Finding the right pair of open-back headphones can be a challenge, especially in a category filled with options that promise high-end sound without always delivering on it. For many listeners, the goal is simple: a headphone that offers a natural listening experience, long-term comfort, and reliable performance across a variety of genres. The Grell OAE2 enters this space aiming to provide a well-rounded solution for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Positioned as an accessible entry into more refined listening, it sets out to balance performance, design, and value in a competitive mid-range market.
What You Get
- Grell OAE2 dynamic audiophile headphones
- Protective hard case
- Detachable 3.5mm cable with quarter-inch adapter
- Detachable 4.4mm balanced cable
Look & Feel
In terms of design, the Grell OAE2 is a fairly standard-looking pair of open-back headphones. I don’t think every pair of headphones needs to have the most colorful, flashy aesthetic, but the overall look of the OAE2 doesn’t inspire much. They just look like a well-built pair of mid-budget headphones, which should be all you’re really looking for anyway. The grille encapsulates the entirety of the ear cup, and it’s supported by metal yokes and a nice, big headband with velour padding that matches the ear pads.
This makes for a very sturdy build, maintaining a level of quality that should make you happy, considering the reasonable price. It still retains some flexibility too, and feels very lightweight. When worn, they have a very similar feel to the Sennheiser HD 600, but the OAE2 benefits strongly from its larger, roomier ear cups. This allows for the seal of the HD 600, but with more breathability, which makes the OAE2 a very comfortable headphone.
Design
The Grell OAE2 supports a 40mm dynamic driver with a bio-cellulose membrane. It’s combined with a precise damping system and a stainless steel mesh. It’s a design meant to incorporate more of a physical acoustic-based philosophy, with practical interior shaping that prioritizes spatial imaging, bass, and treble control. The design becomes less about the components and more about tried and true, professionally researched acoustic expertise, with pinna reflection all being considered for the interior build. A headphone amp is recommended for ideal performance, so I used an iFi Valkyrie for the sound analysis section of this review.
Soundstage
If you’re looking for mid-budget open-back headphones with spacious, but precise and accurate imaging, the OEA2 is a fantastic option. It’s a wide, non-linear stage that gives you the best of both worlds of immersion and realism. The OAE2 presents a semi-holographic display that wraps around your head. Its headspace is very open and breathable, with pronounced instruments that communicate articulate layering and separation.
Sound elements have specific origin points, but don’t appear floaty. Every position in the stereo field is anchored in a clear position, responding to pan movements with an impressive amount of rigor. Instruments and effects move throughout the OAE2’s soundstage with grace, with nothing ever appearing like the sound is being suppressed by the limitations of the driver. It’s the kind of soundstage where you never really perceive the barriers of the stereo image, which makes the OAE2 shoot well beyond its price point in this particular area.
Low End
The Grell OAE2 has a very persistent bass resposne, even when not having the thickest tone or the most considerable impact. There is a lot of space for the bass frequencies to move around in. The sub-bass does a great job of maintaining a distinct, clear, and natural presence. It doesn’t have the richest rumble, yet the frequencies have a solid amount of gain to them, helping provide body and shape to the lows while still being quite mellow in overall energy. The OAE2 remains very gratifying in its dynamism, as the bass can be more aggressive when called for. It can have a nice bloom to it that adds a lot of depth to the sound signature, balanced by a smooth timbre.
Mids
Like the bass, the midrange is relaxed but very clear. The mids stick out more than the bass, though, supplying the sound signature with lush transparency for stronger definition and accuracy. There’s a studio-like precision to the midrange, delivering a focused tone that feels completely unveiled. Everything feels roomy and well-staged, allowing a full space for the midrange to showcase all of its clarity and articulation. Instruments are painted with a tonal realism that is quite striking, even if the notes themselves don’t feature the most immediate velocity. Vocals receive the most stunning presence in the OAE2’s midrange, appearing very lively and clean. Both male and female voices resonate throughout the frequency response of the OAE2 with tons of detail. You can hear tons of artifacts in vocals, crisp with a pronounced underline that makes them highly expressive.
Highs
The high frequencies on the Grell OAE2 are just as clear and detailed as the rest of the sound signature. They perform in balance with the energy of the lows and mids, but with an airier presentation. Everything appears light and delicate, but expansive in its height. They feature crisp tails and shimmery cymbals that never get very bright or harsh. These are very stable, tight high frequencies that showcase control and persistence throughout the sound signature.
Summary
The Grell OAE2 succeeds by focusing on what truly matters in an open-back audiophile headphone: balance, spatial accuracy, and natural tonality. Rather than leaning into exaggerated bass or overly bright highs, it delivers a cohesive and mature sound signature that feels equally suited for critical listening and casual enjoyment. Its standout feature is undoubtedly its wide, semi-holographic soundstage, paired with excellent imaging that elevates both music and immersive content. The bass remains controlled yet dynamic, the midrange offers exceptional vocal clarity, and the highs maintain detail without fatigue, making the OAE2 a strong all-rounder in its category. While its design may not turn heads, the OAE2 proves that performance matters more than aesthetics. For anyone searching for open-back headphones under the high-end price tier that deliver genuine audiophile qualities, the Grell OAE2 is an easy recommendation.
You can find out more about the Grell OAE2 from their website here.
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