Grell Audio Announces OAE2: A Research-Driven Open-Back Headphone

Grell Audio has officially announced the global expansion of the OAE2, a high-end open-back headphone engineered by industry veteran Axel Grell. Following a successful debut in Germany, the OAE2 is set for a wider rollout across the US, UK, and international markets starting March 31, 2026.

The OAE2 represents the culmination of three decades of acoustic expertise, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional headphone listening and the natural spatial presentation of professional studio monitors.

A New Philosophy in Acoustic Geometry:

Unlike conventional headphones that position drivers directly over the ear canal, the OAE2 utilizes a front-oriented acoustic concept. This design mimics the way sound waves interact with the outer ear (pinna) and the human torso when listening to loudspeakers. By preserving these natural localization cues, Grell aims to deliver a “speaker-like” experience characterized by realistic depth and scale, rather than an “in-head” soundstage.

“The OAE2 is not intended to be another conventional open-back headphone,” the company stated. “The goal is a presentation that feels stable, believable, and closer to nearfield monitors.”

Technical Innovation and Academic Research:

The development of the OAE2 is rooted in a long-standing collaboration with Leibniz University Hannover. This partnership focuses on the psychoacoustics of spatial hearing, ensuring that the OAE2’s physical architecture and tuning are informed by empirical data.

The headphone is built around a 40 mm wideband dynamic transducer featuring a bio-cellulose membrane. To ensure precision, the design incorporates a German-made stainless-steel mesh for controlled damping.

Engineering for Longevity:

Beyond its acoustic properties, the OAE2 is designed with a focus on sustainability and serviceability.

Key features:

• • Open-back over-ear headphone
  • Newly optimised dynamic driver design
  • Acoustically refined housing for improved airflow and spatial presentation
  • Natural, neutral tuning with exceptional detail retrieval
  • Premium build quality for long-lasting comfort
  • Designed by Axel Grell with a focus on pure acoustic performance

Technical specifications:

• Frequency response: 12 Hz – 34 kHz (-3 dB) / 6 Hz – 46 kHz (-10 dB)
• Transducer principle: Dynamic
• Ear coupling: Circum-aural
• Nominal impedance: 38 Ω
• Sensitivity: 100 dB (1 kHz, 1 VRMS)
• THD: 0.05% (1 kHz, 100 dB)
• Weight (without cable): 378 g

Pricing and Availability: 

The Grell OAE2 will make its North American public debut at CanJam NYC (March 7–8), where attendees can audition the units and place pre-orders.

The official international release is scheduled for March 31, 2026, with a retail price of $599 USD / £499 GBP / €499 EUR. It will be available via grellaudio.com and selected specialist retailers.

About Grell Audio:

Led by Axel Grell, the engineer behind some of the world’s most iconic headphones, including the HD 600 and HD 800. Grell Audio is a specialized firm dedicated to advancing the science of sound. Through high-level consulting and independent product development, the company continues to push the boundaries of high-fidelity audio.

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