{"product_id":"grado-signature-s950-open-back-headphones","title":"Grado Signature S950 Open-Back Headphones","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Grado Signature S950 puts the 52mm driver from the top of the range into a housing made from Brazilian Walnut, a wood Grado had not used before this model. Walnut is dense and dimensionally stable, so its acoustic character holds as temperature and humidity move around it. At 395 grams with a detachable Gold cable and both G and F cushions supplied, it is the warm counterpart to the machined aluminum flagship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eKey Features of the Grado Signature S950\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e52mm S Driver:\u003c\/b\u003e A paper composite cone on a high-flux magnetic circuit built from rare earth alloys, with a lightweight copper-plated aluminum voice coil.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eBrazilian Walnut Housing:\u003c\/b\u003e Individually crafted, so the grain differs on every pair. Chosen for density and for resistance to expansion and contraction as conditions change.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e395 Grams:\u003c\/b\u003e Light enough for long sessions, on a headband carrying fifty percent more padding than earlier Grado designs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eGrado Gold Detachable Cable:\u003c\/b\u003e A braided six-foot run terminated in 6.35mm at the source, connecting to each cup through a four-pin balanced mini XLR.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e117 dB at 1mW:\u003c\/b\u003e Against a 38 ohm nominal load, so a phone, a laptop or a portable player drives it without a separate amplifier.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e3.5Hz to 51.5kHz, Distortion Below 0.1 Percent:\u003c\/b\u003e Measured by Grado at 100 dB.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eG and F Cushions Both Supplied:\u003c\/b\u003e Two voicings in the box. G sets the driver farther from the ear for width, F brings it close for immediacy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eSignature Headband Assembly:\u003c\/b\u003e Engraved aluminum alloy gimbals, stainless steel height rods and zinc alloy end caps, with housing rotation held to 105 degrees.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eHand-Assembled in Brooklyn, New York:\u003c\/b\u003e Built at Grado's own headquarters alongside every other model in the range.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eThe 52mm S Driver in the S950\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe S950 runs a version of the 52mm S driver Grado developed for the top of the Signature Line. The cone is a paper composite, the magnetic circuit is high-flux using rare earth alloys, and the voice coil is copper-plated aluminum kept deliberately light. Grado's stated aim for the platform was high-frequency detail, a smooth midrange and bass power at low distortion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat Grado changes for the S950 is the voicing rather than the hardware. It describes the S950 as more neutral and balanced than its aluminum sibling, a broader brush stroke rather than a scalpel, which is the same distinction the two housing materials imply.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/grado-s950-inline-01.jpg\" alt=\"Grado Signature S950 open-back headphones, front view of both Brazilian Walnut earcups\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:1000px;height:auto;border-radius:12px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eWhy Grado Chose Brazilian Walnut\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrado has worked in wood for decades, and the S950 is the first model built from this family of it. Walnut is dense and resists decay, and it barely moves with temperature and humidity, which keeps the housing's acoustic character from drifting with the seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach housing is individually crafted, so the grain on any two pairs is different. Grado says the wood is grown in the tropical rain forests of the Amazon and sourced with sustainable practice in mind. The tonal result Grado attributes to it is a relaxed musical presentation, set deliberately against the analytical character of the machined aluminum HP100 SE.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/grado-s950-inline-02.jpg\" alt=\"Grado Signature S950 open-back headphones, cups turned outward to show the G cushions and the walnut housings\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:1000px;height:auto;border-radius:12px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Detachable Gold Cable\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe S950 ships with the Grado Gold cable, six feet, terminated in a 6.35mm single-ended plug. The braided finish is softer and more durable than Grado's older cable designs, and the insulation change makes it more flexible and lighter on the head.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach cup takes a four-pin balanced mini XLR, the same connector across the Signature Line. That makes cable length and source termination a later decision: Grado builds 4.4mm balanced, four-pin XLR balanced and longer runs against the same socket, so a balanced source does not mean a different headphone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/grado-s950-inline-03.jpg\" alt=\"Grado Signature S950 open-back headphones, three-quarter view with the leather headband and the Gold detachable cable\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:1000px;height:auto;border-radius:12px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eTwo Cushions, Two Voicings\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe S950 arrives with G cushions and F cushions rather than one set. G cushions are the largest Grado makes and position the driver farthest from the ear, which is the geometry behind the wide, dimensional presentation. F cushions bring the driver close, tightening the bass and pushing the midrange forward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrado treats the cushion as a tuning element rather than a comfort part, and this is the largest change you can make to the sound without changing the headphone. Both sets in the box means the S950's two main characters are covered on day one, and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/grado-accessories\"\u003ethe rest of the Grado cushion range fits\u003c\/a\u003e if you want to keep going.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/grado-s950-inline-04.jpg\" alt=\"Grado Signature S950 open-back headphones, angled on a wooden headphone stand\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:1000px;height:auto;border-radius:12px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eComfort at 395 Grams\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe headband is the Signature assembly built for long sessions: fifty percent more padding than earlier Grado designs, on a stainless steel band with height rods you adjust to fit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rest of the assembly is about durability. The engraved gimbals are aluminum alloy, the stainless steel height rod stiffens its junction with the block, and the rod is designed to stay put even if the zinc alloy end caps come loose. Rotation is limited to 105 degrees to reduce wear over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eWood, Brooklyn, and the Grado Method\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrado Labs is a family-owned American company that started on a kitchen table and still works out of its original Brooklyn building. It has been shaping headphone housings from wood for over a quarter of a century, on the view that different woods carry different acoustic characters, and the S950 is the newest argument for that position.