Grado GT220 Review – Built Different

Comparisons –

Lypertek TEVI ($109): The TEVI epitomises a no-frill audiophile experience and at a very reasonable price. The fit is not as stable as the Grado’s but isolation and usability are similarly strong. It has a more balanced tuning than the GT220 at the cost of being less engaging. The TEVI has a mild sub-bass focus too but slightly less extension and less bass emphasis overall. It has higher separation and a notably cleaner mid-bass while the GT220 has more rumble and power though also less detail and definition.

The midrange is cleaner as well on the TEVI and a bit more linear and coherent. The GT220 has higher clarity and similarly strong definition alongside a slightly more inviting light warm tone. The treble is crisper and slightly more detailed on the GT220 while the TEVI is a bit smoother with more instrument body. The GT220 has a similarly sized stage and similar imaging acuity but the TEVI’s more linear tuning grants it better separation.

ADV. M5 TWS ($149): The M5 targets the Harman curve but ends up sounding a bit brighter. It is also audio-focused but less stable in the ear than the GT220. The GT220 has more bass and better extension, the M5 has a mild sub-bass focus but a more linear mid-bass. The M5 has a quicker driver with higher control, it is more defined and detailed in the bass in turn. The GT220 has better depth and dynamics on the contrary. The M5 has a brighter midrange and less bass to balance it out. It comes across as more upper-mid focused.

The GT220 is slightly more natural with a bit more smoothness and warmth to counterbalance its similarly forward upper-midrange. The GT220 also isn’t as intense as its bass sits further forward. Both also have crisp trebles, the M5 has higher emphasis so it has a bit more shimmer and headroom. The M5 has better detail retrieval and extension. It has a noticeably wider soundstage and better layering and imaging. I feel its forward midrange can affect separation, that said. 

Hifiman TWS800 ($299): At the same price and from another company with audiophile heritage, the TWS800 is a prime competitor. The user experience is immediately not as refined as the GT220 nor is it as ergonomic. In return, it offers a more traditional balanced audiophile tuning with higher coherence. Its bass has similar depth but greater dynamics and tightness with its discrete internal amplifier. The GT220 has more quantity and rumble but also less control and definition in general. The TWS800 is warmer throughout and less sub-bass biased.

Its midrange, in turn, is fuller, warmer and more coherent in addition to being more balanced with its bass. The GT220 is more vocal-biased and it is much higher in definition, clarity and separation. Both have a crisp lower-treble, the GT220 has slightly higher energy and fine detail retrieval but also less body. The TWS800 has a slightly larger soundstage and sharper imaging while the GT220 has better separation.

Verdict –

Recently, we’ve seen quite a few dedicated audio companies tackle TWS and this is a great thing in my eyes as this means the form factor is becoming more accessible and more diverse which inevitably drives up quality and innovation. That’s not to say that all attempts have achieved success so, going into this review, I had no idea what to expect from Grado’s first TWS models and also one of their first in-ears in general. However, colour me impressed, what they’ve created is a fine-sounding earphone with stable, reliable wireless connectivity and a very well sealing and isolating design. This means the user receives a streamlined experience with no features that impede convenience nor sound quality. By now it’s clear that the GT220 is an audio-focused earphone and, in turn, if you value headset functionality or customizability via app control, it will leave you wanting. Otherwise, the highly isolating design, strong battery life and highly appealing sound make it a good gateway for those accustomed to wired in-ears. It is not the most technical on the market and some background hiss is present for those sensitive. However, it remains easily one of the most tasteful and refined TWS earphones for both critical and portable listening, making the GT220 hard to beat for those wanting a non-frills experience and excellent sound quality.

The GT220 is available from Grado (International) for $259 USD at the time of writing. I am not affiliated with Grado or Busisoft and receive no earnings from purchases through these links.

Track List –

Beck – Mellow Gold

Bob Segar – Night Moves

Brb. – Sorry That I Love You

Courtney Barnett – Sometimes I Sit and Think and Sometimes I Just Sit

Crush – NAPPA

Diamond Pistols – Time Machine

Dire Straits – Communique

Dirty Loops – Next To You

Eagles – Hell Freezes Over

Elton John – Honky Chateau

Eric Clapton – Unplugged

Joji – Sanctuary

John Mayer – New Light

LEE SUHYUN – ALIEN

MAMAMOO – TRAVEL

Nirvana – Nevermind

Pixies – Doolittle

Post Malone – beerbongs & bentleys

Radiohead – OK Computer

Rich Brain – The Sailor

Vampire Weekend – Father of the Bride