Grado
Expected Nov 10, 2024
Signature HP100 SE Headphones
$2,495.00 USD
Ushering in a new era of high-end headphones, Grado Labs HP100 SE Headphones are a contemporary version of a true classic, with a new design from the ground up and breathtaking reference sound quality. The HP100 SE Headphones stand apart from Grado Labs' previous models with a new detachable cable, new engineered speakers, redesigned headphone assembly, and much more. As the new flagship open-back model, the HP 100 SE deliver Grado's signature sound–spacious, smooth, and musical. Great with classical, strings, and more, the HP 100 SE represents the future of Grado Over-Ear Headphones, taking a nod from its past.
In celebration of Joseph Grado's 100th birthday, Grado Labs introduces the HP100 SE Headphones as a special edition pair, honoring the legacy of Joseph Grado and the remarkable HP1 Headphones released by him in 1990. "Although Uncle Joe left us 10 years ago, he will always be a presence at Grado Labs," says Joseph's nephew and Grado's CEO, John Grado. As always, the HP 100 SE is hand assembled in Grado's Brooklyn-based headquarters.
New Speaker Design
As a modern take on a true classic, the Grado HP100 SE Headphones have been completely redesigned to fit today's audiophile. At the heart of the HP100 SE sits a completely new speaker design with a paper composite cone, powerful high flux magnetic circuit using rare earth alloys, and a new voice coil made from lightweight copper-plated aluminum. In considering the attributes of a new 52mm driver, Grado's goal was to deliver a speaker that produced excellent high frequency resolution, midrange smoothness, and bass energy with low distortion, resulting in a voicing that is musically and harmonically correct. This new magnetic circuit coupled with the voice coil produces excellent dynamics and transient response, along with a highly refined sense of space, soundstage and image.
Modern Housing Design with Detachable Headphone Cables
Honoring the recognizable heritage of the original Grado Signature HP1, HP2, and HP3 Headphone designs, but with a modern feel, the HP100 SE Headphones are individually machined from specially treated aluminum with the product name neatly engraved on the face, available in a stylish space grey finish. Grado Labs didn't stop there though! The HP100 SE's headband has been redesigned, straying away from the assembly seen on classic Grado Labs Headphones. Designed for comfort during long listening sessions, the new headband features 50% more padding than previous designs, with a new stainless steel band and height rods that can be adjusted for the perfect fit. So long listening fatigue, and hello comfort.
Grado Labs engraved gimbals are made from an aluminum alloy, and the stainless steel height rod enhances the stability of the point where they meet. The height rod is also designed to not slide out of the junction block if the zinc alloy end caps become dislodged. This mechanism limits housing rotation to 105 degrees to reduce wear and tear.
A groundbreaking advancement in Grado Labs headphone design, the HP100 SE is the first Grado model to feature detachable headphone cables. A departure from the headphone cable currently employed on the Grado Statement Series, the new cable has been engineered to feature a softer but durable braided finish, with cable insulation that improves flexibility and decreases the overall weight of the cable. Terminated with a 6.3mm plug, it connects to each housing via a 4-pin mini XLR plug. Additional detachable cable options such as 4pin XLR termination, 4.4mm balanced termination, and various cable lengths will be available in the future. This allows for the cable to be changed based on customer needs for source side termination and cable range.
Need a new cable fast? Check out our Dragon Audio Cables.
Specifications
- Transducer Type
- Dynamic
- Operating Principle
- Open Air
- Frequency Response
- 3.5 Hz – 51.5kHz
- THD
- <0.1% @100 dB SPL
- Sensitivity (1mW)
- 117 dB
- Nominal Impedance
- 38 ohms
- Driver Size
- 52 mm
- Driver Matched dB
- 0.4 dB
- Cable Type
- 12 conductor detachable
- Headphone Connection
- 4-pin Mini XLR
- Source Connection
- 6.3mm
- Earpad Type
- G-cushions