How One Family's Fine-Tuned Headphones Became a Hit​

For more than 60 years, the Grado family has been crafting headphones by hand out of a nondescript Brooklyn building. They haven't advertised since 1964, but have made fans of John Mayer, Spike Jonze and members of Aerosmith. Here's how one family has honed the Grado signature sound for decades.
This Great Big Story was inspired by Genesis.​
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[@dalethorn2]

The handmade aesthetic is something that some people don't like at all, while others treasure it.

[@colinjennings9389]

I got Grado Headphones after seeing this video, and I can honestly say for 100 dollars they are the nicest pair of headphones I've owned

[@Apocalypse9696]

you can get good headphones for 10 dollars in india

[@Kytako]

@@Apocalypse9696 but they would probably fall apart in your hands and last at most a month

[@Apocalypse9696]

@@Kytako thay can last more than 1 year

[@sennadehond3821]

@@Apocalypse9696 and you call that good?

[@sennadehond3821]

@@Apocalypse9696 1 year? That’s nothing. Plus durability is one of many factors what makes headphones good, if you headphones can last a decade but your ears are bleeding, that absolutely doesn’t make your headphones good.

[@alyssad7892]

when he said "what makes grado grado" i thought he mean "what makes grado greato" lmao

[@ericding42]

Same here XD

[@mrspoopy3227]

Pretty sure he meant greato

[@Y14MBT]

Nah, he meant what he said. As it’s a “signature” brand, almost a noun in its own right.

[@Ifarmplasma]

*It's both, but mainly the first*

[@marsburbridge1685]

Listened to this video with a pair of Grados. Wonderful video!

[@fartshortav8542]

how do you guys not have that much views and subs you guys are amazing

[@jean-micheltruco2662]

KZbin's most under-rated channel.

[@tyjanssen3191]

Jean-Michel TRUCO | True.

[@TobiasDawg]

because it's some CNN supported bullshit

[@rifaldopalaska7737]

TobiasDawg what's bullshit?

[@memedank1519]

TobiasDawg no. Just no. CNN is exaggerating things... This channel isn't exaggerating things. It's well put together while CNN isn't.

[@tccincrj2866]

Beautiful story! So are the products. Thanks, Grado family!!

[@topspduk]

Truly awesome headphones. I own a pair myself - SR125i - over 12 years of happy listening!

[@Ruben-zd8hj]

Listened to this with Grados!

[@marcianoacuerda]

I've had my grado 60 for years and I love them. To me they're not "universally great" headphones, they have a definite signature, some call it "warmness". Some people like it, some don't. That's why you should always test headphones before you purchase them. Also, unless you're using monitors every headphone has a signature sound, the difference with grado is that the signature is part of its selling point.

[@cowboy_dogg2124]

These are my absolute favorite headphones for listening to music at home. Unfortunately, traveling with these because they're so open, is not Bueno. Bose Noise cancelling are nice for traveling, grados good for listening at home.

[@zaimkarii1756]

For Travel I have a Fiio BTR5 and Beyerdynamics dt770 they amazing for travel and kinda same sound signature as Grado but more bass and dry sound. There no Closeback with Grado sound 😔. They also good for gaming too but they do OK with Multiplayer game

[@thetheflyinghawaiian]

When you realize you've been pronouncing grado wrong for years.

[@samahita-vca]

Hahaha yeah everyone in Indonesia pronounce it grado, not greido..

[@dalicloud9]

that room in the beginning is perfect.

[@WeskerXM96E1]

Even the sr60s are amazing quality, when i bought mine i can never go anywhere else now!

[@WSTY]

I listened to this video on a pair of Grado SR60es.

[@fredyang5074]

I gotta say they look so cool

[@redvw1639]

I've never heard of these headphones in my life

[@niconiconii4561]

because they are overpriced, for a cheap ass wood construction. comfort is also shit on most of their headphones because they just have a small circle of exposed foam, and as you probably should know the ear is not circular. most of their affordable ones are small and shit. sound wise people agree that grados are very bright in sound and doesn't fit a lot of musical genres.

