Tag: audio

grado

Grado’s all new Signature S950 headphones: Premium sound in a handcrafted Brazilian walnut shell

Post author By armourpress
Post date 19 February 2025
No Comments on Grado’s all new Signature S950 headphones: Premium sound in a handcrafted Brazilian walnut shell

Grado Labs, world-renowned designer and manufacturer of award-winning headphones, announces the release of its latest open-back headphone, the Signature S950. Building on the success of the recently released HP100 SE, the Signature S950 is the second headphone to become part of the new Signature line.

Staying true to Grado’s longstanding tradition of using woods in crafting their headphone housings, this model utilizes a Brazilian Walnut, the first time Grado has chosen this family of woods. Grado finds that different woods offer distinct sonic characteristics allowing this headphone its own sound signature which contrasts the more analytical, machined aluminium HP100 SE stablemate.

Lightweight but durable, the Signature S950 is crafted from Brazilian walnut. Weighing only 395 grams it offers a comfortable fit and reduced fatigue for those long listening sessions. The wood grain of each individually crafted housing is never identical, bringing a special one-of-kind quality to each build.

Walnut, known for its density and resistance to decay, has been chosen for a relaxed musical presentation and stability. The lack of expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature or humidity helps maintain the acoustical characteristics. Brazilian walnut is grown in the tropical rain forests of the Amazon, and sustainable practices help protect the ecosystems in the area.

Speaker design

The Signature S950 utilises a version of the new Grado 52mm S driver originally designed for the award-winning Signature HP100 SE. While developing this new 52mm driver, Grado aimed to create a speaker that delivers exceptional high-frequency detail, a smooth midrange, and powerful bass while maintaining minimal distortion, ensuring a musically and harmonically accurate sound.

To achieve this, a paper composite cone was selected, paired with a high-flux magnetic circuit made from rare earth alloys. The driver also features a lightweight copper-plated aluminum voice coil. Together, the advanced magnetic circuit and voice coil enhance dynamics and transient response while providing a refined sense of space, soundstage, detail and imaging.

While the award-winning Signature HP100 SE has been lauded by recording engineers and consumers around the world as detailed, revealing and accurate to the recorded piece, the Signature S950 has a more neutral and balanced sound, providing a broad brushstroke to the musical presentation – a presentation that allows the listener to experience a relaxed personal insight to what the music is communicating.

Detachable cables

The Grado Signature line will continue to feature detachable cables. First introduced with the launch of the Signature HP100 SE, these new cables have been a welcome change to Grado headphones. The Signature S950 headphone will ship standard with the Grado Signature Gold cable, with a length of 6 feet and a 6.35mm single ended termination. All new Grado cables have been redesigned with a softer more durable braided finish as well as an improved insulation that enhances flexibility while reducing overall weight.

The cable connects to each housing via a 4-pin balanced mini XLR plug. Future Grado detachable cables will be available with termination options, there will be a 4-pin balanced XLR termination and 4.4mm balanced termination, variable cable lengths will also be available. The detachable cables allow users to customize their headphones to best match their source and personal preferences.

Headband assembly design

The Signature S950 will utilise the new headband assembly that was first made available on the Signature HP100 SE. Built for long listening sessions, the updated headband includes 50% more padding than earlier Grado models. It features a stainless-steel band and adjustable height rods, allowing for a customized fit that helps reduce listening fatigue.

Grado Labs has crafted the engraved gimbals from an aluminum alloy, while the stainless-steel height rod adds stability at the connection point. The height rod is designed to remain secure to the junction block as well as restrict the housing rotation to 105 degrees, helping minimise wear over time.

The Grado Signature S950 is available in March, priced (MSRP): £2,495 / $2,195

Technical specifications

Transducer Type: Dynamic

Operating Principle: Open Air

Frequency response: 3.5 Hz – 51.5 kHz

THD: <0.1% @100 dB

SPL 1mW: 115 dB

Nominal impedance: 38 ohms

Driver size: 52 mm

Driver Matched dB: 0.4 dB

Cable type: 12-conductor detachable

Headphone Connection: 4pin Mini XLR

Source Connection: 6.3 mm

Earpad Supplied: G Cushions and F Cushions

To buy the Signature S950 and discover other Grado products please visit www.grado.co.uk

