Grado Signature HP100 SE Headphones

Illustrious past, ambitious future

Grado’s new Signature HP100 SE headphones are a contemporary homage to the trailblazing high-end HP1 model, heralding a new design direction. 

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. In recognition of Joseph Grado’s 100th birthday and this industry milestone, Grado Labs is producing these Special Edition headphones. 

“Although Uncle Joe left us 10 years ago, he will always be a presence at Grado Labs”,

— John Grado, Joseph’s nephew and Grado’s CEO

New Driver Design

At the heart of the HP100 SE is a completely new speaker design. 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.

A new paper composite cone was chosen, alongside a powerful high flux magnetic circuit using rare earth alloys, and a new voice coil made from lightweight copper-plated aluminum. 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 and Detachable Cables

Honoring the recognizable heritage of the original Signature HP1/2/3 headphone designs but with a modern feel, the housings are individually machined from specially treated aluminum with the product name neatly engraved on the face. The HP100 SE arrives in a stylish space grey finish.

The HP100 SE is the first Grado model to feature detachable cables. A departure from the cable currently employed on the Statement Series, it has been engineered to 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 4pin mini XLR plug. Additional detachable cable options such as 4pin XLR termination, 4.4mm balanced termination, and various cable lengths, available in the future. This allows for the cable to be changed based on customer needs for source side termination and cable range.

Headband Assembly Re-design

The HP100 SE’s headband assembly has changed from the classic Grado models. Designed for comfort during long listening session, the new headband features 50% more padding than previous Grado designs, with a stainless steel band and height rods that can be adjusted for the perfect fit to minimize listening fatigue.

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 music.

Founded on a kitchen table in 1953, and working with wood for over a quarter century, Grado Labs has been perfecting the art of sonic reproduction every day since. This HP100 SE has traveled from workbench to workbench until ready for your ears. Every experience since that kitchen table has led to the creation of the HP100 SE.

• Transducer Type: Dynamic
• Operating Principle: Open Air
• Frequency Response: 3.5 Hz – 51.5 kHz
• THD: <0.1% @100dB           
• SPL 1mW: 117dB
• Nominal Impedance: 38ohms
• Driver Size: 52mm
• Driver Matched dB: .04 dB
• Cable Type: 12 Conductor detachable
• Headphone Connection: 4pin Mini XLR
• Source Connection: 6.3mm
• G cushions