Looking for headphones that deliver a truly unique listening experience? Grado Labs, a family-owned company operating out of Brooklyn, has been crafting exceptional audio equipment since 1953. Known for their signature open-back design, Grado Labs headphones offer a spacious, natural soundstage that sets them apart from the competition. But their commitment to quality goes beyond design. With a rich history rooted in handcrafted precision, Grado Labs, from its iconic SR80x to its high-end models, provides a listening experience as unique as its story. Let’s explore what makes Grado Labs headphones a favorite among audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike.
Key Takeaways
- Grado: A family legacy in audio: Three generations of the Grado family have built the company’s reputation for handcrafted audio equipment, made in Brooklyn.
- Open-back design: Hear the difference: The open-back design of Grado headphones creates a natural, spacious sound, but keep in mind, sound leaks in and out.
- Signature sound: Bright and engaging: Grado headphones are known for their energetic sound, which is especially well-suited for rock music and other dynamic genres.
Grado Labs: A Story of Sound
From Watches to Audio
Grado Labs is a family-owned business crafting audio equipment in Brooklyn, New York since 1953. The company’s founder, Joseph Grado, was originally a master watchmaker. This background in precision and meticulous craftsmanship transitioned seamlessly into the world of audio when he began making phono cartridges, and later, headphones. Almost all Grado products are still handcrafted in Brooklyn, a testament to their commitment to quality and their unique heritage. You can learn more about the company’s history on their official website.
The People Behind Grado
The Grado legacy continues through three generations of the family. Joseph Grado, the founder, invented the first stereo moving coil phono cartridge. His nephew, John Grado, took over as President and CEO in 1990, significantly expanding the company’s headphone offerings. Today, John’s son, Jonathan Grado, serves as VP, bringing a fresh perspective and leading efforts to modernize the brand while maintaining its core values. More information about the Grado family and their contributions to the audio industry can be found on various online resources.
Grado’s Products
Headphones
Grado Labs, a family-owned business in Brooklyn, is known for its handcrafted headphones. Founded in 1953 by Joseph Grado, a master watchmaker, the company offers a range of headphone models at various price points. These headphones feature materials like wood and metal and come in on-ear and over-ear designs. Grado categorizes its headphones into several lines: Prestige, Reference, Statement, Professional, and Limited Edition. Reviewers consider the SR80x a great value.
Phonograph Cartridges
In addition to headphones, Grado also produces phonograph cartridges—the component of a record player that reads the grooves of a vinyl record. The company began making these cartridges in the 1950s.
What Makes Grado Headphones Different?
Grado headphones have a few key characteristics that set them apart in the audio world. From their distinct open-back design to their signature sound and commitment to handcrafted quality, Grado offers a unique listening experience.
Open-Back Design
Unlike closed-back headphones that seal your ears, Grado primarily makes open-back headphones. This design lets sound pass through the earcups, creating a more natural, spacious soundstage, similar to listening to speakers in a room. This openness contributes to Grado’s distinctive sound but also means they’re not ideal for noisy environments, as outside noise leaks in, and your music leaks out.
Grado’s Sound Signature
Grado headphones are known for their bright, energetic sound. This emphasis on higher frequencies creates a sense of clarity and detail, which many listeners find appealing for rock music and other energetic genres. Some describe the Grado sound as forward and engaging, making vocals and instruments stand out. However, this emphasis on treble can also be perceived as harsh or piercing by some, especially at higher volumes or with certain recordings.
Handcrafted in Brooklyn
In a world of mass production, Grado maintains its commitment to hand-assembling their headphones in Brooklyn, NY. This hands-on approach allows for meticulous quality control and contributes to the unique character of each pair.
Popular Grado Headphones
Grado Labs offers a wide range of headphones, from entry-level models to high-end audiophile options. This section covers three popular models that showcase Grado’s commitment to sound quality and craftsmanship: the SR80x, GS1000e, and PS2000e.
SR80x
The Grado SR80x headphones are known for their excellent sound and reasonable price. At around $125, they’re considered budget-friendly on-ear headphones, ideal for home listening due to their wired, open-back design. This design contributes to their sound quality and makes them compatible with various portable devices. While the open-back design does allow some sound leakage, this characteristic creates a more natural listening experience, making them popular with music fans seeking a cost-effective choice. The SR80x is praised for its studio-style frequency response, making it well-suited for casual listening in quiet environments. You can explore more in-depth SR80x reviews online. SoundGuys also offers their perspective on these headphones.
