Grado RS1x Headphone — Wired, Dynamic, Open-Back

Hear the wood sing: a vivid, three-dimensional Grado experience

Slip on the RS1x and you’re immediately in the front row—lively dynamics, crystalline detail and a spacious, holographic soundstage that makes music feel unboxed. Grado’s tri‑wood housings and 50 mm “X” drivers deliver the brand’s trademark immediacy with new-found depth and refinement, for a listen that’s as emotive as it is revealing.

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Why Audiophiles Choose This Product

• The sound, first
  • Vibrant, highly detailed presentation with brisk transients, articulate mids and an engaging, room‑like image—especially impressive for an on‑ear design. Reviewers highlight its pace, clarity and “invigoratingly rapid” delivery with striking three‑dimensionality.
• X‑Series driver engineering
  • Fourth‑generation 50 mm drivers with a reworked magnetic circuit, lighter voice coil and reconfigured diaphragm improve efficiency and reduce distortion, preserving harmonic integrity. Driver matching within 0.05 dB ensures channel consistency.
• Tri‑wood craftsmanship
  • Maple sleeve, hemp core and cocobolo outer ring—selected for complementary acoustic behavior—blend Grado’s classic energy with a fuller, more controlled tone. Hand‑assembled in Brooklyn.
• Everyday practicality
  • Fixed 1.73 m (68") 8‑conductor copper cable with 3.5 mm plug plus 6.35 mm adapter for easy swapping between portable players and home rigs. Open‑back, on‑ear L‑cush pads keep things airy for long sessions.
• What sets it apart
  • It’s the first Reference‑Series Grado to combine the larger 50 mm X driver with a tri‑wood cup—yielding a wider stage and richer timbre while remaining unmistakably “Grado.” Metal gimbals and a stitched leather headband elevate the feel.

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What’s Included

• RS1x Headphones: Reference‑Series, tri‑wood housings with 50 mm X‑Series dynamic drivers, L‑cush pads pre‑installed.
• Cable/Connector: Hard‑wired 8‑conductor super‑annealed copper cable, 68" (1.73 m), 3.5 mm straight plug.
• Adapter: 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm (1/4") plug adapter.
• Documentation: Grado “story‑sheet” and standard warranty information.

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Technical Specifications

Specification	Value	Notes
Product Type	Wired	Fixed 3.5 mm TRS cable; 6.35 mm adapter included.
Transducer	Dynamic, 50 mm “X” driver	Reworked magnet, lighter voice coil, redesigned diaphragm.
Operating Principle	Open‑back (open air)	Natural staging; sound leakage by design.
Ear Coupling	On‑ear (L‑cush)	Classic Grado fit; airy and direct.
Frequency Response	12–30,000 Hz	Extended top and confident low reach.
Sensitivity	99.8 dB SPL (1 mW)	Easily driven; reveals source quality.
Impedance	38 ohms	Broad device compatibility.
Driver Matching	0.05 dB	Precise stereo imaging.
Cable	8‑conductor copper, 68"	Durable jacket; 3.5 mm termination.
Headband & Hardware	Leather headband, metal gimbals	White‑stitched headband detail.
Weight	11.3 oz (≈320 g)	Balanced clamping force for long sessions.

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Professional Recognition

• Awards and press
  • What Hi‑Fi notes the RS1x’s insight, dynamics and spaciousness, and references its five‑star rating from late 2022—praise that underscores its staying power years on.
• Review highlights
  • AVForums applauds the RS1x’s speed and three‑dimensional presentation, describing an effortless, engaging performance across genres.
• Heritage
  • Grado has handcrafted headphones in Brooklyn since 1953; the RS1x continues that lineage with hand assembly and tight driver matching.
• Innovation
  • First Reference‑Series model to pair the 50 mm fourth‑gen X drivers with a tri‑wood cup—an engineering and materials shift aimed at higher efficiency and lower distortion.

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The Bottom Line

If you love the Grado house sound—speed, sparkle and intimacy—but want a broader soundstage and more mature tonality, the RS1x is the sweet spot of the Reference Series. Its tri‑wood architecture and 50 mm X drivers deliver a live‑in‑the‑room feel with exceptional detail, all while remaining friendly to everyday sources via its 3.5 mm connection. It’s a confident choice for discerning listeners who want handcrafted character without compromising accuracy.

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Notes for headphone buyers

• Connectivity: Wired only; 3.5 mm plug with 6.35 mm adapter included. No mic/controls.
• Amplification: With 38 ohms and 99.8 dB/mW, RS1x plays well from portable devices; a quality DAC/amp can further refine dynamics and staging but is not required.
• Sound signature: Lively and resolving with forward mids and crisp treble; pad rolling (F/G pads) can subtly tailor tone and stage to taste, per community experience.
• Comfort: On‑ear L‑cush pads keep things breathable; the open‑back design leaks sound—best for quiet spaces.

Sourcing and verification: Specifications, materials, and included accessories validated against Grado’s official listing and authorized dealers; comfort and tuning insights cross‑referenced with professional reviews and community feedback to reflect real‑world experience.