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Grado’s new Signature HP100 SE headphones are a contemporary homage to the trailblazing high-end HP1 model heralding a new design direction

Grado Labs, world-renowned designer and manufacturer of award-winning headphones, announces the release of its newest and flagship model, the Signature HP100 SE. Grado Labs founder Joseph Grado created what many consider to be the high-end headphone market with the release of the Signature HP1 headphone in the early 1990s. In recognition of Joseph Grado’s 100th birthday and this industry milestone, Grado Labs is introducing these Special Edition headphones. “Although Uncle Joe left us 10 years ago, he will always be a presence at Grado Labs”, says Joseph’s nephew and Grado’s CEO, John Grado.

While the HP100 SE pays homage to Grado’s illustrious past, these headphones are a contemporary version of a true classic, with a new design from the ground up. With newly engineered drivers, the HP100 SE also boasts detachable cables, as well as a fresh headband assembly. This also ushers in a new direction for future Grado headphone releases. As always, the HP100 SE is hand-assembled in its Brooklyn-based headquarters.

New speaker design

At the heart of the HP100 SE is a completely new speaker design. In considering the attributes of a new 52mm driver, Grado’s goal was to deliver a speaker that produced excellent high frequency resolution, midrange smoothness and bass energy with low distortion, resulting in a voicing that is musically and harmonically correct. 

A new paper composite cone was chosen, alongside a powerful high flux magnetic circuit using rare earth alloys, and a new voice coil made from lightweight copper-plated aluminium. This new magnetic circuit coupled with the voice coil produces excellent dynamics and transient response, along with a highly refined sense of space, soundstage and image.

Modern housing design with detachable cables

Honouring the recognizable heritage of the original Signature HP1/2/3 headphone designs but with a modern feel, the housings are individually machined from specially treated aluminium with the product name neatly engraved on the face. The HP100 SE arrives in a stylish space grey finish.

The HP100 SE is the first Grado model to feature detachable cables. A departure from the cable currently employed on the Statement Series, it has been engineered to a softer but durable braided finish, with cable insulation that improves flexibility and decreases the overall weight of the cable.

Terminated with a 6.3mm plug, it connects to each housing via a 4pin mini XLR plug. Additional detachable cable options such as 4pin XLR termination, 4.4mm balanced termination, and various cable lengths available in the future. This allows for the cable to be changed based on customer needs for source side termination and cable range.

Headband assembly redesign

The HP100 SE’s headband assembly has changed from the classic Grado models. Designed for comfort during long listening sessions, the new headband features 50% more padding than previous Grado designs, with a stainless steel band and height rods that can be adjusted for the perfect fit to minimize listening fatigue.

Grado Labs engraved gimbals are made from an aluminum alloy, and the stainless steel height rod enhances the stability of the point where they meet. The height rod is also designed to not slide out of the junction block if the zinc alloy end caps become dislodged. This mechanism limits housing rotation to 105-degrees to reduce wear and tear.

The Grado Signature HP100 SE is available in November, priced (MSRP): £2,795 / $2,495

Technical specifications

Transducer Type: Dynamic

Operating Principle: Open Air

Frequency response: 3.5 Hz – 51.5 kHz

THD: <0.1% @100 dB

SPL 1mW: 117 dB 

Nominal impedance: 38 ohms

Driver size: 52 mm

Driver Matched dB: 0.4 dB

Cable type: 12-conductor detachable

Headphone Connection: 4pin Mini XLR

Source Connection: 6.3 mm

Earpad type: G-cushions

To buy the Signature HP100 SE and discover other Grado products please visit www.grado.co.uk

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Grado introduces GW100x wireless open-back headphones with new fourth gen X drivers and superior Bluetooth performance

Grado today introduces the GW100x Bluetooth® open-back headphones – the third edition of its award-winning wireless series. The GW100 series was the first and only open-back Bluetooth® headphone on the market, with the latest model offering a newly enhanced fourth generation X series driver design, superior Bluetooth® 5.2 wireless technology and improved 46-hour battery life.

  • New redesigned fourth generation X Drivers offer superior sound performance.
  • Improved 46-hour battery life from a two-hour charge.
  • Low energy and low latency Bluetooth® 5.2 technology for improved battery life and a more robust connection.
  • Boasts dynamically adjustable audio codec,aptX™ Adaptive, as well as standard AAC and SBC codecs for high-quality wireless audio.
  • USB-C connection for charging.

