Grado RS1x Headphones, $750
Grado is built in Brooklyn. We make an effort to support N American or Euro suppliers whenever possible. Their new RS1x headphones are great fun!
Grado’s new RX 1x headphones offer a host of technological innovations to deliver conspicuously warmer, more musical sound than mass oriented brands. They are distinctly less bright and zingy than highly advertised brands that don’t use Grado’s TLC.
It starts with Grado’s 50mm X series diaphragm. The diaphragm is twelve percent larger and more responsive than that of its little brother, RS 2x. The larger drive element delivers a more dynamic sound with a bigger kick and deeper bass response. It’s a huge difference. You want RX 1x instead of 2x.
The letter X denotes Grado’s new, lighter/faster/stronger headphone diaphragm technology.
Grado takes the time to hand match RS 1x’s channels. The pair you get will be precisely matched, to within .05dB. Mass produced phones can have substantial channel imbalance. There are no such worries with Grado.
Grado warms up the sound by using 3 types of wood in the ear cup / mounting design. Headphones made of plastic and metal tend to sound more steely. Grado makes the effort to incorporate three wood materials to provide the most musical timbre. They use a maple sleeve, hemp core, and cocobolo wood in the cup itself. The result is just like taking the time to make a fine loudspeaker cabinet with elegant finish and precise tuning. RS 1x has a warmer, more mellow balance of timbre due to the implementation of wood.
Grado has chosen these materials to attain more QUIETUDE in your sound. With less ringing and general resonance, you can clearly appreciate superior transient attacks- be it guitars, pianos or drum kits. With less tinnitus obscuring the musical message, everything is lighter and more iridescent.
Grados are hand made in Brooklyn. You get the TLC of an American company along with the techno prowess described above.