Grado Signature HP100 SE – Special Edition Flagship Headphones Honoring a Legacy
The Grado Signature HP100 SE celebrates both heritage and innovation, marking a new design era for Grado Labs. Created to honor founder Joseph Grado’s 100th birthday, these headphones pay tribute to the legendary HP1 — the model that defined the high-end headphone market in the early 1990s. The HP100 SE blends timeless craftsmanship with modern acoustic engineering, hand-assembled at Grado’s Brooklyn headquarters.
Key Features
- New 52 mm dynamic drivers: Specially engineered transducers deliver refined, open-air sound with remarkable detail and low distortion.
- Hand-machined aluminum housing: Precision-crafted earcups ensure acoustic stability and eliminate unwanted resonance.
- Premium stitched leather headband: Provides luxurious comfort and durability for long listening sessions.
- Ultra-precise driver matching: Each pair is matched within 0.04 dB for exceptional stereo imaging and tonal balance.
- Detachable 12-conductor cable: Upgraded cable system enhances signal integrity and allows easy replacement or customization.
- Includes G and F cushions: Two styles of Grado’s signature ear pads offer a choice of tonal presentation and fit.
- Hand-assembled in Brooklyn, NY: Each unit reflects Grado’s renowned commitment to craftsmanship and sonic purity.
Customer Benefits
The HP100 SE bridges Grado’s legendary past and its forward-looking future. It delivers the unmistakable Grado sound — spacious, detailed, and emotionally engaging — with improved comfort, refined materials, and a modern detachable cable system. Whether used in mastering environments or home hi-fi listening, it offers the intimacy and clarity that have defined Grado headphones for decades.
Quick Specs
- Transducer type: Dynamic
- Operating principle: Open-air
- Frequency response: 3.5 Hz – 51.5 kHz
- Total harmonic distortion: < 0.1% @ 100 dB
- Sensitivity (SPL 1mW): 117 dB
- Nominal impedance: 38 Ω
- Driver size: 52 mm
- Driver matched tolerance: 0.04 dB
- Headphone connection: 4-pin mini XLR
- Source connection: 6.3 mm
- Cable type: 12-conductor detachable
- Included ear pads: G cushions and F style cushions
What’s in the Box
- Grado Signature HP100 SE headphones
- Detachable 12-conductor cable (4-pin mini XLR to 6.3 mm)
- G cushions and F style cushions
- Documentation
Use Cases / Ideal For
Ideal for audiophiles, mastering engineers, and Grado enthusiasts seeking a flagship open-back headphone that combines reference-level sound with classic design and craftsmanship.
Compatibility
Compatible with any high-quality headphone amplifier, DAC, or audio interface with a 6.3 mm output. Detachable cable allows for balanced or alternative cable upgrades.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Flagship-level sound with new 52 mm drivers and open-air acoustic design
- Exceptional driver matching ensures unmatched stereo accuracy
- Detachable high-quality cable and premium build materials
⚠️ Cons:
- Open-back design may not suit noisy environments
- High-end craftsmanship comes at a premium price
The Grado Signature HP100 SE stands as a tribute to Grado’s century-long pursuit of sound excellence. Blending tradition, innovation, and meticulous handcrafting, it represents both a respectful nod to Joseph Grado’s original vision and a bold step into the future of high-end headphone design.
