Grell Audio OAE2: Headphones That Sound Like Speakers in the Room
Anyone looking for open-back headphones that go beyond “nicely neutral” will sooner or later come across the name Grell Audio. The German brand was founded in 2021 by Axel Grell, who served as chief engineer at Sennheiser for decades and was the man behind classics such as the HD600, HD650, HD800, and the IE800 in-ear headphones. With the OAE2, he’s bringing a second-generation open-back headphone to market, and it’s already making an impression in the audiophile world.
What makes the OAE2 different?
Most headphones position their drivers right next to your ear, so the sound comes from the side. In real life—at a concert, during a conversation, or with a pair of stereo speakers—sound actually comes from in front of you. That’s why Grell Audio has angled the OAE2’s drivers sharply forward, right in front of the ear. The idea is that your ears perceive the sound as coming “from the front,” making the headphones sound more open and natural—more like close-field studio monitors than traditional headphones.
Under the housing is a 40mm dynamic driver made of biocellulose, featuring a metal damping mesh to control resonance. The OAE2 features an open-baffle design—one of the most open on the market—for maximum airflow and a transparent soundstage.
Construction and Ease of Use
Like its predecessor, the OAE1, the OAE2 features a largely modular design. Parts are replaceable or repairable, which extends its service life. The ear cushions are interchangeable with those of the OAE1, the headband is padded with memory foam, and the ear cups can be folded flat for storage in the included travel bag.
Inside the box, you'll find two 1.8-meter cables (a 4.4mm balanced cable and a 3.5mm cable with a 6.35mm adapter), a user manual, and the carrying case.
Specifications at a Glance:
- 40mm dynamic driver (biocellulose)
- Open-back, modular, and serviceable design
- Impedance: 38 ohms, sensitivity: 100 dB/1 V, easy to drive, even from mobile devices
- Great for music, studio work, and gaming
How does it sound?
Reviewers are generally positive: a natural, relaxed soundstage without excessive sharpness, a wide and detailed soundstage, and bass that is described as both powerful and controlled. In particular, the spatial effect—that sense of sound coming from in front of you rather than from the side—is cited by several testers as a striking and distinctive feature compared to other headphones in this price range.
Who is the OAE2 for?
The OAE2 is designed for listeners looking for a hi-fi experience that’s closer to speakers or live music than to “typical” headphones. Whether you’re enjoying music at home, mixing in the studio, or want to immerse yourself in a game, the combination of a wide soundstage and a user-friendly, repairable design makes it appealing to both novice and advanced audiophiles.
Curious to hear how the OAE2 sounds in your hands? Stop by for a listening session, or contact us for more information.
