February 19th, 2025; Grado Labs, world-renowned designer and manufacturer of award-winning headphones, announces the release of its latest open-back headphone, the Signature S950.
Building on the success of the recently released the Signature S950 is the second headphone to become part of the new Signature line. Staying true to Grado’s longstanding tradition of using woods in crafting their headphone housings, this model utilizes a Brazilian Walnut, the first time Grado has chosen this family of woods. Grado finds that different woods offer distinct sonic characteristics allowing this headphone its own sound signature which contrasts the more analytical, machined aluminum HP100 SE stablemate.
Lightweight but durable, the Signature S950 is crafted from Brazilian Walnut. Weighing only 395 grams it offers a comfortable fit and reduced fatigue for those long listening sessions. The wood grain of each individually crafted housing is never identical, bringing a special one-of-kind quality to each build. Walnut, known for its density and resistance to decay, has been chosen for a relaxed musical presentation and stability. The lack of expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature or humidity helps maintain the acoustical characteristics. Brazilian Walnut is grown in the tropical rain forests of the Amazon, and sustainable practices help protect the ecosystems in the area.
Speaker Design
The Signature S950 utilizes a version of the new Grado 52mm S driver originally designed for the award winning . While developing this new 52mm driver, Grado aimed to create a speaker that delivers exceptional high-frequency detail, a smooth midrange, and powerful bass while maintaining minimal distortion, ensuring a musically and harmonically accurate sound.
To achieve this, a paper composite cone was selected, paired with a high-flux magnetic circuit made from rare earth alloys. The driver also features a lightweight copper-plated aluminum voice coil. Together, the advanced magnetic circuit and voice coil enhance dynamics and transient response while providing a refined sense of space, soundstage, detail and imaging.
While the award-winning Signature HP100 SE has been lauded by recording engineers and consumers around the world as detailed, revealing and accurate to the recorded piece, the Signature S950 has a more neutral and balanced sound, providing a broad-brush stroke to the musical presentation. A presentation that allows the listener to experience a relaxed personal insight to what the music is communicating.
Detachable Cables
The Grado Signature line will continue to feature detachable cables. First introduced with the launch of the Signature HP100 SE, these new cables have been a welcome change to Grado headphones. The Signature S950 headphone will ship standard with the Grado Signature Gold cable, with a length of 6 feet and a 6.35mm single ended termination. All new Grado cables have been redesigned with a softer more durable braided finish as well as an improved insulation that enhances flexibility while reducing overall weight.
The cable connects to each housing via a 4-pin balanced mini XLR plug. Future Grado detachable cables will be available with termination options, there will be a 4-pin balanced XLR termination and 4.4mm balanced termination, variable cable lengths will also be available. The detachable cables allow users to customize their headphones to best match their source and personal preferences.
Headband Assembly
The Signature S950 will utilize the new headband assembly that was first made available on the Signature HP100 SE. Built for long listening sessions, the updated headband includes 50% more padding than earlier Grado models. It features a stainless-steel band and adjustable height rods, allowing for a customized fit that helps reduce listening fatigue.
Grado Labs has crafted the engraved gimbals from an aluminum alloy, while the stainless-steel height rod adds stability at the connection point. The height rod is designed to remain secure to the junction block as well as restrict the housing rotation to 105 degrees, helping minimize wear over time.
