Audio T Verdict
The Grado Signature HP100 SE brings together the company’s headphone heritage and its more modern approach to construction, comfort and everyday usability.
Created as a contemporary tribute to Joseph Grado’s original Signature HP1, the HP100 SE introduces a new 52mm dynamic driver, individually machined aluminium housings, a redesigned headband assembly and Grado’s first detachable headphone cable system.
The new driver combines a paper-composite cone, high-flux magnetic circuit and lightweight copper-plated aluminium voice coil. Grado developed it to deliver strong high-frequency resolution, a smooth midrange, convincing bass energy and low distortion, while retaining the immediacy and musical involvement for which its open-air headphones are known.
With a 38-ohm impedance and sensitivity of 117dB SPL at 1mW, the HP100 SE is not an especially difficult electrical load. However, headphones at this level deserve a suitably capable source and headphone amplifier, making a proper demonstration and system-matching session particularly worthwhile.
The detachable cable, improved headband padding and two supplied cushion styles make this a far more adaptable Grado design. For long-standing Grado listeners, the HP100 SE represents a substantial engineering step forward rather than a simple refinement of an existing model.
Grado Signature HP100 SE Open-Back Headphones
The Signature HP100 SE is a premium open-air dynamic headphone developed and hand-assembled by Grado Labs in Brooklyn, New York.
Its design pays tribute to the Signature HP1 created by Grado Labs founder Joseph Grado in the early 1990s. The HP100 SE was conceived in recognition of Joseph Grado’s 100th birthday and the important role the original HP1 played in the development of high-performance headphone listening.
Although inspired by the past, the HP100 SE has been designed from the ground up. Its driver, housing, cable system and headband assembly were all developed specifically for this model.
New Acoustic Engineering
- Purpose-designed 52mm dynamic driver
- Paper-composite driver cone
- High-flux rare-earth magnetic circuit
- Copper-plated aluminium voice coil
- Drivers matched to within 0.04dB
- Open-air operating principle
Modern Grado Construction
- Individually machined aluminium housings
- Space grey finish
- Detachable 12-conductor cable
- Dual 4-pin mini-XLR connections
- Redesigned padded leather headband
- G and F-style cushions included
Purpose-Designed 52mm Dynamic Driver
At the heart of the HP100 SE is a completely new 52mm dynamic driver developed specifically for Grado’s Signature range.
Grado’s aim was to combine detailed high-frequency reproduction with a smooth midrange, substantial bass energy and low distortion. The company also wanted the driver to preserve correct musical and harmonic relationships rather than drawing attention to one particular part of the frequency range.
The two drivers are matched to within 0.04dB, helping the left and right channels work consistently together for stable positioning and stereo imaging.
Paper-Composite Cone
The new driver uses a paper-composite cone selected for its combination of low moving mass and controlled behaviour.
This is partnered with a high-flux magnetic circuit using rare-earth alloys and a lightweight voice coil made from copper-plated aluminium.
Reducing the moving mass of the voice coil allows the driver to respond quickly to changes within the music, while the powerful magnetic circuit provides the control required for dynamics, transient response and spatial definition.
Open-Air Operating Principle
The HP100 SE uses Grado’s open-air operating principle. The rear of each driver is allowed to interact freely with the surrounding air rather than being enclosed inside a sealed earcup.
This approach is intended to support an open sense of space, clear stereo imaging and a more natural relationship between the headphones and the room around the listener.
Designed for Quiet Home Listening
Open-air headphones do not isolate the listener in the same way as a closed-back design. Outside sounds will remain audible and music can be heard by anyone sitting nearby.
The HP100 SE is therefore best suited to focused listening at home, particularly in a quiet room where its open construction can work without distraction.
Individually Machined Aluminium Housings
The circular housings reference the visual identity of the original Signature HP1, HP2 and HP3 headphones while introducing a cleaner and more contemporary finish.
Each housing is individually machined from specially treated aluminium and finished in space grey. The Grado Labs name and Signature HP100 SE model designation are engraved directly onto the face of the housing.
