Grado RS1e Reference Series Headphones

Stereophile "Recommended Component"

Improved from Top to Bottom End

Ever wonder what hardcore audiophiles are hearing, and that you might be missing? The Grado RS1e is the point of no return so be warned, cross this threshold and you’ll never enjoy mass-market headphones again. Once you've experienced this elegant audio masterpiece you won't want to stop listening.

The new e-Series version of the Grado RS1 Reference Series headphone continues the evolution from the original model RS1 through the award-winning RS1i to the latest enhanced version, the RS1e.

"Class A Recommended"

The original RS1 has been a Stereophile Class A "Recommended Component." According to the magazine's Jack English, "It's rare that any audio product can come along and simply bowl me over. In this case, I yield."

Stereophile's Wes Philips raves, "If you value headphone listening enough to consider buying a reference dynamic, then you should audition the RS1's."

In his review for the Robb Report magazine, audiophile guru Steve Guttenberg reports, "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."

"The chassis on these audiophile classics are handcrafted from cured mahogany, making them both light and dynamic," reports a Test issue of Wired magazine, which selected the RS-1 as its Editors Pick for the headphone's "amazing sonic detail."

A Refined Masterpiece

The new RS1e from Grado uses a different species of handcrafted mahogany from the previous previous models. The earpieces utilize an intricate curing process that optimizes the tonal quality while giving them a new look.

The RS1e places a 50mm dynamic transducer and an eight-conductor cable design in an open-air configuration. 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 only nine ounces, these headphones are an example of the wonders of Mother Nature with a gorgeous light mahogany look. The RS1e is a refined masterpiece in the Grado collection.

New 'e' Version Enhancements

These classic mahogany favorites have been improved from top to bottom end. Every single component and material used in the 'e' version of Grado's Reference Series headphones has been upgraded and optimized for sensational sound.

The mahogany wood now undergoes a new proprietary curing process that enhances its natural tone properties. Wood, being a product of nature, is subject to variations in density and other properties. The curing process ensures consistency of the signature Grado sound.

Rhodium, the most expensive precious metal on earth, is employed in The e-Series headphones to prevent corrosion on connectors and unwanted graininess in your music. The new driver cone geometry tracks frequencies with unequaled precision, and the coil has been fine-tuned for symmetry throughout the full range.

One thing Grado didn't change is the traditional appearance that Grado fans cherish. The open-back form factor of the RS-series headphones produces a cleaner, more authentic sonic experience.

Product Features

New, improved components and materials
New species of mahogany wood for the driver housing
New proprietary wood curing process
New, enhanced eight-conductor cable
New driver cone geometry
New, fine-tuned voice coil
New rhodium connectors
Open air/dynamic transducer with vented diaphragm
3.0"" non-resonant hand-machined wooden air chamber
UHPLC copper wiring and voice coils
6ft connecting cord with mini plug and 1/4"" phono plug adaptor

Product Features

New, improved components and materials
New species of mahogany wood for the driver housing
New proprietary wood curing process
New, enhanced eight-conductor cable
New driver cone geometry
New, fine-tuned voice coil
New rhodium connectors
Open air/dynamic transducer with vented diaphragm
3.0" non-resonant hand-machined wooden air chamber
UHPLC copper wiring and voice coils
6ft connecting cord with mini plug and 1/4" phono plug adaptor

Product Specs

Transducer Type: Dynamic
Operating Principle: Open Air
Frequency Response: 12 - 30,000 hz
SPL 1mW: 99.8 dB
Normal Impedance: 32 ohms
Driver Matched dB: .05 dB

Product Warranty

1 Year - Eartips and Cushions Not Included

Parts & Labor

Grado Warranty Information

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 yield."

- Jack English, Stereophile magazine Vol.19, No.7

"If you value headphone listening enough to consider buying a reference dynamic, then you should audition the RS1's."

- Wes Philips, Stereophile magazine Vol.19, No.7

"...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."

- Dick Olsher, EnjoyTheMusic.com

"A ludicrously pricey pair of headphones but the sound is that good – really!"

- What Hi-Fi? magazine,

"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 magazine

"…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

"I would urge any serious headphone listener to audition this Grado RS1."

- John Borwick, Gramophone magazine

"One of the years awesome high-end audio achievements"

- Ken Kessler, Robb Report magazine

"The RS1 offers something so stunning that price becomes irrelevant."

- Gavin Isaac, Audio Video magazine

"I can honestly say that there is no better sounding headphone than the Grado RS1"

- Corey Greenberg, Home Theater magazine. Vol.3, No.5

"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 magazine

Audio Advisor occasionally has fantastic deals on clearance items that are in excellent condition and we happen to have just one or two of.

Demo: Photo samples, gear we auditioned, items returned for wrong color/wrong size, etc.

Open Box: Contents briefly examined or inspected for promotional or internal purposes

Factory Refreshed: Original-condition items repackaged by the manufacturer

Cosmetically Blemished: A few dings or scratches, but functionally in original condition

Used: May show some signs of use

All clearance products are carefully inspected by our technicians before we offer the item for sale. All clearance products except Used items come with the original manufacturer warranty and are guaranteed to work and sound like new.

RETURN POLICY & PROCESS

NOTE:
You may only return a product purchased within 60-days of the receipt date.
The product must be in like-new condition and shipped in the original packaging (So SAVE THOSE BOXES!!!)

Call 1-800-942-0220 to request an RMA number.
Print the RMA number on the return shipping label.
Please make sure the return shipping name and address are written in a note on the inside.
Ship package to…

Audio Advisor Returns
4717 Broadmoor Ave SE, Suite G
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
(PRINT YOUR RMA NUMBER HERE)

NOTE: If a coupon was used in the ordering process, then the final value (recorded during payment) will be the price refunded.

Returned products are inspected by our warehouse and refunds are issued within 24 hours of inspection. Please note: it may take 7-10 business days for your bank to show the refunded amount. If you do not see it then, please reach out to our customer service team at 1-800-942-0220.

Audio Advisor will ship products anywhere in the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. Territories.