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cstyle\u003e\n.tlr-cmp{margin:18px 0 6px;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-sub{color:#6b6b68;font-size:13.5px;margin:0 0 14px;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-row{border:1px solid #eee;border-radius:8px;padding:12px 14px;margin:8px 0;cursor:pointer;transition:border-color .2s ease;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-row:hover{border-color:#d9c6b3;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-cur{background:#f7f1ec;border:1px solid #ecdcca;border-left:3px solid #a3704d;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-cur:hover{border-left-color:#a3704d;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-name{font-weight:700;color:#2a2b2a;font-size:15px;}\n.tlr-cmp a{text-decoration:none!important;opacity:1!important;color:#2a2b2a;padding-bottom:2px;\n  background-image:linear-gradient(#a3704d,#a3704d),linear-gradient(#cbb9a6,#cbb9a6);\n  background-position:left 100%,left 100%;background-size:0% 2px,100% 1px;background-repeat:no-repeat;\n  transition:background-size .35s ease;}\n.tlr-cmp a:hover{opacity:1!important;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-row:hover .cmp-name a,.tlr-cmp .cmp-name a:hover{background-size:100% 2px,100% 1px;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-youre{font-size:10px;letter-spacing:.06em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#9a8e74;font-weight:700;margin-left:7px;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-price{color:#a3704d;font-weight:700;font-size:13px;margin:2px 0 3px;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-diff{color:#555;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.45;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-verdict{margin:16px 0 4px;font-size:14.5px;line-height:1.5;color:#2a2b2a;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-verdict a{color:#a3704d;font-weight:700;\n  background-image:linear-gradient(#a3704d,#a3704d),linear-gradient(#d8c3ac,#d8c3ac);}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-verdict a:hover{background-size:100% 2px,100% 1px;}\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eWhere the Grado Signature S950 fits in the Grado Signature Line\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"tlr-cmp\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"cmp-sub\"\u003eThe Signature Line, priced low to high. Grado also builds the hard-wired Classic Series and the wireless GW100x.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-name\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/grado-signature-s550-open-back-headphones\"\u003eGrado Signature S550\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-price\"\u003e$995\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-diff\"\u003eThe entry to the Signature Line. The 50mm S2 driver tuned to a housing made entirely from Brazilian Walnut, 335 grams, on the Signature Silver detachable cable with a 3.5mm plug and a 6.3mm adapter in the box. Quoted 6Hz to 44kHz at 112 dB. B cushions.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-name\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/grado-signature-s750-open-back-headphones\"\u003eGrado Signature S750\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-price\"\u003e$1695\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-diff\"\u003eThe same 50mm S2 driver in an all-aluminum housing at 460 grams, on the Signature Gold detachable cable with a 6.3mm plug. Quoted wider and louder at 4Hz to 48kHz and 115 dB. B cushions.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-row cmp-cur\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-name\"\u003eGrado Signature S950 \u003cspan class=\"cmp-youre\"\u003eYou're viewing\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-price\"\u003e$2195\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-diff\"\u003eSteps up to the 52mm S driver, a paper composite cone on a high-flux rare earth magnetic circuit, in a Brazilian Walnut housing at 395 grams. Quoted 3.5Hz to 51.5kHz at 117 dB with distortion under 0.1 percent. G and F cushions both supplied.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-name\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/grado-signature-hp100-se-open-back-headphones\"\u003eGrado Signature HP100 SE\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-price\"\u003e$2495\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-diff\"\u003eThe same 52mm driver in a precision-machined aluminum housing with the model name engraved on the face, which Grado describes as the more analytical of the two. The model that introduced the detachable cable to the range. G and F cushions both supplied.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"cmp-verdict\"\u003eThe Signature Line is where the detachable cable and the largest drivers live. Stepping up the line buys driver size and lower distortion, and swaps the housing between Brazilian Walnut and machined aluminum, which is the choice Grado frames as warmth against analysis. Browse the range in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/grado-headphones\"\u003eGrado Headphones\u003c\/a\u003e, or see the cartridges in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/grado\"\u003eGrado\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Listening Room Difference\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on exceptional service and relentless passion for hifi. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don't just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eGrado Signature S950 Specifications\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTransducer Type\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eDynamic\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOperating Principle\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eOpen air\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDriver Size\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e52mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDriver\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003ePaper composite cone, high-flux rare earth magnetic circuit, copper-plated aluminum voice coil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFrequency Response\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e3.5Hz - 51.5kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTHD\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eBelow 0.1% at 100 dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSPL at 1mW\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e117 dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eNominal Impedance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e38 ohms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e395 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHousing\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eBrazilian Walnut, individually crafted\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHeadband\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eSignature assembly, leather headstrap, stainless steel band and height rods, engraved aluminum alloy gimbals\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCushions\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eG cushions and F cushions both supplied\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCable\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eGrado Gold detachable, braided, 6 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHeadphone Connection\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e4-pin balanced mini XLR per cup\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSource Connection\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e6.35mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAssembly\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eBrooklyn, New York\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Grado","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43121916739680,"sku":"GRADS950","price":2195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/grado-s950-side-hero.jpg?v=1788536477","url":"https:\/\/listenroom.com\/products\/grado-signature-s950-open-back-headphones","provider":"The Listening Room","version":"1.0","type":"link"}