# Grado - Official Thread **URL:** \ **Category:** Headphones\ **Tags:** grado\ **Created:** [December 8, 2018, 2:35am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/grado-official-thread/2403 "2018-12-08T02:35:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 10
**Author:** ![AudioTool](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/audiotool/32/14289_2.png) [@AudioTool](https://forum.headphones.com/u/AudioTool)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2023, 6:37pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/grado-official-thread/2403/194 "2023-04-21T18:37:43Z")
> [@NickZ](#): > > The front and back volumes can be open or sealed independant of each other. > > The Grados are open on both volumes. Sealing the front changes it from open front volume to closed front volume. It isn’t as binary as that though. There are semi-open back headphones. Also pad material and shape as well as clamp affect the front seal and therefore how closed the front volume is. IE - using a pad that doesn’t seal as well is similar to venting the front. I’m realizing that even the on-ears like Grados will have some level of front seal. The Prestige series front seal will be less than the Reference series due to the small, thin pad design. Maybe that means swapping to a circumaural pad on a Reference is not as radical of a change as I originally thought. This might also explain why the Geekria pads that I liked increased bass response. Adding a hole in the middle of the pad might allow it to seal a bit better. If so, then the only meaningful difference in the higher end Prestige could be the pad. A stretch I know, but interesting to think about. I wish there was a reliable source of FR measurements for the Beautiful Audio pads vs stock. That would be some assurance for me. But I don’t own a Reference anyway - yet. 😬 ---
**Author:** ![AudioTool](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/audiotool/32/14289_2.png) [@AudioTool](https://forum.headphones.com/u/AudioTool)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2023, 6:40pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/grado-official-thread/2403/195 "2023-04-21T18:40:50Z")
> [@NickZ](#): > > So yeah, it could be my messed up ears. I don’t think it’s just your messed up ears. Perception of soundstage, especially depth, is more complex and individual than perception of tonality - which is already complex and individual. ---
**Author:** ![NickZ](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/nickz/32/16394_2.png) [@NickZ](https://forum.headphones.com/u/NickZ)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2023, 12:09pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/grado-official-thread/2403/196 "2023-04-22T12:09:25Z")
I have the 325x and the pad is still foam. They call it the F pad which is apparently a new-ish thing for them. The F pad would probably fit on any Prestige X model but I haven’t verified the measurements. I don’t think of foam as being able to create a seal since air can move through it but maybe I’m wrong. You’ve probably seen sites that list mods for the Grados. People are doing lots of mods so whatever you find that makes them more enjoyable is a win! ---
**Author:** ![AudioTool](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/audiotool/32/14289_2.png) [@AudioTool](https://forum.headphones.com/u/AudioTool)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2023, 1:35pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/grado-official-thread/2403/197 "2023-04-23T13:35:07Z")
> [@NickZ](#): > > The F pad would probably fit on any Prestige X model but I haven’t verified the measurements. I came very close to ordering a pair of F pads from their site, but I realized what I really want to do is have a pair of 325x to compare with my 125x with F pads. ---
**Author:** ![nithhoggr](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/nithhoggr/32/57114_2.png) [@nithhoggr](https://forum.headphones.com/u/nithhoggr)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2024, 8:06pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/grado-official-thread/2403/198 "2024-07-15T20:06:00Z")
The F pad is the same as the old TTVJ flat pad, which is itself a throwback to the pads that came on the old Joe Grado HP line of headphones, so people have been using flats on Grados for a long time, but Grado themselves just started doing it again officially. Other than the wireless one and the IEMs, all Grado pads will fit all Grado headphones (not to say they necessarily sound good, though). ---
**Author:** ![vmartell22](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/vmartell22/32/230_2.png) [@vmartell22](https://forum.headphones.com/u/vmartell22)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2024, 1:12am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/grado-official-thread/2403/199 "2024-10-21T01:12:16Z")
> [@vmartell22](#): > > Thanks for the replies - well still not sure but it looks that IF I will try again it would be better to skip RS2e and go straight for the RS1e to increase the chances of success. Yet with the higher price, there is still some high level of risk. We’ll see - will try to put the money together for the RS1e - might end up getting something else - will update the thread when and if I do it. > > v Updating 4 years later. Someone recommended changing pads and they were right! It was the F Pads that saved the Grado line for me. Grado SR80x, SR225x, SR325x, all with F Pads and could not be happier. Like I said 4 years ago, I am not a basshead, but changing the pads not only revealed the capabilities of the Grado cans, also got rid of the shrillness that bothered me so much. So no need to go above the 325x. Just made sure everything I got from Grado had the F Pads. ---
