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Drop + Grell OAE1 Headphones

$99

~~$299~~

overview

specs

story5

reviews61

photos27

q&a19

discussions56

01 / 20

... / HEADPHONES / OPEN BACK HEADPHONES / DROP

Drop + Grell OAE1 Headphones

Name: Drop + Grell OAE1 Headphones
Brand: Drop + Grell
SKU: drop-grell-oae1-headphones
Price: 99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 3.909836 (61 reviews)

$99

~~$299~~

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Frequently bought together:

Qudelix-5K Bluetooth USB DAC/Amp

overview

specs

story5

reviews61

photos27

q&a19

discussions56

nhamano

Jan 21, 2026

Anyone know where I can get a replacement 4.4 cable for the OAE1? Need a new as mine got damaged. If I could get the same one with the fabric, I would be happy. I don't like the plastic coated one.

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koaris

Jan 8, 2026

Wow after playing around with EQ these are insane! I tried to open them up a bit Heres what i cooked up: Preamp: -6.0 dB GraphicEQ: 12 2.50; 15 2.80; 19 3.00; 23 3.20; 30 2.80; 37 1.90; 47 1.40; 64 1.10; 80 0.90; 102 0.70; 127 0.50; 161 0.20; 219 0.40; 275 0.60; 348 0.80; 436 1.00; 552 1.20; 692 1.40; 876 1.60; 1192 1.80; 1495 1.90; 1892 2.10; 2372 2.30; 3003 2.50; 4086 2.70; 5122 2.90; 6485 3.30; 8129 3.90; 10292 4.40; 12902 4.90; 16334 5.40

(Edited)

Vote

raansire7

1575

Dec 24, 2025

I thought I was cooking when I paid $149 for these. At $99 currently on sale, this is a no-brainer purchase and, dethroning the HD 6XX, the best value in audiophile headphones. I just ordered another one for $79 shipped after the $20 Christmas coupon (added a $5 cable) and $5 I had in points. The imaging and layering of the OAE1 is on another level. I'm currently listening to them on the Schiit Asgard X with the Forkbeard EQ disabled. I originally disliked these headphones with this amp, probably because they were new and not broken in, but now that the drivers have several hours of playtime, I think they're great with the Asgard X. Out the box, I loved them with my Chord Mojo 2 and my old Muse Research Receptor 1.0's headphone output. The sound signature is "muffled"...that is true, but not dark. I'm hearing every single detail, and gets brighter the further back you move the ear cups, so you have adjustability per track other headphones lack. The OAE1 don't sound muddy or bloated to me. What makes these headphones controversial is the unique design philosophy, not the driver capability. They sound how they sound because it was a conscious choice. The drivers are not directly facing your ears. They're literally tiny speakers shooting sound towards you ear lobes, not into your ear holes. Each head and ears are different, so you need to adjust the headphones on your head millimeter by millimeter. Find your sweet spot and suddenly...SPEAKER EFFECT. It's not that the soundstage is wide. Headphones with wide soundstages still sound like headphones. With the OAE1, sound is more natural, like you're hearing the recorded sounds instead of the headphones producing sound. Detail retrieval-wise, they're as revealing as my brighter, airier Focal Clear...AND...the bass is humongous and chest-rattling unlike any other open planar or dynamic headphone I own. The OAE1 are a daring demonstration of the science of physics in an industry that's too comfortable and afraid of changes. EDIT: History likes to repeat itself. One day in the future, I know the OAE1 will be sought after once people wake up to them. I am not the only one that identified them as diamonds from the get-go. For now, get them cheap while most people dismiss them. You might need some ear training to understand what makes them great, but your patience will be rewarded.

