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Grado RS1x Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£790
  • Avg. price in US: ~$750
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Grado RS1x review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.5

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

3.8

Technical Score

20.0%

7.3

User score

Poor
3.8

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.0

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

4.9

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

2.8

Calls & Controls

Poor
7.3

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

9.6

User reviews

30.0%

2.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.8
(13)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.8
(13)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Very good
  • 2.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 0.8
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    2.7

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 2.7
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 3.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    2.7

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Grado RS1x is an open-back dynamic headphone distinguished by its unique tri-wood housing, which combines a maple sleeve, hemp core, and cocobolo outer ring to achieve a full-bodied, harmonic tonal balance. It features the 4th-generation 50mm X Series drivers, matched within 0.05dB, offering a frequency response of 12Hz–30kHz, a sensitivity of 99.8dB, and a 38-ohm impedance that makes it exceptionally easy to drive without specialized amplification. Main pros include a highly revealing yet smooth midrange, a remarkably spacious soundstage for an on-ear design, and a durable 8-conductor super-annealed copper cable paired with a premium white-stitched leather headband. However, its non-detachable captive cable can be cumbersome for some setups, and the on-ear L-cush pads may cause comfort issues during extended listening sessions while offering virtually no noise isolation.

Technical Specifications of Grado RS1x

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.0

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

4.9

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

2.8

Calls & Controls

3.8
Grado RS1x has a technical score of 3.77 points, which is lower than that of 89.5% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

9.6

User reviews

30.0%

2.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.8
(13)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.8
(13)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

7.3
Grado RS1x has a user score of 7.31 points, which is lower than that of 73.4% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
2.0
Grado RS1x has a popularity of 2 points, which is lower than 67.2% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.5

Overall score

40.0%

6.3

Price

5.0
Grado RS1x has a quality-to-price ratio of 5 points, which is lower than 95.4% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Grado RS1x does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

50 mm
Grado RS1x uses a driver size of 50 mm, larger driver size than 86.1% of headphones and equal to 8.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Grado RS1x uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

12 Hz
Grado RS1x reaches a lowest frequency of 12 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 65.1% of headphones and equal to 2% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Grado RS1x does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Grado RS1x is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

0
Grado RS1x has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

no
Grado RS1x does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A
Show more
Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Grado RS1x supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Grado RS1x does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

no
Grado RS1x does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
Show more
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Grado
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

on-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

320 g
Grado RS1x weighs 320 g, heavier than 84.9% of headphones and equal to 1.4% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

open-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

2.2
Grado RS1x has a clamp force of 2.2, lower clamp force than 94.1% of headphones and equal to 2% of headphones.
Show more

Grado RS1x vs the average headphone

  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Grado RS1x has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
    What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
    When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Grado RS1x has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    Grado RS1x uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
    When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Grado RS1x uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.50 mm vs 40 mm
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Grado RS1x includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
    When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Grado RS1x includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 10,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Grado RS1x has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Grado RS1x has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.30000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 2.1 lower clamp force
    Grado RS1x has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.2 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
    When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Grado RS1x has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.2 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.2.2 vs 4.3
  • 6 Hz lower bass extension
    Grado RS1x has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Grado RS1x has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.12 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Open-back design
    Grado RS1x uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
    When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Grado RS1x uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 0.5 m more useful cable length
    Grado RS1x offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (1.7 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
    When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.

    Importance: LOW

    Grado RS1x offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (1.7 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.1.7 m vs 1.2 m
  • 2.1 lower clamp force
    Grado RS1x has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.2 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
  • Open-back design
    Grado RS1x uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 0.5 m more useful cable length
    Grado RS1x offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (1.7 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Grado RS1x has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    Grado RS1x uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 10,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Grado RS1x has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 6 Hz lower bass extension
    Grado RS1x has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Grado RS1x includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Total
Design
Sound
Connectivity
  • 46.8% higher weight
    Grado RS1x is heavier than the average headphone (320 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Fixed cable
    Grado RS1x has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No travel bag
    Grado RS1x does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Grado RS1x does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 2.2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Grado RS1x has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (99.8 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 10.2 dB lower max SPL
    Grado RS1x has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (99.8 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Grado RS1x has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Grado RS1x does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Grado RS1x does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
    When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Grado RS1x does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 46.8% higher weight
    Grado RS1x is heavier than the average headphone (320 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Grado RS1x is heavier than the average headphone (320 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.320 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    Grado RS1x does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
    When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

    Importance: LOW

    Grado RS1x does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Grado RS1x has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
    When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Grado RS1x has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 8.78x more expensive
    Grado RS1x is more expensive than the average headphone (£790 vs £90).
    Grado RS1x is more expensive than the average headphone (£790 vs £90).£790 vs £90
  • 33.6% worse value for money
    Grado RS1x has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.04 vs 6.736).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
    When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
    Grado RS1x has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.04 vs 6.736).5.04 vs 6.74
  • 2.2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Grado RS1x has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (99.8 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Grado RS1x has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (99.8 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.99.8 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Grado RS1x has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
    When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    Grado RS1x has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Grado RS1x and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.8
13 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.8
13 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Grado RS1x?

  • Exceptional clarity and unfaltering detail retrieval across the frequency range
  • Vibrant, energetic 'forward' sound signature that remains engaging and musically involving
  • Wide and cohesive soundstage with top-notch instrument separation and imaging
  • Aesthetically stunning 'tri-wood' design featuring maple, hemp, and cocobolo
  • Highly efficient and easy to drive, performing well even with mobile devices or low-power sources
  • Lightweight build that allows for longer listening sessions than previous heavier models
  • Improved durable 8-conductor cable that resists tangling compared to older vinyl versions

What customers dislike about Grado RS1x?

