Over-Ear
Grado PS1000e
Not yet scored
$1695
Full review dataGrado PS1000e vs ZMF Tessidera: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Grado PS1000e vs ZMF Tessidera, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Grado PS1000e
No sub-scores yet - not enough rated reviews.
ZMF Tessidera
Sound9.2
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Grado PS1000e | ZMF Tessidera |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1695 | $2500 |
| HearWiki score | Not scored | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2014 | 2026 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Planar magnetic with 1-micron diaphragm |
| Driver size | 50 mm | 80 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-50kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 99.8 dB/mW | 92 dB/mW |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 567 g | 570 g |
| Detachable cable | No | - |
What reviewers said
Grado PS1000e
The Grado PS1000e is a premium open-back over-ear headphone built for audiophiles seeking a reference-grade sound signature. Its large 50mm dynamic driver delivers exceptionally clear mids and highs with tight, articulate bass, though its non-detachable cable and lack of noise isolation reflect a design focused purely on critical listening rather than convenience. While no longer in production, it remains a notable option for those who value Grado's distinctive open-air tuning and high-resolution detail.
- Pro:Detailed, transparent midrange and treble
- Pro:Tight, well-defined bass response
- Pro:Open-back design offers a natural, spacious soundstage
- Con:Non-detachable cable limits replacement options
- Con:No noise isolation due to open-back design
- Con:Heavy build may cause fatigue during long sessions
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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