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Grado Signature HP100 SE Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£2,640
  • Avg. price in US: ~$2,500
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Grado Signature HP100 SE review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

3.7

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

3.7

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
3.7

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.4

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

4.8

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

2.8

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

User score

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 components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 2.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 0.5
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    1.0

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 2.7
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 2.5
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £2,640

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Grado Signature HP100 SE is a premium open-back headphone featuring a completely redesigned 52mm dynamic driver with a paper composite cone, copper-plated aluminum voice coil, and high-flux rare-earth magnets. Technically, it boasts an exceptionally wide frequency response of 3.5 Hz – 51.5 kHz, a low 38-ohm impedance for easy drivability, and a high sensitivity of 117 dB. Main characteristics include individually machined aluminum housings in a space grey finish and, for the first time in Grado's history, a detachable 12-conductor braided cable system. Pros include its expansive soundstage, remarkable detail retrieval, and a refined, neutral sound signature that improves on classic Grado bass extension. Notable cons include its relatively heavy 514g build, a high flagship price point, and a tendency to reveal flaws in lower-quality audio recordings or equipment.

Technical Specifications of Grado Signature HP100 SE

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

3.7
Grado Signature HP100 SE has a technical score of 3.69 points, which is lower than that of 91% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
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.
1.0
Grado Signature HP100 SE has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

3.7

Overall score

40.0%

1.0

Price

2.9
Grado Signature HP100 SE has a quality-to-price ratio of 2.9 points, which is lower than 99.4% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Grado Signature HP100 SE does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

52 mm
Grado Signature HP100 SE uses a driver size of 52 mm, larger driver size than 94.5% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Grado Signature HP100 SE uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

3.5 Hz
Grado Signature HP100 SE reaches a lowest frequency of 3.5 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 99.3% of headphones.
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Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Grado Signature HP100 SE does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Grado Signature HP100 SE is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

0
Grado Signature HP100 SE has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

no
Grado Signature HP100 SE does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A
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Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Grado Signature HP100 SE supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
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Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Grado Signature HP100 SE does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

no
Grado Signature HP100 SE does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
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Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
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Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Grado
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

520 g
Grado Signature HP100 SE weighs 520 g, heavier than 98.9% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

open-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
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Grado Signature HP100 SE vs the average headphone

  • 12 mm larger driver size
    Grado Signature HP100 SE uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (52 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
    When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Grado Signature HP100 SE uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (52 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.52 mm vs 40 mm
  • 14.5 Hz lower bass extension
    Grado Signature HP100 SE has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (3.5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Grado Signature HP100 SE has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (3.5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.3.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 15 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Grado Signature HP100 SE has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (117 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Grado Signature HP100 SE has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (117 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.117 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 31,500 Hz higher treble extension
    Grado Signature HP100 SE has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (51,500 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Grado Signature HP100 SE has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (51,500 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.51500 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    Grado Signature HP100 SE has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
    When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=1%

    Grado Signature HP100 SE has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 0.6 m more useful cable length
    Grado Signature HP100 SE offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (1.8 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
    When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.

    Importance: LOW

    Grado Signature HP100 SE offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (1.8 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.1.8 m vs 1.2 m
  • 14 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Grado Signature HP100 SE has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (117 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    What it is: Output loudness level of the headphones, usually measured in dB. It helps compare how loud a model can play under similar conditions.
    When it matters: When you need a rough idea of how loud the headphones can get before you pair them with a weaker source.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=108 dB SPL

    Grado Signature HP100 SE has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (117 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.117 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 0.43 dB tighter channel balance
    Grado Signature HP100 SE has a lower channel balance tolerance than the average headphone (0 dB vs 0.47 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.47 dB.
    What it is: Tolerance between left and right channel volume balance
    When it matters: When stereo precision and left-right consistency matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=0.5 dB

    Grado Signature HP100 SE has a lower channel balance tolerance than the average headphone (0 dB vs 0.47 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.47 dB.0.04 dB vs 0.47 dB
  • 0.6 m more useful cable length
    Grado Signature HP100 SE offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (1.8 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
  • 12 mm larger driver size
    Grado Signature HP100 SE uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (52 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 14.5 Hz lower bass extension
    Grado Signature HP100 SE has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (3.5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 15 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Grado Signature HP100 SE has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (117 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 31,500 Hz higher treble extension
    Grado Signature HP100 SE has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (51,500 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    Grado Signature HP100 SE has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 14 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Grado Signature HP100 SE has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (117 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • 0.43 dB tighter channel balance
    Grado Signature HP100 SE has a lower channel balance tolerance than the average headphone (0 dB vs 0.47 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.47 dB.
  • 7 years newer release date
    Grado Signature HP100 SE was released more recently than the average headphone (2,024 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.

