Grado Signature S950

Product Description

Grado’s new Signature HP100 SE headphones are a contemporary homage to the trailblazing high-end HP1 model heralding a new design direction

World-renowned designer and manufacturer of award-winning headphones, Grado Labs presents its newest and flagship model, the Signature HP100 SE. Grado Labs founder Joseph Grado created what many consider to be the high-end headphone market with the release of the Signature HP1 headphone in the early 1990s. In recognition of Joseph Grado’s 100th birthday and this industry milestone, Grado Labs is producing these Special Edition headphones. “Although Uncle Joe left us 10 years ago, he will always be a presence at Grado Labs”, says Joseph’s nephew and Grado’s CEO, John Grado.

While the HP100 SE pays homage to Grado’s illustrious past, these headphones are a contemporary version of a true classic, with a new design from the ground up. With newly engineered drivers, the HP100 SE also boasts detachable cables, as well as a fresh headband assembly. This also ushers in a new direction for future Grado headphone releases. As always, the HP100 SE is hand-assembled in its Brooklyn-based headquarters.

NEW Driver Design

At the heart of the HP100 SE is a completely new speaker design. In considering the attributes of a new 52mm driver, Grado’s goal was to deliver a speaker that produced excellent high frequency resolution, midrange smoothness and bass energy with low distortion, resulting in a voicing that is musically and harmonically correct.

A new paper composite cone was chosen, alongside a powerful high flux magnetic circuit using rare earth alloys, and a new voice coil made from lightweight copper-plated aluminum. This new magnetic circuit coupled with the voice coil produces excellent dynamics and transient response, along with a highly refined sense of space, soundstage and image.

Modern Housing Design and Detachable Cables

Honoring the recognizable heritage of the original Signature HP1/2/3 headphone designs but with a modern feel, the housings are individually machined from specially treated aluminum with the product name neatly engraved on the face. The HP100 SE arrives in a stylish space grey finish.

The HP100 SE is the first Grado model to feature detachable cables. A departure from the cable currently employed on the Statement Series, it has been engineered to a softer but durable braided finish, with cable insulation that improves flexibility and decreases the overall weight of the cable.

Terminated with a 6.3mm plug, it connects to each housing via a 4pin mini XLR plug. Additional detachable cable options such as 4pin XLR termination, 4.4mm balanced termination, and various cable lengths, available in the future. This allows for the cable to be changed based on customer needs for source side termination and cable range.

Headband Assembly Re-design

The HP100 SE’s headband assembly has changed from the classic Grado models. Designed for comfort during long listening session, the new headband features 50% more padding than previous Grado designs, with a stainless steel band and height rods that can be adjusted for the perfect fit to minimize listening fatigue.

Grado Labs engraved gimbals are made from an aluminum alloy, and the stainless steel height rod enhances the stability of the point where they meet. The height rod is also designed to not slide out of the junction block if the zinc alloy end caps become dislodged. This mechanism limits housing rotation to 105-degrees to reduce wear and tear.

Features

NEW 52mm Dynamic Driver
Hand machined Aluminum Housing
White Stitched Leather Headband
Drivers matched to .04dB
NEW Detachable 12 Conductor Cable
G cushions and F style cushions
Hand Assembled in Brooklyn, NY, USA

Hand Assembled in Brooklyn

Founded on a kitchen table in 1953, and working with wood for over a quarter century, Grado Labs has been perfecting the art of sonic reproduction every day since. This HP100 SE has traveled from workbench to workbench until ready for your ears. Every experience since that kitchen table has led to the creation of the HP100 SE.

General
Fit Style	Over-the-ear
Earcup Type	Open
Earcup Width x Height	4.192″ x 4.192″
Noise-canceling	No
Bluetooth	No
Bluetooth Version	N
Single-earbud Operation	—
Mic For Taking Calls	No
Battery Life	N/A
Total Battery With Charging Case	N/A

Voice Assistant Access
Amazon Alexa	No
Google Assistant	No
Siri	No

Connectors
3.5mm	No
1/4″	Yes
Lightning	No
4.4mm balanced	No
XLR4 balanced	No
2.5mm	No
Other	None

Specs
	3.5-51.5k Hz
	117 dB
	38 Ohms
	18.35 ounces
	72″
	1 Year
	1 Year

Brand

Grado

Grado Labs, founded in 1953 by Joseph Grado, is a family-owned American company renowned for producing high-quality audio equipment. From its humble beginnings in building hand-built phono cartridges, Grado has become an audio pioneer. It invented the first moving coil stereo phono cartridge and developed the first high-end dynamic headphones. Today, the company continues to operate from its original Brooklyn location while maintaining a legacy of craftsmanship and excellence. Over the decades, Grado has expanded its product line to include a range of headphones and phono cartridges designed with a focus on sound quality and durability. A notable example is the Signature HP100 SE headphones, introduced in 2024 as a tribute to the original HP1 model from the early 1990s. This flagship model combines classic design elements with modern engineering to deliver an exceptional listening experience. Despite changes in the audio industry, Grado remains committed to handcrafting its products in Brooklyn. This allows them to keep that attention to detail that has made them audiophile favorites. The company relies on word-of-mouth among audio enthusiasts rather than mass advertising. With a rich history and a steadfast commitment to excellence, Grado Labs continues to set standards in the world of high-fidelity audio.

As a nationally recognized leader in the field of high-end audio and home theater, Overture is a proud dealer of Grado phono cartridges and headphones, selling customers the best cartridges and headphones from Grado in Sales Tax Free Delaware. Interested in purchasing a new Grado components? You can trade-in any component towards a Grado component by filling out Overture's Trade-In Form.

Grado Signature HP100 SE

To Order this product, call us: 800-838-1812

Product Description