**Author:** ![SSN757](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/ssn757/32/60896_2.png) [@SSN757](https://forum.headphones.com/u/SSN757)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2025, 11:05pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/grado-official-thread/2403/200 "2025-03-07T23:05:14Z")
Recently obtained a NOS pair of Grado PS1000e headphones. At first, wasn’t sure about the sound. However, after some break-in, they really opened up. The sound from them is addicting. Once you start listening, you just want to keep playing music. It’s been some time since I have hard a headphone that motivated me to listen for longer periods. These reproduce music very well. I could easily see a recording engineer using these to mix tracks. They are that good. Vocals espcially are among the best I’ve heard from headphones. One item I wasn’t happy with was the stock pads. The headphones are prone to moving if one doesn’t keep the head still while listening. Did some research for after market pads, and found that Dekoni made three options for the stock G series pads. Would up with a pair of the Fenestrated Velour pads. These are a near perfect replacement for the PS1000e. The fit is much better, the cans now stay on the head firmly, no more sliding around. The sound is improved overall as well, as the sound is more balanced from octave to octave. In summary, the PS1000e with the aftermarket pads is a TOTL headphone. ---
**Author:** ![San-Raal](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/san-raal/32/60877_2.png) [@San-Raal](https://forum.headphones.com/u/San-Raal)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2025, 10:00pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/grado-official-thread/2403/201 "2025-03-27T22:00:42Z")
PS1000 series are simply amazing headphones period, congrats on getting a NOS pair. I have the original PS1000 and enjoy them to this day. ---
**Author:** ![SSN757](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/ssn757/32/60896_2.png) [@SSN757](https://forum.headphones.com/u/SSN757)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2025, 9:27pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/grado-official-thread/2403/202 "2025-03-29T21:27:48Z")
Nice! Want to try the Signature HP100SE. Looks like it could be a end-game addition. ---
**Author:** ![San-Raal](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/san-raal/32/60877_2.png) [@San-Raal](https://forum.headphones.com/u/San-Raal)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2025, 9:01pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/grado-official-thread/2403/203 "2025-03-30T21:01:19Z")
HP100SE are great cans. If you like what the PS1000x has to offer these are well worth an audition. The detachable xlr on the cups allow for a custom made cable that’s longer, lighter and more comfortable to use. ---
**Author:** ![SSN757](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/ssn757/32/60896_2.png) [@SSN757](https://forum.headphones.com/u/SSN757)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2025, 11:13pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/grado-official-thread/2403/204 "2025-04-01T23:13:27Z")
Was able to pick up a pair of HP 100SE headphones. I’ve been very impressed with them so far. They need to break in some before I can judge them, but they already sound great. These, along with the PS 1000e’s are going to be my primary listening cans. ---
**Author:** ![NeatTrafoWind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/9dc877/32.png) [@NeatTrafoWind](https://forum.headphones.com/u/NeatTrafoWind)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2025, 12:45pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/grado-official-thread/2403/205 "2025-04-23T12:45:51Z")
It would be interesting to read on any comparison between the PS1000e and the new HP100SE. It might be a tall order to write the summary of impressions between the two, but input from anyone who owns the both and likes the both would be really interesting. ---
**Author:** ![pennstac](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/pennstac/32/381_2.png) [@pennstac](https://forum.headphones.com/u/pennstac)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2025, 2:54pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/grado-official-thread/2403/206 "2025-04-23T14:54:35Z")
Hey @Lothar_Wolf - there might be a new Grado to check out… “Look, Ma. Detachable cables!” ---
