Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

New Products

Grado RS1x & RS2x X Driver Headphones are a Tale of Two Timbers

The brand new Grado RS1x and RS2x X Driver Headphones are gorgeous looking cans that definitely don’t deliver a wooden presentation.

Grado Labs RS-1X Wood Headphones

Grado Labs has been one of the leading American manufacturers of phono cartridges and headphones for decades and the Brooklyn-based company is showing zero signs of slowing down. Having visited the “factory” and watched how their dedicated staff make each cartridge and headphone by hand — I can attest to the quality of their offerings. The family-owned business took advantage of the vinyl revolution and personal audio explosion to expand its lineup and offer a wide range of products that appeal to a very wide net of music listeners. The brand new Grado RS1x ($750 USD) and RS2x ($550 USD) X Driver Headphones have arrived in time for Black Friday and we’re rather impressed.

I’ve been a Grado customer for over 30 years and while I’m still looking for the guy who stole my pair of Grado SR-60s out of my knapsack on a bus outside of Eilat in 1996, I’ve added a Grado Timbre Series MI phono cartridge to my system in recent years and a slightly worn pair of Grado RS1s follow me everywhere.

There is definitely a Grado “house” sound; those who love rock and jazz are big fans of the cans made in Brooklyn and while some have opined over the years that Grado’s models are slightly etched sounding in the treble — I would make the case that Grado’s current lineup are much smoother sounding and one of the best values in headphones at any price.

Grado Labs RS-1X Headphones Angle
Grado Labs RS-1X

RS-1X Specifications:

  • Transducer type: dynamic
  • Operating principle: open air
  • Frequency Response: 12-30,000 hz
  • SPL 1mW: 99.8
  • Normal Impedance: 38ohms
  • Driver matched db: .05
  • MSRP: $750
Grado Labs RS-2X Headphones Angle
Grado Labs RS-2X

RS-2X Specifications:

  • Transducer type: dynamic
  • Operating principle: open air
  • Frequency Response: 14-28,000 hz
  • SPL 1mW: 99.8 dB
  • Normal Impedance: 38ohms
  • Driver matched db: .05
  • MSRP: $550

Morning Wood

The new Grado RS1x incorporate 4th generation X Drivers, and the redesigned RS1x combines maple, hemp, and cocobolo wood for a gorgeous looking headphone.

The RS1x are (like most Grado models) very easy to drive (99.8 dB sensitivity rating, 38 ohms) and I can see them be a fantastic match with a number of the new Dongle DACs like the Helm Audio Bolt, AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt, and Questyle M12.

The new RS1x are manufactured with a mix of different woods; For the first time, three different wood species are working together in a Grado headphone. The housing is made of a maple sleeve, hemp core, and cocobolo outer ring.

X Series Drivers

The RS1x is the first headphone to be built with the larger 50mm X Drivers. Specifically tuned for the tri-wood RS1x, this new speaker design features a more powerful magnetic circuit, a voice coil with decreased effective mass, and a reconfigured diaphragm. These reengineering components used in the 50mm drivers improve efficiency, reduces distortion, and preserve harmonic integrity.

New Cable & Headbands

Along with the speakers, the cables and headband have been redesigned for the RS1x. Housed in a more durable exterior, the now super annealed copper 8-conductor cable reveals even more of your music with improved purity. The new black leather headband features a white-stitched accent.

Grado headphones have come a very long way in that regard and it will be interesting to see how these feel on your head during extended listening sessions. My biggest complaint over the years with their headphones has been the slightly snug headband on my rather large head. Anything that make them more comfortable is a win.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Grado Labs RS-2X Wood Headphones
Grado Labs RS-2X

Afternoon Wood

The less expensive RS2x headphones offer similar specs (99.8 dB sensitivity, 38 ohms) but there is no way that the driver is exactly the same considering the $200 difference in price. A quick look reveals that the RS2x utilizes a 44mm driver instead of the 50mm driver in its more expensive sibling.