Total
Design
Sound
Features
  • 2.39x higher weight
    Grado Signature HP100 SE is heavier than the average headphone (520 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • No travel bag
    Grado Signature HP100 SE does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Grado Signature HP100 SE does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Grado Signature HP100 SE has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Grado Signature HP100 SE does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Grado Signature HP100 SE does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
    When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Grado Signature HP100 SE does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 2.39x higher weight
    Grado Signature HP100 SE is heavier than the average headphone (520 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Grado Signature HP100 SE is heavier than the average headphone (520 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.520 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    Grado Signature HP100 SE does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
    When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

    Importance: LOW

    Grado Signature HP100 SE does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 29.33x more expensive
    Grado Signature HP100 SE is more expensive than the average headphone (£2,640 vs £90).
    Grado Signature HP100 SE is more expensive than the average headphone (£2,640 vs £90).£2,640 vs £90
  • 2.34x worse value for money
    Grado Signature HP100 SE has worse value for money than the average headphone (2.88 vs 6.736).
    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.
    Grado Signature HP100 SE has worse value for money than the average headphone (2.88 vs 6.736).2.88 vs 6.74
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Grado Signature HP100 SE has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
    When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    Grado Signature HP100 SE has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 4.65x less popular
    Grado Signature HP100 SE is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
    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.
    Grado Signature HP100 SE is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • No travel bag
    Grado Signature HP100 SE does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
    What it is: Comes with a protective carrying case or pouch
    When it matters: When protection in transit matters right out of the box.

    Importance: LOW

    Grado Signature HP100 SE does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Grado Signature HP100 SE and

Attribute category
Attribute
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Grado Signature HP100 SE?

  • Exceptional soundstage that is expansive, open, and wide
  • Remarkable detail retrieval and resolution across the frequency range
  • First Grado model to feature a detachable cable system (4-pin mini XLR)
  • Highly dynamic and energetic sound while remaining natural and balanced
  • Premium hand-machined aluminium build with no plastic components
  • Included multiple earpad styles (G-cushions and F-style) for sound tailoring
  • Redesigned headband with 50% more padding for improved fit

What customers dislike about Grado Signature HP100 SE?

  • Heavy weight (over 500g) can lead to hotspots or fatigue during long sessions
  • Included 12-conductor cable is bulky, heavy, and stiff
  • High retail price (approx. £2,795 / $2,495) makes perceived value a concern
  • Headband adjustment mechanism can feel 'agricultural' for the price point
  • Upper mid-range can occasionally feel 'shouty' or over-emphasised on some tracks
  • Open-back design is highly revealing of any flaws in the source equipment

Expert reviews

P
positive-feedback.com
05/02/2025
Grado Labs Signature HP100 SE Headphones Review Positive Feedback

The Grado Labs Signature HP100 SE Headphones ($2,495) represent a bold, landmark shift for the historic Brooklyn manufacturer, earning the reviewer's highest recommendation and a Writers Choice Award. Released to celebrate the centennial birth anniversary of founder Joseph Grado, this flagship model completely eliminates wood to dramatically reduce sonic colorations across all...Read more

E
ecoustics.com
10/02/2025
Grado Signature HP100 SE Review - Does a World Class Headphone Grow in Brooklyn?

The Grado Signature HP100 SE is a high-end, open-back dynamic headphone priced at $2,495 that pays homage to the brand’s historic 1980s and 1990s signature design while introducing highly anticipated modern upgrades. Handcrafted in Brooklyn, it features a unique 52mm paper composite dynamic driver and stands out as the first Grado model to offer fully detachable dual-entry 4-pin...Read more

T
t3.com
19/02/2025
Grado Signature HP100 SE review: Uncomplicatedly brilliant

The Grado Signature HP100 SE are a premium pair of hand-assembled, hard-wired, open-backed over-ear headphones priced at £2,795 / $2,495. Built to celebrate founder Joseph Grado's 100th birthday, they feature a major design shift for the brand by introducing detachable cables alongside newly engineered 52mm paper composite speaker drivers. Performance is the headset's standout...Read more

E
eddie0817.wordpress.com
03/12/2024
Unboxing of the Grado Signature HP100 SE Moon Audio

The Grado Signature HP100 SE is a flagship open-back dynamic headphone built to honor the brand's founder, Joseph Grado. It features a sleek, space-gray aluminum alloy housing and 52mm drivers. It is also the first Grado headphone to use detachable cables. The reviewer notes that the headphone requires a burn-in period of at least 15 hours. Out of the box, the sound can be thin and...Read more

