Grado RS1 Headphones

The Grado RS1 represents the top-of-the-line of the Grado headphone lineup and is touted as Grado's flagship product.

With classy mahogany housing to optimize tonal quality, this device belonging to the Grado Reference series is the ultimate in dynamic headphones.

Grado RS1 Headphones Click to enlarge

The RS1 is designed to deliver detailed highs and mids, and tight bass and is at its best with vocal, instrumental and small-scale groups.

Listening on the RS1 gives you the feeling of being right in the midst of a live performance.

A superb soundstage is created as a result of the slightly larger housing provided by the wooden earcups.

Without a doubt, these headphones produce one of the best electronic sound that you will ever experience.

A classy looking black metal mesh is outside the housings in the area that lets the sound out.

The length of the Grado RS1's cord is approximately 6 feet and, like the voice-coils, is wound from ultra-high purity, long crystal oxygen-free copper (UHPLC) which is responsible for the smoother, cleaner and more dynamic sound reproduced by the headphones.

The RS1 comes with a high quality 15 ft. Grado extension cord, and a Grado 1/4 to 1/8 inch adapter.

It uses new upgraded dynamic transducers and the new 8-conductor cable design in an open-air configuration with open-backed cups.

What you get then is a smooth, controlled and coherent sound with detailed dynamics. Frequency response ranges from 12-30 kHz and the drivers are matched to 0.05dB.

Like other headphones from Grado Labs, the RS1 is seen to be highly efficient and can be easily driven by the output of most portable players and home audio equipment.

To improve the overall control and detail of the highs and to add weight to the bass, it is recommended that you use a good quality dedicated headphone amplifier.

Using an amplifier also creates a more expansive and deeper dimension to the soundstage image.

One area that the RS1 is seen to be lacking is in comfort. It is best to try on the headphones before you buy them - you may find them only moderately comfortable while others will make do with minor adjustments to the headband.

The metal headband has minimal leather padding and can be bent to offer a more comfortable fit.

In addition, you can now order more comfortable earpads from Grado, making listening a true pleasure.

Weighing just 9oz and priced at $700, the Grado RS1 may be out of reach of most audiophiles, however, it is definitely the masterpiece of the Grado collection both in looks and sound quality.

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