Short answer: the Neumann NDH30. It ranks #224 of 481 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.6/5, at $699. The Grell OAE2 ranks #261, rated 3.5/5, at $599, $100 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
What the Neumann NDH30 does well: In oratory1990’s measurement the bass from 60 to 200 Hz lands right on target and sub-bass stays within 6 dB down to 20 Hz, only 3.9 dB short at 30 Hz, so this open back reaches deeper than many rivals of its type. The tradeoff: A 12.5 dB dip near 9.7 kHz leaves the treble about 5 dB and the air band about 6 dB below target, so cymbals and spatial detail sound subdued.
What the Grell OAE2 does well: An open-back from Axel Grell with front angled 40mm drivers for a speaker-like presentation, weighing 0.8 lbs (378 g). The catch: Sub-bass falls about 3.6 dB short at 30 Hz.
Buy the Neumann NDH30. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $100 saving on the Grell OAE2 is not enough to make up the difference.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
In oratory1990’s measurement the bass from 60 to 200 Hz lands right on target and sub-bass stays within 6 dB down to 20 Hz, only 3.9 dB short at 30 Hz, so this open back reaches deeper than many rivals of its type.
B&H Photo Video $699.00 eBay
An open-back from Axel Grell with front angled 40mm drivers for a speaker-like presentation, weighing 378 g.
Grell Audio $599.00 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann NDH30 | Grell OAE2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.00 | $599.00 |
| Ranked | #224 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #261 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 72 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 70 (median of 3 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.43 dB standard deviation | 2.71 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.78 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.63 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-3.9 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-3.6 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Open | Open |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 38mm dynamic | 1 x 40mm dynamic (angled) |
| Impedance | 120 ohms | 38 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB SPL/V | 100 dB @1kHz |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (352 g) | - |
| Frequency Response | 12Hz - 34kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
Frequency Response Compared
Both headphones’ measurements overlaid on the Harman target. Above the target sounds louder in that range, below it quieter. Each curve is the median of several independent measurements, shifted so its 500 Hz to 2 kHz average sits at 0 dB, so only the tuning is compared.
Measurement data: the Neumann NDH30 from auricularesargentina, elrics and listener; the Grell OAE2 from aden, elrics and superreview, all via squig.link.
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