[@MasterDeanarius]

Grado SR80's are widely considered to be some of the best entry level audiophile headphones, and people agree not everyone will enjoy the brightness as much, no one agrees they "don't fit genres" just because you listen bass heavy music doesn't mean you need shitty beats by dre. Once you break them in they most certainly do every genre justice, granted if appreciate a brighter sound with more tight bass that isn't all over the place, which if you want bass that's all over the place, don't buy open headphones. saying they don't fit a lot of genres is just silly.

[@jogon206]

@@MasterDeanarius Just get some Superlux HD668-B ...I guarantee you, for 30€ you will be blown away. Those things a audiophile.

[@brett8460]

You didn't read the description. It says they haven't advertised since 1964.

[@boofgodvault]

i had a pair of these before i got the iphone 7. without a doubt the best headphones on the market for what i listen to. they should definitely make a bluetooth version

[@WhiskeyDip]

Bluetooth is robbing you of sound quality, fyi.

[@boofgodvault]

i dont doubt it lmao i've got no choice on the go, i'll just put the record on my speakers for when i do want good sound

[@Maxwaehrens]

WhiskeyDip that was true a few years ago. But if you care to have low battery life or don't mind carrying a pair of headphones that weigh a lot, then there's really no compromise in sound.

[@marcuslola]

Yeah, Bluetooth LE has a transfer rate of up to 2 Mbit/s which is far more than needed for non-compressed music. The price might be more hefty though.

[@joedockstader1347]

weight really isn't an issue, modern bluetooth chips are tiny. if you want bluetooth Grados, get: one of these: www.sparkfun.com/products/11678 one of these: www.sparkfun.com/products/13854 one of these: www.sparkfun.com/products/12711 a few of these: www.sparkfun.com/products/10302 and some of this: www.sparkfun.com/products/8022 and of course, your Grados You'll probably add about 15% to the weight of your headphones. note: I've listed sparkfun links because I'm lazy, but you can get these same components from other brands for probably 20% of sparkfun's prices if you don't mind waiting for the slow boat from china.

[@dalethorn2]

I just bought the PS2000e today, along with a Chord Mojo.

[@user-ix7dv9zt7c]

How was it

[@DJXPMLProductions]

Wow u didn't leave a link to were u can buy these

[@Keyakina]

They also didn't mention the different products they have, price, numbers ( like how high/low, decibel ect.). Its a pretty uncomplete story

[@nate1829]

Sjard Willems v It's not a review, lol

[@vimeokilledtheradiotzar7822]

hi

[@Keyakina]

yeah thats true :p but maybe a liiiitle bit more

[@sa-bw2kr]

Grado is the brand name. they are around 150 euro's

[@NormEatsRice]

I've heard these headphones before and they certainly sound nice!

[@Dcg246]

To my ears, my Grado RS1’s and my Grado RS2e’s sound more natural, especially on well recorded solo piano music, than any other headphones I’ve heard, including the Focal Clear, the AKG K812, and the Hifiman Arya.

[@elRiku00]

I got SR80e as christmas present and I love them so much they sound so great

[@adrianmorris3772]

Best headphones ....? Listening to 325e and after 5years im going to buy gs1000e. Best headphones.? Yes. Thanks for all your hard work and commitment to music lovers. Best regards from Adrian in Sheffield England.

[@adrianmorris3772]

Interesting video. Been a fan of grado phones for many years. Hoping to buy gs1000e soon. Best wishes to you all at grado from Adrian in Sheffield England.😀

[@Not_Matt]

Haven't advertised since the '60s and yet the son is the VP of marketing 🤔

[@SkaYouth]

you do know that marketing is not just about advertisement right?

[@mcmb8254]

120 mg it kinda is, what else is there to marketing?

[@914050]

Would love to have a high-end pair of Grados.

[@zaimkarii1756]

The sr125 grado is very good

[@vedanttoraskar817]

Nothing beats the Analog

[@reelsportrd]

This was beautifully shot and edited together. Very nice piece!

[@foxonacouch]

I bought my dad some sr60s for christmas. He was so happy and those are his favorite headphones to this day.

[@shong42]

I have a pair of Grado SR-80e headphones. They are the greatest headphones I've ever purchased!!!

[@michabarlev4449]

It is time to move forward and change the structure and quality of these headphones, Headband, cups, cable that had to be changed long time ago.

