Grado Signature HP100 SE Headphones
In stock
Available - Usually ships within 2-3 days
Features
| Includes 3.5mm to 6.3mm Adaptor | No |
|---|---|
| In-line Remote | No |
| Brand Color | None |
| Warranty The length of time your product is protected by warranty | 1 Year |
| Product Type | Other |
Tech Specs
- Transducer Type: Dynamic
- Operating Principle: Open Air
- Frequency Response: 3.5 Hz – 51.5 kHz
- THD: <0.1% @100dB
- SPL 1mW: 117dB
- Nominal Impedance: 38ohms
- Driver Size: 52mm
- Driver Matched dB: .04 dB
- Cable Type: 12 Conductor detachable
- Headphone Connection: 4pin Mini XLR
- Source Connection: 6.3mm
- G cushions
Description
The Grado Signature HP100 SE Headphones are a modern tribute to the iconic HP1 model, marking a significant evolution in headphone design. Founded by Joseph Grado, who pioneered the high-end headphone market with the original HP1 in the early 1990s, Grado Labs introduces these Special Edition headphones in honor of Joseph’s 100th birthday. “Though Uncle Joe left us a decade ago, his spirit continues to inspire Grado Labs,” says John Grado, Joseph's nephew and the company's CEO.
While the HP100 SE pays respect to Grado’s rich history, it also offers a contemporary take with a complete redesign. Featuring newly engineered drivers, detachable cables, and an updated headband assembly, this model signals a fresh direction for future Grado releases. As always, the HP100 SE is meticulously hand-assembled in Brooklyn.
New Driver Design
At the core of the HP100 SE is a state-of-the-art 52mm driver, engineered for exceptional high-frequency resolution, smooth midrange, and robust bass with minimal distortion. This design employs a new paper composite cone, a powerful magnetic circuit using rare earth alloys, and a lightweight copper-plated aluminum voice coil, ensuring outstanding dynamics, transient response, and a refined soundstage.
Modern Housing Design and Detachable Cables
The HP100 SE maintains the recognizable aesthetic of the original Signature models, featuring individually machined aluminum housings with the product name elegantly engraved. Available in a stylish space grey finish, this is also the first Grado model to incorporate detachable cables. The new braided cable is designed for both durability and flexibility, reducing weight and improving comfort.
The standard cable terminates with a 6.3mm plug and connects to each housing via a 4-pin mini XLR. Future options will include various terminations and lengths, allowing users to customize their setup based on personal needs.
Headband Assembly Redesign
The HP100 SE boasts an upgraded headband assembly for enhanced comfort during extended listening sessions. Featuring 50% more padding than previous models, the new design includes a stainless steel band and adjustable height rods to ensure a perfect fit, minimizing listening fatigue.
The engraved gimbals, crafted from aluminum alloy, enhance stability, while a unique mechanism prevents the height rod from slipping out of the junction block. This design limits housing rotation to 105 degrees, reducing wear and tear.
Features
New 52mm Dynamic Driver
Hand-machined Aluminum Housing
White Stitched Leather Headband
Drivers Matched to .04dB
New Detachable 12 Conductor Cable
Hand Assembled in Brooklyn, NY, USA
Hand Assembled in Brooklyn
Founded in 1953, Grado Labs has dedicated itself to perfecting sonic reproduction. Each HP100 SE has been crafted with care, reflecting years of experience since its humble beginnings.
Customer Reviews
These solve those last two issues totally, large soft cups now fit around not on top of the ears, and the cable is more flexible and detachable for those who like to tweak. Build quality is high.
These are deliberately bright leaning, whereas the wooden cup S950 has the same driver and is designed to be warmer. They do have great detail and nuance at the bass end without being bass-heavy but the mids and highs are where they shine. Beautiful voices, stringed instruments for example. Fast, detailed (without being too 'busy') and great 360deg imaging. Really enjoyable. One noticeable characteristic is that they sound pretty decent at quite low volumes and seem easy enough to drive from my different sources. They won't hide or smooth over bad recordings though.
They maybe don't suit every genre (not really for the techno/heavy metal fan), or every taste, but are the best high end Grado I've heard by some distance (and I've had a few).
One tip, they are a bit harsh from new and take at least 20hrs of continuous use to come on song,mine are still improving after double that.