Skip to content
HearWiki
Grado Signature HP100 SEImage © Grado

Grado Signature HP100 SE

79/ 100
Great
HearWiki score

Priced about right

$2,500
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
2024

Score breakdowngreat overall

Sound8.9
Value5.6

Grado’s new Signature HP100 SE headphones are a contemporary homage to the trailblazing high-end HP1 model heralding a new design direction World-renowned designer and manufacturer of award-winning headphones, Grado Labs presents its newest and flagship model, the Signature HP100 SE. Grado Labs founder Joseph Grado created what many consider to be the high-end headphone market with the release of the Signature HP1 headphone in the early 1990s.

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

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.

What works

  • Excellent openness and detailed soundstage
  • Easy to drive with high sensitivity
  • Detachable cable design adds versatility
  • Reduced coloration for a more neutral presentation
  • Premium build quality with improved comfort

What doesn't

  • Very high price point
  • Bulky and heavy frame
  • Loose clamping force may affect fit stability
  • Requires quality source gear for best results

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

Specifications

Audio - Grado Signature HP100 SE
Driver52 mm dynamic
Driver typedynamic
Driver size52 mm
Drivers per side1
Frequency response3.5 Hz - 51.5 kHz
Impedance38 Ω
Sensitivity117 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.

audio46.com

Audio46 characterizes the HP100 SE as an open-back headphone with a wide, natural stage and a balanced, analytical sound. The review also notes drawbacks such as its bulk, loose clamp, and high price, suggesting it is aimed at listeners prioritizing sound quality over convenience.

Read the full review

ecoustics.com

This review emphasizes that the HP100 SE is easy to drive and uses a 52 mm paper composite driver, while highlighting its detachable cable design as a major change for Grado. The overall tone is positive, focusing on its dynamics, space, and refined presentation.

Read the full review

moon-audio.com

The reviewer describes the HP100 SE as a strong blend of Grado’s classic house sound and modern refinements, with especially impressive openness, detail, and staging. The review presents it as an expensive but highly accomplished reference-style open-back headphone.

Read the full review

positive-feedback.com

Positive Feedback presents the HP100 SE as a major update over earlier Grado statement models, pointing to its new 52 mm driver, detachable cables, and improved comfort. The review stresses reduced coloration, strong technical performance, and premium build quality.

Read the full review

t3.com

T3 frames the HP100 SE as an uncomplicated but highly capable wired open-back headphone with spacious imaging and strong refinement. The review’s description suggests it is a premium, enthusiast-focused model that performs best when paired with quality sources.

Read the full review

Own these? Rate them.

A minute of your experience with the Grado Signature HP100 SE helps the next person shopping for them.

Alternatives in the $1,250–$4,990 range

Other over-ear models at a comparable price, ordered by HearWiki score.

83
Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
$1,400Still sold new
83
Over-EarANC
Focal Bathys MG
$1,500Still sold new
83
Over-Ear
STAX SR-007S
$2,390Sold new
82
Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled
$2,300Still sold new
81
Over-Ear
Yamaha Yh-4000
$2,500Sold new
81
Over-Ear
STAX SR-009D
$2,600Discontinued
80
Over-Ear
Dan Clark Audio Noire Xo
$1,300Sold new
80
Over-Ear
ZMF Tessidera
$2,500Sold new

More from Grado

Other Grado models in the database, same category first.

Where it sits in our rankings

The data-driven guides this model qualifies for.