Brazilian Walnut
True to Grado's long tradition of using woods in the housing of its headphones, the Grado S950s use Brazilian walnut, the first time the Brooklyn-based firm has used this family of woods. Grado explain that different woods offer different sonic characteristics allowing these headphones to have their own particular acoustic signature that contrasts with the more analytical style of the HP100 SE due to its aluminium housing.
Lightweight yet durable, the Signature S950 headphones feature craftsmanship made from Brazilian Walnut wood. Weighing only 395 grams, they offer a comfortable fit that reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. The wood grain of each individually carved shell is never the same, offering a unique quality and aesthetic.
Walnut, known for its density and resistance to ageing, has been chosen for its qualities of providing a stable and relaxed sonic signature. The absence of expansion and contraction with changes in temperature or humidity allows it to maintain its acoustic characteristics. Brazilian walnut grows in the rainforests of the Amazon, from which it is harvested using sustainable practices to help protect the local ecosystem.
Driver design
The Grado Signature S950 headphones are equipped with a new version of the Grado 52mm S driver, originally designed for the award-winning Signature HP100 SE. With this modification, Grado has created a driver that delivers exceptional treble detail, smooth midrange and powerful bass while maintaining minimal distortion, ensuring a sound that is accurate in musicality and harmony.
To achieve this, a paper composite cone has been selected along with a high magnetic flux circuit made from rare earth alloy. The driver also features a copper-plated aluminium voice coil. Together, the advanced magnetic circuitry and voice coil enhance dynamics and transient response, while providing a refined sense of spatiality, soundstage, detail and imaging.
While the award-winning HP100 SE headphone has been acclaimed by recording engineers and users around the world for its accuracy and ability to reveal details of the original piece, Grado S950 has a more neutral and balanced sound, offering an uncomplicated musical presentation. Thus, it allows the user a relaxed and immersive experience with what the music is trying to communicate.
Detachable cables
The Grado Signature range features detachable cables. First launched with the Signature HP100 SE, these new cables have been a major change in Grado headphones. The Signature S950 comes standard with the Grado Signature Gold 1.8m single-ended single-ended cable 6.3mm.
All new Grado cables are designed with a new, softer, more durable braided finish and improved insulation that enhances flexibility while reducing weight.
This cable connects to headphones via a balanced 4-pin mini XLR connector. In the future, Grado will release compatible cables with various terminations, such as balanced 4-pin XLR to balanced 4.4mm or different cable lengths. The detachable cables allow users to customise their headphones to better match the source or personal preferences.
Dedicated headband assembly
The Signature S950 headphones feature a new headband system that debuted with the Signature HP100 SE and feature a 50% increase in cushioning material over previous models. Built for long listening sessions and with adjustable height bars, they allow for a custom fit that helps reduce listening fatigue.
Grado Labs the gimbals are made of aluminium alloy, while the adjustment bars are made of stainless steel and add stability to the connection point. The height bars are designed to provide a secure structure to the headband and to limit the headphones from twisting at 105, minimising wear and tear due to age.
Features:
- Transducer: Dynamic
- Operating Principle: Open
- Frequency response: 3.5 Hz - 51.5 kHz
- THD
- SPL 1mW: 117 dB
- Nominal Impedance: 38 ohms
- Driver size: 52 mm
- Driver matching dB: 0.4 dB
- Cable type: Detachable cable Gold grade detachable cable
- Headphone connector: 4pin Mini XLR
- Source connection: 6.3 mm
- Cushions included: G Cushions and F Cushions