GS1000e
The Grado GS1000e headphones are part of the company’s Statement Series, known for its luxurious design and high-end audio performance. These headphones feature distinctive wooden earcups that contribute to a warm, rich sound. The GS1000e is designed for discerning listeners who value detailed sound reproduction and a wide soundstage. You can learn more about these and other Grado headphones at Headfonia. The craftsmanship involved reflects Grado’s dedication to handcrafted audio, making them a compelling option for serious music enthusiasts.
PS2000e
The Grado PS2000e sits at the top of Grado’s headphone lineup, combining advanced technology with exquisite craftsmanship. These headphones utilize a proprietary driver design and specialized housing to minimize distortion and improve clarity. The PS2000e is designed for those who demand the very best in audio fidelity, offering an immersive listening experience with a broad soundstage and precise imaging. The attention to detail in both sound quality and construction makes the PS2000e a premium choice for audiophiles. TechRadar’s review provides additional information on Grado headphones, including the PS2000e and the SR80x.
Experience Grado Sound
Sound Across Models
Grado headphones are known for their bright, energetic sound signature. This emphasis on higher frequencies (treble) creates exceptional clarity and detail, especially welcome for rock music and other energetic genres. Some listeners find this emphasis a bit much, describing it as occasionally piercing. Others appreciate how this characteristic highlights the nuances in their favorite recordings. The SR80x, for example, is praised for its warm, clear presentation and punchy bass, making it versatile for rock, electronic, and pop. Bass in Grado headphones is generally less prominent than other brands, but still present. This sound profile runs through the Grado line, though specific models offer variations. Higher-end models like the GS1000e and PS2000e often provide a more refined listening experience.
Ideal Genres and Listening
The open-back design of Grado headphones creates a wide soundstage. This gives the impression of music playing in the room around you, not just inside your head. Many find this adds to the enjoyment of listening with Grados. The energetic and engaging sound makes you want to move. While models like the SR80x excel with rock, certain Grados pair well with other genres too. The detailed presentation can be particularly rewarding with jazz, classical, and acoustic music. The open-back design, however, also means sound leaks both ways. This makes them less suited for noisy environments or quiet spaces where you might disturb others. They’re best enjoyed in a setting where you can fully appreciate their unique qualities.
Grado Headphone Technology
Grado Labs headphones are known for their distinctive sound and handcrafted construction. Let’s explore the technology and materials that make them unique.
Driver Technology
Grado designs and manufactures its own drivers in-house. This allows them to maintain strict quality control and achieve their signature sound. While the company keeps the specifics of their driver technology under wraps, their focus is on delivering a dynamic and engaging listening experience. The result is often described as a warm, detailed presentation.
Materials
Grado uses specially selected materials for its headphones. The wood used in many of their higher-end models, like the GS1000e, isn’t just for show—it plays a role in the overall sound. The type of wood influences the sonic characteristics of the headphones. Even the metal grilles used in their open-back designs are chosen for their acoustic properties. This attention to detail extends to the cables and connectors, ensuring a high-quality signal path. Grado’s commitment to using premium materials contributes to the durability and performance of their headphones. The company manufactures its headphones in Brooklyn, NY, emphasizing a hands-on approach.
Comfort
While known for their sound, Grado headphones have also seen improvements in comfort over the years. The SR80x, for example, features updated earpads designed for longer listening sessions. Even with their on-ear design, many find these headphones comfortable enough for extended wear. The lightweight nature of many Grado models also contributes to their wearability.
What Customers Say About Grado
Grado headphones have a dedicated following, and for good reason. Let’s see what people are saying about their experience with these Brooklyn-made headphones.
Sound Quality and Clarity
Customers consistently praise Grado headphones for their vibrant and energetic sound. The emphasis on higher frequencies creates a bright, clear sound signature that many find especially well-suited for rock and electronic music. While this brightness can be a bit much for some, others appreciate the detail and clarity it brings. One listener described the sound as “warm, clear with punchy bass,” highlighting how this clarity extends across frequencies. This detailed presentation can also reveal imperfections in recordings, so keep that in mind if your music library includes some lower-quality files.
