The new Grado Signature HP100 SE open-back headphones are a contemporary homage to the original high-end HP1 model heralding a new design direction for future Grado headphone releases. With newly engineered drivers, the HP100 SE also boasts detachable cables (the first Grado model to feature this), as well as a fresh headband assembly.
Since those early days, Grado headphones continue to be hand-assembled in the company's Brooklyn-based headquarters. "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. The HP100 SE headphones pay homage to the legacy of the renowned designer and manufacturer, as a contemporary version of a 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.
At the heart of the HP100 SE is a completely new 52mm driver with a paper composite cone and a more powerful high flux magnetic circuit using rare earth alloys, combined with a new voice coil wound with lightweight copper-plated aluminum. In considering its attributes, Grado’s goals are described as "to deliver excellent high frequency resolution, midrange smoothness and bass energy with low distortion, resulting in a voicing that is musically and harmonically correct." The extra dynamics and transient response of the driver are further enhanced by a modern earcup housing which is said to enable "a highly refined sense of space, soundstage and image".
Honoring 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 aluminum with the product name neatly engraved on the face. The HP100 SE arrives in a stylish space grey finish.
The HP100 SE headphones are the first Grado model to feature detachable cables. A departure from the cable currently employed on the Statement Series, the headphones use a softer but durable braided finish, with cable insulation that improves flexibility and decreases the overall weight. Terminated with a 1/4" jack, it connects to each housing via a 4pin mini XLR. Additional detachable cable options such as 4pin XLR termination, 4.4mm balanced termination, and various cable lengths will be available in the future. This allows for the cable to be changed based on customer needs for source side termination and cable range.
The HP100 SE’s headband assembly has also 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 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 headphones are available in November 2024, priced at $2,495 (MSRP).
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