Grell Oae1

The reviewer sees the Grell OAE1 as a deliberate, conceptually-driven experiment by Axel Grell that challenges the diffuse-field standard in headphone design, rather than a poorly executed product. While it intentionally deviates from conventional tuning—with a strong bass tilt and subdued treble—the reviewer finds it conceptually flawed and less natural than the HD600, though he respects the intent and execution. Ultimately, he views it as a case study that reinforces why the established wisdom about headphone voicing remains valid.

The reviewer bought the Grell OAE1 Signature after hearing it at shows, hoping home listening would improve his impressions, but after weeks with it he is out of cope and finds it not very good. He praises the build quality and looks, but the sound is the main disappointment, with treble issues and other flaws that make it hard to recommend despite the low price.

The reviewer finds the Grell OAE1 to be a fantastic value, especially at its new lower price, praising its bass tuning, clarity, and separation. However, he notes that the soundstage lacks depth and layering, which is a significant drawback for him, though he acknowledges many listeners prioritize width over depth. He ultimately recommends the Meze 105 AER for those who value soundstage depth, but considers the OAE1 a strong choice for its price.

The reviewer, Justin Colletti, presents the Drop + Grell OAE1 as a unique headphone designed by Axel Grell that aims to mimic the sound of speakers by angling the drivers to engage the ear's natural pinna gain. He explains that this design changes the frequency response rather than the soundstage, making these headphones better suited for listeners who prefer speaker-like tonality over traditional headphone coloration. He notes that they are not a refined HD600 but a completely different approach, and he will compare them to other headphones to help viewers decide if they fit their preferences.

The reviewer finds the Drop Grell OAE1 to be a unique and compelling open-back headphone, primarily due to its front-firing driver design that creates a speaker-like presentation and its deep, punchy bass. While it has a very tight clamp and a dark treble response, the overall immersive and engaging sound, combined with its lower price, makes it a strong recommendation for those seeking a fun, bass-forward listening experience.