description Grado Labs RS1x Overview
The Grado Labs RS1x is an open-back, dynamic over-ear headphone model hand-built in Brooklyn, New York, by the family-owned Grado company. Distinguished by its construction, the RS1x utilizes a housing made from a combination of maple wood, cocobolo wood, and hemp, paired with an aluminum chamber designed to manage resonance. The headphones incorporate a 50mm dynamic driver and are engineered for high-fidelity audio reproduction, emphasizing vocal and instrumental clarity. They target audiophiles and require standard headphone amplification due to their low impedance and open-air design.
help Grado Labs RS1x FAQ
What kind of wood is used in the Grado RS1x headphone housing?
The RS1x features hand-crafted wood housings produced at Grado's Brooklyn, New York workshop, using a real wood exterior combined with an aluminum inner chamber. Grado has used various wood species across their Reference Series lineup, and the wood is selected for its acoustic damping properties as well as its appearance.
How does the Grado RS1x differ from the older RS1e?
The RS1x is a significant redesign featuring a new driver, a revised wood-and-aluminum housing configuration, and a new cable design compared to the RS1e. Reviewers report improved bass extension, wider soundstage, and better tonal balance while retaining the characteristic Grado midrange presence that defines the Reference Series.
Are Grado RS1x headphones comfortable for long listening sessions?
Grado's on-ear, open-back design with firm foam L-cushion pads is famously divisive for comfort, with many users experiencing ear fatigue after an hour or more. A common modification is switching to larger G-cushion (bowl) pads to distribute pressure more evenly, though this changes the sound signature slightly.
Do Grado RS1x headphones require a dedicated headphone amp?
Grado headphones are relatively efficient due to their low impedance (around 32 ohms) and high sensitivity, so they can be driven by smartphones and laptops to reasonable volume. However, the RS1x's detail retrieval and dynamic range benefit noticeably from a quality DAC/amp, even though it is not strictly required.
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