Grado RS1 Classic Headphones

The Headphone That Started Grado's Wood-Body Tradition

In 1994, John Grado built the very first RS1 by hand in the middle of the night, the first Grado headphone to use a wooden housing, a decision that set the template for every wood-body model that followed.

The RS1 Classic brings an updated 50mm X2 driver and tri-wood cocobolo, hemp, and maple housing to that legacy, positioned for midrange expression and genuine musical immediacy above the rest of the range.

It is a more focused, more direct sounding headphone than Grado's GS models, and deliberately so, trading some spaciousness for a presentation that feels genuinely forward and intimate throughout each session.

Where the Tri-Wood Housing Earns Its Keep

Three Woods, Each With a Specific Job

Cocobolo forms the outer ring, adding density and a quality of definition Grado calls "extra punch," while hemp forms the core layer, smoothing the top and low ends of the frequency response.

Maple forms the outer sleeve, handling most of the structural damping work, and together the three materials produce what Grado describes as "a rich, nuanced tonal palette" throughout every recording.

L Cushions, Tuned for a Forward Presentation

L cushions position the driver closer to the ear than the G cushions on the GS models but farther than the S cushions on the SR60 and SR80, reinforcing the RS1's focused character.

The Signature Gold headband assembly — shared with the GS1000 and GS3000 — brings engraved aluminum gimbals, stainless steel height rods, and a genuine leather headstrap to the RS1's overall comfort platform.

What Reviewers Are Saying

ecoustics.com positioned the RS1 as "where Grado wants tradition and refinement to meet without going full GS," noting the L cushions "suggest a more focused presentation than the GS models."

Best of High End described the tri-wood construction as taking the Hemp's bi-wood concept "a step further... for a rich, nuanced tonal palette" throughout the entire listening experience.

Who Is the RS1 Best For?

• You want a focused, forward midrange over a wide soundstage: L cushions and tri-wood construction reinforce this deliberately intimate character
• You value hand-built heritage and craftsmanship: every RS1 traces its lineage directly to the original hand-built in 1994
• You want the Signature Gold headband's premium comfort: the same platform used on Grado's flagship GS models
• You appreciate a rich, textured tonal character: three distinct woods each contribute a specific acoustic role
• You want genuine directness — the RS1 puts you right in front of the performance

How Does It Connect to Your System?

The fixed Signature Silver cable terminates in a standard 6.35mm plug, with optional XLR termination available for listeners running a balanced headphone amplifier setup.

At 38 ohms and 99.8dB sensitivity, the RS1 is easy to drive from most sources, though it scales meaningfully with quality amplification given its expressive, forward midrange character.

Pairs Well With

What finishes the system around an RS1 Classic:

• Headphone amplifiers — transparent amplification brings out more dynamics and driver control
• Digital-to-analog converters — the RS1's expressive character reveals differences in source quality clearly
• Headphone cables — optional XLR termination is available for balanced amplifier systems
• Headphone stands — a proper resting spot for genuine tri-wood craftsmanship

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the RS1 differ from the GS1000?

Both use the Signature Gold headband, but the GS1000's mahogany housing and G cushions push the driver farther away for a wider, more effortless presentation than the RS1's focused immediacy.

Why does the RS1 use three different woods?

Each wood contributes a specific acoustic quality — maple for structural damping, hemp for smoothing frequency extremes, and cocobolo for density and definition in the lower midrange.

Do I need a headphone amplifier?

Not strictly — at 38 ohms and 99.8dB sensitivity, the RS1 plays from a phone or laptop. It scales noticeably with quality amplification given its forward, expressive character.

Can I use these away from home?

Not really. The RS1 is open-back and leaks sound significantly in both directions, so it's built for a quiet room with quality amplification, not travel.

Is optional XLR termination available?

Yes, confirmed for the RS1 Classic, giving you a genuine balanced connection option alongside the standard 6.35mm termination that ships as the default choice.

Where is the RS1 made?

By hand, in Brooklyn, New York, the same facility where John Grado built the very first RS1 back in 1994, passing through multiple workbenches before it ships.

See It in Action

Grado Labs presents Grado Headphone Line Overview 2026.

Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac presents Grado RS1 headphones, an appreciation.

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Learn More

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