Grado RS2x

Grado RS2x Open-Back Headphones

The Grado RS2x is a high-end open-back headphone designed for audiophiles who prioritize sound quality above all else. Handcrafted in Brooklyn, New York, this headphone combines Grado’s iconic retro aesthetics with cutting-edge technology and premium materials to deliver an exceptional listening experience.

Design and Build Quality

The RS2x features a distinctive design that sets it apart from other headphones in its category. The ear cups are made from a combination of maple and hemp wood, giving them a unique look and feel. The outer maple rings offer a classic and refined appearance, while the inner hemp wood ear cups add a touch of warmth and character. This “bi-wood” construction is not only beautiful but also contributes to the acoustic properties of the headphones.

The headband is made of high-quality leather with contrasting white stitching, adding to the premium look and feel of the RS2x. The headphones are lightweight and comfortable to wear for long listening sessions, thanks to the use of foam pads on the ear cups.

The RS2x features a non-detachable 8-conductor cable sheathed in robust black fabric. The cable ends with a 3.5 mm jack, with a 6.3 mm adapter included for use with home audio equipment and dedicated headphone amplifiers.

Sound Quality

At the heart of the RS2x are Grado’s new 4th generation 44 mm “X” dynamic drivers. These drivers have been specially tuned for the RS2x and work in harmony with the bi-wood ear cups to deliver a unique and captivating sound signature. The drivers feature powerful magnets and a reconfigured diaphragm, allowing them to reproduce frequencies between 14 Hz and 28 kHz with exceptional clarity and detail.

The open-back design of the RS2x creates a wide and spacious soundstage, allowing instruments and vocals to be precisely placed in the mix. This design also contributes to a very “open” and natural sound, as if the music is being played live in front of the listener. The trade-off is that the headphones offer little to no isolation from external noise and leak sound, making them more suitable for use in quiet environments.

The RS2x has a sound balance slightly tilted towards the high frequencies, with a lean bass response that rolls off below 80 Hz. This tuning emphasizes detail retrieval and clarity, making the headphones particularly well-suited for genres such as classical, jazz, and acoustic music. The midrange is highly detailed and articulate, allowing vocals and instruments to shine with remarkable realism.

Despite its lean bass response, the RS2x still manages to deliver satisfying and well-controlled bass when needed. The treble is crisp and extended, providing enough air and sparkle without becoming harsh or fatiguing.

Usage and Compatibility

The Grado RS2x is a low-impedance model (38 ohms) with high sensitivity (99.8 dB/mW), making it easy to drive from a wide range of sources, including smartphones, laptops, and portable audio players. However, to truly unlock the full potential of these headphones, it is recommended to pair them with a dedicated headphone amplifier.

Key Benefits

• Exceptional sound quality with a wide soundstage and precise imaging
• Unique and attractive bi-wood construction using maple and hemp
• Lightweight and comfortable design with a choice of ear pads
• Easy to drive from various sources
• Handcrafted in the USA with attention to detail
• Ideal for audiophiles and music enthusiasts who prioritize sound quality

Technical Specifications

Audio Specifications

• Transducer type: dynamic
• Operating principle: open
• Frequency response: 14 - 28,000 Hz
• Sensitivity (sound pressure level) at 1 mW: 99.8 dB
• Nominal impedance: 38 Ω
• Transducer matching: 0.05 dB

Design and Comfort

• L-shaped ear pads
• Black leather headband with white stitched trim
  • Refined finish
  • Enhanced comfort

Cable and Connectivity

• Length: 1.8 m
• Configuration: 8-core annealed copper, non-detachable
• Reinforced sheath for improved durability
• Connector: 3.5 mm mini-jack with 6.3 mm adapter included
• Optimized sound quality thanks to:
  • Annealed copper conductors
  • Increased sound purity
  • New cable design