Grado HP100 SE Signature Edition Headphone Review

From just across the river in Brooklyn lies a headphone company that’s long been celebrated for its family legacy and iconic on-ear designs: Grado Labs. In honor of Joseph Grado’s 100th birthday, the company has unveiled the limited-edition Grado HP 100 Special Edition (HP 100 SE) — a high-end, over-ear, open-back headphone that stands as a flagship release for the brand. With a price tag of $2,495, this model is definitely generating buzz. Today, we’re diving deep into its design, build, and sound signature to determine whether it lives up to the hype.

What Comes In The Box

• HP100 SE Special Edition Open-Back Headphones
• Grado G Cushion (Installed)
• Grado F Cushion
• 4-pin Mini XLR to 6.35mm (1/4") Detachable Cable
• Grado Labs Warranty

Aesthetics and Functionality

Grado’s visual identity remains consistent across their product line, and the HP 100 SE is no exception. True to form, it features the company’s recognizable earpads, retro-inspired housings, and durable cabling. However, what sets this model apart is its detachable 12-conductor cable—a first for Grado. This welcome upgrade allows users to swap in cables with different terminations, expanding compatibility with a variety of audiophile setups.

That said, build quality may raise some eyebrows given the premium price. The headphone frame feels a bit fragile, and the overall construction doesn’t quite justify the nearly $2.5K cost. The HP 100 SE is also heavy on the head with a loose clamping force. While this reduces ear fatigue, the overall weight can feel cumbersome over long sessions.

I paired the HP 100 SE with the FiiO K11 desktop DAC and headphone amplifier, which provided ample power and a solid listening environment. Due to the weight and bulk of the headphones, they’re best suited for stationary, at-home listening sessions—definitely not for walking around or casual mobility.

Tech Specs

• Transducer Type: Dynamic
• Operating Principle: Open Air
• Frequency Response: 3.5 Hz – 51.5 kHz
• THD: <0.1% @100dB
• SPL 1mW: 117dB
• Nominal Impedance: 38 Ω
• Driver Size: 52 mm
• Driver Matched dB: 0.04 dB
• Cable Type: 12 Conductor detachable
• Headphone Connection: 4-pin Mini XLR
• Source Connection: 6.3 mm
• Ear Cushions: G cushions (installed), F cushions

Listening Review

Soundstage

The soundstage is one of the HP 100 SE’s strongest assets. With excellent width and natural spatial depth, this headphone excels in reproducing a balanced and analytical stereo image. There’s no artificial coloration or exaggerated dimensionality—just a flat, honest field that makes it an excellent reference headphone for mixing or critical listening. Crank up the volume, and you'll hear micro-details that are often lost with more casual headphones.

Low Frequencies

The low end is tight and reserved, providing enough body and warmth to push tracks forward without becoming overbearing. Bass extension is clean and controlled, offering impressive clarity without veiling the mids. It’s not a bass-heavy headphone by any means, but it gives you just enough impact to keep things musical without sacrificing detail.

Midrange Frequencies

The midrange is one of the most naturally presented aspects of the HP 100 SE. Vocals sit confidently at the front of the mix, while acoustic instruments maintain strong definition and depth. There’s solid separation in the layering, especially in complex tracks like orchestral or jazz arrangements. The width of the midrange gives listeners the ability to dissect individual components without losing cohesion—a critical quality for those needing a neutral and accurate headphone.

High Frequencies

The treble range is airy and nuanced, contributing to the HP 100 SE’s spacious and effortless presentation. High-end detail is well-defined but never harsh, and the natural roll-off makes room acoustics and reverbs feel more expansive—especially in classical and ambient recordings. This light and open top-end helps balance the physical weight of the headphones, offering a sense of lift and openness that counteracts their heavier build.

Summary

The Grado HP 100 Special Edition (HP 100 SE) is a standout in Grado’s lineup, combining the brand’s signature open-back design with new tech-forward features like detachable cables and finely matched 52mm drivers. Its sound signature is analytical, balanced, and revealing, making it ideal for critical listening, mastering, or mixing. While the build quality and weight may leave something to be desired—especially at this price point—the sonic performance is undeniably elite.

For audiophiles and professionals alike, the HP 100 SE delivers a transparent and refined experience, though casual listeners might want to weigh its comfort and cost against its remarkable audio fidelity.

The Grado HP 100 SE is available today at Audio46.