Introducing X driver design

This GW100x boasts Grado’s enhanced fourth generation X series driver design which features a more powerful magnetic circuit, a voice coil with decreased effective mass, and a reconfigured diaphragm. The re-engineering of these components for our 44mm drivers improves the efficiency while reducing distortion and preserves the harmonic integrity of your music.

Based on the original GW100 design, the speaker housings and internals have been designed from the ground up, now working in tandem to notably diminish escaping sound by up to 60%* There is a design language that’s seen throughout all Grado headphones since the company’s first ever model was released in 1991. The GW100x continues this, looking like it’s part of the family simply at a glance. These wireless Grado headphones are a milestone in our seven-decade history.

New Bluetooth and wireless codecs

The GW100x now features the low energy and low latency Bluetooth® 5.2 technology for improved battery life and a more robust connection. Also on board is the dynamically adjustable audio codec, aptX™ Adaptive, as well as standard AAC and SBC codecs. Enhanced pairing also lets you switch between two devices more efficiently.

Improved battery life now offers up to 46 hours** of listening on a two-hour charge (now via USB-C). Forget to charge your GW100x? You can use the supplied 3.5mm headphone cable to connect to your device for continuous playback.

Lightweight and comfortable, with a padded headband, the GW100x is the perfect choice for long listening sessions enjoying your favourite music. The built-in microphone makes taking a phone call or getting on a virtual meeting simple. Easy to locate controls on the earpiece offer you full functionality, and you’ll also have the ability to control your GW100x from your connected device.

The GW100x comes supplied with a USB-C to USB-A cable for charging and a 3.5mm headphone cable for a wired connection.

The Grado GW100x is available now, priced £249 / $275

*As compared to our wired headphones. Leakage reduction varies in certain situations. This is based on a reasonable distance, angle, and genre of music played.

**Based on 50% volume throughout playtime. Battery varies due to volume and musical genre

Technical specifications

Bluetooth® Version: 5.2

Battery Life: 46 hours**

Charging time: 2 hours

Codecs: aptX™ adaptive, AAC, SBC

Frequency Response: 20Hz~20KHz

Nominal Impedance: 38 ohms

Mic Sensitivity: 42dB +/- 3db

Battery Capacity: 850mAh

Working Distance: 10m

In the box: Headphones, USB-C to USB-A cable, 3.5mm headphone cable, instruction booklet

To buy the GW100x and discover other Grado products please visit www.grado.co.uk

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New Grado Statement X series headphones combine cocobolo, maple, ipê, metal and the largest driver yet

Grado is introducing the new Statement Series, which brings fourth-generation X Drivers to the wooden GS3000x and GS1000x. The GS1000x combines mahogany and ipê wood, while the GS3000x houses our most powerful driver yet inside a metal chamber surrounded by a single body of cocobolo wood. Along with the superior sound these new drivers produce, the GS3000x and GS1000x also utilise Grado’s improved 12-conductor braided cable and new headbands. Both are hand assembled in Brooklyn, New York.

The new flagship GS3000x is the best sounding headphone Grado has released in their seven-decade history. The largest driver to be placed in a Grado headphone yet, the new 52mm speaker is specifically tuned to embrace the tenacity of cocobolo and precision of metal. This speaker design features a more powerful magnetic circuit, a voice coil with decreased effective mass, and a reconfigured diaphragm. Teeming with texture and emotion, cocobolo’s sonic properties and innate mass makes it perfect for the new speakers. They paired this with a metal inner chamber to add even more mass, which lets them control the rigidity of our largest driver yet. Cocobolo has striking patterns and colour that tend to vary from pair to pair.

Continuing over two decades of one of Grado’s most important headphone designs, the now hybrid GS1000x sees mahogany and ipê wood come together for the first time. Mahogany has been a long -standing material in almost all of Grado’s wooden headphones and phono cartridges, so combining it with a wood not yet used in a Grado called for a delicate balance. Mahogany still exudes warmth and texture, while ipê improves the structural integrity of the sound passing through the grains of the housing. The GS1000x features a 50mm-sized driver.

“I remember trying on the first GS1000 decades ago when my dad (John Grado) brought the first pair upstairs from the workbench”, says Jonathan Grado. “I was seven or eight and they swallowed my head. The fact that they are in their fourth generation today is a testament to the design of the original GS1000. And I’m sure my mom has that photo somewhere.”