[@teikjoon]

I converted mine to single-sided, and replaced the headband : www.flickr.com/photos/teikjoon/sets/72157641603346695/

[@michabarlev4449]

Listening to music ?

[@taide1]

teikjoon nice mod mate

[@Gorilla_Jones]

I have six Grados, 2 Senns, Harman, and B&W. The Grados are easily the most natural. IMO best cans in the world.

[@bspearbach714]

fantastic headphones .... best, it's all about the sound.

[@soulfulfool]

I like my RS1e thanks for your work Grado, good job ! Handmade & with tradition thats much appreciated

[@schoi604]

the only brand of headphones that I would spend money collecting is Grado. I love their signature sound. My favourite pair of Grado is Hf2.

[@GamingTaylor]

was this a commercial? Seemed like it

[@iniriza]

and great story

[@jayscoolvideosa]

Most of these are ads

[@cornpuffs9621]

GamingTaylor probably wasn't, I mean grado is a huge brand and they haven't advertised in the past 40 years. Still, this does want me to get some grados...

[@luf4rall]

sponsored by genesis

[@zachyper]

Great big story always does these types of videos and it’s mainly because there’s some backstory and something wholesome about it, and it seems very advertisement like, but they’re humble

[@yaumiltaufikakbar8972]

How about Alessandro? Are they still in the same company

[@throwingthunder]

Best headphones imo.

[@Hyooman]

I wonder if Grado knows how awesome they are

[@kathleen8104]

wow I bet the cost a fortune but worth every penny it's for music beautiful one of a kind music

[@jarodlee9124]

you can get a pair of SR60Es for $80.

[@Zeiss120]

Nah most of them are actually reasonably priced but the sound that comes out of most of them are .... Not for me lets just say.

[@thomaslax39]

Yeah personally not a fan of the Grado sound...or comfort...

[@R3TR0J4N]

Recommended leta go Grado!

[@miac7543]

love this

[@constantupgrader]

I've wanted to own a Grado set for a long time because of their supposedly amazing sound, but they look very nice too.

[@gastersans1702]

How are these guys not big on KZbin yet

[@OfficialSiriusmusic]

i had a pair , it sounded great, it was light weight and comfortable. on the other hand it was a bit fragile. i used it with a headphone amp at home.

[@zaimkarii1756]

Same it sound Amazing with Fiio BTR5

[@Smokey94462]

John Grado sounds a bit like Christopher Walken.

[@superpotatogaming1235]

Sweet video

[@ahmadfauzanperdana5703]

Their sparkly headphones are the best!

[@reoayoutube3779]

Im listening to this with grados lol

[@tdg176]

Fined Tuned isnt a word I would use for grado headphones. Bright, Spicy, Harsh, Bass light would all be words I would use for Grados headphones.

[@carolinelee5216]

Yeah these headphones are incredible. Way better than any other brand out there.

[@soulfulfool]

thats not true there are many brands out there making better headphones, Grado are just unique to have in collection

[@yanielgonzalez7691]

Grado 🎧 headphones are really cool

[@ultrasvanessha5030]

The Alessandro music series are hard to find for now

[@altanman550]

i loved their headphones 😁😁😁 but i never know about their origin though, thank god you guys make this video

[@kvassmacncheese]

Still using my sr80 for gaming hahahah

[@wakeschoolgt8336]

What's the name of that intro song?!

[@shogekimura]

christopher walken makes headphones!

[@sniperfuazo6495]

grado ahhh yes...the old man hearing tuning....hmm treble...

[@OmarFaruk-Wenited]

Where is the "great big story" here? the story seems incomplete.

[@MegaEpstein]

Any information about leather brown speakers behind them?

[@rrrush]

I wanna try these, i love skull candys i think they are the vest i ever tried, idc what u say but i think beats suck sorry man just materialistic junk. Anyway want to try these headphones sounds promising.

[@wes.9353]

Sugarrrush5000 Well, Skullcandy's budget is 80% looks and marketing, and only 20% sound. Higher end brands will cost more because of legacies, but Shure, Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, BeyerDynamics, AKG, etc. Have all cranked out better headphones than SK.

