Grado Labs Signature HP100 SE headphones
Grado Labs announces the release of 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. In recognition of Joseph Grado’s 100th birthday and this industry milestone, Grado Labs is introducing these Special Edition headphones. “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.
While the HP100 SE pays homage to Grado’s illustrious past, these headphones are a contemporary version of a true classic, with a new design from the ground up. With newly engineered drivers, the HP100 SE also boasts detachable cables, as well as a fresh headband assembly. This also ushers in a new direction for future Grado headphone releases. As always, the HP100 SE is hand-assembled in its Brooklyn-based headquarters.
New speaker 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 aluminium. 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 cables
Honouring 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 aluminium 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 redesign
The HP100 SE’s headband assembly has changed from the classic Grado models. Designed for comfort during long listening sessions, 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.
The Grado Signature HP100 SE is available in November, priced (MSRP): £2,795 / $2,495
Technical specifications
Transducer Type: Dynamic
Operating Principle: Open Air
Frequency response: 3.5 Hz – 51.5 kHz
THD: <0.1% @100 dB
SPL 1mW: 117 dB
Nominal impedance: 38 ohms
Driver size: 52 mm
Driver Matched dB: 0.4 dB
Cable type: 12-conductor detachable
Headphone Connection: 4pin Mini XLR
Source Connection: 6.3 mm
Earpad type: G-cushions