GRADO SIGNATURE S950 HEADPHONES LAUNCHED

Grado Labs has unveiled the latest addition to its Signature line, the Grado Signature S950.

This new open-back headphone, crafted from Brazilian walnut, offers a unique sonic character distinct from its aluminium-bodied counterpart, the HP100 SE.

BRAZILLIAN WALNUT

For the first time, Grado has opted for Brazilian walnut in headphone design, chosen for its density, durability, and tonal properties. The wood is resistant to environmental changes, helping to ensure consistent acoustics. Each unit is individually crafted, with no two headphones displaying the same wood grain.

NEWLY DESIGNED 52MM DRIVERS

At the heart of the Grado Signature S950 is a specially tuned 52mm driver, an evolution of the unit developed for the HP100 SE. The driver features a paper composite cone, a rare-earth alloy magnetic circuit, and a copper-plated aluminium voice coil.

GRADO SIGNATURE S950

While the HP100 SE is known for its analytical precision, the Grado Signature S950 delivers a more neutral and relaxed musical presentation, Grado tells us. Designed to offer an immersive experience, these headphones provide a broad, expressive sound with a warm, natural character, ensuring extended listening sessions remain engaging and fatigue-free.

DETACHABLE CABLES FOR FLEXIBILITY

Continuing the innovation introduced with the Signature HP100 SE, the Grado Signature S950 comes with a detachable cable system. The standard cable is the Grado Signature Gold, measuring 6 feet and terminating in a 6.35mm single-ended connection. The cables feature a durable braided design and improved insulation for greater flexibility. Future cable options will include balanced XLR and 4.4mm terminations in various lengths, allowing users to tailor the setup to their preferences.

COMFORT-FOCUSED HEADBAND DESIGN

Grado has refined its headband assembly for improved comfort, incorporating 50% more padding than previous models. The stainless-steel headband and adjustable height rods ensure a secure and personalised fit. The aluminium alloy gimbals are precisely engraved, while the structure restricts housing rotation to 105 degrees, reducing wear over time.

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

GRADO SIGNATURE S950 OPEN BACK HEADPHONES AVAILABILITY AND PRICING

The Grado Signature S950 will be available from March 2025, priced at £2,495 / $2,195.

The Grado Signature S950, along with the Signature HP100 SE will be making its debut at the CanJam NYC show this Saturday and Sunday, Feb 22 & 23 at booth E11.

Both headphones models will also be on demo at Florida International Audio Expo, Feb 21 – 23, 2025 in Tampa Florida, in Suite 350.

HiFi PiG Says: These should be fabulous-sounding new headphones from Grado and we are excited about hearing them.