Grado
Grado GS3000x
Best open-back headphones for audiophiles seeking an immersive, natural soundstage.
Experience audio at its finest with the Grado GS3000x, a reference dynamic headphone that masterfully blends sonic warmth with structural control. Its unique hybrid housing combines the rich resonance of cocobolo wood with a rigid metal chamber, perfectly managing the powerful new 52mm X Driver. This driver delivers exceptional detail and a naturally spacious soundstage, making every listening session an immersive journey. Designed for ultimate comfort with a plush leather headband and large G-foam cushions, these headphones offer unparalleled high-fidelity performance.
$1995.00
More GS Series Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
5
/ 5533
#5 in Headphones
Price vs Category Average
+239%
Above average
Transducer Type
Dynamic
/ Dynamic
Who it's for
- Vocal lovers craving intimate, textured instrument reproduction
- Audiophiles seeking visceral, high-energy musical performances
- Design enthusiasts valuing premium materials and acoustic resonance
Who should skip it
- Commuters needing privacy in public or noisy spaces
- Listeners requiring long-term comfort for marathon sessions
- Budget-conscious buyers avoiding additional amplifier investments
Performance breakdown
Soundstage Depth
Open-back design creates an expansive, concert-hall-like sense of space.
Driver Precision
Matching tolerance of 0.05dB ensures perfect channel balance and imaging.
Sonic Warmth
Cocobolo wood housing adds a rich, organic resonance to every note.
Build Craftsmanship
Hand-assembled in Brooklyn with premium materials for lasting structural integrity.
Long-term Comfort
Plush G-foam cushions provide a lightweight fit for extended listening sessions.
Frequency Range
Extensive 4Hz to 51kHz response captures every subtle sonic detail.
Key Specs
Transducer Type
Dynamic
Driver Size
52 mm
Impedance
38 ohms
Sensitivity
99.8 dB SPL 1mW
Frequency Response
4 Hz - 51,000 Hz
Driver Matching Tolerance
0.05 dB
Housing Material
Cocobolo wood outer with Aluminum chamber
Connectivity Type
Wired
Features
- Features Grado's most powerful 52 mm X Driver
- Hybrid housing controls driver rigidity effectively
- Produces a spacious soundstage between instruments
- Drivers precisely matched to within 0.05dB
- Adjustable black leather headband for comfort
- Open-back design for natural sound delivery
- Hand-Assembled in Brooklyn, NY
- Includes durable 12-conductor cable
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the GS3000x for its reference level audio performance. The sound signature is consistently described as highly detailed, expansive, and deeply musical, validating the premium investment. Beyond the sonic brilliance, reviewers frequently highlight the exceptional build quality. The artisanal craftsmanship, particularly the beautiful cocobolo wood enclosures, lends a luxurious and unique aesthetic. While fit is subjective, the combination of stunning sound and superior build quality establishes these headphones as a definitive flagship experience, earning high marks for overall quality and emotional engagement.
Know before you buy
The hybrid housing combines cocobolo wood with an internal metal chamber. This pairing allows the wood to provide its signature warmth and resonance while the metal ensures the structural rigidity needed to keep the 52mm X Driver stable and precise.
No. The GS3000x features an open-back design, which means sound will leak both in and out of the ear cups. They are best suited for quiet, private listening environments.
While the 38-ohm impedance makes them relatively easy to power, they are high-fidelity reference headphones. To get the most out of their 52mm drivers and wide frequency response, a quality dedicated amplifier is recommended.
They are designed for comfort with a plush, adjustable leather headband and Grado’s signature large G-foam cushions. Because they are over-ear headphones, they distribute weight well, though the fit is best suited for stationary listening rather than active movement.
This specification ensures that the left and right drivers are virtually identical in performance. You will experience a highly accurate, balanced stereo image where instruments are placed precisely within the soundstage.
The GS3000x does not include a built-in microphone, so they cannot be used for phone calls or voice chat. They are designed strictly for high-fidelity music listening.
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$1995