{"product_id":"grado-signature-hp100-se-open-back-headphones","title":"Grado Signature HP100 SE Open-Back Headphones","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Grado Signature HP100 SE is the most expensive headphone Grado builds, a 52mm driver in a housing individually machined from treated aluminum with the model name engraved on its face. It is the model that brought detachable cables to Grado, connecting to each cup through a four-pin mini XLR, and it ships with both G and F cushions, so the tuning is set by the listener rather than the factory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eKey Features of the Grado Signature HP100 SE\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e52mm Dynamic Driver:\u003c\/b\u003e A paper composite cone, a high-flux magnetic circuit built from rare earth alloys and a lightweight copper-plated aluminum voice coil.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eIndividually Machined Aluminum Housing:\u003c\/b\u003e Each cup machined from specially treated aluminum in a space grey finish, with the model name engraved on the face.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e12-Conductor Detachable Cable:\u003c\/b\u003e Terminated in 6.3mm at the source and a four-pin mini XLR at each cup, so length and termination can be changed without touching the headphone.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e117 dB at 1mW:\u003c\/b\u003e Against a 38 ohm nominal load, which is an easy enough drive that a phone or a laptop jack takes it to full volume.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e3.5Hz to 51.5kHz, Distortion Below 0.1 Percent:\u003c\/b\u003e The widest bandwidth Grado publishes for a headphone, measured at 100 dB.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eG and F Cushions Both Supplied:\u003c\/b\u003e Two cushion sets in the box. Moving the driver closer to or further from the ear changes the tonal balance, and Grado treats that as a tuning control.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eSignature Headband Assembly:\u003c\/b\u003e Fifty percent more padding than earlier Grado designs, a stainless steel band, adjustable height rods, engraved aluminum alloy gimbals and rotation limited to 105 degrees.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eHand-Assembled in Brooklyn, New York:\u003c\/b\u003e Built at Grado's own headquarters, like every Grado headphone.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eThe 52mm Driver Behind the HP100 SE\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe HP100 SE runs a 52mm dynamic driver Grado designed from nothing rather than scaling up an existing one. The cone is a paper composite, the magnetic circuit is a high-flux design using rare earth alloys, and the voice coil is copper-plated aluminum chosen for low mass. Grado's stated target was high-frequency resolution, midrange smoothness and bass energy at low distortion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree of those claims carry numbers. Distortion is quoted below 0.1 percent at 100 dB, the response runs from 3.5Hz to 51.5kHz, and the two channels are matched to within 0.04 dB of each other, the tightest tolerance Grado publishes. Channel matching is what holds a center image steady as the music changes level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/grado-hp100se-inline-01.jpg\" alt=\"Grado Signature HP100 SE open-back headphones, cups turned outward to show the G cushions and the machined aluminum housing rims\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:1000px;height:auto;border-radius:12px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eWhy the HP100 SE Uses a Machined Aluminum Housing\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery HP100 SE cup is individually machined from specially treated aluminum and finished in space grey, with the model name engraved into the face. Grado's own positioning is that this is the analytical end of the Signature Line: the walnut-bodied S950 was introduced as a contrast to the machined aluminum HP100 SE, so the housing material is the deliberate fork in the range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/grado-hp100se-inline-02.jpg\" alt=\"Grado Signature HP100 SE open-back headphones, front view of both earcups with the leather headband above\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:1000px;height:auto;border-radius:12px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eThe First Grado With a Detachable Cable\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe HP100 SE is the model that put a detachable cable on a Grado headphone. The supplied cable is a 12-conductor design with a braided finish, softer and more flexible than the fixed cables Grado had been using, and lighter because of the insulation change. It terminates in a 6.3mm plug at the source end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the headphone end each side connects through a four-pin mini XLR. That connector is now standard across the Signature Line, so cable length and source termination can be changed later rather than locked in at purchase. Grado builds 4.4mm balanced, four-pin XLR balanced and longer runs against the same connector.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/grado-hp100se-inline-03.jpg\" alt=\"Grado Signature HP100 SE open-back headphones, angled view with the 12-conductor detachable cable running from both cups\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:1000px;height:auto;border-radius:12px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eG and F Cushions, and What Each One Does\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe HP100 SE arrives with two cushion sets rather than one. G cushions are the largest Grado makes and set the driver farthest from the ear, the geometry Grado uses to open up width and dimensionality. F cushions bring the driver in close, which tightens the bass and pushes the midrange forward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrado treats cushions as a tuning element, not a comfort part, and swapping them is the largest change you can make to a Grado without changing the headphone. Both in the box means the HP100 SE ships with its two main voicings covered, and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/grado-accessories\"\u003ethe wider Grado cushion range fits\u003c\/a\u003e if you want to go further.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/grado-hp100se-inline-04.jpg\" alt=\"Grado Signature HP100 SE open-back headphones, three-quarter view with the padded leather headband and the aluminum gimbals\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:1000px;height:auto;border-radius:12px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Signature Headband Assembly\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe headband on the HP100 SE was a redesign, and it is the assembly the rest of the Signature Line now uses. It carries fifty percent more padding than earlier Grado designs, on a stainless steel band with height rods that adjust for fit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe engineering underneath targets the parts that wear: engraved aluminum alloy gimbals, a stainless steel height rod stiffening the gimbal-to-block junction, and rotation limited to 105 degrees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eA Contemporary Take on the Signature HP1\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoseph Grado's Signature HP1 is widely credited with creating the high-end headphone market, and the HP100 SE is Grado's contemporary answer to it: the same idea rebuilt with a new driver, a new headband and a cable you can remove. Grado Labs is still a family-owned American company working out of its original Brooklyn building, and the HP100 SE is hand-assembled there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cstyle\u003e\n.tlr-cmp{margin:18px 0 6px;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-sub{color:#6b6b68;font-size:13.5px;margin:0 0 14px;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-row{border:1px solid #eee;border-radius:8px;padding:12px 14px;margin:8px 0;cursor:pointer;transition:border-color .2s ease;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-row:hover{border-color:#d9c6b3;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-cur{background:#f7f1ec;border:1px solid #ecdcca;border-left:3px solid #a3704d;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-cur:hover{border-left-color:#a3704d;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-name{font-weight:700;color:#2a2b2a;font-size:15px;}\n.tlr-cmp a{text-decoration:none!important;opacity:1!important;color:#2a2b2a;padding-bottom:2px;\n  background-image:linear-gradient(#a3704d,#a3704d),linear-gradient(#cbb9a6,#cbb9a6);\n  background-position:left 100%,left 100%;background-size:0% 2px,100% 1px;background-repeat:no-repeat;\n  transition:background-size .35s ease;}\n.tlr-cmp a:hover{opacity:1!important;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-row:hover .cmp-name a,.tlr-cmp .cmp-name a:hover{background-size:100% 2px,100% 1px;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-youre{font-size:10px;letter-spacing:.06em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#9a8e74;font-weight:700;margin-left:7px;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-price{color:#a3704d;font-weight:700;font-size:13px;margin:2px 0 3px;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-diff{color:#555;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.45;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-verdict{margin:16px 0 4px;font-size:14.5px;line-height:1.5;color:#2a2b2a;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-verdict a{color:#a3704d;font-weight:700;\n  background-image:linear-gradient(#a3704d,#a3704d),linear-gradient(#d8c3ac,#d8c3ac);}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-verdict a:hover{background-size:100% 2px,100% 1px;}\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eWhere the Grado Signature HP100 SE fits in the Grado Signature Line\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"tlr-cmp\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"cmp-sub\"\u003eThe Signature Line, priced low to high. Grado also builds the hard-wired Classic Series and the wireless GW100x.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-name\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/grado-signature-s550-open-back-headphones\"\u003eGrado Signature S550\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-price\"\u003e$995\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-diff\"\u003eThe entry to the Signature Line. The 50mm S2 driver tuned to a housing made entirely from Brazilian Walnut, 335 grams, on the Signature Silver detachable cable with a 3.5mm plug and a 6.3mm adapter in the box. Quoted 6Hz to 44kHz at 112 dB. B cushions.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-name\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/grado-signature-s750-open-back-headphones\"\u003eGrado Signature S750\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-price\"\u003e$1695\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-diff\"\u003eThe same 50mm S2 driver in an all-aluminum housing at 460 grams, on the Signature Gold detachable cable with a 6.3mm plug. Quoted wider and louder at 4Hz to 48kHz and 115 dB. B cushions.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-name\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/grado-signature-s950-open-back-headphones\"\u003eGrado Signature S950\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-price\"\u003e$2195\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-diff\"\u003eSteps up to the 52mm S driver, a paper composite cone on a high-flux rare earth magnetic circuit, in a Brazilian Walnut housing at 395 grams. Quoted 3.5Hz to 51.5kHz at 117 dB with distortion under 0.1 percent. G and F cushions both supplied.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-row cmp-cur\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-name\"\u003eGrado Signature HP100 SE \u003cspan class=\"cmp-youre\"\u003eYou're viewing\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-price\"\u003e$2495\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-diff\"\u003eThe same 52mm driver in a precision-machined aluminum housing with the model name engraved on the face, which Grado describes as the more analytical of the two. The model that introduced the detachable cable to the range. G and F cushions both supplied.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"cmp-verdict\"\u003eThe Signature Line is where the detachable cable and the largest drivers live. Stepping up the line buys driver size and lower distortion, and swaps the housing between Brazilian Walnut and machined aluminum, which is the choice Grado frames as warmth against analysis. Browse the range in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/grado-headphones\"\u003eGrado Headphones\u003c\/a\u003e, or see the cartridges in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/grado\"\u003eGrado\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Listening Room Difference\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on exceptional service and relentless passion for hifi. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don't just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eGrado Signature HP100 SE Specifications\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTransducer Type\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eDynamic\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOperating Principle\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eOpen air\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDriver Size\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e52mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDriver\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003ePaper composite cone, high-flux rare earth magnetic circuit, copper-plated aluminum voice coil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFrequency Response\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e3.5Hz - 51.5kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTHD\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eBelow 0.1% at 100 dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSPL at 1mW\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e117 dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eNominal Impedance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e38 ohms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDriver Matched Within\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e0.04 dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHousing\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eIndividually machined treated aluminum, space grey, engraved face\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHeadband\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eSignature assembly, leather headstrap, stainless steel band and height rods, engraved aluminum alloy gimbals\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCushions\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eG cushions and F cushions both supplied\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCable\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e12-conductor detachable, braided\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHeadphone Connection\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e4-pin mini XLR per cup\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSource Connection\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e6.3mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAssembly\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eBrooklyn, New York\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Grado","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43121916641376,"sku":"GRADHP100SE","price":2495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/grado-hp100se-side-hero.jpg?v=1788536443","url":"https:\/\/listenroom.com\/products\/grado-signature-hp100-se-open-back-headphones","provider":"The Listening Room","version":"1.0","type":"link"}