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Grado Signature HP100 SE vs STAX SR-007S: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the STAX SR-007S comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 83. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: STAX SR-007S - Outstanding overall at around $2390.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

STAX SR-007S leads on 4 of 4 measures.

  • Grado Signature HP100 SE
  • STAX SR-007S
HearWiki score
79
83
Sound
8.9
9.5
Value
5.6
7.2
Price (USD)
$2,500
$2,390

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

STAX SR-007S (2025) against Grado Signature HP100 SE (2024). These are the same generation of hardware - nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price.

  • Signature HP100 SE2024
  • SR-007S20251 yr newer

Specifications

Signature HP100 SESR-007S
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$2,500
$2,390
HearWiki score
79
83
Released
2024
2025
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
52 mm dynamic
2× electrostatic
Driver type
dynamic
electrostatic
Driver size
52 mm
-
Drivers per side
1
2
Frequency response
3.5 Hz - 51.5 kHz
6 Hz - 41 kHz
Impedance
38 Ω
145000 Ω
Sensitivity
117 dB/mW
101 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
-
none
Transparency mode
-
No
Companion app
-
No
Custom EQ
-
No
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
-
none
Weight
490 g
430 g
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
No
Connector
6.35 mm
-

What reviewers said

Grado Signature HP100 SE

The Grado Signature HP100 SE is a premium open-back wired headphone that blends the brand's signature sound with modern engineering, featuring a 52mm dynamic driver and a detachable cable design. It delivers an expansive, detailed, and natural soundstage with an analytical yet balanced presentation, making it easy to drive despite its high-end price tag. While its focus on pure audio performance and reference-style tuning appeals to enthusiasts, its bulky build and relatively light clamping force may not suit all listeners.

  • Pro:Excellent openness and detailed soundstage
  • Pro:Easy to drive with high sensitivity
  • Pro:Detachable cable design adds versatility
  • Con:Very high price point
  • Con:Bulky and heavy frame
  • Con:Loose clamping force may affect fit stability

STAX SR-007S

The STAX SR-007S is a refined electrostatic flagship that builds on the classic Stax formula with updated internals and comfort-focused earpads. It delivers a spacious, highly detailed soundstage with warm bass and clear treble, all while maintaining a smooth, airy presentation. This wired, over-ear design is a perfectionist's choice for those seeking an evolutionary upgrade in high-end audio.

  • Pro:Spacious and precise soundstage
  • Pro:Warm, deep bass with clear highs
  • Pro:Improved comfort and reduced earcup resonance
  • Con:Requires a dedicated electrostatic amplifier
  • Con:Very high impedance limits portability
  • Con:No built-in controls or wireless features

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonGrado Signature HP100 SESTAX SR-007S