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Grell OAE1 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£260
  • Avg. price in US: ~$300
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Grell OAE1 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.0

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%

4.0

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.0

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%

4.5

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

5.4

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

4.9

Battery

4.0%

1.7

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

  • 0.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    0.0

    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%

    1.4

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 0.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 1.5
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.4

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £260

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The Grell OAE1 is an innovative open-back dynamic headphone featuring 40mm biocellulose drivers in a unique, front-mounted geometry designed for a speaker-like soundstage and exceptional sub-bass for an open design. Key features include a warm sound signature, 38 Ohms impedance, and a versatile dual-entry cable system, offering robust build quality and impressive imaging. However, some users may find the clamping force uncomfortable, and the sound profile features a notable upper-midrange dip with reduced high-frequency detail.

Technical Specifications of Grell OAE1

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

4.0
Grell OAE1 has a technical score of 3.99 points, which is lower than that of 86.4% 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
Grell OAE1 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%

4.0

Overall score

40.0%

9.2

Price

5.5
Grell OAE1 has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.5 points, which is lower than 92.2% 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
Grell OAE1 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

40 mm
Grell OAE1 uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% 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
Grell OAE1 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

12 Hz
Grell OAE1 reaches a lowest frequency of 12 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 65.1% of headphones and equal to 2% of headphones.
Show more
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

N/A
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

no
Grell OAE1 is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% 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
Grell OAE1 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

N/A
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
Show more
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
Grell OAE1 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
Show more
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
Grell OAE1 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
Grell OAE1 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
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
Show more
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

Grell
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

375 g
Grell OAE1 weighs 375 g, heavier than 93.3% of headphones and equal to 0.3% 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

3
Grell OAE1 has a clamp force of 3, lower clamp force than 79.9% of headphones and equal to 1.8% of headphones.
Show more

Grell OAE1 vs the average headphone

  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Grell OAE1 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
    What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
    When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Grell OAE1 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • Spatial audio support
    Grell OAE1 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
    What it is: Supports immersive surround sound playback
    When it matters: When movies, games, and immersive mixes are part of your listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Grell OAE1 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 0.25 % lower distortion
    Grell OAE1 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%

    Grell OAE1 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 %.0.05 % vs 0.3 %
  • 12,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Grell OAE1 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (32,000 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

    Grell OAE1 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (32,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.32000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 6 Hz lower bass extension
    Grell OAE1 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 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

    Grell OAE1 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.12 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 1.3 lower clamp force
    Grell OAE1 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    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

    Grell OAE1 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.3 vs 4.3
  • Quick mic mute
    Grell OAE1 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
    What it is: Ability to mute microphone during calls
    When it matters: When you need to silence the mic quickly during meetings or multiplayer games.

    Importance: LOW

    Grell OAE1 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • Open-back design
    Grell OAE1 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
    When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Grell OAE1 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 1.3 lower clamp force
    Grell OAE1 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
  • Open-back design
    Grell OAE1 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 0.6 m more useful cable length
    Grell OAE1 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.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Grell OAE1 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • Spatial audio support
    Grell OAE1 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 0.25 % lower distortion
    Grell OAE1 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 %.
  • 12,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Grell OAE1 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (32,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 6 Hz lower bass extension
    Grell OAE1 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • Quick mic mute
    Grell OAE1 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • 7 years newer release date
    Grell OAE1 was released more recently than the average headphone (2,024 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.

Total
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
Features
  • 72% higher weight
    Grell OAE1 is heavier than the average headphone (375 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Grell OAE1 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • No neodymium magnet
    Grell OAE1 does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
  • Not headset-ready
    Grell OAE1 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Grell OAE1 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Grell OAE1 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Grell OAE1 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

    Grell OAE1 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 72% higher weight
    Grell OAE1 is heavier than the average headphone (375 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

    Grell OAE1 is heavier than the average headphone (375 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.375 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    Grell OAE1 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

    Grell OAE1 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Not headset-ready
    Grell OAE1 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
    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

    Grell OAE1 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 21.6% worse value for money
    Grell OAE1 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.54 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.
    Grell OAE1 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.54 vs 6.736).5.54 vs 6.74
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Grell OAE1 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

    Grell OAE1 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 4.65x less popular
    Grell OAE1 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.
    Grell OAE1 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • 2.89x more expensive
    Grell OAE1 is more expensive than the average headphone (£260 vs £90).
    Grell OAE1 is more expensive than the average headphone (£260 vs £90).£260 vs £90
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Grell OAE1 and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Grell OAE1?

