Over-Ear
Grado GS3000
84Great
$1995
Full review dataGrado GS3000 vs ZMF Tessidera: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the ZMF Tessidera comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: ZMF Tessidera - Outstanding overall at around $2500.
Over-Ear
ZMF Tessidera
88Outstanding
$2500
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Grado GS3000
Sound9.0
Value6.0
ZMF Tessidera
Sound9.2
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Grado GS3000 | ZMF Tessidera |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1995 | $2500 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | - | 2026 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Planar magnetic with 1-micron diaphragm |
| Driver size | 50 mm | 80 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 4Hz-51kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 99.8 dB/mW | 92 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 398 g | 570 g |
What reviewers said
Grado GS3000
The Grado GS3000 is a high-end open-back dynamic headphone known for its lively, open soundstage and engaging musicality. It pairs well with genres like jazz, soul, and soft rock, and is easy to drive despite its premium price. While it excels in sonic character and dynamics, its build and finish feel more utilitarian than luxurious. Its wide 4Hz-51kHz frequency response and 50mm drivers deliver detailed, airy audio with solid bass impact for an open design.
- Pro:Open, spacious soundstage with vivid dynamics
- Pro:High sensitivity and easy to drive from most sources
- Pro:Engaging and musical tuning, especially for jazz and vocal-centric genres
- Con:Build quality feels less premium than price suggests
- Con:Lacks modern features like ANC or wireless connectivity
- Con:Sound signature may not suit all genres equally
ZMF Tessidera
The Tessidera is a premium open-back planar headphone that channels ZMF's signature warm, musical tuning into a planar driver format. It delivers a smooth, full-bodied sound with particularly rich vocals and natural timbre, all while being relatively easy to drive for a high-end model. The build is solid overall, though the stock grill finish shows minor cosmetic imperfections.
- Pro:Smooth, full-bodied tuning with rich vocals
- Pro:Excellent timbre and natural instrument reproduction
- Pro:Relatively easy to drive despite large 80mm drivers
- Con:Mid-forward balance can vary with amplifier pairing
- Con:Minor cosmetic roughness on the stock grill
- Con:Heavy at 570g, requiring a sturdy headphone stand
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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