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Grado GS1000Image © Grado

Grado GS1000

57/ 100
Average
HearWiki score

Poor value

$1,200
typical price, USD
Still sold newupdated
Buy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
Grado
Type
Over-Ear
Fit
open
Connection
Wired
Noise cancelling
No
Released
2003

Score breakdownaverage overall

Sound7.2

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The Grado GS1000 is a high-end, open-back wired headphone that prioritizes musical engagement and an expansive soundstage over neutrality, delivering rich detail and dynamic expression. Its 50mm dynamic drivers are easy to drive, but the design is strictly for quiet home listening—there’s no isolation, no controls, and it leaks sound heavily. This is a specialist tool for audiophiles who value character and treble sparkle, not a versatile everyday headphone.

What works

  • Expansive, immersive soundstage
  • Revealing and emotionally engaging treble detail
  • Excellent dynamics and clarity
  • Easy to drive despite high-end pedigree

What doesn't

  • Very expensive for the feature set
  • No noise isolation; leaks sound heavily
  • Unusual, bulky on-ear design
  • Requires quality partnering gear to shine

Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.

Specifications

Audio - Grado GS1000
Driver50 mm dynamic
Driver typedynamic
Driver size50 mm
Drivers per side1
Impedance38 Ω
Sensitivity99.8 dB/mW

Where to buy

Retailers we matched to this exact model. Prices are periodic snapshots - the link always opens the retailer's current listing.

What the reviews said

5 source(s) feeding this product's score.

6moons.com

The review is strongly positive about the GS1000’s performance and places it in an audiophile context focused on its high-end presentation. The source page confirms a full review exists, but the excerpt provided here is too limited to extract a fuller conclusion reliably.

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kitguru.net

The GS1000i is praised for immense soundstage, excellent dynamics, low coloration, and easy driveability. The review also warns that it is expensive and may require serious partnering equipment for best results.

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majorhifi.com

The GS1000e is presented as a highly distinctive headphone with a colorful sound signature and attractive high-end detail. The reviewer suggests it will appeal to listeners who value character and treble sparkle more than deep bass or a flat midrange.

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techradar.com

The reviewer describes the GS1000 as delivering an unusually revealing and emotionally engaging listening experience, with performance that stands out even against live music. The emphasis is on exceptional musicality rather than neutrality or practicality.

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whathifi.com

The GS1000i is judged to be superb for sonic pleasure, with an open, detailed presentation, strong clarity, and excellent dynamics. The review also notes clear trade-offs: they leak sound heavily, are not ideal for commuting, and look unusual when worn.

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Alternatives in the $600–$2,390 range

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Where it sits in our rankings

The data-driven guides this model qualifies for.