Grado GW100 Review

Sound

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If you’re here, reading this, you probably know about the Grado’s house sound. We all know that it is on the brighter side of the spectrum, followed by neutral and fast bass response. Well, this one is different folks, it still carries the Grado’s DNA but on stereoids. (it’s a new kind) The GW100 has a elevated bass whilst having the same unique mids and slightly mellower treble response. Of course, before you ask, like all the Grado headphones, the guitar timbre is heavenly. The signature can be described as warm-ish neutral.

Let’s dissect this section into smaller parts.

Low

As stated above, the GW100 has an elevated bass response (compared to the default Grado low end). It is quick, it has weight, it has power. It is not overwhelming in ANY way, it is just a nice, adequate low end goodness. Quality-wise they never bleed into mids and they have great control so no issues there. Grado has got a golden tuning on the lows here.

Grado GW100

Mid

Timbre. In my opinion, this is the secret of the Grados and this is the reason behind why their headphones have such a devoted audience. The mids are detailed, dynamic and lively. They have great resolution and control. Upper mids are a tad more prominent than the rest of the mids but it is a well-put hump, making a great contribution to clarity. Vocals are breathy and sweet. This is as musically pleasing as it gets, in an open-back Bluetooth headphone.

High

The typical Grado has a little too much treble for my taste, but the GW100 is different from the typical Grado, isn’t it? The GW100’s treble is mellower, tad less prominent. It still has the same amount of resolution and extension though, there was no sacrifice of any sort. Bliss’ “Wish U Were Here” is a great track to test treble response. The GW100 has defined, clear, extensive highs. Combine this with an airy presentation and you get a brilliant imaging and a superb high response.

Grado GW100

More

I’ll talk about technicalities here. Let’s start with PRaT. Grado is known for its expertise when it comes to PRaT and with the GW100 it is no different. The speed and articulacy is brilliant. Contribution of neutral-ish bass response is worth mentioning here. The sound stage is wide, not very deep, but wide. Imaging is good, instrument separation is excellent for this price. I’ll go ahead and describe Buika’s “Yo iré” to you. Buika’s vocal is clear, in the center. I can hear the maracas crystal clear, both on the right and on the left sides of the sound stage. The congas are defined, very well layered. As the track progresses, even more instruments join the stage. Imaging stands its ground, providing a clear image of the sound. Percussion instruments are very breathy. Just after that, the low region joins the party. Vocal gets more romantic as Buika takes you to llanuras del cielo!

Grado GW100

Let’s go classical. Eric Badanti’s “Vals De Rodrigues” starts slow with a passage, and the GW100 delivers them with politeness and harmony. The melody is just delightful. No shimmer, no discomfort. As it gets faster, the GW100 has no problem with even the highest of notes. To finalize, shall we listen to one of my favourite covers, Thomas Zwijsen’s (Iron Maiden) “The Trooper” This I cannot tell you with words, as I mentioned above, I find true joy in Grado’s stringed instrument tonality. It is truly something exquisite. The transitions are seamless, no congestion, pure dynamic goodness. The extension of the upper midrange is very well, makes you feel like you’re in the center of a wide stage. Musically satisfying presentation, really.

Grado GW100

Wired vs Wireless

I am currently driving GW100 with Khadas Tone Board & JDS Labs Atom. They also have a neutral sound signature. Compared to Bluetooth, wired presentation is a little better on the resolution part, slightly better imaging where instruments are more defined and it sounds fuller. As you can see here, this is not a huge difference, thanks to the tuning and the Bluetooth module. Of course, having the wired option is always welcome. Note that wired listening does not require a full battery. You don’t even need to turn on the headphones. Just plug&play!

Conclusion

The Grado GW100 has delightful mids, polite highs and a fast, agile bass response. And it now comes with a Bluetooth module.

If you’re in the market for a unique wireless headphone, you can give this Grado GW100 a go. It has an excellent signature followed by many brilliant abilities. To me this is a Bluetooth no-brainer. You don’t get to see this level of imaging and PRaT very often in Bluetooth devices.

I believe GW100 will sate your audiophile needs on-the-go with ease. And as such I have added it to our Best Wireless list, where you can find all our wireless recommended buys.