**Author:** ![Lothar\_Wolf](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/lothar_wolf/32/58397_2.png) [@Lothar\_Wolf](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Lothar_Wolf)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2025, 3:38pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/grado-official-thread/2403/207 "2025-04-23T15:38:53Z")
I know……. But the prices are as far from reality as the earth is from the moon! > **[Signature HP100 SE](https://gradolabs.com/products/hp100-se?variant=41688405180464)** > > 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... > **[Signature S950](https://gradolabs.com/products/s950?variant=41851528511536)** > > Grado’s All New Signature S950 Headphones: Premium Sound in a Hand Crafted Brazilian Walnut Shell! Grado Labs, world-renowned designer and manufacturer of award-winning headphones, announces the release of its latest open-back headphone, the... Plus shipping & Tax…….. ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/headphones/original/3X/9/6/96bb099e543b0ed8bc4f8222b9b9ec4de65eb075.gif) ---
**Author:** ![SSN757](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/ssn757/32/60896_2.png) [@SSN757](https://forum.headphones.com/u/SSN757)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2025, 8:25pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/grado-official-thread/2403/208 "2025-04-23T20:25:09Z")
As it turns out, I happen to own both. The HP100 SE is a much different beast to the PS1000e. I’ll have a think and offer up some observations. The short answer is the HP100 SE has WAY more resolution, sounds much more like loudspeakers compared to the PS1000e. ---
**Author:** ![San-Raal](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/san-raal/32/60877_2.png) [@San-Raal](https://forum.headphones.com/u/San-Raal)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2025, 9:08pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/grado-official-thread/2403/209 "2025-04-23T21:08:05Z")
2 very different sounding cans, (if the PS1000 is similar to the PS1000e this may help?) The PS1000 indeed sounds different to the HP100SE. The HP100SE has additional resolution with an uplift in the higher frequencies and a more forward presentation. The PS1000 has a upper bass/lower midrange hump that sounds “warmer” and pleasing, imho this doesn’t mean the HP100SE is less impressive in the bass, it has the most slam of any Grado headphone I have heard. I swap them depending on music and mood. Enjoy! ---
**Author:** ![pennstac](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/pennstac/32/381_2.png) [@pennstac](https://forum.headphones.com/u/pennstac)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2025, 9:44pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/grado-official-thread/2403/210 "2025-04-23T21:44:37Z")
I thought it was interesting that GRADO is keeping the F and G pads for the HP100SE and the HP950SE. With all of the other changes I would have expected alternatives. I use the Beautiful Audio pads on my RS-1e and think they’re excellent. I also like the photo Beautiful Audio is now using on their website for the pads 🙂 [for Grado headphones — Beautiful Audio](https://www.beautifulaudio.biz/grado-earpads-headbands) ![Racio_Martinez_Bushmills](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/headphones/original/3X/5/3/53ce6ec1940a8bfe01d4808ec86e4588ac0d6d1c.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![NeatTrafoWind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/9dc877/32.png) [@NeatTrafoWind](https://forum.headphones.com/u/NeatTrafoWind)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2025, 2:56pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/grado-official-thread/2403/211 "2025-04-24T14:56:02Z")
Yes, however, I do hope that your realised my question was regarding the PS1000e vs. HP100SE, as PS1000 and PS1000e are, according to all accounts, much different sounding headphones. Nice, however, to see such succinct and detailed comparison! ---
**Author:** ![San-Raal](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/san-raal/32/60877_2.png) [@San-Raal](https://forum.headphones.com/u/San-Raal)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2025, 7:36pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/grado-official-thread/2403/212 "2025-04-24T19:36:23Z")
Indeed I put a caveat in the post about my comparison being on the PS1000, I’ve never heard the PS1000e so pls take the advice with a pinch of salt 😃 Though if some of thoughts and comparisons of PS1000 to PS1000e Ive read hold true maybe the PS1000 could sit somewhere between the other two in terms of presentation. I would recommend an audition / sale or return on the HP100SE 👍 ---
**Author:** ![San-Raal](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/san-raal/32/60877_2.png) [@San-Raal](https://forum.headphones.com/u/San-Raal)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2025, 7:47pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/grado-official-thread/2403/213 "2025-04-24T19:47:33Z")
Silvian’s upgrades are the stuff of legends, Ive purchased the BA 35mm hybrid pads for all of my TOTL Grado’s. I got the soft merino headband for my PS1000 as they are uncomfortable with the stock headband alone. Gone is the sore head and only sonic bliss remains 😁 [Previous page](https://forum.headphones.com/t/grado-official-thread/2403.md?page=9) [Next page](https://forum.headphones.com/t/grado-official-thread/2403.md?page=11)