Grado Labs has announced the release of its latest flagship model, the Signature HP100 SE, designed as both a tribute to the company’s past and a vision for its future in high-end audio. This model is a modern adaptation of the renowned HP1 headphones, introduced by Grado’s founder, Joseph Grado, in the early 1990s, a product widely credited with shaping the high-end headphone market.
In honor of what would have been Joseph Grado’s 100th birthday, the Signature HP100 SE celebrates both his legacy and the Grado family’s continued influence in audio innovation. John Grado, CEO of Grado Labs and nephew of Joseph Grado, highlighted the familial connection in the creation of the new model. He shared, “Although Uncle Joe left us 10 years ago, he will always be a presence at Grado Labs.”
Hand-assembled in Grado Labs’ Brooklyn-based headquarters, the Signature HP100 SE embodies a blend of tradition and modern design choices. From newly engineered drivers to a redesigned headband, this model introduces fresh features while retaining the classic feel of Grado’s original Signature HP series.
The cornerstone of the HP100 SE lies in its all-new driver technology, an area where Grado has directed significant engineering efforts. The headphones feature a redesigned 52mm driver aimed at achieving high-frequency clarity, smooth midrange, and a balanced bass output with minimal distortion.
The drivers use a paper composite cone, selected for its acoustic properties, paired with a high flux magnetic circuit crafted from rare earth alloys. This combination, along with a newly developed voice coil made from lightweight copper-plated aluminum, enhances sound dynamics and transient response, promising users an experience with refined spatial imaging and a robust soundstage.
The new speaker design positions the HP100 SE to deliver what Grado describes as “musically and harmonically correct” sound reproduction. By focusing on these specific aspects, Grado aims to ensure that the headphones provide listeners with an immersive and detailed listening experience, suitable for a range of audio content.
The Signature HP100 SE introduces a contemporary aesthetic while maintaining a visual connection to its predecessors. Each headphone housing is machined from aluminum, treated for durability, and finished in a space grey color, with the product name engraved on the face.
While the design pays homage to the original HP1, HP2, and HP3 headphones, it incorporates elements that set it apart, including detachable cables, a feature not found in previous Grado models.
The detachable cable setup offers a braided finish that is both softer and more flexible, aiming to reduce weight and improve usability. Terminated with a 6.3mm plug, the cables connect via a 4-pin mini XLR plug on each side, which allows for easy customization. Additional cable options, such as 4-pin XLR and 4.4mm balanced terminations, will be available, giving users flexibility in source connections and cable length adjustments.
In reimagining the headband for the HP100 SE, Grado has prioritized user comfort, especially during prolonged listening sessions. This new assembly features a stainless-steel band with height-adjustable rods, along with 50% more padding than Grado’s previous models. The added padding is intended to improve comfort by distributing weight more evenly, which can be crucial for extended use.
The headband structure integrates Grado Labs-engraved gimbals, made from an aluminum alloy, which connect to a stainless-steel height rod designed for added stability. To help protect against potential wear, the headband design includes a feature that restricts housing rotation to 105 degrees, aiming to limit stress on the junction block if the zinc alloy end caps become dislodged.
Technical Specifications:
The Grado Signature HP100 SE are available for pre-order at Crutchfield for $2,495.
