Headphones — Grado Labs Signature HP100 SE

The Signature HP100 SE is a legendary open-back over-ear headphone from Grado Labs, a well-established American manufacturer known for storied, hand-built dynamic driver engineering, built with an exceptionally wide top-end extension and substantial maximum sound pressure level. The Signature HP100 SE brings Grado's most storied engineering heritage to a serious open-back over-ear format.

Key specs that matter

The transducer uses dynamic driver technology in an open-back, over-ear, wired configuration. Frequency response spans an exceptionally wide 3.5Hz to 51,500Hz within plus-or-minus 10dB - a remarkable range extending far beyond audible limits. Maximum sound pressure level is a substantial 117dB SPL at 1kHz at 5% THD. Impedance is 38 ohms.

Sound and use context

Expect the accurate, historically celebrated character Grado's broader storied American catalogue is celebrated for, with the exceptionally wide 3.5Hz-51.5kHz bandwidth combined with the substantial 117dB maximum SPL representing Grado's most storied current dynamic-driver engineering.

Pairing

The comparatively benign 38-ohm impedance makes the Signature HP100 SE compatible with a wide range of headphone amplifiers.

Alternatives

Other manufacturers' comparable open-back dynamic-driver headphones offer alternatives for buyers wanting to compare features at a similar price point.