Grado Labs , the Brooklyn - base audio fellowship known for its wired , unfastened - back audiophile headphone , has just released the Signature S950 — the second example in its Signature serial publication — crafted from Brazilian walnut . you could buy the S950 for $ 2,195 from gradolabs.com .
The S950 partake much in common with theGrado Signature HP100 SE , the first Signature poser , launched in 2024 . Both use detachable cable , which can be swapped for other type — the first Grado models to do so . They also share the same gadget driver aim : a 52 mm newspaper composite cone cell unit of measurement with a high - flux magnetic circle made from uncommon world alloys and a lightweight bull - plated aluminum voice coil .
However , the S950 are their own beast . They hew out nigher to Grado ’s long chronicle of using raw Natalie Wood . Instead of the especially treated aluminum select for the HP100 SE ’s housings , the S950 use Brazilian walnut , the first clock time this family of woods has appeared in a Grado product . Grado conceive that different wood offer up clear-cut transonic characteristic and title that when paired with specific tweaks to the driver , the walnut tree helps to give the S950 a sound theme song that ’s decided from the HP100 SE .
In its press release , Grado name the S950 as possessing a “ more neutral and balanced ” sound than the HP100 SE . When I pressed a spokesperson on what exactly that means , I was recite that the HP100 SE offer extra detail , speed and accuracy , and lean toward the treble , while the S950 are balanced , more relaxed , and lean toward the low-toned - end .
“ The hearing for both will be someone who want an insightful , exchange premium pair of headphones for home hearing but now has the choice of two sound signature tune . They can prefer which good public presentation suits their discernment . ”
On the glasses side of thing , the two models are near superposable : Both present a frequency reply of 3.5Hz-51.5kHz , a entire harmonic distortion of less than 0.1 % at 100dB , and 38 ohms of electrical resistance . The one pocket-sized deviation is in sound pressing level ( SPL ) , with the HP100 SE register 117dB at 1 milliwatt , while the S950 come in at 115dB.
The S950 weigh just shy of 14 ounces , about 4 ounces lighter than the HP100 SE , reveal yet another welfare to the wood construction . The fresh cans apply the same headband design as their sibling : stainless brand , wrapped in leather , and with 50 % more cushioning than earlier Grado models . It also boast stainless - steel adjustable superlative rod , for a customized fit that reserve for 105 degrees of rotation . The cans amount with both G and F ear cushion .
The factory ship the S950 with 4pin Mini XLR cable’s length that have a 1/4 - in source connector , but Grado says you ’ll be capable to buy additional cable types from the ship’s company in the close future .