[@STFOX543]

0:22 "what makes GRADO great-o"

[@dudelivestrong]

Knowledge!

[@deszczak]

do the same with the koss headphones!!

[@draftelite6770]

The best underground headphones are now exposed!!😭😭😭😭

[@redapple360]

I bet you vape while you doing your super-secret cross-fit routines. Also listens to band that doesnt exist on your CD-Player.

[@redapple360]

with your "Breeeido"

[@draftelite6770]

Personal Acc Actually I don't vape! But search up car pool party headass and maybe you will know.

[@elizabethzorrilla3669]

Draft Elite OMG YESSS

[@gvi341984]

So, when are they going to fix the famous tangled issues?

[@PEDRO-kt7ly]

Love how there's no link in the description

[@notworth9747]

They are crazy expensive

[@omegaman6616]

Damn these headphones go from $99 to $2,700.

[@jonathanpalmquist4894]

The SR60e's are $79

[@omegaman6616]

I thought his name was Dre? I had a pair of his Beats headphones.

[@donkey_mediocre7246]

Dank pods

[@TheXeeman]

the son looks like ed norton

[@JontePlugg]

what is the song in the start?

[@obamer1342]

grado are quality.

[@joshuawangadi1710]

I like their sound and design, just need to improve their comfort

[@theryaner]

I agree, I've used the SR60, MS1i, and SR325i but I couldn't handle the discomfort. I do love the sound though.

[@emanuelreyes7307]

what type of boots do u think he is wearing 1:50?

[@qwertywads1937]

Grado's are way to spacey. Long live Sennheiser!

[@zaimkarii1756]

Nah many of senn made in China

[@rasalas91]

all I hear is that white noise in the quiet parts.

[@hologram94]

Would be better if it have removeable audio jack

[@totinospizzarolls4737]

haha bs grados are bright headphones that some people love or hate.

[@shanelau1149]

thought ur profile pic was a strand of hair

[@elRiku00]

Same here :D

[@jonathanpalmquist4894]

Too short!

[@g-idle]

Where my audiophiles at? ✋️

[@somnuce6197]

This shit is expensive

[@ttt92254]

have one myself :D

[@jbames]

did i just watched an ad?

[@toolongdidnotlisten355]

What now?

[@villegas24]

Grados, the headphones for the people that think low end doesnt exist

[@PastaMasta123]

just using my apple free earplugs here ;D

[@omairbhore]

Knew this was grado before I clicked it

[@anthonyb.4732]

650$ for those headphones. DAMN.

[@zaimkarii1756]

The sr60 are cheap for 70$ and they sound like a headphone cost 400$ with a built quality of 10$ headphone

[@tomhass8015]

Is signature sound even good for a headphone? Don't you want the true sound of the music?

[@SpektrikMusic]

Doesn't really matter for listening

[@dalethorn2]

If it's acoustic or a similar genre with mainly real instrument sounds, Grado does those best.

[@jerryang17]

Title: How One Family's Fine-Tuned Headphones Became a Hit​ Me after watching the video: So how??

[@joelrenteria2303]

$100, not bad

[@JohnCoffins]

Jonathans r cool

[@lilla4521]

Why is there no explonation as to what grado is? WHAT IS IT?

[@tinapaytinapay]

Lilla If you would pay attention to the video, you would see that grado is a brand of luxury fleshlights.

[@tinapaytinapay]

Trichome Farmer Obviously not, there were no headphones in the video at all.

[@LunarEdge7]

I love this thread.

[@erikleonardi6642]

Lilla hello, you got some irreparable brain damage eh ?

[@thorhaveron]

The grey haired bearded guy who I assume is his dad, sounds like Chauncey kind of. Any vat19 fans?

[@AW-vw4yn]

I thought grado was a wrestler

[@hexer5710]

I have never heard of these headphones

[@andrew2324g]

not hating why this expensive? this must be a good headset then :)

[@zaimkarii1756]

Try the Grado sr60. It cost 70$ and sound like a headphone cost 400$.But they kinda fragile and terrible built quality

[@Centrioless]

Grado kinda lost its charm a few years ago. The only decent product from them is their cheapest headphone, sr60