Any have pad recommendations for the GW100?
Picked these pads up from beautifulaudio - I got them for my hemps and really liked them so thought to try the ones for GW100. They sound great, I feel they add more clarity vs the original foam, look pretty nice, open them up: Grado Small: Hybrid (Leather + Merino) Black â Beautiful Audio
3 Likes
how the pads change the sound?
I feel its not too drastic a change, overall similar sound signature, you still have good bass and dynamics remain, if you like the way the current gw100 sound is⊠There is less clamp force and a bit more clear, stage is more open - the highs feel a bit smoother to my ears. Resolution is still decent its still bluetooth but my favorite bluetooth headphones, I have felt that even with the stock foam the gw100 sounds great and dynamic if a tiny bit more muffled compared to the Hemps and I feel the treble is smoother to my ears with these hybrid pads⊠In terms of comfort, I find these pads more comfortable but I guess depends on the person - the original gw100 foam is fine but I found it gets a bit hot over time being pressed right onto the ears (similar to a koss portapro), whereas with these pads dont get hot and I can wear then for long time without any fatigue
Anybody tried the GW100x? Iâm curious how the x driver changes things⊠Some pretty positive reviews on amazon⊠Some comparisons to the hemp and the sr325x 
1 Like
I just ordered and tried the Grado GW100x to see if it is worth upgrading to them. Here are my impressions compared to my old GW100 v2.
Look and build of the GW100x is identical to the GW100 v2. Only difference: the writing on the surface of the units. The X says âGrado Wireless Seriesâ instead of âWireless Seriesâ, and it says âGW100xâ instead of âGrado Labsâ.
Sound: the GW100x adds ALOT more volume, setting it at 50% volume is enough, whereas the GW100 I could turn it all the way up and its still good, never too loud. I am not sure anyone would ever need that much volume though so for me thats not really a big benefit⊠The GW100x however has much improved battery life despite the added volume output which is impressive but again, I mostly play these around the house, dont really go out carrying this set around so never really run out of battery even with my v2âs.
The GW100x I think is a little closer maybe to the Grado sound, probably does not have as much DSP correction happening but I think whether thats good or bad depends on your tuning preferences - its considerably brighter than the GW100 v2, at some moments especially when volume cranked up it could be just a bit much. Depending on preference, I feel like some might like the treble, its does sound a bit more resolving and detailed at the high end, but it loses some of the Bass that the v2 had⊠Grados are not typically known for Bass but thats actually one of the unique things about the GW100 v2 that I felt added some interest - it has energy but also bass, and not in an overly muddy way like some mainstream bluetooth headphones.
The tuning difference on these is maybe a bit subjective, its not that the bass is not there, its still there but to my ears it somehow sounds comparatively too bright leaning, probably on its own it seems fine but to me, slightly much in an A B comparison with the v2, enough that I still prefer the v2. That said it still has all of the amazing plusses that the v2 has: grado sound but with no cable, and as an openback, it has more soundstage than ANC headphones⊠Good energy and detail.
In the end, I am glad I tried it out to see if its worth an upgrade but I plan to return the GW100x⊠I think they are a great bluetooth headphone, probably better than most, almost like a bluetooth Hemp⊠(not really⊠not close, I love the Hemp, this one is more like a slightly more refined but brighter and more powerful GW100 v2) But I dont feel its different enough from the GW100 v2 to warrant an upgrade⊠I actually prefer the GW100 v2 tuning, its a bit smoother and has a bit more bass. I like the bit of added sparkle up top on the GW100x but overall I dont think the tuning difference is for me, given that I have the Hemps, the Hemps are just way superior imho so I dont feel like these would get any play.
So I am returning the GW100x, keeping my GW100 v2. (the GW100 v2 are still my favorite Bluetooth headphones)
3 Likes
And V2 is on sale now
1 Like
So what codec do u use with the earpads?
Found an app to support the automatic switch to AAC Codec:
âBluetooth codec changerâ
Thatâs good to know. I recently watched a Z Review on it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Mi5fhQ2ZfU
And my thoughts were, these are the GW100v2 heâs comparing, but how does it stack up to the GW100x today? And it would seem according to your detailed comparison that the v2 is the more worthy option, particularly standing out from Gradoâs usual signature as well. Reddit threads say otherwise, stating that the GW100x are better, but perhaps those are folks just hyping out the new x seriesâ release. And overall, I have doubts of reddit opinions nowadays⊠Anyways. So it is a shame that they chose not to maintain that v2 lineup if that holds true. Interestingly enough though, there are some v2s that can still be found where I am, cannot speak for their quality though. But will try to find out.
Also, really awesome that you found cool replacement pads. I am curious, for the GW100, did you get the order for the small or large pads? Which ones fit it? I suspect small, but I attached a screenshot for clarity if you find this.
I had the Sr80s (they broken and lost now), but could never daily drive them due to the uncomfortable pads for >1 hour in my case. Yet, the moment I bought them as my first set of headphones, I was in awe, and since then couldnât find a better sounding pair of headphones funnily enough. So I am quite interested in the Grado GW100 lineup, especially because they are wireless. Looks sick.
1 Like
the GW100 is an interesting headphone because itâs sound was so popular its tuning was the inspiration for the Hemp, which in turn was so successful it led to the âxâ revision / generation we have now. with the GW100x revision released now, youâve got to wonder if itâs the true âsuccessorâ to the og GW100!
the v2 claim to fame was bringing Bt 5.0 (from 4.2)âŠnot a real revision. Bt 5.3 is gaining steam now and with the advances it brings to audio streaming I would hesitate buying any cans with anything olderâŠbut thatâs my personal opinion. 