Grado's Fresh Signature S950 Headphones are Meticulously Crafted with Brazilian Walnut Enclosures
Grado Labs, the esteemed family-owned company based in Brooklyn, has introduced a new gem to its high-end lineup of open-back headphones. The all-new Signature S950 builds upon the success of their recent launch, the HP100 SE headphones, which were the first in Grados' new Signature series.
Keeping faith with Grado's age-old tradition of using wood for their handcrafted housings, this new model embraces the richness of Brazilian Walnut. It's the first time Grado has integrated this wood family into their designs, and it's chosen for its remarkable density and resistance to decay. Different woods bring forth diverse sonic characteristics, granting each Grado model a unique sound signature.
For instance, Brazilian Walnut delivers a more relaxed sound presentation, compared to the more analytical sound signatures of other wood types like machined aluminum, as seen in the HP100SE. This contrast allows audiophiles more options to tailor their listening experience to their personal preferences.
Weighing an effortless 395g, the S950 headphones boast a comfortable fit that reduces listener fatigue even during prolonged sessions. The durable nature of Brazilian Walnut ensures the perfect balance of weight and comfort. No two pairs of S950s are identical, as the wood grain on each handcrafted housing varies, making each pair a unique artwork.
Grado's engineers meticulously designed the S950's driver, borrowing elements from the award-winning Signature HP100 SE. Their objective was to create a driver that delivered exceptional high-frequency detail, a smooth midrange, and powerful bass, all while keeping distortion at a minimal level. The resulting sound was harmonically accurate and musically pleasing.
By merging a paper composite cone with a high-flux magnetic circuit made from rare earth alloys, Grado reached their goals. The driver also houses a lightweight copper-plated aluminum voice coil. The innovative magnetic circuit and voice coil dynamics enabled more advanced dynamic response, resulting in a wider soundstage, improved detail, and solid imaging.
The Signature S950 shares the detachable cables used in the HP100SE. The new cables have been warmly welcomed by Grado users, and the S950 comes with the Grado Signature Gold cable as standard, complete with a 6-foot length and a 6.35mm single-ended termination.
Grado's latest headband assembly appears first in the HP100 SE and has returned for the S950. The upgrade includes 50% more padding than earlier Grado models, ensuring a gloriously comfortable fit for long-duration listening sessions. The new headband also includes a stainless-steel band and adjustable height rods for a customized fit.
Each housing on the S950 receives an engraved gimbals made from aluminum alloy, while the stainless-steel height rods add extra stability and security at the connection point. The height rod is engineered to remain secured to the junction block and limit the housing rotation to a 105-degree range.
The Signature S950 headphones hit the market in March, priced at $2,195 / £2,495. The impressive technical specifications include:
- Transducer type: Dynamic
- Operating principle: Open
- Frequency response: 3.5Hz – 51.5kHz
- THD: ≤0.1% at 100dB
- SPL @ 1mW: 115dB
- Nominal impedance: 38Ω
- Driver diameter: 52mm
- Driver matched dB: ±0.4dB
- Cable type: 12-conductor detachable
- Headphone connection: 4-pin Mini XLR
- Source connection: 6.3mm
Sound enthusiasts eager for a headphone that delivers a balanced, neutral, and relaxed sound presentation may find the Grado Signature S950 fitting the bill.
- Some audiophiles might prefer the Grado Signature S950 over other open-back headphones due to its customizable fit, thanks to the adjustable headband assembly and unique wood grain on each handcrafted housing.
- If you're a fan of Grado's high-end open-back headphones and enjoy tailoring your listening experience, you might be interested in customizing your sound signature with the Grado Labs' new open-back headphones, the Signature S950.
- Despite the layoffs faced by Grado Labs, their commitment to quality and innovation remains strong with the introduction of the Signature S950, an open-back headphone that boasts a Grado-signature sound and unique customization options.
