Grado Headphones celebrate their 70th Birthday In 2023. loved by audophiles, Grado has been a family firm since being formed in Brooklyn, New York. Notably, three generations now make the renowned Grado headphones.
Hand-built headphones from New York
Originally, Grado made hand built cartridges and headphones. In the 1980’s, when CD’s came to dominate, cartridge sales began to diminish. As a result Grado began to manufacture more headphones. At first sales were slow. However, in 1994 Grado introduced the SR64 Headphones which got rave reviews. By 1995 they returned to consumer electronic shows with a range of five headphones, the best costing $595.00.
The Grado range today
Today, the Grado range comprises six series, from the entry level Prestige series, to the hi-end Professional series. Hand-crafted from mahogany wood with a metal shell the professional series is the flagship range.
The legendary SR80
The legendary SR80 is the longest running headset in the Grado range. The Grado SR80 was the headphone that established Grado as a world renowned company. Notably, the SR80 first appeared in 1991 and is known for it’s great mid-range, speed and soundstage.
The Grado signature sound.
Grado drivers can extract masses of detail from songs you have heard hundreds of times before. The high quality drivers combined with carefully designed enclosures eliminate transient distortion. The wide dynamic range and extreme clarity of the SR80’s complement the music and give that signature Grado sound. The SR80’s have won numerous awards.
New X series drivers
Recently, 4th generation upgraded X series drivers, began to grace the SR80. These are specifically tuned for the SR80x. This is a new design of driver, with a more powerful magnetic circuit and a newly designed voice coil that has a lower mass. The diaphragm was also reconfigured. These newly reengineered components improve efficiency, reduce distortion and keep the integrity of the music.
Upgraded cables and headband.
The cables and headband have also undergone an upgrade. The exterior has been made more durable and the cabling is made of super annealed copper wire for less resistance and improved purity. The headband padding has also been improved. The SR80x is still made in the original Brooklyn factory and undergoes rigorous testing. They are also remarkable value for money.
What Hi-Fi states:
“At this money, the SR80 model remains the finest in the market, and such is their dominance in this niche that we wouldn’t be surprised if this were true for as long as wired headphones have their place in this world.”
The Reference series
The Reference series is a step up, with mahogany earpieces and a welcoming sound. They have a smaller body, and drivers specially tuned for wood. Grado has been hand building in wood for decades and have perfected their warm sound. Each type of wood is unique and the drivers are specially tuned to match.
The RS2x is the first in the Reference range and features maple and hemp wood ear cups. The sleeve and ring are made of maple with a hemp core to keep everything together. Wood is used for it’s warm tonal abilities. Moreover, wood produces a full bodied sound with a rich vocality.
Next in the reference range is the RS1x. This premium set of headphones adds three types of wood to the mix. Maple, hemp and cocobolo. There is also a bigger 50mm X driver. The hemp smooths out the top and low ends. Additionally, cocobolo adds extra punch .
The Statement series
The statement series sets new standards for headphone sound performance with the new 52mm driver. The metal chamber is encased in cocobolo wood creating a unique soundstage. Hear all the detail in the music with the large ear cushions combined with a 52mm driver and 12 conductor cable.
The Grado headphones GS3000x
The Grado headphones professional series
The professional series is the top of the range from Grado. Notably, They combine a mahogany wood core with a chrome plated aluminium outer shell. Consequently, the sound is unequalled and punchy. Moreover, the combination of metal and wood creates a sound of superb precision. Next, the chrome or powder coated aluminium makes these units strong and substantial.
The Professional range is currently awaiting a new production run,. Grado also produce wireless headphones.
The GW100x, wireless headphones.
The GW100x is the latest version of the Grado Wireless headphones and now has a longer battery life, along with enhanced Bluetooth and the new X drivers.
The signature Grado Sound in a wireless form.
Since 1953 Grado have worked to perfect the headphone sound. Consequently, these latest wireless headphones continue the tradition of innovation. Notably, the sonic capabilities more than match wired headphones.
Two day battery life.
The new battery in the GX100x can play for two days without a break. Additionally, Charging is via USB-C. Bluetooth 5.2 connects to an upgraded chipset for higher resolution. These wireless headphones have that family look and were the first Bluetooth headphones to have an open back. Moreover, Their housings have been specially designed to prevent any unwanted sound from escaping.
The Grado earbud range
Finally, Grado now produce a range of wired and wireless earbuds. The GT220 is the flagship wireless earbud with that true signature Grado sound. This is wireless audio using Grado’s engineering knowledge in miniature. The body is made from high-density acoustically optimised polycarbonate and uses 8mm polyethylene terephthalate full-range drivers. Additionally a choice of silicon eartips can be fitted with a new “twist to lock” movement. This gives you a perfect fit for that glorious Grado sound.
These Bluetooth 5.00 earbuds are controlled by tapping the Grado icon, and the battery life is more than 36 hours. Play and pause music, skip music backwards and forwards as well as answer and end calls. Volume is also controlled by tapping the icon. The Earbuds also have an integrated mike so that voice commands are reliable and responsive.
There is sure to be something in the iconic Grado range for your audio needs.