The Grado Signature S950 is the second model in Grado's Signature line, sitting alongside the aluminium-bodied HP100 SE. Where the HP100 SE uses machined aluminium housings for a detailed, revealing character, the S950 takes a different approach: hand-crafted Brazilian Walnut earcup housings that deliver a more neutral, balanced and relaxed presentation. This is the first time Grado has used Brazilian Walnut in a headphone, and each pair features unique wood grain patterns, making every S950 one of a kind.
Driver Technology
At the heart of the S950 is an incarnation of Grado's 52mm S driver, originally developed for the HP100 SE. Each driver deploys a paper composite cone paired with a high-flux magnetic circuit and a copper-plated aluminium voice coil. Driver matching is held to within 0.4 dB, ensuring precise stereo imaging. Total harmonic distortion is rated at less than 0.1% at 100 dB, with a sensitivity of 115 dB SPL per milliwatt and a nominal impedance of 38 ohms — making the S950 easy to drive from a wide range of sources.
Construction & Comfort
The Brazilian Walnut housings are individually crafted in Brooklyn, New York, continuing Grado's tradition of hand-built headphones. Despite the premium wood construction, the S950 weighs just 395 grams. The updated headband incorporates 50% more padding than earlier Grado models and uses a stainless steel band with adjustable height rods, allowing for a customised fit that helps reduce listening fatigue during extended sessions. Two sets of ear pad cushions are included: G Cushions, which offer a more enveloping fit, and F Cushions, which have a wider inner diameter and a lower profile.
Detachable Cable System
The S950 ships with the Grado Signature Gold cable — a 12-conductor design with a soft, durable braided construction. The cable connects to each earcup housing via a 4-pin balanced mini XLR plug, making it fully detachable and replaceable. The standard configuration includes a 1.8m (6-foot) cable with a 6.35mm single-ended termination.
| Transducer Type | Dynamic |
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| Operating Principle | Open Air |
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| Driver Size | 52mm S driver |
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| Frequency Response | 3.5 Hz – 51.5 kHz |
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| SPL (1 mW) | 115 dB |
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| THD | <0.1% @ 100 dB |
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| Driver Matched | 0.4 dB |
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| Nominal Impedance | 38 ohms |
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| Housing Material | Brazilian Walnut |
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| Cable | Grado Signature Gold, 12-conductor braided |
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| Cable Length | 1.8m (6 ft) |
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| Headphone Connection | 4-pin Mini XLR (detachable) |
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| Source Connection | 6.35mm |
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| Ear Pads | G Cushions & F Cushions included |
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| Weight | 395g |
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