The aluminium construction provides a rigid foundation for the new driver while preserving the recognisable form of a Grado open-air headphone.
Grado’s First Detachable Headphone Cable
The HP100 SE was the first Grado headphone to use a fully detachable cable system.
The supplied cable uses 12 conductors and connects independently to the left and right housings through 4-pin mini-XLR plugs. The standard source connection is a full-size 6.3mm jack for use with compatible headphone amplifiers and hi-fi components.
Grado has given the braided cable a softer and more flexible outer finish than its traditional fixed headphone cables. The revised insulation also helps reduce the cable’s overall weight and makes it easier to position during longer listening sessions.
The detachable arrangement allows a damaged cable to be replaced without returning the complete headphone and provides compatibility with suitable alternative Grado Signature cable lengths and source terminations.
Redesigned Headband Assembly
The headband assembly has also been redesigned rather than carried over from Grado’s established headphone ranges.
The white-stitched leather headband contains 50% more padding than previous Grado designs and uses a stainless steel band to provide support across the listener’s head.
Stainless steel height rods allow the fit to be adjusted, while engraved gimbals made from an aluminium alloy connect the headband assembly to the housings.
The junction between the height rod and gimbal has been engineered for greater stability. The rods are designed not to slide out of the junction blocks if an end cap becomes dislodged, while housing rotation is limited to 105 degrees to reduce unnecessary wear.
G Cushions and F-Style Cushions Included
Two different Grado cushion styles are supplied with the HP100 SE:
- G cushions
- F-style cushions
Including both styles allows the listener to compare their fit and presentation without needing to purchase a second set separately.
Cushion shape and positioning can affect comfort, the distance between the driver and ear, and the way an open-air headphone presents the music. We therefore recommend trying both options before settling on a preferred configuration.
Hand-Assembled in Brooklyn
Like Grado’s other specialist headphone models, the Signature HP100 SE is hand-assembled at the company’s headquarters in Brooklyn, New York.
Grado Labs was founded in 1953 and remains a family-owned manufacturer. The HP100 SE reflects that long production history while introducing design features that have since become central to the wider Grado Signature range.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Grado HP100 SE open or closed-back?
They use an open-air operating principle. This allows sound to pass through the housings and makes them best suited to quiet home listening.
What driver does the HP100 SE use?
Each housing contains a purpose-designed 52mm dynamic driver with a paper-composite cone, high-flux rare-earth magnetic circuit and copper-plated aluminium voice coil.
How closely are the drivers matched?
Grado specifies driver matching to within 0.04dB.
What is the impedance of the HP100 SE?
The nominal impedance is 38 ohms.
What is the sensitivity?
Grado specifies 117dB SPL at 1mW.
Do the HP100 SE have a detachable cable?
Yes. They use a detachable 12-conductor cable with a 4-pin mini-XLR connection at each housing.
What connection is fitted to the supplied cable?
The standard source connection specified by Grado is a 6.3mm stereo jack.
Can alternative cables be used?
The detachable connection supports compatible Grado Signature cables in alternative lengths and source configurations. Please check current UK availability with Audio T before ordering.
Which cushions are included?
Both Grado G cushions and F-style cushions are included.
Where are the Grado HP100 SE made?
They are hand-assembled at Grado Labs in Brooklyn, New York, USA.
Why are they called the HP100 SE?
The model was created in recognition of Grado Labs founder Joseph Grado’s 100th birthday. It pays tribute to his original Signature HP1 headphone from the early 1990s. SE refers to Special Edition.
Do they need a dedicated headphone amplifier?
The 38-ohm impedance and 117dB sensitivity do not make the HP100 SE an unusually difficult load. However, their performance will benefit from a high-quality source and headphone amplifier suited to headphones at this level.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Grado headphone demonstrations where available
- Open-back versus closed-back headphone advice
- Headphone amplifier and DAC matching
- Source and system comparisons
- 6.3mm and balanced cable guidance
- G cushion and F-style cushion comparisons
- Fit and long-term comfort advice
- Part-exchange options
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration of the Grado Signature HP100 SE or discuss matching them with a suitable headphone amplifier, DAC and source.