Introduction

The Grell OAE2 is an open-back, over-ear headphone designed for listeners who value spatial realism, tonal balance and long-term musical involvement. Instead of using a conventional driver layout that fires directly from the side of the ear, Grell places the drivers in front of the ear and angles them backward. This system, called Front-sided Sound Field Modulation, is intended to create a more forward, speaker-like presentation.

That makes the OAE2 an interesting choice for serious music lovers, hi-fi enthusiasts and critical listeners who want an open headphone with a more natural sense of space. It is not designed to impress with exaggerated bass or artificial sparkle. Its character is controlled, mature and deliberately balanced.

Build quality and finish

The Grell OAE2 feels solid, practical and well considered. Its appearance is more technical than luxurious, with open ear cups, a sturdy structure and a wide headband. At around 378 grams without the cable, it is not ultra-light, but it remains reasonable for an open audiophile headphone.

One of its strongest design points is its modular construction. Replaceable and repairable components make the OAE2 a more sustainable long-term product than many sealed or disposable alternatives. The ear pads are comfortable and the overall fit is stable. However, the headband can create some pressure on the top of the head for certain users. People with larger heads or sensitivity to headband hotspots should ideally test the fit before buying.

Ease of use and features

The OAE2 is a purely wired headphone. There is no Bluetooth, no active noise cancelling and no onboard control system. That is not a weakness in this context; it is a deliberate focus on sound quality. With a nominal impedance of 38 ohms and a sensitivity of 100 dB at 1 kHz and 1 VRMS, it is not especially difficult to drive. Still, it performs best with a good headphone amplifier, DAC/amp or high-quality portable player.

The supplied accessories are practical. Grell includes two 1.8 metre cables: one 3.5 mm cable with a 6.3 mm adapter and one balanced 4.4 mm cable. This makes the OAE2 suitable for desktop amplifiers, portable DACs and modern balanced sources. As an open-back headphone, it is best used at home, at a desk, in a studio or in a quiet listening space. It is not the right choice for commuting, flying or shared offices where sound leakage matters.

Sound quality / performance / listening experience

The Grell OAE2 sounds open, balanced and notably spacious. Its biggest strength is imaging. Instruments and voices are not simply locked inside the listener’s head. Instead, the presentation moves forward and outward, creating a more natural sense of placement than many conventional headphones. It does not truly replace loudspeakers in a room, but it does reduce the typical “inside the head” feeling.

Bass performance is controlled, articulate and more convincing than one might expect from an open dynamic design. This is not a bass-heavy headphone, and it will not satisfy listeners looking for maximum low-end weight. What it does offer is clean extension, good texture and proper integration with the rest of the frequency range.

The midrange is clear, natural and informative. Vocals are well positioned, acoustic instruments have believable tone, and complex arrangements remain easy to follow. Treble is detailed and open without sounding artificially sharpened. Depending on the recording and listening level, the upper midrange and lower treble can occasionally feel a little forward, but this is not a generally harsh headphone.

The OAE2 is particularly strong with jazz, classical music, acoustic recordings, singer-songwriter material, film scores and well-recorded pop. For aggressive rock, metal or electronic music that relies on direct impact, some listeners may prefer a more forceful or intimate tuning.

Comparison with similar products

Compared with classic open headphones such as the Sennheiser HD 600 and HD 650, the Grell OAE2 offers a more spacious and forward-facing soundstage. The HD 650 remains warmer and more intimate, while the OAE2 sounds more open, tighter and more modern in its spatial presentation.

Compared with planar magnetic competitors from brands such as Audeze or HIFIMAN, the OAE2 does not chase maximum speed or hyper-analytical detail. Instead, it focuses on coherence, natural tone and believable imaging. That makes it stand out for listeners who want a more speaker-like headphone experience.

Who is this product for?

The Grell OAE2 is best suited to listeners who use headphones mainly at home or at a dedicated desktop setup. It is ideal for hi-fi enthusiasts, critical music lovers and users with a good DAC, headphone amplifier or balanced portable source. It can also be useful for careful editing, monitoring and focused listening, provided the open-back design is not an issue.

Pros

• Spacious, natural and forward-oriented presentation
• Excellent imaging and instrument separation
• Controlled bass for an open-back dynamic headphone
• Fairly easy to drive
• Includes both 3.5/6.3 mm and balanced 4.4 mm cables
• Modular, service-friendly construction

Cons

• Open design leaks sound and offers little isolation
• Headband comfort depends on head shape
• Not ideal for bassheads or very aggressive music
• Functional design may not feel as premium as some rivals

Conclusion

The Grell OAE2 is a distinctive open-back headphone with a serious audiophile focus. Its strengths are spatial realism, tonal balance, controlled bass and a natural, unforced listening experience. It is not the most spectacular or bass-heavy headphone in its class, but that is exactly the point. For listeners who want an open headphone that sounds spacious, precise and believable, the Grell OAE2 is a very compelling option.