Maple, Meet Hemp

A family favorite, the RS2x has been completely redesigned to bring out the full potential of its maple and hemp wood. The housing’s sleeve and ring are made from maple, while a hemp core keeps everything together.

X Series Drivers

The 4th generation 44mm driver is specifically tuned for the RS2x wood housing; this new speaker design features a more powerful magnetic circuit, a voice coil with decreased effective mass, and a reconfigured diaphragm.

For more information: Grado Labs Reference Series

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement

Latest Products

2024 Panasonic Z85A, Z95A and W95A Series 4K OLED TVs

HDTV 4K & 8K TV

Panasonic is releasing two 65-inch OLED TVs along with four Mini LED TVs (55 - 85-inches) with Amazon's Fire TV built-in.

Technics SL-1300G Turntable Silver Technics SL-1300G Turntable Silver

New Products

At $3,299, Technics New Generation Grand Class SL-1300G Direct Drive Turntable features new motor drive technology and power supply.

Beyerdynamic MMX 330 PRO Open-Back Gaming Headset worn on woman Beyerdynamic MMX 330 PRO Open-Back Gaming Headset worn on woman

New Products

At $329, Beyerdynamic's first open-back gaming headset features a STELLAR.45 driver with high quality 10mm condenser microphone.

Sony MDR-M1 Professional Headphones in studio Sony MDR-M1 Professional Headphones in studio

New Products

Fans of Sony's MDR Pro line of professional wired studio headphones will be happy to hear there's a new reference in town.

Totem Acoustic KIN One Bookshelf Speakers Front Colors Totem Acoustic KIN One Bookshelf Speakers Front Colors

Bookshelf Speakers

At $599/pair, the Totem Acoustic KIN ONE bookshelf speakers promise performance far beyond its size and price.

Kanto R600 TV Mount over Fireplace Lifestyle Kanto R600 TV Mount over Fireplace Lifestyle

A/V Furniture & Accessories

Need to wall mount an extra large display or looking for a swivel TV stand? Kanto has three unique solutions under $400.

Gift Ideas?

Back to School Tech Gift Guide 2024

Gift Guides

Bring function, style and entertainment to any educational experience with tech that kids will absolutely love.

You May Also Like

New Products

At $329, Beyerdynamic's first open-back gaming headset features a STELLAR.45 driver with high quality 10mm condenser microphone.

Over-Ear Headphones

At $2,600, the STAX SR-L700 MK2 combo with SRM-D10 MK2 energizer delivers a magical listening experience.

Over-Ear Headphones

At only $399, the Audeze MM-100 planar magnetic headphones are going to please a lot of studio professionals and audiophiles alike.

New Products

At $1,599, Audio-Technica's limited edition wooden audiophile over-ear headphones are handcrafted in Tokyo, but only 300 will be made.

New Products

At $8,000, the flagship HiFiMAN SUSVARA UNVEILED planar-magnetic headphones offer a complete open design (without grilles) to eliminate undesired sound reflections.

Over-Ear Headphones

At $449, find out how the FiiO FT5 open-back planar magnetic headphones compare to Audeze MM-100, Sennheiser HD660s and Beyerdynamic DT1990 Pro.

Over-Ear Headphones

At $479, Sennheiser's HD 490 Pro Plus are two headphones in one with interchangeable ear pads that dramatically alter the sound.

Over-Ear Headphones

At $36,000, Warwick Acoustics APERIO delivers one of the most spectacular headphone experiences we've ever tried.

Advertisement

ecoustics is a hi-fi and music magazine offering product reviews, podcasts, news and advice for aspiring audiophiles, home theater enthusiasts and headphone hipsters. Read more

Copyright © 1999-2024 ecoustics | Disclaimer: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.



SVS Bluesound PSB Speakers NAD Cambridge Audio Q Acoustics Denon Marantz Focal Naim Audio RSL Speakers