  • On-ear 'L-cush' pads can be scratchy and cause ear fatigue or hotspots during extended use
  • Unforgiving nature that highlights poor quality recordings or low-end source electronics
  • Sub-bass extension is rolled off, lacking the deep 'slam' found in closed-back or planar rivals
  • Thick, non-detachable (captive) cable remains a point of frustration for some users
  • Open-back design results in significant noise leakage, making them unsuitable for public use
  • Minimalist packaging and lack of accessories like a carry case at a premium price point
  • Occasional reports of minor build quality inconsistencies, such as splintered wood finish on the cup interiors

Expert reviews

T
theheadphonelist.com
19/04/2026
Grado RS-1x Review – Fortified Would you like to see a breakdown of how the RS1x compares to the older RS1eGo to product viewer dialogue for this item...

Design and Practicality The Grado RS-1x open-back headphones feature a unique, visually stunning "tri-wood" shell design that seamlessly sandwiches a maple sleeve, a hemp core, and a cocobolo outer ring into each cup. Setting itself apart from other models in the x-series refresh, it integrates a larger 50mm dynamic driver specifically tuned for these multi-wood housings. Upgrades...Read more

H
headphone.guru
19/04/2026
Grado RS1x Reference Series Headphone

The Grado RS1x Reference Series is an open-backed, hand-assembled headphone from Brooklyn that introduces a unique tri-wood housing blend of a maple sleeve, hemp core, and cocobolo outer ring, priced at $750 USD. It is the first Grado model to feature larger, re-engineered 50mm X Drivers that offer a flatter frequency response and improved harmonic integrity across the sound...Read more

S
superbestaudiofriends.org
19/12/2021
Grado RS1X Review and Measurements

The SuperBestAudioFriends review of the Grado RS1X highlights a 4th-generation 50mm X Driver that retains a punchy, energetic, and "lean" sound characteristic of older models while improving technical performance. Key improvements over the RS1E include smoother treble response and enhanced upper-octave air. However, the stock configuration lacks deep sub-bass and features a somewhat...Read more

T
theaudiophileman.com
31/05/2023
REFERENCE & STATEMENT HEADPHONES FROM GRADO sound-advice.online

The Grado RS1x Reference Series (£799) features matched 50mm dynamic drivers within a unique chassis built from maple, hemp, and cocobolo wood. In sound testing, it delivers an open, airy soundstage, detailed midrange separation, and a bouncy, responsive bass with impressive impact. However, it suffers from overly forward, aggressive upper midranges that can create a reedy,...Read more

E
everydaylistening.net
11/02/2022
Grado RS-1x Review – Fortified - Everyday Listening

The Grado RS-1x is a radically redesigned open-back dynamic headphone handcrafted in Brooklyn that retails for $920 USD. Setting itself apart from previous iterations, it features a unique tri-wood shell composed of a maple sleeve, hemp core, and cocobolo outer ring, which houses a larger, specially tuned 50mm 4th-generation x-series driver. It also introduces a more durable...Read more

S
sound-advice.online
30/05/2022
Grado RS1x - Sound Advice Review

The Grado RS1X is an open-back, over-ear reference headphone that combines traditional styling with a multi-wood design to achieve outstanding audio performance. Priced at £799, its distinctive physical housing utilizes a blend of maple, hemp, and cocobolo wood to effectively control resonance while remaining lightweight at 325 grams. By packing a new, larger 50mm dynamic driver...Read more

A
avforums.com
17/06/2022
Grado RS1x Headphone Review - AVForums

The AVForums review awards the Grado RS1x open-back headphonesGo a "Highly Recommended" title, highlighting their artisanal, three-wood construction (maple, hemp, cocobolo) and 4th-generation 50mm X Drivers. Pros include a natural, slightly bright tonality, an open, airy soundstage with agile transient response, and high sensitivity that makes them easy to drive. Cons identified...Read more

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whathifi.com
03/08/2022
Grado RS1x review | What Hi-Fi?

The fourth-generation Grado RS1x Reference Series headphones are the brand's first "tri-wood" model, expertly crafted using a striking combination of maple sleeve, hemp core, and cocobolo wood enclosures. Designed primarily for home listening, these hand-built, open-back headphones feature a new 50mm "X Driver" specifically tuned to work in harmony with the wooden housing. Reviewers...Read more

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hifi-regler.de
No Date Provided
Grado RS-1x Review - hifi-regler

The Grado RS1x open-back headphones require a substantial burn-in time of roughly 50 to 100 hours to reach their maximum potential and achieve true tonal accuracy. Once settled, the headphones deliver a linear, bouncy, and rich bass response that avoids artificial mid-bass boosting, alongside exceptional transparency and lively, explosive dynamics. Their open-back design allows for...Read more

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musicalhead.de
18/07/2022
Audio test GRADO RS1X - Musicalhead

The GRADO RS1X is an open-back, on-ear headphone handcrafted in Brooklyn that retails for €899. It features an innovative "wood sandwich" housing made from three distinct materials—an inner maple sleeve, a hemp core, and an outer cocobolo ring—paired with redesigned 4th-generation 50mm dynamic X-drivers. Weighing just 190 grams with a low 38-ohm impedance, the headphone is highly...Read more

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on-mag.fr
25/06/2022
Grado RS1x Review: Brooklyn Goes Upscale with This Luxury Neo-Vintage Semi-Pro Hi-Fi Headphone

The Grado RS1x is an open-back, circum-auricular hi-fi headphone priced at €1,070 that introduces a major evolution to the brand's vintage-styled Reference series. The core innovation of this 4th-generation model is its "Tri-Wood Oasis" earcup structure, which layers maple, hemp, and cocobolo wood to effectively suppress internal resonances and coloration. Combined with newly...Read more

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