Grado Classic GS3000 Open-Back Headphones

The Grado Classic GS3000 is the open-back over-ear headphone at the top of Grado's Classic series, with the largest driver in the line and a housing made of cocobolo with an aluminum insert.

Since the end of March 2026, the Classic series has brought Grado's most famous models together under one roof and moved them onto the reworked X2 driver platform. They once again carry model names without an "x" – so the Classic GS3000 is its own entity, not a successor label slapped on a Statement x model. And it's the line's crowning achievement.

Why the GS3000?

A 52-millimeter driver diameter is the exception at Grado, not the rule. Combined with the large housing volume and the G-cushions, that adds up to the roomiest presentation Grado has to offer. Cocobolo brings density and tonality, the aluminum insert keeps resonances in check – and the Signature Gold headband with aluminum-alloy gimbals and stainless-steel height rods is the finest mechanics in the series.

What you hear

Scale. The GS3000 digs deeper and has more dynamic headroom than anything else in the Classic series, without losing the typical Grado directness. Voices stand freely in the room, orchestras get width instead of being cramped. If you thought open-back headphones couldn't do bass, this one will change your mind.

Who is the GS3000 for?

For listeners who sit down at home with time and good electronics, and who value soundstage above all else. Honestly: the housing is large, and the G-cushions sit around the ear rather than on it – if you want compact headphones, the Classic RS1 is the better fit. And without a decent headphone amplifier, you're leaving a lot on the table here.

Our verdict

The GS3000 is Grado's most generous interpretation of its own sound: lots of driver, lots of wood, lots of soundstage. Not an all-rounder, but a headphone for the armchair – and there, it's tough to beat.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Open-back over-ear headphones (open air, dynamic)
• Series: Grado Classic (flagship model)
• Driver: 52mm X2 with Mylar diaphragm, copper voice coil, and rare-earth magnet system
• Frequency response: 4 – 51,000 Hz
• Sensitivity (1 mW): 99.8 dB
• Nominal impedance: 38 ohms
• Driver matching: 0.05 dB
• Housing: Cocobolo with aluminum insert, handcrafted in Brooklyn
• Ear cushions: G-cushion
• Headband: Signature Gold, aluminum-alloy gimbals, stainless-steel height rods, genuine leather headband
• Cable: Grado Gold, permanently attached; XLR termination optional

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Grado Classic series – and how does it differ from Prestige x, Reference x, and Statement x?

The Classic series is Grado's core line, bringing together seven models since the end of March 2026: SR60, SR80, SR325, Hemp, RS1, GS1000, and GS3000. They all run on the X2 driver platform, with new Signature cables and reworked headbands. They deliberately carry names without an "x" again, replacing the x series.

GS3000 or GS1000 – what's the difference?

The GS3000 has the larger 52mm X2 driver and a housing made of cocobolo with an aluminum insert; the GS1000 uses a 50mm driver in mahogany. Sonically, that means more depth, more dynamic headroom, and a bigger soundstage from the GS3000. Both feature G-cushions and the Signature Gold headband.

Why buy the Grado Classic GS3000 from HD Zürisee?

Because headphones in this class run below their potential with the wrong electronics. HD Zürisee in Wädenswil is an authorized Grado dealer; we'll help you with amplifier, source, and cabling – and tell you if a smaller model would actually be the smarter choice for how you listen.

Goes well with

The right headphone amplifier, cushions and stands in our headphone accessories, and more headphones.