More than sound – a presence you can feel 

High-end headphones have made big strides over the past decade, yet many still struggle to deliver the natural presence of loudspeakers. The physical impact of low frequencies and the smoothness of a studio-grade treble response are usually missing.

The Grell OAE2 was created to change that. It offers bass that is not only heard but physically felt, paired with a treble response that avoids artificial peaks. The result is a listening experience that feels less like headphone playback and more like a direct connection to the music.

Open-back, redefined by science This performance begins with a carefully selected bio-cellulose driver, engineered for low distortion and fast response. A novel damping system lowers the resonance frequency so that the response extends into the sub bass, producing a bass foundation unmatched by most open headphones. 

At the other end of the spectrum, a German-made stainless steel mesh and front-mounted drivers enhance interaction with the outer ear, opening up the soundstage for an airy, coherent presentation. These design choices are backed by research with the Institute for Communications Technology at Leibniz University Hanover, where the effect of sound incidence on pinna anatomy is studied to refine accuracy across listeners.

The OAE2 is as practical as it is ambitious. Plush, acoustically transparent ear cushions allow long sessions without fatigue.

Metal injection-moulded parts ensure strength under heavy use. And its modular architecture means every component can be replaced, extending the headphone’s life into decades.

Where most manufacturers try to mask limitations with boosted treble, the OAE2 takes a different path. It embraces stronger bass response, closer to what you experience in real environments, while keeping the upper range honest and natural. The result is a balance that experienced listeners will recognise as closer to reference loudspeakers: detailed, accurate, and free from unnecessary coloration.

The team behind OAE2 carries decades of experience shaping iconic models: from the Sennheiser HD 560S, HD 650 and the HD 800 and HE 1, Neumann NDH 30 and Heavis H1H, as well dozens of other successful headphone models. With OAE2, that legacy continues in a design that combines technical innovation with a delightful user experience.