Comfort
Comfort is another area where Grado has made strides. While older models sometimes received criticism, newer designs have addressed these concerns. Many users now report comfortable extended listening, even with larger heads. This improvement makes a big difference for those who enjoy getting lost in their music for hours.
Sound Leakage
One thing to consider with Grado headphones is their open-back design. This design contributes to their unique sound but also means they leak sound. If you’re planning to use your headphones in quiet environments or on public transportation, Grados might not be the best choice. You’ll hear your surroundings, and those around you will hear your music. This makes them better suited for listening at home or in other spaces where sound leakage isn’t an issue.
How Grado Does Business
Grado Labs has a unique approach to business, focusing on a few core principles that have contributed to its long-standing success in the audio industry.
Word-of-Mouth
Instead of relying on extensive advertising campaigns, Grado prefers a more organic approach. They depend largely on word-of-mouth marketing, letting the quality of their products speak for themselves. This grassroots strategy has cultivated a loyal following of customers who value the craftsmanship and performance of Grado headphones. This organic growth has allowed Grado to maintain its focus on product development rather than diverting resources to large-scale marketing efforts. It also fosters a sense of community among Grado users, further strengthening the brand’s identity.
Tradition and Innovation
Founded in 1953, Grado Labs has a rich history of handcrafting headphones and phonograph cartridges. The company expertly blends traditional craftsmanship with innovative design. Using premium materials like wood and metal, Grado creates audio products with a distinct character. This commitment to quality and innovation has solidified their respected position within the audiophile community. From the iconic wooden earcups to the meticulously designed drivers, Grado headphones represent a fusion of old-world techniques and modern audio engineering.
Family-Owned
Grado Labs is a family-owned and operated business, based in Brooklyn, New York, since its inception. Founded by Joseph Grado, a master watchmaker, the company remains within the family, ensuring its core values of craftsmanship and quality endure. The fact that nearly all Grado products are handcrafted underscores their dedication to maintaining high standards in audio engineering. This personal touch is evident in every aspect of their products, from design and production to customer service. This close-knit structure allows Grado to retain its unique character and focus on delivering a premium audio experience.
Where to Find Grado Products
Grado Labs, a family-owned business operating out of Brooklyn, NY since 1953, crafts its audio products in-house. You can explore their headphones, phono cartridges, and accessories directly on the official Grado Labs website. The site features a clean layout showcasing their various headphone lines, including the Prestige, Reference, Statement, Professional, and Limited Edition models.
You can also find Grado products at a variety of audio retailers and online marketplaces. The company’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship has garnered praise for its audio performance from publications like What Hi-Fi?. For a deeper look into the company’s history and background, visit their Wikipedia page. If you’re ready to explore their headphones, check out the full collection on the Grado Labs site.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Grado headphones good for noisy environments? No, Grado headphones, particularly their open-back models, are not ideal for noisy environments. The open-back design allows sound to pass through the earcups, meaning outside noise will interfere with your listening experience, and your music will be audible to those around you. They’re much better suited for quieter settings where you can fully appreciate their sound.
What is the difference between open-back and closed-back headphones? Open-back headphones have grilles or perforations in the earcups that allow sound to pass through. This creates a more spacious, natural soundstage but also lets outside noise in and your music out. Closed-back headphones have sealed earcups that block external noise and prevent sound leakage, making them better for noisy environments or shared spaces. Grado primarily makes open-back headphones.
Where are Grado headphones made? Grado headphones are handcrafted in Brooklyn, New York. The company has been family-owned and operated in the same location since 1953. This commitment to local production allows for meticulous quality control and contributes to the unique character of their headphones.
What kind of music do Grado headphones sound best with? Grado headphones are often praised for their performance with rock music due to their bright, energetic sound signature. However, their detailed presentation can also be enjoyable with jazz, classical, and acoustic music. While generally less emphasized, bass is still present, allowing for versatility across various genres. Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role, so exploring different models and listening to your favorite music is the best way to determine the right Grado for you.
Where can I buy Grado headphones? You can purchase Grado headphones directly from their official website. They are also available at various authorized retailers and online marketplaces. Checking the official Grado website for a list of authorized sellers is always a good idea to ensure you’re buying genuine products.
