Professional Series

Grado PS1000 Headphones

Transducer type:

Dynamic

Operating principle:

Open Air

Frequency response:

5–50 kHz

SPL 1mW:

99.8 dB

Nominal impedance:

32 ohms

Driver Matched dB:

±0.05

Ear pads:

G Cushions (Large Pads)

Grado PS1000 Headphones

The Grado PS1000, introduced in 2009, was designed to be the ultimate expression of Grado’s engineering and craftsmanship. As the flagship of the Professional Series, the PS1000 combined groundbreaking acoustic design with luxurious materials to deliver a sound signature that is both precise and immersive. With its distinctive hybrid housing construction and detailed tuning, the PS1000 set a new standard for high-end headphones in Grado’s lineup.

Facts

History and Trivia

Build Quality and Design

Sound Description

Modding Potential

The PS1000 was created as a statement piece, showcasing Grado’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of headphone design and performance. It represented a significant leap forward from its predecessor, the PS500, while maintaining the series’ focus on professional-grade audio.

Hybrid Housing Design: The PS1000 featured a unique combination of machined aluminum and hand-finished mahogany. This dual-material housing was designed to reduce resonance and deliver a more natural and expansive sound.
Flagship Status: Upon release, the PS1000 became Grado’s most expensive and ambitious headphone, targeting the high-end audiophile market.

Critical Acclaim: The PS1000 received widespread praise for its detailed and immersive sound, earning numerous awards and accolades from the audio community.

The PS1000’s design reflects Grado’s dedication to combining premium materials with meticulous craftsmanship.

Materials: Hybrid housings made of aluminum and mahogany, with a polished metal finish for added durability and aesthetic appeal.
Headband: Genuine leather with enhanced padding for long-term comfort during extended listening sessions.
Cable: Fixed Y-cable with UHPLC copper wiring, ensuring superior signal transmission and sound clarity.

Despite its robust construction, the PS1000’s large housings and G Cushions make it one of the heaviest Grado models, which may impact comfort for some users.

The PS1000 is celebrated for its precise and expansive sound signature, offering exceptional clarity and detail across the frequency spectrum.

Bass: Deep and authoritative, with excellent texture and control that adds weight without overpowering the mids or treble.
Mids: Smooth and natural, delivering lifelike vocals and instruments with remarkable depth and separation.
Treble: Extended and airy, providing incredible detail and sparkle without becoming overly sharp or fatiguing.
Soundstage: Wide and three-dimensional, with excellent imaging and spatial accuracy that immerses the listener in the music.

The PS1000 is particularly well-suited for genres like classical, jazz, and orchestral music, where its expansive soundstage and tonal accuracy shine.

While the PS1000 is already a flagship model, it attracts modding enthusiasts interested in enhancing comfort or connectivity.

Common Mods:
- Swapping ear pads for alternatives like Nyczaj Earpads to fine-tune comfort and soundstage.
- Replacing the headband for additional padding and support during extended use.
- Re-cabling for balanced connections or greater flexibility, though this requires advanced skill due to the headphone’s premium construction.

Collectibility and Reception

The PS1000 remains a prized model among audiophiles and collectors for its luxurious design, exceptional performance, and historical significance as a Grado flagship.

Community Reception:
- Widely praised for its expansive soundstage, tonal accuracy, and luxurious build, the PS1000 is considered one of the best headphones Grado has ever produced.
- Some listeners find its weight and size challenging for extended sessions, but most agree that its sonic performance more than compensates for these drawbacks.
Rarity:
- The PS1000 is less common than other Grado models, making well-preserved units highly sought after on the second-hand market.

The Grado PS1000 stands as a testament to Grado’s dedication to innovation and high-quality sound. Its combination of luxurious materials, groundbreaking design, and exceptional performance has earned it a place among the most revered headphones in the audiophile world. Whether for professional use, critical listening, or collecting, the PS1000 remains an enduring symbol of Grado’s legacy.