Professional Series

Grado PS2000e Headphones

Transducer type:

Dynamic

Operating principle:

Open Air

Frequency response:

4–50 kHz

SPL 1mW:

99.8 dB

Nominal impedance:

32 ohms

Driver Matched dB:

±0.05

Ear pads:

G Cushions (Large Pads)

Grado PS2000e Headphones

The Grado PS2000e, introduced in 2017, is the flagship model of the Professional Series and the most ambitious headphone ever produced by Grado at the time. Designed for audiophiles who demand the absolute best, the PS2000e combines a meticulously engineered metal housing with a maple wood inner core, creating a unique blend of precision, resonance control, and tonal warmth. It is the culmination of Grado’s decades-long pursuit of audio perfection, offering an unparalleled listening experience.

Facts

History and Trivia

Build Quality and Design

Sound Description

Modding Potential

The PS2000e was introduced as the successor to the PS1000e and marked a new era for Grado’s flagship models.

Innovative Materials: The PS2000e’s metal housing features a smoked chrome finish and encloses a maple wood inner core, combining the benefits of both materials for unparalleled acoustic performance.
Largest Drivers: Equipped with Grado’s most advanced dynamic drivers, the PS2000e is designed to extract every nuance from the music.
Legacy: As the flagship model of the Professional Series, the PS2000e represents the pinnacle of Grado’s design and engineering expertise.

The PS2000e exemplifies Grado’s dedication to craftsmanship, with every detail meticulously designed for performance and aesthetics.

Materials: The smoked chrome metal housing provides rigidity and resonance control, while the maple wood core enhances warmth and tonal richness.
Headband: Premium leather band with additional padding, offering a secure and comfortable fit for extended listening.
Cable: Fixed Y-cable with UHPLC copper wiring, optimized for signal transmission and durability.

The PS2000e’s G Cushions and lightweight design ensure long-lasting comfort, making it suitable for marathon listening sessions.

The PS2000e delivers a sound signature that is both analytical and musical, offering incredible detail, balance, and depth.

Bass: Deep, powerful, and controlled, with excellent texture and impact.
Mids: Smooth, rich, and natural, bringing vocals and instruments to life with remarkable clarity.
Treble: Extended and detailed, offering airiness and sparkle without harshness.
Soundstage: Expansive and immersive, with precise imaging and separation that make every recording feel lifelike.

The PS2000e excels across a wide range of genres, from classical and jazz to rock and electronic, making it a versatile choice for audiophiles.

While the PS2000e is designed to deliver optimal performance out of the box, some enthusiasts have explored customizations to enhance comfort or functionality.

Common Mods:
- Upgrading the headband for additional padding, though the stock headband is already among the most comfortable in Grado’s lineup.
- Re-cabling for detachable connectors or balanced setups, though care must be taken to preserve the metal and wood housings.
- Experimenting with alternative ear pads, though the stock G Cushions are generally preferred for maintaining the PS2000e’s sound signature.

Collectibility and Reception

The PS2000e is widely regarded as Grado’s ultimate statement in headphone design, earning praise from audiophiles and collectors alike.

Community Reception:
- Celebrated for its expansive soundstage, tonal balance, and luxurious build quality, the PS2000e is often described as a “reference-grade” headphone.
- Some listeners noted its larger size and weight, but these factors were generally accepted as trade-offs for its unparalleled performance.
Rarity:
- The PS2000e is a coveted model among audiophiles, with its premium materials and flagship status making it highly desirable on the second-hand market.

The Grado PS2000e stands as a testament to Grado’s ability to push the boundaries of headphone design and performance. With its innovative materials, advanced drivers, and meticulous craftsmanship, the PS2000e delivers an audio experience that is truly world-class. Whether used for critical listening or as part of a high-end collection, the PS2000e is a headphone that exemplifies Grado’s dedication to excellence.