When it comes to Grado headphones, you’re talking about more than just gear—you’re talking about a legacy. Grado Labs, nestled in Brooklyn, New York, started as a family business in the 1950s, and today it’s a name whispered with reverence in audiophile circles. But before Grado became synonymous with warm mids, sparkling highs, and retro charm, it all started with precision engineering, a dose of passion, and one legendary headphone: the HP1000.
Joseph Grado’s Vision
The story kicks off with Joseph Grado, a watchmaker by trade and a tinkerer at heart. In 1953, he founded Grado Labs with a focus on phono cartridges. His precision skills from watchmaking translated seamlessly into crafting top-tier audio equipment. For decades, Grado cartridges dominated turntables, but by the 1980s, Joseph decided to pivot. Enter the HP1000, Grado’s first foray into headphones—and what a debut it was.
The HP1000: A Legend is Born
Before there were SR60s, RS1s, or GS1000s, there was the Grado HP1000 series. Released in the late 1980s, this lineup included the HP1, HP2, and HP3. These headphones were designed by Joseph himself, and his meticulous attention to detail earned them legendary status almost immediately. Every HP1000 was a testament to Joseph’s obsession with perfection—right down to the hand-matched drivers and the milled aluminum construction.
HP1: Featured adjustable polarity switches on the ear cups, allowing users to fine-tune the phase of the audio signal.
HP2: Offered the same exceptional sound without the polarity switches, making it a slightly simpler design.
HP3: A less exacting version with drivers that didn’t meet the same tight tolerances as the HP1 and HP2.
What made the HP1000 series so special? The sound. These headphones were shockingly neutral, with an analytical precision that made them ideal for studio work. If you wanted a no-nonsense presentation of your music—warts and all—the HP1000 delivered. Audiophiles still praise their natural timbre and flat response, with some claiming they’ve never been equaled, even decades later.
Fun fact: HP1000 headphones were built like tanks. They were heavy, solid, and could take a beating. Many units are still in use today, a testament to their durability and craftsmanship.
The Transition to Modern Grado
When John Grado, Joseph’s nephew, took over the company in 1990, he decided to expand Grado’s headphone lineup. While the HP1000 was aimed at professionals, John envisioned headphones that combined high-end sound with a touch of warmth and musicality—something more inviting for everyday listeners. This vision led to the creation of the SR Series in 1991, starting with the SR100, SR200, and SR300.
These first SR models shared some DNA with the HP1000: open-back designs, headbands wrapped in simple leather, and that Grado commitment to hand-built quality. But they also introduced something new: a more dynamic, engaging sound that leaned slightly warm while maintaining clarity and detail. The SR100 became a hit among audiophiles looking for an affordable entry into high-fidelity sound, while the SR300 took things up a notch with improved driver matching and an extended soundstage.
The Evolution of the Prestige Series
By the mid-1990s, Grado had refined the SR series into what became the Prestige Series, which included the SR60, SR80, and SR125. The SR60, in particular, became iconic. For many, it was their first step into the world of Grado headphones—a gateway to audiophile sound on a budget. The SR80 offered a slightly more spacious soundstage, while the SR125 introduced tighter driver matching for greater detail.
This era also saw the introduction of the infamous flat pads, which some love for their punchy sound and others… well, tolerate. (If you’ve ever tried Grado headphones, you know what I’m talking about.) Flat pads brought the drivers closer to your ears, boosting bass and mids while keeping that signature Grado treble intact.
The Modding Culture is Born
One of the things that set Grado apart from the start was the modding community. Enthusiasts quickly realized that Grado headphones were ripe for customization. From swapping out ear pads to adding wooden cups or upgrading the headband, modders found ways to tweak their Grados to perfection. Even back in the HP1000 days, there were stories of users experimenting with cables and pads to fine-tune the sound.
This DIY culture wasn’t something Grado officially supported, but they didn’t discourage it either. In fact, they embraced the passion of their fans, knowing that a modded Grado was still a Grado at heart. Today, this community is one of the most vibrant in the headphone world, with forums and social media buzzing with ideas for taking Grado mods to the next level.
Looking Back
The HP1000 laid the foundation for everything Grado would become. It was a statement of intent: uncompromising quality, precision engineering, and a sound signature that respected the music above all else. Without the HP1000, there would be no SR60, no RS1, and no GS1000. It’s the blueprint for the Grado ethos—a blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and a willingness to do things differently.
Coming Next…
In the next chapter, we’ll dive into the rise of the Reference and Professional Series, where Grado introduced new materials like mahogany and expanded their range to appeal to both audiophiles and professionals. Stay tuned—there’s so much more to explore about the history of Grado headphones!
What’s your earliest memory of discovering Grado? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories!
Comments