IMAGE DOWNLOAD GALLERY

Tags audio, grado, headphone, headphones, hi-fi, high-end, music, open-back, premium, wired

grado

Grado’s new Signature HP100 SE headphones are a contemporary homage to the trailblazing high-end HP1 model heralding a new design direction

Grado Labs, world-renowned designer and manufacturer of award-winning headphones, announces the release of its newest and flagship model, the Signature HP100 SE. Grado Labs founder Joseph Grado created what many consider to be the high-end headphone market with the release of the Signature HP1 headphone in the early 1990s. In recognition of Joseph Grado’s 100^th birthday and this industry milestone, Grado Labs is introducing these Special Edition headphones. “Although Uncle Joe left us 10 years ago, he will always be a presence at Grado Labs”, says Joseph’s nephew and Grado’s CEO, John Grado.

While the HP100 SE pays homage to Grado’s illustrious past, these headphones are a contemporary version of a true classic, with a new design from the ground up. With newly engineered drivers, the HP100 SE also boasts detachable cables, as well as a fresh headband assembly. This also ushers in a new direction for future Grado headphone releases. As always, the HP100 SE is hand-assembled in its Brooklyn-based headquarters.

New speaker design

At the heart of the HP100 SE is a completely new speaker design. In considering the attributes of a new 52mm driver, Grado’s goal was to deliver a speaker that produced excellent high frequency resolution, midrange smoothness and bass energy with low distortion, resulting in a voicing that is musically and harmonically correct.

A new paper composite cone was chosen, alongside a powerful high flux magnetic circuit using rare earth alloys, and a new voice coil made from lightweight copper-plated aluminium. This new magnetic circuit coupled with the voice coil produces excellent dynamics and transient response, along with a highly refined sense of space, soundstage and image.

Modern housing design with detachable cables

Honouring the recognizable heritage of the original Signature HP1/2/3 headphone designs but with a modern feel, the housings are individually machined from specially treated aluminium with the product name neatly engraved on the face. The HP100 SE arrives in a stylish space grey finish.

The HP100 SE is the first Grado model to feature detachable cables. A departure from the cable currently employed on the Statement Series, it has been engineered to a softer but durable braided finish, with cable insulation that improves flexibility and decreases the overall weight of the cable.

Terminated with a 6.3mm plug, it connects to each housing via a 4pin mini XLR plug. Additional detachable cable options such as 4pin XLR termination, 4.4mm balanced termination, and various cable lengths available in the future. This allows for the cable to be changed based on customer needs for source side termination and cable range.

Headband assembly redesign

The HP100 SE’s headband assembly has changed from the classic Grado models. Designed for comfort during long listening sessions, the new headband features 50% more padding than previous Grado designs, with a stainless steel band and height rods that can be adjusted for the perfect fit to minimize listening fatigue.

Grado Labs engraved gimbals are made from an aluminum alloy, and the stainless steel height rod enhances the stability of the point where they meet. The height rod is also designed to not slide out of the junction block if the zinc alloy end caps become dislodged. This mechanism limits housing rotation to 105-degrees to reduce wear and tear.

The Grado Signature HP100 SE is available in November, priced (MSRP): £2,795 / $2,495

Technical specifications

Transducer Type: Dynamic

Operating Principle: Open Air

Frequency response: 3.5 Hz – 51.5 kHz

THD: <0.1% @100 dB

SPL 1mW: 117 dB

Nominal impedance: 38 ohms

Driver size: 52 mm

Driver Matched dB: 0.4 dB

Cable type: 12-conductor detachable

Headphone Connection: 4pin Mini XLR

Source Connection: 6.3 mm

Earpad type: G-cushions

To buy the Signature HP100 SE and discover other Grado products please visit www.grado.co.uk

IMAGE DOWNLOADS

Tags audio, grado, headphone, headphones, hi-fi, high-end, listening, music, open-back, wired

grado

Grado introduces GW100x wireless open-back headphones with new fourth gen X drivers and superior Bluetooth performance

Post author By armourpress
Post date 15 November 2022
No Comments on Grado introduces GW100x wireless open-back headphones with new fourth gen X drivers and superior Bluetooth performance

Grado today introduces the GW100x Bluetooth^® open-back headphones – the third edition of its award-winning wireless series. The GW100 series was the first and only open-back Bluetooth^® headphone on the market, with the latest model offering a newly enhanced fourth generation X series driver design, superior Bluetooth^® 5.2 wireless technology and improved 46-hour battery life.

