Grell Audio Goes Wide

Grell has announced the upcoming wider international availability of the OAE2, its open-back headphone developed by Axel Grell, whose work has shaped high-end headphone listening for more than three decades. Following its initial release in Germany, the OAE2 is now set to roll out across the US, UK and additional international markets, bringing Grell’s research-led acoustic approach to a broader audience.

Designed and engineered in Germany, the OAE2 is built around a clear objective; to move headphone listening closer to the way we experience sound from loudspeakers, with realistic depth, placement and scale rather than a purely “in-head” presentation.

The OAE2 represents the clearest expression yet of Grell’s design philosophy, combining long-established engineering experience with ongoing research into how we actually perceive sound when listening on headphones.

Following its initial German release, Grell OAE2 is set to roll out internationally from 31 March, launching across the US, UK and wider markets The OAE2 will make its first US public appearance at CanJam NYC (7–8 March), where attendees can audition the headphones and place pre-orders.

A different starting point for open-back design

The OAE2 is not intended to be another conventional open-back headphone. Rather than placing the sound source directly over the ear and firing sound straight into the ear canal, Grell’s design positions the acoustic output to work more deliberately with the outer ear and the natural localisation cues the brain uses to interpret space.

The concept is based on a simple observation: when listening to speakers, sound reaches the ear after interacting with the head, pinna and upper body. This creates subtle timing, phase and tonal cues that help the brain determine direction and distance. With the OAE2, Grell aims to preserve more of that process in headphone listening, encouraging a soundstage that feels wider, deeper and more externalised.

Engineering and build, designed for long-term ownership

Beyond acoustics, OAE2 reflects Grell’s belief that premium headphones should be serviceable, durable and designed for long-term use.

The headphone uses a 40 mm wideband dynamic transducer with a bio-cellulose membrane, combined with a carefully implemented damping strategy that includes a precision-manufactured stainless-steel mesh produced in Germany. Key components including the fully metal frame are modular and replaceable, allowing the headphone to be maintained over time rather than treated as disposable.

Packaging follows the same philosophy, with a move towards plastic-free materials and minimal waste, reinforcing Grell’s focus on sustainability and long-term value.

What’s in the box

OAE2 is supplied with both balanced and single-ended connectivity options, supporting a wide range of headphone amplifiers and source equipment.

– 1.8 m single-ended cable (3.5 mm)

– 1.8 m balanced cable (4.4 mm)

– 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm screw-on adapter

– Carry case

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

For more information go to the Grell Audio website