Over-Ear
Grado Signature HP100 SE
84Great
$2495
Full review dataGrado Signature HP100 SE vs Yamaha Yh-4000: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Yamaha Yh-4000 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Yamaha Yh-4000 - Outstanding overall at around $2500.
Over-Ear
Yamaha Yh-4000
88Outstanding
$2500
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Grado Signature HP100 SE
Sound9.0
Value6.5
Yamaha Yh-4000
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Grado Signature HP100 SE | Yamaha Yh-4000 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $2495 | $2500 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2024 | 2026 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Dynamic | planar |
| Driver size | 52 mm | 50 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 3.5Hz-51.5kHz | 5Hz-70kHz |
| Impedance | 38 Ω | 34 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 117 dB/mW | 97 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| ANC type | - | none |
| Transparency mode | - | No |
| Companion app | - | No |
| Custom EQ | - | No |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Controls | - | none |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 400 g | 320 g |
| Foldable | - | No |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | No | No |
| Balanced connection | - | Yes |
What reviewers said
Grado Signature HP100 SE
The Grado Signature HP100 SE is a premium open-back headphone that blends the brand's classic energetic character with modern refinements, featuring a new 52mm driver and detachable cables. It delivers a spacious, detailed, and balanced sound that is easy to drive, making it a strong choice for audiophiles with quality sources. While its build and comfort have improved, its high price and somewhat loose fit may not suit everyone.
- Pro:Easy to drive despite high sensitivity
- Pro:Spacious and natural soundstage
- Pro:Detailed and balanced tonal presentation
- Con:Premium price tag limits accessibility
- Con:Loose clamp may not fit all head shapes
- Con:Bulky physical footprint
Yamaha Yh-4000
The Yamaha YH-4000 is a premium open-back planar headphone that prioritizes exceptional detail retrieval and a natural, airy soundstage. Its lightweight build and plush comfort make it easy to wear for long sessions, while the robust construction and balanced connection cater to discerning audiophiles. It's a high-end choice for those seeking a transparent, composed listening experience without digital extras.
- Pro:Outstanding detail and clarity across the frequency range
- Pro:Very lightweight and comfortable for extended listening
- Pro:Excellent transient response with low distortion
- Con:Very high price point limits accessibility
- Con:No noise isolation or ANC due to open-back design
- Con:Lacks built-in controls or app support
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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