and bass bleed on tricky tracks when low-frequency notes clash with deep male vocals. Physically, the earpieces are somewhat bulky and completely lack additional accessories beyond four sizes of silicon tips. Finally, because its primary selling feature is an iOS remote, it loses its competitive appeal for non-iPhone users.