Grado Signature S950 Headphones

Grado Signature S950: Superior Sound Quality in a Handcrafted Brazilian Walnut Shell!

Grado Labs, following the tremendous success of the Special Edition HP1000SE model, introduces a new gem to its prestigious headphone collection: the Signature S950, becoming the second model in the new Signature series.

Staying true to its decades-long tradition of using fine woods for headphone housings, Grado introduces Brazilian walnut for the first time with this model. Leveraging its expertise in selecting and treating wood for acoustic purposes, Grado can confidently state that different woods offer distinct sonic characteristics, allowing each headphone to possess its own unique sonic signature. The new S950 is no exception, positioned as a counterpoint to its more analytical stablemate, the HP1000SE, which uses specially treated aluminum.

Light yet durable, the Signature S950 is crafted from Brazilian walnut, keeping its overall weight to just 395 grams. This ensures optimal comfort and significantly reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. The wood grain of each individually crafted housing is never identical, adding a touch of quality and uniqueness to every piece. Walnut, known for its density and resistance to decay, was chosen for its stability and refined, relaxed musical presentation. Its minimal expansion and contraction due to temperature or humidity variations help preserve its acoustic properties over time. Brazilian walnut is sustainably harvested from the Amazon rainforest, and responsible management practices help protect local ecosystems.

Drivers

The Signature S950 features a version of Grado’s new 52mm S driver, originally designed for the award-winning Signature HP100 SE. In developing this new 52mm driver, Grado aimed to create a speaker that delivers excellent high-frequency detail, smooth mids, and powerful bass, while maintaining minimal distortion and providing musically and harmonically accurate sound.

To achieve this, a composite paper cone is paired with a high-flux magnetic circuit made from rare-earth alloys. The driver also features a lightweight copper-clad aluminum voice coil. Together, the advanced magnetic circuit and voice coil enhance dynamics and transient response, while offering a refined sense of space, a wide soundstage, and precise focus on every musical detail. The Signature S950 delivers a neutral and balanced sound, gently caressing the listener’s ear with an introspective and relaxed musical presentation, providing an experience that conveys the true essence of the music.

Removable Cable

A distinctive feature of the Grado Signature line is the removable cable. First introduced with the Signature HP100 SE, these new cables were widely appreciated as a significant improvement for Grado headphones. The new Signature S950 comes standard with a 1.8m Grado Signature Gold cable, terminating in a 6.35mm jack. All new Grado cables have been redesigned with a softer, more durable braided finish and improved insulation, increasing flexibility while reducing overall weight.

The cable connects to each earcup via a 4-pin mini XLR balanced connector. Grado plans to offer multiple termination options in the future, including 4-pin balanced XLR and 4.4mm balanced connectors, as well as cables of varying lengths. Removable cables allow users to customize their headphones for optimal source matching and personal preference.

Headband

The Signature S950 uses the new headband structure first introduced on the Signature HP100 SE.

Designed for comfort during long listening sessions, the new headband has 50% more padding than previous Grado models. It features a stainless steel headband and height-adjustable arms, allowing a customized fit that reduces listening fatigue.

Grado Labs crafted the earcup gimbals from an aluminum alloy, while the arm supporting earcup height adjustment is made of stainless steel. This combination provides exceptional stability at the connection point, ensuring reliable use. The arm is designed to remain fixed to the hinge block and limit housing rotation to 105 degrees, minimizing mechanical wear.

Specifications:

DRIVER TYPE: Dynamic

OPERATING TYPE: Open-back Headphones

EARCUPS: Brazilian Walnut

FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 3.5 Hz – 51.5 kHz

THD: <0.1% @100 dB

SPL 1MW: 117 dB

NOMINAL IMPEDANCE: 38 ohms

DRIVER SIZE: 52 mm

CHANNEL IMBALANCE: 0.4 dB

CONNECTION CABLE: Grado Gold 12-conductor, removable

HEADPHONE SIDE CONNECTION: 4-pin Mini XLR

SOURCE SIDE CONNECTION: 6.3 mm Jack

OVER-EAR PADS: GCUSH & FCUSH