Grado The Hemp Headphone, Wired, Dynamic Open-Back

Grado The Hemp Headphone — a warmer, woodier window into your music

Slip on Grado’s most talked‑about limited‑edition and hear why enthusiasts call it the “hemphone.” The Hemp Headphone wraps Grado’s articulate, open‑back sound in a richer, more relaxed tonality—preserving air and immediacy while adding a fuller low end and tamed treble for hours of fatigue‑free listening. Hand‑built in Brooklyn with hemp and maple wood, it turns everyday sessions into deeply musical moments.

Why audiophiles choose this headphone

• Primary benefit: Engaging, open sound with a subtly warmer tilt. Reviewers praise its “open, balanced and entertaining” presentation with more body down low and smoother highs than classic bright‑leaning Grados. If you want toe‑tapping energy without sting, this is it.
• Technical benefit: Purpose‑tuned 44 mm dynamic drivers sit in hemp/maple wood chambers. The compressed hemp fibers act as natural damping; drivers are factory‑matched within 0.05 dB for stable imaging.
• Practical benefit: Lightweight on‑ear design with breathable open backs and the low‑profile F‑Cushion pads for a close, immediate presentation. The rugged 8‑conductor braided cable is built for signal integrity.
• Compatibility benefit: Easy to drive at 38 ohms, 98 dB SPL (1 mW). Plays happily from a laptop or dongle DAC and scales with better sources—no special amp required.
• Unique benefit: First‑of‑its‑kind hemp housing blended with maple—an experiment that became a fan favorite for its relaxed musicality and unmistakable look. Limited Edition craftsmanship, hand‑built in Brooklyn.

What’s included

• Main product: Grado The Hemp Headphone (wired, dynamic, open‑back; Limited Edition) with matched drivers (±0.05 dB).
• Primary accessory: Fixed 8‑conductor braided cable, approx. 1.7 m (68 in), terminated in 3.5 mm.
• Secondary items: 6.35 mm (1/4 in) adapter for home gear.
• Documentation: Warranty card and Grado story‑sheet.

Technical specifications

Specification	Value	Notes
Product type	Wired, dynamic on‑ear, open‑back	Fixed cable, open‑air design
Driver size	44 mm	Tuned for hemp/maple chambers
Frequency response	13 Hz – 28 kHz	Wideband extension
Impedance	38 ohms	Easy to drive from portable sources
Sensitivity	98 dB SPL (1 mW)	High efficiency for everyday devices
Driver matching	±0.05 dB	Channel balance and imaging
Cable	8‑conductor braided, ~1.7 m, 3.5 mm	6.35 mm adapter included
Earpads	F‑Cushion (on‑ear foam)	Close, “immediate” presentation
Headband	Padded vinyl	Vegan‑friendly material
Weight	≈218 g without cable (≈283–293 g with/retailer measurements)	Lightweight feel; measurements vary by method

Specifications verified via Grado’s official listing and multiple professional retailers/reviews.

How it sounds, in a sentence

“Open, balanced and entertaining” with extra warmth and bass presence, a neutral, natural midrange, and treble that’s smoother than you might expect from a Grado.

Expert and community recognition

• Reviews
  • TechRadar: “Open, balanced and entertaining sound.” Also notes cable bulk and on‑ear comfort trade‑offs—worth it for the acoustics.
  • Trusted Reviews: Confirms 44 mm drivers and 3.5 mm termination with 6.3 mm adapter; praises performance for home listening.
  • Hi‑Fi Choice (2024): Highlights clarity, poise and the hemp/maple damping concept; calls out vinyl headband and simple, purist design.
  • RTINGS: Finds an outstandingly neutral midrange with a slight treble dip—great for fatigue‑free sessions.
• Heritage
  • Hand‑built in Brooklyn since 1953; The Hemp continues Grado’s tradition of experimenting with tonewoods and limited editions.
• Innovation
  • Among the first audiophile headphones to use hemp wood, blended with maple to balance damping and extension.

Buyer’s notes for the best experience

• Sound signature: Warm‑tilted for a Grado, still lively and open. Expect present mids, fuller bass than the classic SR line, and smoother treble. If you’re treble‑sensitive or want extra groove and body, you’ll likely love it. If you crave bright, analytical bite, another Grado may suit you better.
• Comfort: On‑ear F‑Cushion pads put the drivers close for that immediate “in the room” feel. As with most on‑ears, clamp/ear pressure can build over very long sessions.
• Use case: Open‑back design breathes for soundstage and realism but leaks sound—ideal for quiet rooms, not for commute or office isolation.
• Source pairing: Plays well from phones and laptops; a clean DAC or small amp can add control and staging, but it’s not mandatory.
• Pad rolling (optional): Community owners report subtle tuning shifts with alternate pads if you want more air or bass; stock F‑Cushions are the intended reference.

The bottom line

Grado’s The Hemp Headphone delivers the brand’s signature openness with a friendlier, more full‑bodied balance—crafted from hemp and maple, voiced by hand, and built to make you fall back in love with your music collection. If you’ve wanted Grado’s immediacy without the extra brightness, this Limited Edition hits the sweet spot with authenticity and charm.

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Research highlights and validation:

• Official specs and build details (hemp/maple housing, 8‑conductor cable, F‑Cushion, de‑stressed drivers, 38 Ω/98 dB, open‑air design) confirmed via Grado.
• Driver size, cable length, terminations, and included adapter corroborated by specialist retailers and reviews.
• Sound signature cross‑checked across professional reviews and measurement‑based evaluations; community feedback reflects the warmer‑than‑typical Grado tuning.

Notes on availability: As of September 26, 2025, The Hemp appears in Grado’s Reference lineup and remains listed for sale, though it is described by Grado as a Limited Edition; availability may vary by region and dealer.