In thirty years Grado Labs has only released four generations of drivers, the speaker inside the headphone. Avoiding yearly update cycles “just because”, Grado has made sure to only place new drivers inside their headphones when there is a significant upgrade. The X Drivers bring a completely redesigned speaker and new harmony to the inner workings of the GS3000x and GS1000x. Each one is specifically tuned for the wooden enclosure they’re in. In Grado’s pursuit for the betterment of sonic reproduction, the Brooklyn company is using a first-time wood in their line-up, ipê, and released their largest driver yet at 52mm.

The Grado Statement X Series will be available from September priced (SRP):

Grado Statement GS1000x – £1,295/ $1,195

Grado Statement GS1000x with Balanced XLR connectors – £1,495 / $1,365

Grado Statement GS3000x – £2,195 / $1,995

Grado Statement GS3000x with Balanced XLR connectors – £2,395 / $2,165

ModelFrequency Response  SPL 1mW  Nominal Impedance  Driver Matched dB:  Cable type
GS1000x8- 35,000 hz  99.8 dB  38 ohms.05 dB  12 -conductor
GS3000x4- 51,000 hz  99.8 dB  38 ohms.05 dB  12 -conductor

To buy the Grado Statement X Series and discover other Grado products please visit www.grado.co.uk

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Grado Statement GS3000x

Grado Statement GS1000x

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Prestige X Series: Grado upgrades its hall-of-fame open-back headphone range

May 17th,2021, Grado today introduces the next generation of Prestige Series headphones. With over six decades of audio design experience, this headphone range is deep-rooted in the New York based company history. The Prestige series were the first headphones designed by John Grado three decades ago. Building on the award-winning E series, the new Prestige X Series, sees a further refinement of its predecessor, featuring new enhanced speakers, an advanced cable design and a more comfortable headband across its five models – the SR60x, SR80x, SR125x, SR225x and SR325x.

Seen as the best way to experience the Grado sound for the first time, the core performance and design DNA of what makes the Prestige range so special remains within the X Series. All headphones are handcrafted at the Brooklyn-based headquarters. The classic, signature enclosure design throughout the range is present with the flagship model, SR325x, retaining its metal housing.

New speaker design

The enhanced X Series speaker design encompasses a new magnetic circuit that’s been revised for improved efficiency in conjunction with a newly designed voice coil and diaphragm to further reduce distortion and enhance harmonic integrity. As a result the new Prestige series is easier to drive across a variety of portable devices and deliver the best audio performance possible.

New cable design

The Prestige X Series deploys a new cable design offering more durability and flexibility. The 8-conductor (SR125x, SR225x, SR325x) and 4-conductor (SR60x, SR80x) cables now feature a super annealed copper wire to deliver an improved purity of the audio signal. Being faithful to the recorded event is and always will be a priority for Grado.

Headband redesign

Grado headphones have always been designed for comfort, especially when enjoying long listening sessions. The Prestige X Series redesign to the headband improves comfort which reduces listening fatigue. The headband has a leather aesthetic, however, is a synthetic protein material which means it is vegan-friendly, except for the SR325x which continues to use a leather headband.

Lifelong investment

Grado believes owning a pair of its headphones is a lifelong investment. This is characterised by the iconic Grado industrial design which follows the mantra of form follow function which is carried further by optimising sonic performance of form and materials.

John Grado, Owner, Grado says, “The Prestige Series means the world to our family”, says Jonathan Grado. “It’s the first series we ever released, and includes not only our first-ever headphone (SR80) but also our first metal pair as well (SR325). Our goal was to increase the efficiency of our drivers while not only maintaining, but improving, the purity of the original recording and the mid-range we’re known for. Without the Prestige Series, we wouldn’t be here.”

The Grado Prestige X Series (availability TBC) priced (SRP):

Grado SR60x – £109.95 / $99

Grado SR80x – £129.95 / $125

Grado SR125x – £189.95 / $175

Grado SR225x – £249.95 / $225

Grado SR325x – £329.95 / $295

Technical specifications

ModelFrequency Response  SPL 1mW  Nominal Impedance  Driver Matched dB:  Cable typeEar pad type
SR60x20- 20,000 hz  99.8 dB  32 ohms.1 dB  4 -conductorS cushion
SR80x20- 20,000 hz  99.8 dB  32 ohms.1 dB  4-conductorS cushion
SR125x20- 20,000 hz  99.8 dB  32 ohms.1 dB  8-conductorS cushion
SR225x20- 22,000 hz  99.8 dB  32 ohms.05 dB  8-conductorF cushion
SR325x18- 24,000 hz  99.8 dB  32 ohms.05 dB  8-conductorF cushion

