As a result of the success of the Drop + Grell OAE1 Signature Headphones launched earlier in 2024, Drop has announced a new version of the OAE1 without the “Signature” label at a more accessible price point.
The new non-signature version of OAE1 headphones offers the same performance and tonal balance of the signature version, and some changes have been made to improve their comfort level and how they direct sound into your ears.
What’s New
Carried over from the Signature version, the open-around-ear (open-back) design minimizes acoustic reflections and controls sound pressure. The flip side is that the open design means that everyone can hear what you are listening to and one has to rely on the ear pads for passive isolation.
Within the open back design, the OAE1 incorporates a driver-forward implementation that better maps to the human ear, supporting a more natural and realistic sound field.
By moving the drivers in front of and away from the ears, the new OAE1 headphones enable the sound field from the drivers to take advantage of the ear’s natural structure to better direct sound into the ear canal.
The headphones also feature a lighter clamping force for a more comfortable fit during extended listening sessions.
The headphones are finished off with a sleek, all-black colorway with dark gray accents.
The provided single-sided 6.3mm cable includes an insert indicator for ease of use.
From Axel Grell: “Building on the success of the signature headphones that sold out earlier this year, the new OAE1s bring the same level of audio innovation and sound precision to a broader audience,…With the Drop + Grell OAE1 headphones, we’ve maintained our commitment to precision engineering and high-fidelity sound while offering a more accessible price point. It’s all about making premium audio experiences accessible to more listeners without compromising on quality.”
OAE1 vs. OAE1 Signature
| Drop + Grell OAE1 | Drop + Grell OAE1 Signature | |
| Price | $299 (per order price $249) | $399 |
| Headphone Type | Open-Back | Open-Back |
| Frequency Response | 12–32,000 Hz (-3db) 6–44,000 Hz (-10db) | 12 – 32,000 Hz (-3 dB) 6 – 44,000 Hz (-10 dB) |
| Driver | Dynamic | Biocellulose Dynamic Drivers |
| Ear coupling | Circumaural | Over-ear |
| Sound Characteristic | Front-oriented loudness diffuse field equalization | Front-oriented diffuse field equalization |
| Adaption to the Individual Hearing Curve | Soundfield pinna interaction | Soundfield pinna interaction |
| Nominal Impedance | 38 ohms | 38 ohms |
| Sound Pressure Level (SPL) at 1kHz 1VRMS | 106 dB | 106 dB |
| Maximum Long-Term Input Power | 500mW | Not Indicated |
| THD at 1kHz 100dB | 0.05% | 0.05% |
| Weight (without cable): | 375 g | 375 g |
| Included Cables | Cable 1: 6 ft (1.8 m) double-sided TRS single-ended cable (dual-entry) Cable 2: 6 ft (1.8 m) single-sided TRRRS balanced cable (single-entry) | Cable 1: 6 ft (1.8 m) double-sided TRS single-ended cable (dual-entry) Cable 2: 6 ft (1.8 m) single-sided TRRRS balanced cable (single-entry) |
| Cable Specifications | Cable 1 Single-sided, silver-coated OFC cable: 1.8m (6 ft.) Connectors headphone side: 2.5mm TRRS Connector device: 3.5mm stereo plug Adaptor: 3.5mm to 6.3mm screw on Cable 2 6 ft (1.8 m) Single-sided, silver-coated OFC cable Connectors headphone side: 2.5 mm TRRS Connector device: 4.4 mm Balanced TRRRS stereo plug | Cable 1 6 ft (1.8 m) Double-sided, silver-coated OFC cable Connectors headphone side: 2.5 mm TRRS Connector device: 3.5 mm stereo plug Adaptor: 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm, screw-on Cable 2 6 ft (1.8 m) Single-sided, silver-coated OFC cable Connectors headphone side: 2.5 mm TRRS Connector device: 4.4 mm Balanced TRRRS stereo plug |
About CORSAIR & Drop
CORSAIR is a leading global developer and manufacturer of high-performance gear and technology for gamers, content creators, and PC enthusiasts. CORSAIR acquired Drop in 2023, a group of creators who tap into the feedback and insights from its enthusiast community – millions strong – to design and curate Drop’s selection of enthusiast products.
Drop is continuously broadening its workspace product focus into new categories to ensure it brings its community the technology it needs to thrive.
About Axel Grell
Axel Grell spent two decades working as the head Acoustic Engineer for Sennheiser, heading up the development of highly acclaimed headphones including the HD580, HD600, HD650, HD800, and the $70,000 HE-1.
Grell’s departure from Sennheiser created shockwaves within the Head-Fi community as it represented the end of an era of high-end innovation that many feel helped get the ball rolling in the high-end headphone space.
Bottom Line
What makes the OAE1 an interesting headphone entry from Drop is that it comes just a few months after the release of the Signature OAE1 model. The actual performance specifications appear identical between both models as illustrated in our comparison chart.
We suspect that there are some differences between the two models in terms of the construction of the driver and how each one is tuned within the ear cup.
The success of the first model suggests that thousands of consumers were seduced at the idea of purchasing something from Grell at a much lower price point — he did create 3 of the most popular audiophile headphones ever made that are used by music listeners all over the world.
The new iteration of the Sennheiser HD800s is substantially more expensive than anything he has created in collaboration with Drop and we know that many are hopeful that he can offer his trademark house sound for under $400.
Price & Availability
The Drop + Grell OAE1 Headphones are available for pre-order for $249 (MSRP $299), $100 less than the previously released signature headphones.
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