Grado S950 Signature Headphones

The Grado Signature S950 represents the evolution of Grado’s modern reference tuning--combining precision, control, and organic tonal balance in a refined open-back design. Hand-assembled in Brooklyn, the S950 builds on Grado’s 50mm X-Series driver platform with carefully selected materials and upgraded cabling to deliver a presentation that is articulate, dimensional, and deeply musical.

This is a headphone designed for listeners who want resolution and realism-without sacrificing warmth or engagement.

Refined Materials. Focused Presentation.

The S950 features a lightweight hardwood housing, chosen for its balance of rigidity and natural damping. The result is a sound that feels composed and structured, with:

• Clean, articulate bass response

• Expressive, natural midrange

• Extended, airy high frequencies

• Precise imaging with strong centre focus

It delivers detail and separation without sounding analytical, maintaining the immediacy that defines the Grado house sound.

50mm X-Series Driver — Speed & Transparency

At the heart of the S950 is Grado’s 50mm X-Series dynamic driver, engineered for improved efficiency, lower distortion, and enhanced dynamic contrast. Compared to the Prestige models, the S950 offers:

• Greater low-level detail retrieval

• Improved layering and instrument separation

• Wider, more dimensional staging

• Smoother, more controlled treble extension

The presentation feels open and spacious, yet grounded—ideal for critical listening across acoustic, jazz, classical, and well-recorded contemporary music.

Comfort & Craftsmanship

The S950 features Grado’s upgraded multi-conductor cable for improved signal integrity, along with a premium headband and large-format ear cushions designed for long listening sessions. Each pair is carefully driver-matched and assembled in Brooklyn.

With 38-ohm impedance, it is relatively easy to drive but clearly benefits from pairing with a high-quality DAC and dedicated headphone amplifier.

Why We Like It

The Signature S950 balances clarity and musicality in a way that feels effortless. It’s resolving enough to anchor a serious two-channel headphone system, yet engaging enough to simply sit back and enjoy the music.

For listeners stepping beyond the Prestige Series into more refined territory, the S950 is a compelling next move.

Key Features

• Open-back design

• 50mm X-Series dynamic drivers

• Hardwood housing

• Upgraded multi-conductor cable

• Premium headband

• Hand-assembled in Brooklyn, NY

Specifications

• Type: Dynamic

• Operating Principle: Open-back

• Frequency Response: 5Hz – 40kHz

• Impedance: 38 ohms

• Sensitivity: 99.8 dB

• Cable Length: 6 ft (1.8 m)

• 3.5mm plug with 1/4" adapter included