To buy the Grado Prestige X Series and discover other Grado products please visit www.grado.co.uk

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Grado SR325x

Grado SR225x

Grado SR125x

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Combining maple, cocobolo and hemp wood, the Grado RS1x and RS2x are now built with 4th gen drivers

Grado Labs is introducing the new Reference Series, which brings fourth generation X Drivers to the RS1x and RS2x. The RS2x combines maple and hemp wood, while the RS1x combines maple, cocobolo, and hemp wood. These newly built speakers are the fourth generation of drivers the Brooklyn company has designed since the introduction of the first Grado headphone in 1991. Along with the superior sound these new drivers produce, the RS1x and RS2x are now built with a new durable cable and new headbands.

Leading the way for our new fourth generation X Drivers, the redesigned RS1x combines a 50mm driver with three species of wood for the first time into a vivacious and elegant headphone. The housing is made of a maple sleeve, hemp core, and cocobolo outer ring. Grado builds with wood for its warm and embracing tonal abilities, but finding the right balance of three separate woods is no simple task.

The reward is an RS1x that opens Grado to a new level of sound. Their little brother, the RS2x, focuses on maple and hemp wood to bring out the most they have to offer with a 44mm driver. This is the first time X Drivers are built into wooden housings, and needed to be finely tuned for their specific environments. This combination brings out harmonic colors, a rich vocality, and the mid-range Grado is known for.

“In 1994 my dad (John Grado) went downstairs in the middle of the night to build our first RS1 headphone”, says Jonathan Grado. “It’s kind of extraordinary that this middle-of-the-night idea is now evolving into an even greater headphone 27 years later.”

In thirty years Grado Labs has only released four generations of drivers, the speaker inside the headphone. Avoiding yearly update cycles “just because”, Grado has made sure to only place new drivers inside their headphones when there is a significant upgrade.

The X Drivers bring a completely redesigned speaker and new harmony to the inner workings of the RS1x and RS2x. Each one is specifically tuned for the wooden enclosure they’re built into.

Grado has increased the magnetic power of the speaker while decreasing the effective mass of the voice coil. Along with the reconfigured diaphragm, this unison creates a speaker that represents the truest presentation of the original source.

Along with the new X Drivers, the RS1x and RS2x are now built with new durable 8-conductor cables and white-stitched leather headbands. 

The Grado Reference RS1x is available from www.grado.co.uk and independent retailers in December priced £799.95/$750

The Grado Reference RS2x is available from www.grado.co.uk and independent retailers in December priced £599.95/$550

Technical specification

Grado Reference RS1x

  • Housing materials: Cocobolo/Maple/Hemp wood
  • Transducer Type: Dynamic
  • Driver: 50mm
  • Operating Principle: Open back
  • Frequency Response: 12 – 30,000 hz
  • SPL 1mW: 99.8 dB
  • Nominal Impedance: 38 ohms
  • Driver Matched dB: .05 dB
  • Ear cushion design: L Cushion
  • Cable type: 8-conductor

Grado Reference RS2x

  • Housing materials: Maple/Hemp wood
  • Transducer Type: Dynamic
  • Driver: 44mm
  • Operating Principle: Open back
  • Frequency Response: 14 – 28,000 hz
  • SPL 1mW: 99.8 dB
  • Nominal Impedance: 38 ohms
  • Driver Matched dB: .05 dB
  • Ear cushion design: L Cushion
  • Cable type: 8-conductor

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Grado Reference RS1x

Grado Reference RS2x

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Grado introduces first ever Hemp headphones

Brooklyn, New York: Today Grado Labs is announcing The Hemp Headphone, the first of its kind. In the Brooklyn company’s never-ending pursuit to experiment with different woods and materials, the opportunity to build with hemp came about. Unsure how it would turn out, the hemphone surprisingly became a favorite passed around Grado. Fine rolled for every genre of music, hemp and maple work together for the first time to bring a new level of vibrancy to the Limited Editions line-up. To be blunt, this is one of the best sounding Limited Editions Grado has built.

The Hemp Headphone has a brilliant, warm, and precise sound all rolled into one. To exist as they are now, the team at Grado had to draw on inspiration and experience from past Limited Editions. Taking what they learned from working with exotic woods, like cocobolo, they were able to fine tune the drivers to work in tandem with the wood that surrounds it. The highly compressed hemp creates a damping effect between their fibers. This produces a fuller sound, comprised of a noticeable low end and a top end that extends smoothly to its limits. While the hemp is doing the heavy lifting, this is a joint effort. Grado built maple into the housing along with the hemp to help balance out the sound, and bring out the sonic properties that they know maple can produce. Bringing maple into the mix gave some foresight, but only through trial and error could they get the drivers to sound how they wanted, and bring out the potential of the hemp.

