Statement Series

Grado GS1000 Headphones

Transducer type:

Dynamic

Operating principle:

Open Air

Frequency response:

8–35 kHz

SPL 1mW:

98 dB

Nominal impedance:

32 ohms

Driver Matched dB:

±0.05

Ear pads:

G Cushions (Large Pads)

Grado GS1000 Headphones

The Grado GS1000, introduced in 2006, marked a bold new chapter in Grado’s evolution with the debut of the Statement Series. Designed as a flagship model, the GS1000 combined innovative engineering, luxurious design, and a revolutionary approach to sound, offering audiophiles an expansive and immersive listening experience. With its large wooden housings, oversized ear pads, and refined drivers, the GS1000 redefined what was possible for open-back headphones.

Facts

History and Trivia

Build Quality and Design

Sound Description

Modding Potential

The GS1000 was Grado’s first entry in the Statement Series, aiming to deliver a more spacious and immersive soundstage than previous models while retaining the brand’s signature warmth and detail.

Statement Series Debut: The GS1000 introduced a new standard for Grado headphones, emphasizing comfort, luxury, and a natural sound signature.
Innovative Ear Pads: The G Cushions used on the GS1000 were a first for Grado, providing more space between the driver and the ear, which contributed to the expansive soundstage.
Mahogany Housings: The large wooden housings were carefully crafted to enhance resonance and warmth, providing a unique aesthetic and tonal quality.

The GS1000 elevated Grado’s design ethos by combining premium materials with thoughtful ergonomics, setting it apart from the Prestige and Reference Series.

Materials: Large, precision-machined mahogany housings for enhanced acoustic performance and aesthetic appeal.
Headband: Genuine leather with increased padding for extended listening comfort.
Cable: Fixed Y-cable featuring UHPLC copper wiring for optimal signal transmission and clarity.

The oversized design and lightweight construction ensured a comfortable fit, even during long listening sessions, though the large G Cushions may not suit all users.

The GS1000 is known for its expansive and detailed sound, making it a favorite among audiophiles seeking a wide and immersive listening experience. Its tuning departs from the more intimate sound of earlier Grado models, focusing instead on spatial accuracy and tonal richness.

Bass: Deep and impactful, with a natural warmth that provides excellent foundation without overpowering other frequencies.
Mids: Smooth and slightly recessed compared to the Prestige and Reference Series, allowing for better separation and layering.
Treble: Extended and airy, delivering remarkable detail and sparkle without excessive harshness.
Soundstage: Exceptionally wide and deep, offering precise imaging and a three-dimensional listening experience.

The GS1000 excels in genres that benefit from spatial accuracy, such as classical, orchestral, and live recordings, but it remains versatile across other styles of music.

While the GS1000 is a flagship model with little need for improvement, it still attracts modding enthusiasts interested in enhancing comfort or tailoring its sound.

Common Mods:
- Experimenting with alternative ear pads to adjust comfort and soundstage.
- Replacing the headband with a padded alternative for even greater comfort during extended use.
- Re-cabling for balanced connections or improved flexibility, though this requires advanced skill to preserve the headphone’s integrity.

Collectibility and Reception

The GS1000 has maintained its status as a standout model in Grado’s history, appealing to both audiophiles and collectors for its innovative design and luxurious performance.

Community Reception:
- Widely praised for its expansive soundstage, natural tonality, and unique design, the GS1000 remains a favorite among audiophiles seeking a high-end, open-back experience.
- Some listeners prefer the intimacy of earlier Grado models, but many appreciate the GS1000’s departure into a more spacious and immersive sound.
Rarity:
- As a flagship model, the GS1000 is less common than Prestige or Reference Series models, making early versions especially desirable among collectors.

The Grado GS1000 remains a milestone in the evolution of high-end headphones, combining innovative engineering, luxurious craftsmanship, and a distinctive sound signature. Whether as a flagship listening tool or a collector’s piece, the GS1000 stands as a testament to Grado’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of audio design.