Warum baut Grado den S950 aus brasilianischem Walnussholz?

Weil Holz anders resoniert als Metall. Brasilianisches Walnussholz ist dicht und stabil, dämpft aber weniger hart als Aluminium – das ergibt eine Spur mehr Wärme in den Mitten und einen runderen Hochton. Jedes Gehäuse wird einzeln gefertigt, zwei identische Maserungen gibt es deshalb nicht.

Wie schwer ist der Grado S950 und trägt er sich gut?

Der S950 wiegt 395 Gramm und liegt damit im Mittelfeld offener High-End-Kopfhörer. Der Bügel verteilt das Gewicht gleichmässig, die grossen G-Polster nehmen den Druck von der Ohrmuschel. Für mehrstündige Sessions ist das die angenehmere Kombination als die kleineren F-Polster, die ebenfalls beiliegen.

Kann ich das Kabel des S950 wechseln?

Ja, das 12-adrige Gold-Kabel ist abnehmbar. An den Hörern sitzt je ein 4-Pin-Mini-XLR, quellenseitig endet die Serienausführung nach 1,8 Metern in einer 6,3-mm-Klinke. Ein beschädigtes Kabel ist damit kein Werkstattfall mehr, sondern ein Ersatzteil – längere und symmetrische Varianten sind ab Werk erhältlich.

Warum den Grado Signature S950 bei HD Zürisee kaufen?

Weil Holz oder Aluminium keine Datenblattfrage ist, sondern eine Frage deines Geschmacks und deiner Kette. Als autorisierter Grado-Händler in Wädenswil ordnet dir HD Zürisee den S950 ehrlich zwischen HP100 SE und S550 ein und sagt dir, welcher Verstärker dazu passt. Telefon, Mail oder WhatsApp genügt.

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Grado Signature S950 Open-Back Headphones

CHF 2'439.00

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The Grado Signature S950 is an open-back over-ear headphone with a 52 mm S driver in a solid Brazilian walnut wood housing, hand-built in Brooklyn.

It's the second model in the Signature line and the warmer take on the flagship: the same driver as in the HP100 SE, but a housing that doesn't damp – it resonates along.

Why the S950?

The 52 mm S driver uses a paper-composite diaphragm, a high-flux magnet circuit made from rare-earth alloys, and a lightweight, copper-clad aluminium voice coil. That keeps the moving mass small and the transient response fast. Brazilian walnut wood is dense enough to control resonances and lively enough to give the sound an organic touch – Grado hasn't been building with wood for decades out of nostalgia.

What you hear

A neutral, balanced sound with a touch more warmth than the HP100 SE: smooth mids, a rounder rather than sharp treble, and a wide, well-organised soundstage. At 117 dB per milliwatt, the S950 responds very directly to the source in front of it – it rewards good electronics immediately and doesn't forgive poor ones especially kindly.

Who is the S950 for?

For listeners who want to combine neutrality with a touch of warmth and the character of a solid-wood housing – and who spend long evenings with music rather than short analysis sessions. Plain talk: open and with no isolation, so it's not for commuting, an open-plan office or a library. If you want it maximally analytical, go for the aluminium HP100 SE; if you want something a bit lighter and more affordable to start with, take a look at the S550.

Our verdict

The S950 is the Signature line's headphone for pure enjoyment: reference driver, solid wood, detachable cable, two cushion sets – and, at 395 grams, pleasantly comfortable to wear. If you're torn between wood and aluminium, you're not deciding on quality here, but on character.

Technical specifications

Type: Open-back over-ear headphone (open-air, dynamic)
Series: Grado Signature
Driver: 52 mm S driver (paper-composite diaphragm, high-flux magnet circuit, copper-clad aluminium voice coil)
Frequency response: 3.5 Hz – 51.5 kHz
Total harmonic distortion: < 0.1% at 100 dB
Sensitivity: 117 dB (1 mW)
Impedance: 38 ohms
Driver matching: 0.4 dB
Housing: Solid Brazilian walnut wood
Ear cushions: G-cushions and F-cushions
Cable: Gold cable, 12-conductor, detachable, 1.8 m (6 ft)
Headphone connector: 4-pin mini-XLR
Source connector: 6.3 mm jack
Weight: 395 g
Manufacturing: Hand-assembled in Brooklyn, NY
Included: Headphones, detachable 12-conductor gold cable (mini-XLR to 6.3 mm jack), G-cushions, F-cushions

Frequently asked questions

Why does Grado build the S950 from Brazilian walnut wood?

Because wood resonates differently than metal. Brazilian walnut wood is dense and stable but damps less harshly than aluminium – that gives a touch more warmth in the mids and a rounder treble. Every housing is made individually, so no two grains are ever exactly alike.

How heavy is the Grado S950 and does it wear comfortably?

The S950 weighs 395 grams, putting it in the mid-range for open high-end headphones. The headband distributes the weight evenly, and the large G-cushions take the pressure off your ear. For multi-hour sessions this is the more comfortable combination than the smaller F-cushions, which are also included.

Can I change the cable on the S950?

Yes, the 12-conductor gold cable is detachable. Each earcup has a 4-pin mini-XLR connector, and on the source side the stock cable ends in a 6.3 mm jack after 1.8 metres. A damaged cable is therefore no longer a repair job but a spare part – longer and balanced versions are available from the factory.

Why buy the Grado Signature S950 at HD Zürisee?

Because wood or aluminium isn't a spec-sheet question, but a question of your taste and your chain. As an authorised Grado dealer in Wädenswil, HD Zürisee honestly places the S950 for you between the HP100 SE and the S550 and tells you which amplifier suits it. A call, an email or WhatsApp is all it takes.