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Image © AmazonGrado Rs1x
At a glance
- Brand
- Grado
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Fit
- open
- Connection
- Wired
- Noise cancelling
- No
- Released
- 2022
Score breakdowngreat overall
Sound8.6
Value7.2
The HearWiki takeAI-condensed
The Grado RS1x is an open-back, wired over-ear headphone delivering a transparent, dynamic, and highly musical sound with a spacious presentation. It is easy to drive thanks to its 38-ohm impedance and 99.8 dB sensitivity, making it a strong choice for critical listening at home. However, its open-back nature leaks sound significantly, and comfort may be an issue during extended use.
What works
- Transparent and immersive sound quality
- Easy to drive with a wide range of amplifiers
- Dynamic and punchy audio performance
- Lightweight at 320 grams for an open-back design
- Distinctive visual design
What doesn't
- Significant sound leakage due to open-back design
- Comfort can be limited over long listening sessions
- Build quality feels modest for the price
- Tuning may be less versatile for some listeners
Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.
Specifications
| Driver | 50 mm dynamic |
|---|---|
| Driver type | dynamic |
| Driver size | 50 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 |
| Frequency response | 12 Hz - 30 kHz |
| Impedance | 38 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 99.8 dB/mW |
Audio
| Driver | 50 mm dynamic |
|---|---|
| Driver type | dynamic |
| Driver size | 50 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 |
| Frequency response | 12 Hz - 30 kHz |
| Impedance | 38 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 99.8 dB/mW |
Features
| Active noise cancelling | No |
|---|---|
| Controls | buttons |
Design
| Weight | 320 g |
|---|---|
| USB-C | No |
| Connector | 3.5 mm |
Where to buy
Retailers we matched to this exact model. Prices are periodic snapshots - the link always opens the retailer's current listing.
What the reviews said
5 source(s) feeding this product's score.
What YouTube reviewers say
Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.
The consensus
Positiveacross 5 videosReviewers consistently praise the Grado RS1x for its unique multi-wood craftsmanship, expansive and open soundstage, and detailed, dynamic sound, especially with vocals and acoustic music.
Reviewers liked
- Unique wood craftsmanship and attractive design
- Expansive, open soundstage with excellent imaging
- Detailed, dynamic, and transparent sound, especially for vocals and acoustic music
Reviewers flagged
- Treble can be bright and bass lacks fullness for some
- On-ear fit and clamping pressure may be uncomfortable
- Non-detachable, stiff cable and potential wood splitting during mods
21:05Glorious Grados: RS-1X headphone and Platinum3 cartridge
The reviewer finds the Grado RS1x to be a lively, transparent, and dynamic open-back headphone that excels at delivering an intimate, 'you are there' experience, especially with vocals and acoustic music. It is significantly more transparent and dynamic than the original RS1, with tighter bass and a very open soundstage, though the treble is a tad bright and the bass is not full or sumptuous. The reviewer notes it is easy to drive, comfortable enough, and requires a long break-in period, but the non-detachable cable and high clamping pressure are minor drawbacks.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
15:24GRADO HEADPHONES: TOP-OF-THE-RANGE STATEMENT (GS3000x) AND REFERENCE (RS1x) MODELS REVIEWED!
7/10The reviewer compares the Grado RS1x and GS3000x, finding them to be very different in sound character. The RS1x is noted for its forward, detailed upper mids and impactful bass, but the reviewer finds its midrange a bit too forward and the on-ear fit odd. The GS3000x is praised for its balanced, warm, and powerful sound, which the reviewer prefers, though it may not suit everyone. The RS1x receives a score of 7/10, while the GS3000x gets an 8/10.
MixedWatch on YouTube
2:45Be careful when modifying the Grado RS1x
The reviewer, who modifies headphones professionally, praises the Grado RS1x for its attractive multi-wood construction and excellent sound quality, while noting that the hemp layers can split and the stock cable is problematic. They recommend careful modification or professional service to avoid damage.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
2:32Grado RS1x: The Best Open-Back Headphones? A Hands-On Experience
The reviewer praises the Grado RS1x as a high-end open-back headphone that combines unique wood craftsmanship with powerful drivers to deliver an expansive, detailed, and warm sound. They highlight its immersive soundstage and natural imaging, recommending it for audiophiles seeking a premium listening experience.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
2:50GRADO RS1x: The Ultimate Audiophile Wood Masterpiece
The reviewer praises the Grado RS1x as a beautifully crafted, open-back audiophile headphone that delivers an expansive, natural soundstage with excellent instrument separation. They highlight its unique wood construction, hand-assembled heritage, and comfortable, lightweight design, concluding it is a premium, heirloom-quality listening experience for serious enthusiasts.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.
What owners say
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