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HearWiki

Grado PS500x

70/ 100
Good
HearWiki score

Priced about right

$600
typical price, USD
Discontinuedupdated price check
Manufacturer pageBuy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
Grado
Type
Over-Ear
Fit
-
Connection
Wired
Noise cancelling
No
Released
2024

Score breakdowngood overall

Sound8.2

The Grado PS500x is an open-air, over-ear headphone from the Professional Series, featuring a vented diaphragm and hybrid air chamber for detailed, accurate sound. It is designed for high-quality audio reproduction with a 32-ohm impedance, suitable for portable devices.

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The Grado PS500x is an open-back, wired over-ear headphone aimed at audiophiles and studio use, featuring a 44mm dynamic driver and a 32-ohm impedance that makes it easy to drive from portable sources. It delivers an energetic, open sound with strong bass and good timing, though its open design leaks sound heavily and its build feels utilitarian rather than luxurious. Tuning sets it apart from other Grado models, offering competitive detail and the brand's signature presentation.

What works

  • Energetic and entertaining sound with strong bass
  • Easy to drive from portable devices thanks to 32-ohm impedance
  • Open, informative presentation with good timing
  • Competitive technical performance for its class

What doesn't

  • Open-back design leaks sound heavily, unsuitable for public use
  • Build quality feels basic and not luxurious
  • Refinement could be better compared to rivals

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

Specifications

Audio - Grado PS500x
Driver44 mm dynamic
Driver typedynamic
Driver size44 mm
Drivers per side1
Frequency response14 Hz - 29 kHz
Impedance32 Ω
Sensitivity98 dB/mW

What the reviews said

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

expertreviews.co.uk

Expert Reviews highlights the PS500’s 32-ohm impedance and open design, emphasizing that it is easy to drive from portable players but leaks heavily. The review frames it as a technically capable open headphone, while warning that its design is not suited to noisy public use.

Read the full review

headfonia.com

Headfonia compares the PS500’s technical performance favorably with other Grado models at a similar level, saying the main difference is tuning rather than overall technical ability. The review suggests the PS500 delivers the brand’s characteristic sound with competitive detail and performance.

Read the full review

sonicscoop.com

SonicScoop’s review presents the PS500 as a dynamic open-air headphone in Grado’s Professional Series with a vented diaphragm and hybrid air chamber. The emphasis is on its studio-oriented construction and premium positioning rather than a strongly negative or positive verdict.

Read the full review

whathifi.com

What Hi-Fi describes the PS500 as energetic and entertaining, with strong bass, good timing, and an open, informative presentation. It also notes that the build is not especially luxurious, refinement could be better, and the open-back design leaks a lot of sound.

Read the full review

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