GRADO / Signature S950 - 4.4mm

The Signature S950 - 4.4mm is a headphone that comes standard with a 4.4mm balanced connection cable. This is a variation of the Signature series wired headphones, the Signature S950, with a changed connector for the standard cable.

■New 52mm dynamic driver
・The Signature S950 is equipped with a new Grado 52mm S driver designed for the Signature HP100 SE. In developing this new 52mm driver, Grado aimed for a musical and harmonious sound that combines delicate details in the high range, smooth midrange, and powerful low range while minimizing distortion. To achieve this, a paper composite cone is used and combined with a high-flux magnetic circuit using rare earth alloys. In addition, the lightweight copper-plated aluminum voice coil improves dynamics and transient response, achieving richer sound field expression, fine details, and excellent imaging.
・The Signature HP100 SE is highly regarded by recording engineers and audiophiles around the world for faithfully reproducing the details of recorded music. The Signature S950 pursues a more neutral and balanced sound and expands the expressiveness of music, providing listeners with a deeply immersive experience.

■New headband assembly

- The Signature S950 is equipped with a new headband assembly that was first adopted in the Signature HP100 SE. With consideration for long listening times, the amount of padding has been increased by 50% compared to previous Grado models. It features a stainless steel band and height-adjustable rods to reduce strain when listening and provide a customized fit. The gimbal (the part that connects the housing and the band) is precisely machined from aluminum alloy, and a stainless steel height rod is used for the connection part. This is designed to limit the housing rotation to 105 degrees while maintaining the proper position even if the zinc alloy end cap comes off. It is designed to be durable and withstand years of use.

■Redesigned headband assembly

- The Grado Signature series continues to use a detachable cable. This new cable design, which was first introduced in the Signature HP100 SE, has brought about a major evolution in the company's headphone products. The Signature S950 comes standard with a 6-foot (about 1.8m) Grado Signature cable (6.35mm single-ended). The new headphone cable has a more durable braided finish that reduces weight while increasing flexibility. The cable connects to each housing via a 4-pin balanced mini-XLR plug. In the future, 4-pin balanced XLR and 4.4mm balanced terminal options will be available, and cables of various lengths will also be available. Users can customize their headphones according to their source equipment and preferences.

■Ear pads
・The standard ear pads are the largest pads, called Ear Pad G, as with the high-end headphones that Grado Labs has produced so far. The Signature S950 also comes with Ear Pad F. By wearing ear pads of different sizes, the sound changes and it is possible to provide the optimal listening environment according to the user's preferences and music genre.

■Handmade at the Brooklyn headquarters
・Founded on a kitchen table in 1953, Grado Labs has been pursuing acoustic technology that makes use of wood for more than a quarter century. Each Signature S950 is carefully assembled by skilled craftsmen. The Signature S950 has been passed down from bench to bench, and is made with attention to detail. Behind its creation lies the history and passion that Grado has accumulated.

Specifications: Driver configuration: 52mm dynamic driver Format: Open air Frequency response: 3.5 - 51.5kHz Sensitivity: 117dB Total harmonic distortion: <0.1% @100dB Impedance: 38Ω Channel balance: 0.4dB Weight (including cable) - Signature S950 - 4.4mm balanced cable: approx. 400g Cable length: approx. 1.8m Input terminal - Signature S950 - 4.4mm balanced cable: 4.4mm balanced plug Housing connector: 4Pin mini XLR Accessories: Headphone cable, Ear Pad G, Ear Pad F * [4pin XLR - 6.3mm conversion adapter included only for 4pin XLR balanced cable]