Grado RS2e Review | 93 Data compared

The Grado Reference Series RS2e headphonesGo offer an energetic, mid-forward sound characterized by intimate vocals, detailed highs, and articulate, musical bass, making them an ideal choice for acoustic genres. Their lightweight, hand-crafted mahogany design is paired with high efficiency, allowing them to be driven easily by a variety of sources. Conversely, the stock L-Cush earpads are noted for causing comfort issues, and the thick, non-detachable cable limits convenience and customization. Furthermore, the RS2e lacks a neutral, reference-style tuning and exhibits a fast low-frequency roll-off, which may not appeal to those seeking deep sub-bass.

The Grado Labs RS2e is a light, handcrafted, open-back headphone featuring single-piece mahogany earcups and a light tan leather headband. It is highly efficient with a 99.8 dB sensitivity and 32 ohms impedance, making it easy to power with basic sources like smartphones or portable DACs. Sonically, it delivers a colored, energetic "house sound" featuring forward mids that make acoustic instruments, guitars, and saxophones sound lifelike. It also boasts excellent speed and attack for rock and jazz music, as well as accurate imaging that makes it surprisingly functional for online gaming. Key advantages of the RS2e include its energetic mid-forward tone, a feather-light construction that prevents long-term fatigue, and a timeless mahogany and leather design. It is also highly regarded as the top value pick within Grado's Reference lineup. On the downside, the headphones arrive in a spartan cardboard "pizza box" package with almost no accessories. Its attached cable is thick, stiff, non-detachable, and can feel heavier than the headphones themselves. Finally, the stock L-Cush earpads can cause physical ear pressure during long listening sessions, though swapping them for larger...

Grado Labs RS2e headphonesGo are hand-built, open-air, pro-grade headphones designed purely for high-fidelity home music listening. The author, Jack Slade, highlights several pros, including a versatile and exceptional sound signature characterized by consistently crisp bass, a solid treble, and highly discernible highs and lows. The headphones uncover hidden nuances in music, offering what the reviewer calls the "best version" of any track across eclectic genres—from hip-hop and electronic to classical. Furthermore, for a professional audio device retail-priced at $649, they are framed as an affordable entry-level option for high-end audio that easily outperforms standard consumer gear like Apple Earpods. On the other hand, the review addresses specific cons regarding practicality and presentation. A notable downside is that they are structurally restricted from everyday versatility; they lack isolation, making them unsuitable for commuting, the gym, or airplanes. Additionally, the product features an uninspiring, non-extravagant "blue pizza style box" packaging that is instantly discarded. The review concludes that while they lack physical portability features, they stand out as arguably the best "bang-for-your-buck" choice for dedicated audiophile listening at home.

In his tech review for The AU Review, David Smith awards the Grado RS2e Reference Series HeadphonesGo an impressive 9.0 out of 10 score, praising them as a handmade audiophile solution specifically engineered for dedicated at-home music listening. Priced at $649 AUD, the headphones excel primarily due to their near-perfect tonal balance and exceptional sonic clarity across a wide variety of musical genres. Smith highlights their ability to resolve complex audio tracks, allowing the listener to clearly isolate background instruments even beneath forward vocals. Physically, they feature a remarkably lightweight build with comfortable foam ear cups and a rustic, handcrafted visual aesthetic that blends a workshop feel with a luxury vibe. Conversely, the review details several prominent downsides centered around usability and durability constraints. The primary mechanical flaw is the thick, heavy, and easily tangled audio cable, which complicates listening on mobile devices or smartphones. Furthermore, because the open-back ear cans possess zero passive noise isolation and bleed audio out like mini-speakers, they are entirely unsuitable for planes, office cubicles, or commuting. Smith also points out a fragile sensation in...

The MajorHiFi review highlights the Grado RS2e as an exceptionally lightweight, open-back headphone featuring a minimalist, retro design with 350-degree swiveling ear cups for comfort. Sonically, the headphones excel with vocal-centric, acoustic, and rock music, offering a crisp, intimate soundstage free of sibilance, while the featherlight build is praised as a major comfort advantage. Conversely, the review notes that the delicate, minimalist construction is not designed for heavy, daily abuse. Significant drawbacks include a hardwired, non-replaceable cable and potential fatigue from the stock foam earpads, which may require aftermarket upgrades for extended listening sessions.