Grado PS1000 Review | 93 Data compared

The 6moons Grado PS1000 Review highlights how Grado Labs created a new flagship headphone by grafting a heavy aluminum-alloy outer body over a traditional wooden inner housing. Pros include a wider soundstage and increased comfort due to the jumbo "salad bowl" foam cushions that move the drivers further from the ears. Sonically, the headphones feature low-mass polymer diaphragms vented into large air chambers, which effectively lowers the resonant frequency and boosts bass response. The machined metal alloy is also specially processed to prevent the metal from ringing, while the oxygen-free copper voice coils ensure high-quality signal transmission. However, the reviewer points out several notable cons regarding the $1,695 headphone's design and premium feel. Compared to high-end rivals like Sennheiser and Audio-Technica, the Grado's build and trim level are described as bare-boned, pedestrian, and lacking luxury. The 1-meter captive Y-cable is a major downside, as it looks and feels like a cheap, freebie power cord rather than a premium fabric-covered wire. Furthermore, the physical design relies on very basic materials, using a minimally padded headband and raw foam ear cushions without...

The Grado PS1000 headphones are recognized for their exceptional dynamic range, detail, and massive soundstage, delivering a top-tier listening experience with remarkable ease of drive. Known for profound and clean bass, they provide an engaging, transparent sound in an open-back design. However, the headphones are noted for being very heavy at 500 grams due to the wood-metal hybrid construction, causing pressure points from the thin headband. Furthermore, the large G-cushion pads are described as abrasive to the skin and the cable is considered impractical, often requiring third-party adjustments for comfort. For a detailed look, visit Head-Fi.

The Head-Fi community review characterizes the Grado PS1000 as a high-end, hybrid-design flagship offering an intimate, spacious soundstage with precise imaging and fast, punchy bass. The mids are forward and highly detailed, creating a transparent, resolving experience, while the headphone’s high sensitivity allows for excellent performance without requiring heavy amplification. Conversely, the, PS1000 features a notoriously bright, harsh, and sometimes grating treble, necessitating a significant break-in period to smooth out the audio. Furthermore, its high-resolution nature can make poor recordings sound unpleasantly analytical, with potential for bass resonance within the metal housing. Ergonomically, the heavy, hybrid metal-and-wood structure causes substantial head pressure, making long-term comfort an issue, despite the open-soundstage benefits of the large, foam ear pads.

The Grado PS-1000 review on Head-Fi characterizes the headphones as an engineering achievement that delivers a forward, high-clarity sound while addressing previous midrange recession issues. Key pros include a wide, cohesive soundstage, impressive transient speed, and low impedance allowing for versatile amplification, though they require high-end gear to reach full potential. Cons noted in the review involve initial harsh treble sibilance, significant physical weight causing comfort issues, and a thick, non-detachable cable that limits customization.