New redesigned fourth generation X Drivers offer superior sound performance.
Improved 46-hour battery life from a two-hour charge.
Low energy and low latency Bluetooth® 5.2 technology for improved battery life and a more robust connection.
Boasts dynamically adjustable audio codec,aptX™ Adaptive, as well as standard AAC and SBC codecs for high-quality wireless audio.
USB-C connection for charging.

Introducing X driver design

This GW100x boasts Grado’s enhanced fourth generation X series driver design which features a more powerful magnetic circuit, a voice coil with decreased effective mass, and a reconfigured diaphragm. The re-engineering of these components for our 44mm drivers improves the efficiency while reducing distortion and preserves the harmonic integrity of your music.

Based on the original GW100 design, the speaker housings and internals have been designed from the ground up, now working in tandem to notably diminish escaping sound by up to 60%* There is a design language that’s seen throughout all Grado headphones since the company’s first ever model was released in 1991. The GW100x continues this, looking like it’s part of the family simply at a glance. These wireless Grado headphones are a milestone in our seven-decade history.

New Bluetooth and wireless codecs

The GW100x now features the low energy and low latency Bluetooth^® 5.2 technology for improved battery life and a more robust connection. Also on board is the dynamically adjustable audio codec, aptX™ Adaptive, as well as standard AAC and SBC codecs. Enhanced pairing also lets you switch between two devices more efficiently.

Improved battery life now offers up to 46 hours** of listening on a two-hour charge (now via USB-C). Forget to charge your GW100x? You can use the supplied 3.5mm headphone cable to connect to your device for continuous playback.

Lightweight and comfortable, with a padded headband, the GW100x is the perfect choice for long listening sessions enjoying your favourite music. The built-in microphone makes taking a phone call or getting on a virtual meeting simple. Easy to locate controls on the earpiece offer you full functionality, and you’ll also have the ability to control your GW100x from your connected device.

The GW100x comes supplied with a USB-C to USB-A cable for charging and a 3.5mm headphone cable for a wired connection.

The Grado GW100x is available now, priced £249 / $275

*As compared to our wired headphones. Leakage reduction varies in certain situations. This is based on a reasonable distance, angle, and genre of music played.

**Based on 50% volume throughout playtime. Battery varies due to volume and musical genre

Technical specifications

Bluetooth^® Version: 5.2

Battery Life: 46 hours**

Charging time: 2 hours

Codecs: aptX™ adaptive, AAC, SBC

Frequency Response: 20Hz~20KHz

Nominal Impedance: 38 ohms

Mic Sensitivity: 42dB +/- 3db

Battery Capacity: 850mAh

Working Distance: 10m

In the box: Headphones, USB-C to USB-A cable, 3.5mm headphone cable, instruction booklet

To buy the GW100x and discover other Grado products please visit www.grado.co.uk

IMAGE DOWNLOADS

Tags audio, audiophile, Bluetooth, grado, headphones, music, streaming, wireless

grado

New Grado Statement X series headphones combine cocobolo, maple, ipê, metal and the largest driver yet

Post author By armourpress
Post date 19 August 2022
No Comments on New Grado Statement X series headphones combine cocobolo, maple, ipê, metal and the largest driver yet

Grado is introducing the new Statement Series, which brings fourth-generation X Drivers to the wooden GS3000x and GS1000x. The GS1000x combines mahogany and ipê wood, while the GS3000x houses our most powerful driver yet inside a metal chamber surrounded by a single body of cocobolo wood. Along with the superior sound these new drivers produce, the GS3000x and GS1000x also utilise Grado’s improved 12-conductor braided cable and new headbands. Both are hand assembled in Brooklyn, New York.

The new flagship GS3000x is the best sounding headphone Grado has released in their seven-decade history. The largest driver to be placed in a Grado headphone yet, the new 52mm speaker is specifically tuned to embrace the tenacity of cocobolo and precision of metal. This speaker design features a more powerful magnetic circuit, a voice coil with decreased effective mass, and a reconfigured diaphragm. Teeming with texture and emotion, cocobolo’s sonic properties and innate mass makes it perfect for the new speakers. They paired this with a metal inner chamber to add even more mass, which lets them control the rigidity of our largest driver yet. Cocobolo has striking patterns and colour that tend to vary from pair to pair.

