The renowned Drop brand has introduced a new version of the Drop + Grell OAE1 headphones in collaboration with experienced audio technology developer Axel Grell. These headphones feature state-of-the-art technology and impressive sound quality, but are more affordable than the original model, which quickly sold out earlier this year. In this new edition, significant improvements have been made based on user feedback to further optimize the listening experience.
- Reduced clamping force and a single-sided cable for improved wearing comfort
- New color scheme in black with dark grey accents
- Wrap-around design for a realistic and natural sound field
- Significantly lower price compared to the first version
Improvements and design
The Drop + Grell OAE1 has been further developed in close consultation with the community and offers improved ergonomics. The reduced clamping force makes it more comfortable, especially for longer listening sessions. The single-sided 6.3 mm cable with insert indicator makes handling easier and increases flexibility in everyday use. The aesthetics have also been revised: With an elegant, all-black color scheme and subtle dark grey accents, the model has a particularly high-quality look and blends discreetly into different environments.
A highlight of the design is the special, ear-enclosing auricle structure. This is modeled on the human ear and enables a natural sound field. The forward-facing position of the drivers and the open design make the listening experience more realistic and avoid distracting reflections that could distort the sound. Instead, the headphones produce a detailed stereo reproduction that should appeal to audiophiles in particular.
Audio technology and sound quality
Thanks to Grell’s decades of experience in the field of audio technology, the OAE1 boasts an advanced sound concept. The headphones use dynamic transducers with a frequency response of 12 Hz to 32,000 Hz (-3 dB) or 6 Hz to 44,000 Hz (-10 dB), which can reproduce even the finest details. The forward-facing position of the drivers ensures that the natural ear sound field is optimally utilized, resulting in a precise yet natural sound. The open design supports this by regulating the sound pressure and enabling a particularly spatial sound reproduction.
The result of these carefully matched components is a headphone that not only reproduces highs and lows with impressive precision, but also allows the entire spatial sound of a track to be experienced. The Drop + Grell OAE1 also impresses with a sound pressure level of 106 dB and low distortion (THD at 1 kHz 100 dB: 0.05 %), delivering clear and undistorted sounds even at high volumes. With a nominal impedance of 38 Ω, it can be easily operated with mobile devices, guaranteeing a first-class sound experience even on the move.
Technical details at a glance
The Drop + Grell OAE1 is equipped with a 1.8 m long, single-sided and silver-coated OFC cable. A 3.5 mm stereo plug and an adapter to 6.3 mm are included so that it can be used flexibly with different equipment. With a weight of 375 g (without cable), it sits comfortably on the head and does not weigh you down. The ear pads completely enclose the ear and thus contribute to the impressive sound isolation without compromising the open design.
| Technical detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency response | 12 Hz – 32,000 Hz |
| Transducer principle | Dynamic |
| Nominal impedance | 38 Ω |
| Sound pressure level | 106 dB |
| THD at 1 kHz 100 dB | 0,05 % |
| Weight (without cable) | 375 g |
| Cable length | 1.8 m, silver-coated, one-sided |
| Connections | 3.5 mm plug, 6.3 mm adapter |
Conclusion: Premium sound accessible to more users
With the Drop + Grell OAE1, Drop is launching a convincing alternative on the market that is not only more attractively priced, but has also been further developed in terms of sound quality and user comfort. The OAE1 combines innovative design with audiophile sound and is aimed at all those who are looking for high-quality headphones without having to spend a fortune. Available now for 249 USD (instead of the original price of 299 USD), the headphones promise to win the hearts of music lovers with their sophisticated design and detailed sound reproduction.
