Grado GS1000x

The result of more than twenty years of continuous evolution, the GS1000x carries on a prestigious lineage by combining two precious woods for the first time. This fourth generation of the Statement model embodies Grado’s philosophy: only evolve a product when the improvements are truly significant. With its new 50 mm X Drivers, 12-conductor cable, and unprecedented pairing of mahogany and ipe, this open-back circumaural headphone redefines the standards of the New York brand while preserving the sonic signature that has thrilled music lovers for decades.

Handcrafted construction where each wood tells its own story

The Grado family has worked with mahogany longer than any other wood, refining this expertise generation after generation. For the GS1000x, this tradition meets innovation with the introduction of ipe, a South American tropical hardwood with remarkable acoustic properties. This species, with exceptional density and hardness—far greater than ordinary woods—brings structural rigidity that perfectly complements mahogany’s warm tonalities.

Ipe offers physical characteristics particularly suited to sound reproduction. Its fine grain structure, ranging from straight to interlocked, minimizes unwanted resonances while preserving the liveliness of the acoustic signal. The wood’s color can vary from reddish-brown to yellowish olive, sometimes enhanced by darker contrasting streaks, making each pair visually unique. This natural variability makes every GS1000x a singular piece, handcrafted in the historic Brooklyn workshop.

The manufacturing process remains faithful to the artisanal methods that built Grado’s reputation. Each shell is precisely machined, meticulously sanded, then finished according to the specifics of the wood used. The shells are matched from the same boards to ensure visual symmetry and consistent acoustic density between the two earcups. This attention to detail is reflected in the meticulous assembly of every component, from the drivers to the leather finishes.

The black leather headband, now adorned with distinctive white stitching, visually marks this new generation. The G-type foam pads, circumaural and replaceable, create a large acoustic chamber around the ear. Weighing around 420 grams (some sources mention 372 grams), the headphone remains comfortable even during long listening sessions, with the wide pads effectively distributing pressure.

Fourth-generation X Drivers: a measured revolution

Grado has developed only four generations of drivers in thirty years, an approach that reflects a philosophy decidedly different from annual refresh cycles. The GS1000x’s 50 mm X Drivers represent a complete overhaul of the acoustic design. The magnetic circuit, now more powerful, works in tandem with a moving coil of reduced effective mass and a reconfigured diaphragm to optimize signal transfer.

This new generation significantly improves driver efficiency, enabling better articulation of micro-details without sacrificing tonal coherence. The diaphragm has been specifically tuned to take advantage of the acoustic properties of the mahogany-ipe pairing, creating synergy between materials and electronics. The drivers are matched with a tolerance of 0.05 dB, ensuring precise and stable stereo imaging.

The 12-conductor cable also represents a notable evolution. Made from high-purity annealed copper, it is now sheathed in a braided textile jacket that improves durability while preserving signal purity. Measuring 1.8 meters in length (some sources mention up to 4.5 meters depending on versions), it uses a non-detachable Y configuration and terminates in a gold-plated 6.35 mm jack connector. This sophisticated construction reveals more nuance in recordings, particularly in the reproduction of subtle harmonics.

The frequency response, extending from 8 Hz to 35 kHz, attests to the exceptional breadth of the covered spectrum. This bandwidth enables full reproduction from the lowest fundamentals to the highest harmonics, well beyond the human audible range. The 38-ohm impedance and 99.8 dB/mW sensitivity make the headphone relatively easy to drive, though a quality amplifier will unlock its full potential.

A sonic signature that transcends Grado conventions

The GS1000x deliberately departs from the brand’s traditionally bright signature to offer a more sophisticated tonal balance. The treble retains the crystalline clarity characteristic of Grado, but without the edginess that could sometimes be fatiguing on previous models. This new approach allows for extended listening sessions at sustained volume without listening fatigue.

Soundstage is one of the GS1000x’s undeniable strengths. The large G pads, combined with the open design and 50 mm drivers, create remarkable spatialization. Instruments unfold in a coherent three-dimensional space, allowing precise localization of each element in the mix. This separation capability truly shines on jazz recordings, where each musician occupies a distinct place in the sound field.

The midrange benefits from a particularly natural and lively presentation. Voices, whether male or female, are rendered with exemplary clarity and intelligibility. Lyrics become more comprehensible, vocal inflections more perceptible. This quality also extends to the reproduction of acoustic instruments: guitars reveal their harmonic textures, bowed strings their complex resonances, brass their characteristic metallic brilliance.

The low end, often criticized on older Grado models, is better balanced here. While the deepest bass remains slightly set back compared to some bass-oriented headphones, quality takes precedence over quantity. Bass is articulated, textured, and fast, with no overhang or excessive coloration. This approach suits jazz, classical, and progressive rock particularly well, though fans of electronic music with heavy sub-bass may wish for more presence in the extreme low end.

Technical Specifications

Acoustic Design

• Type: open
• Coupling: circumaural
• 50 mm diameter transducers

Acoustic Performance

• Frequency response: 8 Hz to 35 kHz
• Sensitivity: 99.8 dB / 1 mW
• Impedance: 38 ohms
• Channel balance between transducers: maximum 0.05 dB

Connectivity

• 12-conductor cable
  • Non-detachable, Y-configuration
  • Braided fabric sheath
  • Length: 1.8 m
• Source connector: 6.35 mm jack
• Ear cup connectors: fixed

Construction and Materials

• Wooden ear cups
• Leather headband
• Foam earpads
  • Model S
  • Replaceable

General Information

• Weight: approximately 420 g