True to Grado’s long tradition of using wood in the housing of its headphones, the Grado S950 uses Brazilian walnut, marking the first time the Brooklyn brand has used this wood family. Grado explains that different woods offer different sonic characteristics, allowing these headphones to have their own unique acoustic signature, which contrasts with the more analytical style of the HP100 SE due to its aluminum housing.

Lightweight yet durable, the Signature S950 headphones feature craftsmanship in Brazilian walnut. They weigh only 395 grams and offer a comfortable fit that reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. The grain of the wood on each individually carved housing is never the same, offering unique quality and aesthetics.

Walnut, known for its density and resistance to the passage of time, was chosen for its ability to provide a stable and relaxed sonic signature. The absence of expansion and contraction with temperature or humidity changes helps maintain its acoustic characteristics. Brazilian walnut grows in the Amazon rainforest and is harvested using sustainable practices to help protect the local ecosystem.

The Grado Signature S950 headphones are equipped with a new version of the Grado 52mm S driver, originally designed for the award-winning Signature HP100 SE. Thanks to this modification, Grado has created a driver that offers exceptional treble detail, smooth midrange, and powerful bass while maintaining minimal distortion, ensuring precise sound in musicality and harmony.

To achieve this, a paper composite cone was chosen along with a high magnetic flux circuit made from rare earth alloy. The driver also features a copper-plated aluminum voice coil. Together, the advanced magnetic circuitry and voice coil improve dynamics and transient response, while providing a refined sense of spaciousness, soundstage, detail, and imaging.

While the award-winning HP100 SE has been acclaimed by recording engineers and users worldwide for its accuracy and ability to reveal details of the original piece, the Grado S950 has a more neutral and balanced sound, offering an uncomplicated musical presentation. Thus, it allows the user a relaxed and immersive experience with what the music is trying to communicate.

The Grado Signature range features detachable cables. First launched with the Signature HP100 SE, these new cables have been a major change for Grado headphones. The Signature S950 comes standard with the Grado Signature Gold cable, 1.8 m long and a single-ended 6.3mm connector.

All new Grado cables have been designed with a softer and more durable braided finish, as well as improved insulation that enhances flexibility while reducing weight.

This cable connects to the headphones via a balanced 4-pin mini XLR connector. Later, Grado will launch cables compatible with various terminations, such as balanced 4-pin XLR to 4.4mm balanced or different cable lengths. Detachable cables allow users to customize their headphones to better match their source or personal preferences.

The Signature S950 headphones feature a new headband system, debuted with the Signature HP100 SE, which increases padding material by 50% compared to previous models. Designed for long listening sessions and with adjustable height rods, they allow for a personalized fit that helps reduce listening fatigue.

Grado Labs manufactures the gimbals from aluminum alloy, while the adjustment rods are made of stainless steel, adding stability to the connection point. The height rods are designed to provide a secure structure to the headband and limit the rotation of the headphones to 105 degrees, minimizing wear over time.