Grado RS2x
MPN #RS2x
Reference Series headphones with 4th gen X Drivers, wood chambers, 8 conductors braided cable, 3.5mm plug, L pads and metal adaptor
A Tale of Two Timbers
A nimble yet unwavering headphone, the redesigned RS2x explores new territory for the Reference Series by marrying maple with hemp wood.
The Sound of Wood
Maple, Meet Hemp
A family favorite, the RS2x has been completely redesigned to bring out the full potential of its maple and hemp wood. The housing's sleeve and ring are made from maple, while a hemp core keeps everything together. We build with wood for its warm and embracing tonal abilities, and the RS2x is an exceptional evolution to the RS2 line.
Signature Sound
What We're Known For.
Discovering new pieces in songs heard hundreds of times is what we're here for. The driver and housing working in tandem react to sound vibrations and virtually eliminate transient distortions. With harmonic colors and a world renowned mid-range, the RS2x immediately draws you in. The sound the woods produce, when combined with our special processes, are full-bodied with a rich vocality.
X Series Drivers
A New Harmony.
4th gen X Drivers are here. Specifically tuned for the RS2x wood housing, this new speaker design features a more powerful magnetic circuit, a voice coil with decreased effective mass, and a reconfigured diaphragm. Reengineering these components for our 44mm drivers improve efficiency, reduces distortion, and preserves the harmonic integrity of your music.
New Cable & Headbands
A Little Extra.
Along with the speakers, the cables and headband have been redesigned for the RS2x. Housed in a more durable exterior, the now super annealed copper 8-conductor cable reveals even more of your music with improved purity. The new black leather headband features a white-stitched accent.
Hand-Built in Brooklyn
With Love.
Our first wooden headphones were built in the middle of the night back in 1994 by John Grado. Wood has been a staple on our workbench ever since. Each RS2x headphone is hand-built by our team in Brooklyn - these headphones go from workbench to workbench until they're ready for your ears. We started building on a kitchen table in 1953, and every experience since then has led to the RS2x.
Features
Hand-Built in BrooklynMaple / Hemp Wood HousingBi-Wood DesignDurable 8 Conductor CableL CushionWhite-Stitched Leather HeadbandDe-Stressed DriverDrivers Matched .05dB
Specifications
Transducer Type: Dynamic
Operating Principle: Open Air
Frequency Response: 14 - 28,000 hz
SPL 1mW: 99.8 dB
Nominal Impedance: 38 ohms
Driver Matched dB: .05 dB
Write a review about the Grado RS2x
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5.0
Simon
Montreal
September 6, 2022
Worth every penny
This is my 3rd pair of Grados. I have a pair of SR 80 (the model before they added letters to the model number), a pair of GR10e in-ears and now this pair of RS2x.
For those who know about the "Grado sound" and the different headphone models in the Grado line, there are similarities in terms of "sound" profile between the SR 80 and SR 225.
Read more I personally think those models are the better sounding for the price in the Prestige Series.
The RS2x is like a supercharged SR 225. It is the "Grado sound" at its best. Much deeper bass than the cans from the Prestige Series, and well-controlled, tight. Great extended highs and that addictive upper-midrange that Grado are well-knowned for. Very musical and engaging with any type of music.
I don't think you can do much better in that price range and at any price honestly. Grado is a company that only puts your dollars in the product itself, not in marketing, packaging or other bs. They are awesome and a true gem from Brooklyn, NY.
I want to point out 2 importants aspects when considering the RS2x. First, you cannot judge a pair of headphones if it hasn't been burned-in for at least 75-100 hours. If you listen to headphones in a store, make sure that they've had at least 75-100 hours of music that has run through them. The sound changes A LOT within the burn-in period. After 100 hours of burn-in you can ear what the intended sound profile is and what the Grado engineers actually went for in terms of sound.
Second point is about the ear pads. The RS2x come with the L cushions which are, like many Grado ear pads, uncomfortable. The headband is tight at first but from my experience the metal parts in it will flex more over time so this shouldn't be a problem for most people.
My advice is to purchase a pair of replacement cushion right away as I did. I recommend the SMALL replacement pads for the Prestige Series (those are the comfort pads with no hole in the center). On my SR 80 I did the "Quarter Mod" which is to cut a hole the size of a Quarter coin in the center of the SMALL replacement pads. This ensures that most of your ears are directly on the headphone drivers when listening to ensure you don't interfere too much with the overall frequency response that was calibrated for the L pads. But doing this will make the RS2x much more comfortable. Comfort out-of-the-box is one the only downsides to Grado headphones.
Also note that the headphone cable is fixed.
Those are easily the best headphones I own and I currently have about 6-7 pairs. Highly recommended.
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