Drop, the e-commerce platform under CORSAIR known for its community-driven product development, has announced the release of its latest headphone collaboration with audio engineer Axel Grell: the Drop + Grell OAE1. Following the success of the initial signature edition, which sold out its 1,000-unit launch in a brief period, this new version is designed to bring advanced audio features to a wider audience at a more accessible price.

Responding to user feedback on the original model, Drop incorporated several practical design adjustments to improve the overall listening experience in the OAE1. Notable enhancements include a reduction in clamping force for a more comfortable fit and a shift to a single-sided cable configuration.

This 6.3mm cable also features an insert indicator, simplifying setup for users. Aesthetically, the OAE1 adopts a new all-black color scheme with dark gray accents, bringing a sleek look that appeals to minimalist tastes.

The updated OAE1 retains Grell’s hallmark engineering principles, leveraging over 30 years of his expertise in audio product development. The headphones are built with a driver-forward, open-around-ear design that optimizes how sound interacts with the human ear.

This structure positions the drivers in front of and slightly away from the ears, which, according to Drop, helps the headphones deliver a realistic sound field. By mapping to the natural structure of the ear, the OAE1 aims to create an immersive and spatially accurate listening experience.

“Building on the success of the signature headphones that sold out earlier this year, the new OAE1s bring the same level of audio innovation and sound precision to a broader audience,” said Grell.

“With the Drop + Grell OAE1 headphones, we’ve maintained our commitment to precision engineering and high-fidelity sound while offering a more accessible price point. It’s all about making premium audio experiences accessible to more listeners without compromising on quality.”

The OAE1 headphones incorporate an open-around-ear design, which minimizes sound reflections and manages sound pressure more effectively. The result, Drop claims, is improved stereo imaging and a sound field that mirrors how listeners would naturally hear sound in a live environment. This approach to headphone design aligns with Grell’s commitment to producing lifelike soundscapes that allow listeners to experience music with depth and clarity.

These headphones are equipped with dynamic drivers that support a broad frequency range, spanning from 12Hz to 32,000Hz at -3db, and extending up to 44,000Hz at -10db. The open design also integrates a loudness diffuse field equalization technique, which emphasizes a forward-facing sound characteristic. This design choice prioritizes clarity in the mid and high-frequency ranges, aiming to provide a balanced listening profile across a variety of music genres.

The Drop + Grell OAE1 headphones feature a nominal impedance of 38 ohms, making them suitable for use with a range of devices, including portable audio players and smartphones. The sound pressure level is rated at 106 dB at 1kHz and 1VRMS, indicating the headphones’ capability to produce clear sound even at lower power inputs. With a total harmonic distortion (THD) rate of just 0.05% at 1kHz and 100dB, the OAE1 aims to deliver high fidelity sound without unwanted audio distortion.

These headphones are also built to handle continuous high-volume listening, supporting a maximum input power of 500mW. Weighing in at 375 grams without the cable, the OAE1 is designed to provide a balance of durability and comfort for prolonged listening sessions.

The accompanying 1.8-meter (6-foot) cable is a single-sided, silver-coated OFC (oxygen-free copper) cable. This choice of materials and design reflects Drop’s goal to ensure signal clarity, while the 2.5mm TRRS connector on the headphone side and 3.5mm stereo plug on the device end provide flexibility for users. For further compatibility with various audio setups, a 3.5mm to 6.3mm screw-on adapter is also included.

The Drop + Grell OAE1 headphones are available for purchase at $249, with a suggested retail price of $299. This pricing is notably $100 lower than the previous signature edition, allowing more audiophiles access to Grell’s engineering at a lower price point.