  • Unique front-mounted driver design that attempts to mimic a speaker-like, natural sound presentation
  • Deep and impactful bass response with significant sub-bass extension, which is rare for open-back headphones
  • Expansive soundstage and imaging, particularly excelling with live recordings and orchestral music
  • Robust build quality featuring metal parts and a 'built like a tank' construction
  • Highly rewarding 'fun' sound signature once the listener's brain adapts to the unique tuning
  • Relatively easy to drive, performing well even with simple sources like mobile dongles or laptops
  • Ingenious single-sided cable entry that correctly assigns channels regardless of which side it is plugged into

What customers dislike about Grell OAE1?

  • Divisive and unconventional frequency response that can sound muffled, veiled, or 'broken' compared to standard reference headphones
  • Significant comfort issues including high clamping force and headband pressure hotspots for users with larger heads
  • Extreme sensitivity to physical placement on the head; slight shifts can drastically alter the sound signature
  • Lack of midrange clarity and lower treble detail, which can make some instruments sound 'low-resolution'
  • Poor noise isolation and significant audio leakage due to the fully open-back design
  • Limited headband adjustment range that may not accommodate all head sizes comfortably
  • Some users find the velour earpads to be scratchy or cheap-feeling

Expert reviews

S
superbestaudiofriends.org
05/07/2024
Grell OAE1 Headphones: Don't Buy If You're Unsure

The SuperBestAudioFriends review characterizes the Grell OAE1 as a polarizing "proof of concept" offering exceptional front-to-back soundstaging and deep, layered, speaker-like performance due to heavily angled drivers. While praised for an enveloping, fatigue-free experience with significant sub-bass, the headphone is criticized for high distortion, a veiled midrange due to...Read more

P
pragmaticaudio.com
09/07/2025
Grell Audio OAE1 - Pragmatic Audio

The Grell Audio OAE1 is an unconventional open-back headphone designed by Axel Grell that rejects traditional diffuse-field target curves in favor of a "Free Field" tuning, aiming to mimic the front-facing soundstage of high-end room speakers. Pros include an expansive, forward-projecting soundstage that offers precise instrument placement, an organic and clear midrange ideal for...Read more

H
head-fi.org
09/05/2024
Drop + Grell OAE1 Signature Headphones - Reviews

The Drop + Grell OAE1 Signature headphones feature an unconventional open-back design by Axel Grell, aiming to emulate front-facing studio monitors with angled, off-center drivers. Proponents praise the unique soundstage, authoritative sub-bass extension, and robust industrial build quality. Conversely, the, notable cons include a polarizing, non-traditional frequency response with...Read more

A
audioreviews.org
19/07/2025
Drop + Grell OAE1 Open-Back Headphone REVIEW (1)

The Drop + Grell OAE1Go headphones, reviewed by "dw" on AudioReviews.org, deliver a unique sound profile with a heavily weighted-down bass, a prominent lower-midrange accent, and easy-going treble. The design, featuring highly angled drivers to emulate forward-facing room speakers, produces a thick, warm, and distant presentation, rather than an immediate one. Key advantages, or...Read more

A
audioreviews.org
25/10/2025
Drop + Grell OAE1 Open Back Headphones REVIEW (Second Opinion)

The Drop + Grell OAE1 is a comfortable yet heavy open-back headphone with a warm, thick-textured sound, featuring excellent, deep bass impact without harshness. However, the soundstage is intimate, and the heavily veiled treble lacks resolution and crispness, resulting in poor balance and lacking detail. While the build is substantial, the reviewer notes a failure to match the...Read more

D
den-fi.com
27/09/2024
Grell OAE-1 – Theory Versus Application

Kyle's review on Den-Fi.com presents a highly critical evaluation of the Grell OAE-1 headphones, ultimately comparing their audio presentation to that of a gaming headset rather than a tool for critical listening. On the positive side, the reviewer respects the implementation of novel engineering ideas, specifically the highly unconventional, angled, and offset driver placement...Read more

