Grado RS1i Headphones STEREOPHILE "PRODUCT OF THE YEAR"

General Design Commentary on Grado Headphones
All Grado headphones have a vented diaphragm design that incorporates a large air chamber. This design concept lowers the frequency resonance (distortion) of the diaphragm and extends bass response. The diaphragm is made of a low mass polymer, carefully formed to broaden resonant modes to reduce their amplitude. The diaphragm mass is determined with the compliance of the suspension in mind so that the desired low frequency resonance is achieved. The diaphragm's total mass is calculated to provide a full 20 KHZ bandwidth, while avoiding break-up at lower frequencies. Technical refinements for Grado drivers include improved diaphragm and voice coil design for increased bass response and a larger perceived sound stage. A unique process to "de-stress" the diaphragm results in enhanced inner detail. An increased ability to control driver resonance virtually eliminates distortion. For all models, an improved headband spring will afford greater comfort for the majority of listeners.

The Sonic Reproduction of Grado Headphones
Grado headphones can reproduce as natural a soundstage from stereo recordings and provide as much listening pleasure as a good pair of speakers do. Grado headphones are free of room effects and placement problems, and they minimize any interference from external noise. They also offer portability and the ability to listen without worrying about the neighbors. With Grado headphones, you will hear recordings with greater clarity and with deeper bass than others! Grado headphones are the antithesis of mass production, as each Grado headphone is hand-assembled and closely scrutinized to meet full performance specifications in the U.S.A.

Grado RS Headphone Series Details
Grado's wooden Statement and Reference Series are hand-crafted at our labs from a new specially selected species of mahogany. An intricate procedure of curing is done between production steps to achieve optimal sonic quality. The overall sound remains pure Grado, warm harmonic color, full bodied vocals, excellent dynamics and an ultra smooth top end..

The Latest Version, the RS1i
What does the i stand for in the new RS1i from Grado? Improved, that’s what! Featuring a new species of handcrafted Mahogany earpieces made using an intricate curing process; Grado has been able to optimize the tonal quality. The RS1i uses new upgraded dynamic transducers and the new 8 conductor cable design all in an open-air configuration, the cups being open-backed. The result 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. Weighing 9oz, the headphones are an example of the wonder of Mother Nature with a gorgeous, dark-colored Mahogany look. The RS-1 is the Masterpiece of the Grado collection, the Top Of The Range product which oozes class both in looks and sound.

Comments on the Grado RS1i

"A ludicrously pricey pair of headphones but the sound is that good – really!" - By What Hi-Fi / England

"...the Grado RS1 adds up to a resounding no-brainer recommendation. Some refer to it as foot tapping, or pace and rhythm, I prefer the term kinetic energy. Whichever term resonates with you, be aware that the RS1 brings all of the above to the musical table." - By Dick Olsher / EnjoyTheMusic.com

"Grado's RS1 has been able to utilize the natural resonance of wood to produce – in our humble opinion – the finest headphones in the world. In fact, the word "masterpiece" was bandied about frequently in the edit meetings" - Kenny Booras / Industry magazine

"RS1 is at its best with instrumental, vocal and small-scale groups, particularly if you like your music up front and personal. The Grados are clearly a music lover’s component, trading a little accuracy and detail for warmth, presence and tonal color – a trade most tube lovers would make any day. Try them on for comfort and sound, you’ll not be disappointed." - Phil Gold / Inner Ear Magazine

"Even in the heady group of contenders the Grado RS1’s luscious sound scores an immediate “wow” response. But over the months living with the three headphones, I gravitate to the RS1 more than the others. I love these headphones." - Steve Guttenberg / Robb Report

"…offer what many audiophiles consider the most accurate sound quality available in headphones. The low end is warm, the high frequencies are crisp and clear, and there is never any distortion. This is, quite simply, the way music is supposed to sound!" - DETAILS magazine

"EDITORS' PICK! The chassis on these audiophile classics are handcrafted from cured mahogany, making them both light and dynamic. Amazing sonic detail, marvel at the clarity of your Steely Dan records. And thanks to a fully open design, you can have a conversation without reaching for the volume knob." - Paul Boutlin, Wired Magazine

"From their honey-hued mahogany earpieces to the ultra-pure, oxygen-free copper voice coils, the RS1 headphones ooze old-world craftsmanship. These headphones offer a sound that's warm, smooth and dynamic, revealing otherwise-hidden detail." - James Willcox, Mercedes Benz Magazine

The RS1's are the only product ever nominated by STEREOPHILE for their "PRODUCT OF THE YEAR" distinction, two years in a row!

"I say that the RS1 is a Masterpiece." - Ken Kessler, HI-FI NEWS - RECORD REVIEW

Rated Class "A" on STEREOPHILE'S recommended components list.

"It's rare that any audio product can come along and simply bowl me over. In this case, I yeild." -Jack English, STEREOPHILE Vol.19, No.7

"I would urge any serious headphone listener to audition this Grado RS1." -John Borwick, Gramophone

"One of the years awesome high-end audio achievements" -Ken Kessler, Robb Report

"The RS1 offers something so stunning that price becomes irrelevant" -Gavin Isaacs, Audio Video

"If you value headphone listening enough to consider buying a reference dynamic, then you should audition the RS1's." -Wes Philips, STEREOPHILE Vol.19, No.7

"I can honestly say that there is no better sounding headphone than the Grado RS1" -Corey Greenberg, Home Theater Vol.3, No.5

"I'm very impressed with it" said Wes Phillips, an editor at Stereophile magazine who is evaluating the headset for next month's issue. "John introduces things that monster companies can't produce." -Excerpt / New York Times / 8/18/96 / Mark Cohen

"We've always had bit of a headphone fettish at What Hi-Fi? We're often talking about how they can create your own private universe, plug directly into your favorite piece of music. Now we've heard the Grado RS1s, and our fettish has become an epic, full blown love affair. Ooooh..." -What Hi-Fi

Grado RS1i Features