People who like Grado, love Grado. Indeed, no other headphone produces a sound quality quite like it. They also look damn cool. But do Audiophiles and hipsters do Bluetooth? Apparently, they do. Because of its open-back design, Grado introduces a wireless headphone like no other. So, will it wow Grado fans with it’s famous sound signature? Or will its wireless design fall short of the brand name? Let’s find out in this Grado GW100 Wireless Headphones Review.
Grado GW100 Wireless Headphones Review
Design
You won’t find a more comfortable headphone than Grado. No hot or sticky leather, just soft foam earpads resting gently against your ear. Of course, with an open-back design, you’re not going to block out any outside noise. So, these headphones make the most sense when working alone or cleaning the house. And although I wouldn’t call these cans ideal for on-the-go use, they do fold flat. But because the the GW100 are rather dainty headphones, I would recommend buying a hard case if you’re travelling around.
The GW100 employs Bluetooth 4.2 and has aptX compatible technology. The controls are standard; three buttons allow you to control play/pause, skip, volume and call answering. Battery life is only 15 hours and the headphones take 2 hours to fully charge. The headphone also works in passive mode, and a cable is provided.
Call clarity is very good, although a lot of ambient sound bleeds into the mic.
Sound
You’re not going to get deep and rich lows with this headphone. At the same time, it’s a very transparent and lyrical sound. Though the bass offers a little punch, it’s not a headphone ideal for pop or hip-hop. But it works well with acoustic bass instruments.
You can’t expect a huge amount of meat from these cans, but the midrange offers a full spectrum of sound, with a slight emphasis in the upper mids. Rock songs sound full-bodied, with vocals sitting slightly forward. For a wireless headphone, the GW100 has an impressive amount of separation and transparency. Acoustic guitars are characterized by their clean and intricate feel, making the GW100 a great choice for folk music. It’s an altogether glistening sound that makes the upper midrange feel light and playful.
The GW100 brings the Grado brand home by producing airy vocals and lively high notes. It’s an easy listening experience that balances clarity and smoothness. Notes in the highest registers are free from any piercing, while there’s enough texture in strings to justify this as a classical music headphone. Although you can’t expect this model to have the transparency of wired Grados, it still delivers those sparkly highs that define the brand.
Because of it’s open-back design, no other wireless headphone is going to offer you a better soundstage. You’ll get a truly multidimensional impression and feeling of spaciousness that only an open-back headphone can deliver.
Final Thoughts
Yes, the GW100 sound like Grado. Furthermore, these cans are extremely comfortable and offer a soundstage you won’t get from any other wireless headphone. If you’re a homebody and a Grado fan, the GW100 might be the perfect option for doing your laundry or painting your next masterpiece.
You can find these headphones for the best price at:
Audio 46: Grado GW100
Specifications
Transducer Type: Dynamic
Frequency Response: 20 – 20,000 Hz
Sensitivity: 99.8 dB
Impedance: 32 Ohms
Bluetooth Version: 4.2 with apt-X
Working Distance: 10m
Battery Life: 15 Hours
Charging Time: 2 Hours
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