T
theheadphonelist.com
17/06/2025
Drop X Grell OAE1 Signature Headphones – New School

The Drop X Grell OAE1 Signature Edition is an open-back headphone designed by former Sennheiser engineer Axel Grell, featuring biocellulose dynamic drivers positioned in front of the ear to create a unique "front-oriented diffuse field equalization". Priced at $299, it delivers a polarising, bass-heavy audio profile with a deep, dense sub-bass rumble that stands out for an open-back...Read more

R
rtings.com
25/07/2025
Drop + Grell OAE1 Headphones Review

The RTINGS review of the Drop + Grell OAE1Go highlights these open-back audiophile cans for their distinct, experimental engineering designed by Axel Grell, featuring solid, robust build quality. Their unique, intensely angled, off-axis drivers are designed to emulate the natural, front-facing soundstage of standard room speakers rather than typical "in-your-head" headphone audio....Read more

H
headfonics.com
04/01/2025
Drop + Grell OAE1 Review

The Drop + Grell OAE1 headphones, reviewed by Headfonics, introduce an experimental, open-back design featuring extremely forward-angled drivers meant to replicate the soundstage of stereo speakers. Designed by Axel Grell, this unique approach deviates from standard diffuse-field tuning to create a distinct, speaker-like listening experience. YouTube· Pros include a remarkably deep...Read more

H
headfonia.com
25/06/2025
DROP + Grell OAE1 Review

The Headfonia review of the $199 USD DROP + Grell OAE1Go, designed by Axel Grell, finds it an interesting acoustic experiment with "built-like-a-tank" metal construction, a convenient dual-entry cable system, and impressive treble resolution. However, the open-back headphone falls short of delivering a natural listening experience, suffering from a highly colored sound signature,...Read more

H
heise.de
10/05/2024
Bass and Stage: The Grell Audio OAE1 Open-Back Headphone Review

The Grell Audio OAE1 open-back headphones, designed by former Sennheiser engineer Axel Grell in collaboration with Drop, offer an unorthodox listening experience by placing the drivers far forward and sharply angled toward the ear. This unique "front-oriented diffuse field" geometry aims to replicate the spatial soundstage of traditional stereo speakers rather than injecting audio...Read more

(Translated)Show original
K
kopfbox.de
09/07/2025
Grell Audio OAE1 Review - Kopfbox.de

The Grell Audio OAE1 is an innovative open-back over-ear headphone designed by former Sennheiser product manager Axel Grell and sold exclusively through DROP for $299. Its standout feature is an unconventional acoustic design featuring heavily angled, front-positioned bio-cellulose drivers engineered to mimic the natural, forward-facing sound presentation of stereo speakers. The...Read more

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K
kopfhoerer.de
23/06/2025
Grell OAE1 review at kopfhoerer.de", "Grell OAE1 tested on kopfhoerer.de

The Grell OAE1 is an innovative, open around-ear headphone featuring angled biocellulose drivers positioned ahead of the ear to replicate a speaker-like or live concert soundstage. Its modular, service-friendly design is built from durable materials like zinc and steel, keeping the weight at a light 381 grams. Key advantages include a highly stable fit once adjusted, dual-sided...Read more

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H
hifi.de
06/06/2025
Grell Audio OAE1 Review: Does Axel Grell's unconventional headphone concept deliver?", "Grell Audio OAE1 in Review: Does Axel Grell's quirky headphone...

The Grell Audio OAE1 is an open-back headphone developed by former Sennheiser engineer Axel Grell that features a highly unconventional driver placement, angling the drivers at the front of the ear cups to mimic the soundstage of stereo loudspeakers. Priced at 299 Euros, this 375-gram industrial-designed headphone offers unique build features, such as dual-sided cable slots that let...Read more

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F
faz.net
07/05/2025
New Grell Audio Headphones Reviewed: "On the Way to the Eardrum"", "Reviewing the New Grell Audio Headphones: "En Route to the Eardrum"

The FAZ review by Marco Dettweiler analyzes the Grell Audio OAE 1 headphones, highlighting their unconventional Front-sided Sound Field Modulation (FSFM) designed by Axel Grell, which positions drivers forward to simulate loudspeaker audio. Proponents will appreciate the exceptionally wide, natural soundstage, punchy bass, and a fully modular, sustainable build. Conversely, the...Read more

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