Continuing over two decades of one of Grado’s most important headphone designs, the now hybrid GS1000x sees mahogany and ipê wood come together for the first time. Mahogany has been a long -standing material in almost all of Grado’s wooden headphones and phono cartridges, so combining it with a wood not yet used in a Grado called for a delicate balance. Mahogany still exudes warmth and texture, while ipê improves the structural integrity of the sound passing through the grains of the housing. The GS1000x features a 50mm-sized driver.

“I remember trying on the first GS1000 decades ago when my dad (John Grado) brought the first pair upstairs from the workbench”, says Jonathan Grado. “I was seven or eight and they swallowed my head. The fact that they are in their fourth generation today is a testament to the design of the original GS1000. And I’m sure my mom has that photo somewhere.”

In thirty years Grado Labs has only released four generations of drivers, the speaker inside the headphone. Avoiding yearly update cycles “just because”, Grado has made sure to only place new drivers inside their headphones when there is a significant upgrade. The X Drivers bring a completely redesigned speaker and new harmony to the inner workings of the GS3000x and GS1000x. Each one is specifically tuned for the wooden enclosure they’re in. In Grado’s pursuit for the betterment of sonic reproduction, the Brooklyn company is using a first-time wood in their line-up, ipê, and released their largest driver yet at 52mm.

The Grado Statement X Series will be available from September priced (SRP):

Grado Statement GS1000x – £1,295/ $1,195

Grado Statement GS1000x with Balanced XLR connectors – £1,495 / $1,365

Grado Statement GS3000x – £2,195 / $1,995

Grado Statement GS3000x with Balanced XLR connectors – £2,395 / $2,165

Model	Frequency Response	SPL 1mW	Nominal Impedance	Driver Matched dB:	Cable type
GS1000x	8- 35,000 hz	99.8 dB	38 ohms	.05 dB	12 -conductor
GS3000x	4- 51,000 hz	99.8 dB	38 ohms	.05 dB	12 -conductor

To buy the Grado Statement X Series and discover other Grado products please visit www.grado.co.uk

Image downloads

Grado Statement GS3000x

Grado Statement GS1000x

Tags audio, audiophile, grado, headphones, music, statement, wood, x drivers

grado

Combining maple, cocobolo and hemp wood, the Grado RS1x and RS2x are now built with 4th gen drivers

Post author By armourpress
Post date 9 November 2021
No Comments on Combining maple, cocobolo and hemp wood, the Grado RS1x and RS2x are now built with 4th gen drivers

grado, grado labs, grado headphones, sunset park, brooklyn, hand built, handmade, brooklyn headphone company, rs1x, x series, 4th gen driver, wood, maple

Grado Labs is introducing the new Reference Series, which brings fourth generation X Drivers to the RS1x and RS2x. The RS2x combines maple and hemp wood, while the RS1x combines maple, cocobolo, and hemp wood. These newly built speakers are the fourth generation of drivers the Brooklyn company has designed since the introduction of the first Grado headphone in 1991. Along with the superior sound these new drivers produce, the RS1x and RS2x are now built with a new durable cable and new headbands.

Leading the way for our new fourth generation X Drivers, the redesigned RS1x combines a 50mm driver with three species of wood for the first time into a vivacious and elegant headphone. The housing is made of a maple sleeve, hemp core, and cocobolo outer ring. Grado builds with wood for its warm and embracing tonal abilities, but finding the right balance of three separate woods is no simple task.

The reward is an RS1x that opens Grado to a new level of sound. Their little brother, the RS2x, focuses on maple and hemp wood to bring out the most they have to offer with a 44mm driver. This is the first time X Drivers are built into wooden housings, and needed to be finely tuned for their specific environments. This combination brings out harmonic colors, a rich vocality, and the mid-range Grado is known for.

“In 1994 my dad (John Grado) went downstairs in the middle of the night to build our first RS1 headphone”, says Jonathan Grado. “It’s kind of extraordinary that this middle-of-the-night idea is now evolving into an even greater headphone 27 years later.”

The X Drivers bring a completely redesigned speaker and new harmony to the inner workings of the RS1x and RS2x. Each one is specifically tuned for the wooden enclosure they’re built into.

Grado has increased the magnetic power of the speaker while decreasing the effective mass of the voice coil. Along with the reconfigured diaphragm, this unison creates a speaker that represents the truest presentation of the original source.

Along with the new X Drivers, the RS1x and RS2x are now built with new durable 8-conductor cables and white-stitched leather headbands.