(Edited)

pure5152

119

Dec 25, 2025

raansire7100% agree with this-- I also listen to them with the Asgard X and find the pairing fantastic. Notably these headphones have the best soundstage layering ability of any headphone I've ever heard (and I've heard some good stuff, like the utopia, raal sr1a, verite open/closed, JAR800, susvara, etc) Will add one thing: I've found the "darkness" to largely go away as the pads are broken in and form to your head. My dad recently got a brand new OAE1 per my recommendation, and I found them to be significantly darker in signature than my OAE1 signature I've had since launch where the pads have molded to my ears/head-shape. All this to say the OAE1s do sound a lot less "muffled" with use and pad break-in.

(Edited)

raansire7

1575

Dec 28, 2025

pure5152Hey Asgard twinsie! 🤭 Interesting what you said about the soundstage layering. I didn't mention it, but that has been my experience. When I take them off and wear my pricier headphones, the image is noticeably flatter and elements lose their place depth-wise. I'll keep an eye on pad wear and eventually compare my two OAE1 when the new one arrives. 😎

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mbw1

Nov 1, 2025

How long is the warranty for these? Many thanks 😊

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ciber

250

Oct 11, 2025

I wish Alex can make a wireless super light on ear clip-on headphone similar as koss ksc75, all current headphones are too heavy.

MartyM

Oct 8, 2025

Are the 6XX better buy than the Drop + Grell OAE1 ? And why thx guys

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MartyM

Oct 27, 2025

Yes I hear ya, and I am willing to listen to any review objective or subjective, anything would help!

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searchingforthesound

Oct 27, 2025

MartyMI have both. The 6XX is a classic, a standard by which to compare all others, for a reason. I'm using them with fenestrated leather pads, which improved the comfort and maybe the sound. The QAE1 is quite good, in my opinion. It's different. If you're only going to have one, the 6XX is the way to go because it works well on all types of music and you can just enjoy them. The QAE1 is a good choice for when you buy more headphones to explore advancements and differences without breaking the bank.

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Cyclone

Keyboard Club Member

Apr 5, 2025

Hello, how are the earpads removed? Im trying to remove them but I dont want to break them.

Rob80b

130

Apr 19, 2025

CycloneThe pads are on there rather securely so do not pull on the felt, near the edge where the felt meets the cup get your finger nails if you can, into the tight space from each hand and and pull firmly in opposite directions to separate the plastic ring inside the pad and the cup edge. To reinstall line up the inner contour of the pad with the offset driver and press firmly around the circumference to engage the tabs. see photo

sleepydiabetic

Jan 20, 2025

So for those who ended up with the first release of the headphones, will you guys be releasing a single side cable for those as well?

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Rob80b

130

Jan 22, 2025

sleepydiabeticCan't speak for Drop but if you can find a 3.5mm - 2.5mm Aux Cable Cord for Bose Headphones, these work without modification, plug and play, they're less than $10 https://www.amazon.ca/Replacement-Compatible-QuietComfort-Soundlink-Headphones/dp/B0B2R711KN

For a longer 9' single sided cable I'm using the cable from the Neumann NDH30, needs a bit of sanding on the headphone end though.

(Edited)

Offramp

Mar 24, 2025

sleepydiabeticHart Cables are in the game. i have ordered a few of their cables and will continue to use Hart

Marcus22687

328

Jan 5, 2025

Headfonics review of the OAE1: https://headfonics.com/drop-grell-oae1-review/

Pros It can convey an impressive sense of scale to some recordings. Sturdy and aesthetically attractive set of headphones. Hits deeper than a lot of competing headphones. Cons Can suffer from bass-bloated performances. Tight clamping Only comes with a single-ended cable

Rob80b

130

Nov 26, 2024

Besides listening to music I've discovered my OAE1 are ideal for mixing when the final destination is for speaker listening, much better IMHO than the HD660S2 and Neumann NDH30 that I were using. So something to keep in mind.

raansire7

1575

Dec 11, 2024

Rob80bI forgot I was wearing them and used them for mixing today a track in Ableton Live. I was surprised at how the mix translated even after a couple hours without taking a break. My ears didn't get fatigued, which is unusual.