Grado Reference RS1x Open-Back Headphones

The Grado Reference RS1x is an open-back over-ear headphone that puts Grado's fourth-generation 50mm X-driver into a housing made of three different woods.

Maple sleeve, hemp core, cocobolo outer ring: Grado calls it Tri-Wood, and each of the three woods has its own job in the housing. Everything is assembled by hand in Brooklyn – where the Grado family has been building headphones for four generations.

Why the RS1x?

The RS1x carries the large 50mm X-driver: stronger magnetic drive, lighter voice coil, newly tuned diaphragm, matched to 0.05 dB. It's specifically tuned for the Tri-Wood housing. Wood dampens resonances differently than plastic or metal – that's exactly where the warmth Grado's Reference series is known for comes from.

What you hear

A rich, lively midrange, clear vocals, refined treble and an open, cleanly layered soundstage. The bass reaches down to 12 Hz, staying dry rather than bloated. On the large L-cushions, the RS1x still sits comfortably after the third side of a record.

Who is the RS1x for?

For anyone who wants Grado's mature wood sound at the top of the Reference series – at home, in peace and quiet, with music that deserves attention. Straight talk: open-back design means open in both directions. In an open-plan office or on the train, the RS1x makes nobody happy, least of all you.

Our verdict

Three woods, the big driver, handwork: the RS1x is Grado's wood craftsmanship at its best. A headphone for connoisseurs seeking the warm Grado sound in its purest Reference form. Hand on heart – once you've heard wood, you rarely reach for a plastic housing again.

Technical Data

• Type: Open-back over-ear headphones (open-back, dynamic)
• Series: Grado Reference (flagship)
• Operating principle: Open air
• Driver: 50 mm, Grado X-driver (4th generation)
• Driver matching: 0.05 dB
• Housing: Tri-Wood – maple sleeve, hemp core, cocobolo outer ring
• Frequency response: 12–30,000 Hz
• Sound pressure (1 mW): 99.8 dB
• Nominal impedance: 38 Ω
• Cushions: L-cushion
• Cable: 8-conductor, super-annealed copper, fixed
• Headband: Leather with white stitching
• Connector: 3.5 mm jack, 6.3 mm adapter included
• Manufacturing: Hand-assembled in Brooklyn, NY
• Included: Headphones, 6.3 mm jack adapter

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the Grado RS1x and the RS2x?

The RS1x has the larger 50mm X-driver and a Tri-Wood housing made of maple, hemp and cocobolo; its frequency response spans 12 to 30,000 Hz. The RS2x runs a 44mm driver, maple and hemp, and 14 to 28,000 Hz. The RS1x sits a step above.

Does the Grado RS1x need a headphone amp?

Not strictly. At 38 Ω and 99.8 dB per milliwatt, the RS1x already plays well from a good dongle DAC or the headphone output of an integrated amp. A dedicated headphone amp, though, audibly adds calm, dynamics and control, especially with dense music.

Can I swap the cushions on the Grado RS1x?

Yes. The RS1x comes with the large L-cushions, which pull off and can be replaced. Grado sells the cushions individually, and many listeners also try other Grado cushions – each changes the fit and tonal balance somewhat. Replacements are in our headphone accessories.

Why buy the Grado RS1x from HD Zürisee?

Because the people advising you here have had Grado on the shelf for years. HD Zürisee in Wädenswil is an authorized Grado dealer, knows the nuances within the Reference series, and will tell you honestly if another model suits your system better. Call, write, or reach us on WhatsApp.

Goes well with

A suitable headphone amp unlocks the last bit of calm from the RS1x. See how it stacks up against other open-back models in Headphones; replacement cushions and extension cables are in Headphone Accessories.