Prestige Series

Grado SR300 Headphones

Transducer type:

Dynamic

Operating principle:

Open Air

Frequency response:

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SPL 1mW:

?

Nominal impedance:

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Driver Matched dB:

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Ear pads:

Flat Cushions

Grado SR300 Headphones

The Grado SR300 represented the pinnacle of the early Prestige Series, delivering a more sophisticated and refined listening experience than its predecessors, the SR100 and SR200. Released in the early 1990s, the SR300 was aimed at audiophiles seeking a headphone that combined Grado’s signature energy with greater detail and soundstage. Though relatively rare today, the SR300 remains a noteworthy model for its role in advancing Grado’s early design and engineering.

Facts

History and Trivia

Build Quality and Design

Sound Description

Modding Potential

The SR300 was designed to build on the foundation laid by the SR100 and SR200, offering more advanced driver tuning and greater consistency in performance. It served as the top-tier model in the original Prestige Series before the lineup expanded with later generations.

Some early units of the SR300 are believed to have used repurposed HP1000 drivers, much like the SR200, though this is less common.
The SR300 was handcrafted in Brooklyn, New York, staying true to Grado’s commitment to in-house production and meticulous attention to detail.
This model is relatively rare, as it was produced in smaller quantities compared to the SR100 and SR200.

The SR300 followed the minimalist design language of the early Prestige Series, emphasizing function and performance over aesthetics.

Materials: Plastic housings with a matte finish, supported by durable metal gimbals.
Headband: Leatherette headband with minimal padding, similar to earlier models.
Cable: A fixed Y-cable, robust but prone to tangling and stiffness.

While the SR300’s design might appear simple by today’s standards, its lightweight construction ensured comfort during long listening sessions.

The SR300 was celebrated for its refined sound, making it a standout in the early Prestige lineup. Its tuning reflected a more balanced approach, with a smoother treble and better bass control than the SR200.

Bass: Tight and well-defined, with slightly more depth than the SR200.
Mids: Smooth and natural, with a touch of warmth that enhances vocals and acoustic instruments.
Treble: Detailed and extended, but less sharp compared to earlier models, making it suitable for long listening sessions.
Soundstage: Wider and more precise than the SR200, offering excellent imaging and separation.

The SR300’s sound signature made it an excellent choice for critical listening and a wide range of music genres, from rock to jazz and classical.

As with other early Prestige models, the SR300 is highly modifiable, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who want to personalize their listening experience.

Common Mods:
- Upgrading to larger or more comfortable ear pads, such as G-Cush or Nyczaj Earpads, to expand the soundstage and improve comfort.
- Replacing the headband with a padded option for extended sessions.
- Re-cabling for improved flexibility and modern connectors.
- Experimenting with acoustic dampening to further refine the treble and bass balance.

Collectibility and Reception

The SR300 holds a special place in Grado’s history as the highest-end model in the original Prestige lineup. Its rarity and advanced tuning have made it a prized collectible among Grado enthusiasts.

Community Reception:
- The SR300 is highly regarded for its balanced and refined sound, often considered the most polished of the early Prestige models.
- While it doesn’t have the legendary status of the HP1000 series, the SR300 is celebrated for its role in establishing Grado as a major player in the audiophile world.
Rarity:
- Fewer units of the SR300 were produced compared to the SR100 and SR200, making it a sought-after model for collectors.

The Grado SR300 remains a standout in Grado’s early lineup, offering a refined listening experience and significant historical value. For audiophiles and collectors alike, it’s a headphone that represents the best of Grado’s early innovation and craftsmanship.