M
musictech.com
25/02/2026
The Grado headphones making life harder for music makers

The review for the Grado Signature HP100 SE open-back headphonesGo on MusicTech highlights them as a brutally honest, £2,800 reference tool handcrafted in Brooklyn. Built with a 52mm dynamic driver, these flagship headphones are designed specifically for critical listening and studio mixing rather than tracking, as their open-back architecture naturally leaks sound. The reviewer...Read more

H
headphone.guru
29/10/2024
Grado Signature HP100 SE Open Air Headphone Review Headphone Guru

The Grado Signature HP100 SE is a premium open-back dynamic flagship headphone released to honor Joseph Grado’s 100th birthday, priced at $2,495. It marks a major design shift for Grado Labs, introducing a completely new 52mm driver with a paper composite cone, a lighter copper-plated aluminium voice coil, and a space grey machined aluminium housing. Crucially, it is the first Grado...Read more

H
hifichoice.com
28/10/2025
Grado Signature HP100 SE - Hi-Fi Choice Hi-Fi Choice

The Grado Signature HP100 SEGo, awarded five stars by Hi-Fi Choice, is a reference-quality, open-back headphone featuring a redesigned, comfortable stainless-steel headband and a highly efficient 52mm paper-composite driver. As a first for the brand, these flagship headphones feature detachable cables and a detailed, refined sound profile with exceptional midrange presence, intended...Read more

O
open-end-music.com
14/02/2025
GRADO HP100 SE Review - open-end-music-professional

The Grado HP100 SE is highly praised as potentially the finest headphone the Brooklyn-based family company has produced to date, representing a monumental leap forward for the brand. Reviewers highlight its exceptional sonic performance, which is characterized by highly detailed, silky, and pleasant highs, alongside incredibly natural mid-range frequencies that closely mimic live...Read more

(Translated)Show original
S
stereo.de
04/04/2025
Grado HP100 SE Review: The Best Dynamic Headphone?

The Grado Signature HP100 SE marks a major turning point for the Brooklyn-based manufacturer, acting as their flagship open-back dynamic headphone. Moving away from their traditional wooden enclosures, Grado opted for specially treated aluminum housings to perfectly complement their completely re-engineered 52mm drivers. These newly developed transducers feature a powerful...Read more

(Translated)Show original
M
musicalhead.de
14/02/2025
Test: GRADO HP100 SE - Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. - Musicalhead

The GRADO HP100 SE open-back dynamic headphones mark a contemporary revival of the classic HP1 from the 1990s, introducing several structural and technical milestones for the Brooklyn-based brand. Built entirely without plastic, the headphones feature 52 mm paper-composite membranes, highly efficient rare-earth magnets, a copper-clad aluminum voice coil, and a remarkably high...Read more

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maplatine.com
2024/2025
GRADO SIGNATURE HP100 SE Headphones (Product sheet with review and test)

The maPlatine.com expert review highlights the Grado Signature HP100 SE as a revolutionary, high-end open-back dynamic headphone that marks a milestone for the American brand. Built by hand in Brooklyn to celebrate Grado's 100th anniversary and honor the legendary HP1 model, it introduces an entirely new 52mm dynamic driver featuring a composite cone and a high-flux rare-earth...Read more

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hautefidelite-hifi.com
05/03/2026
Grado Signature HP100se – Hi-Fi Headphones

The Grado Signature HP100se is a high-end, open-back circum-aural headphone priced at 2,990 euros, built with premium materials like machined space-gray aluminum and stainless steel. Designed to celebrate the founder’s centenary, it features 52mm dynamic drivers with a unique paper composite cone that delivers an exceptionally wide frequency response of 3.5 Hz to 51.5 kHz and...Read more

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on-mag.fr
09/04/2025
Grado Signature HP100 SE Review: A New Definition of High-End by a Hi-Fi Headphone King

The Grado Signature HP100 SE is an open-back audiophile headphone retailing for €3,000 that modernizes the historic Brooklyn brand's approach while preserving its vintage legacy. Structurally, this model introduces key modern engineering improvements, most notably becoming the first Grado headphone to feature a detachable cable system. It is built around an entirely new 52mm dynamic...Read more

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auriculares-hifi.com
04/01/2025
Grado Labs Signature HP100 SE Headphones & Signature S950 (Headphone Community)

The provided Spanish forum thread revolves around the initial reactions and community excitement regarding the Grado Labs Signature HP100 SE headphones and the announcement of the Signature S950. Users praise the performance of the HP100 SE, highlighting key pros such as its impactful, satisfying bass response, classic Grado-style mids, and a much more open soundstage compared to...Read more

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