“What?”, asks Jonathan Grado. “Oh right, the Hemp Headphones. This is some of the most fun we’ve ever had with a limited edition. We had no clue how they’d turn out, but they ended up sounding pretty amazing. It also reminded us to stock up on more snacks at the office.”

With every headphone built, Grado gives themselves high expectations. If it doesn’t sound as good as they want, the idea is scrapped no matter how far along in the project they are. Fortunately, The Hemp Headphone exceeded expectations. The last seven decades has given Grado time to perfect their sound, letting the headphones reveal new notes and details in songs heard hundreds of times. The Hemp Headphone is a slow burn, constantly getting better with every listen. Each Hemp Headphone is hand-built by the team in Brooklyn to make sure the Grado signature sound is delivered. The family started building on a kitchen table in 1953, and every experience since then has led to the creation of The Hemp Headphone.

About Grado LabsGrado Labs was founded in 1953 by audio legend Joseph Grado, inventor of the stereo moving coil phono cartridge. Today Grado makes world-renowned hand-built headphones and phono cartridges. This three generation family-owned company still operates out of its original Brooklyn location, led by owner John Grado, who’s joined by sons Jonathan, VP of Marketing, and Matthew, VP of Operations. The company has been called “the finest electricity-to-soundtransducer in the world,” and sound remains the company’s top priority.

The Hemp Headphone is available now priced £479.95

For more information please visit www.grado.co.uk

Technical specifications

  • Housing: Hemp / Maple Wood
  • Transducer Type: Dynamic
  • Operating Principle: Open Air
  • Frequency Response: 13hz-28kHz
  • SPL 1mW: 98
  • Normal Impedance: 38 ohms
  • Driver Matched db: .05 db

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Grado announces sonically superior GT220 – its first ever true wireless earbuds

With over six decades of headphone design expertise, Brooklyn, NY-based Grado Labs have combined their audio-tuning experience with the latest wireless technology to deliver a sonically superior experience in the GT220 true wireless in-ear headphones.

The GT220 is Grado’s first ever true wireless earbuds. It boasts a lightweight design, competitive features and a high-quality performance that upholds the company’s tradition of putting soundfirst.

Inside the earbuds are single 8mm drivers that have been specifically tuned for their miniature polycarbonate housings, and are voiced to deliver the world-famous sonic signature that we’ve come to expect from Grado’s Award-winning range of headphones. Designed for ultimate comfort, the GT220 comes with a choice of silicon eartips and an innovative“twist to lock” movement that ensures a secure fit and the best sound quality for every user. Each earbud weighs just 5 grams, making them ideal for long listening sessions.The GT220 earbuds have an impressive 6-hour battery life on a single charge, while the wireless Qi charging case provides an additional five complete charges – leading to a total of 36 hours of continuous power. That’s days of uninterrupted music-listening without having to reach for the charger. The earbuds are also IPX4 certified for those wanting to hit the gym or go for a run.

When you do need to, you can charge the GT220 up to full power in two hours. A USB-C cable is included, and the GT220 supports wireless charging with Qi-compatible charging mats for even greater convenience.

The GT220 features touch-sensitive controls that are intuitive to use on the go. Tap the “G” icon on each earbud to play, pause and skip music from your favourite streaming services, adjust the volume, answer phone calls, and activate voice assistants.The Grado earbuds are compatible with Siri and Google Assistant, and a high-quality built-inmicrophone ensures phone calls and voice commands are heard clearly. With the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology and aptX and AAC codecs are on board, the GT220 is guaranteed to deliver a stable wireless connection and high-quality streams when playing high resolution audio from compatible smartphones and music players.

The Grado GT220 true wireless earbuds are priced £229.95 and are available now at www.grado.co.uk

Tech specs:

Bluetooth Version: 5.0
Codec: aptX, AAC, SBC
Headphone Battery: 6 hours (earbuds); 36 hours total with wireless charging case
Charging Time: 2 hours
Driver size: 8mm
Frequency Response: 20Hz~20KHz
Nominal Impedance: 32 ohms
Headphone Capacity: 50mAh
Case Capacity: 500mAh
Weight: 5g (earbud); 42g (charging case)

IPX4 certified

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