Grado RS2x – A Tale of Two Timbers, Reference Sound

The redesigned RS2x opens new territory for Grado's Reference Series by pairing maple and hemp wood for a nimble yet unwavering audiophile on-ear. Built by hand in Brooklyn around the fourth-generation X dynamic driver, these open-back headphones deliver a wide, musical stage, precise bass and articulate highs.

Key Features

• 4th-Gen X-Series Dynamic Driver: Redesigned voice coil, diaphragm and magnet for lower distortion and deeper detail
• Maple & Hemp Wood Earcups: Two timbers tuned to balance warmth, clarity and natural decay
• Open-Back Reference Series: Expansive, airy soundstage with a holographic stereo image
• Leather-Stitched Headband: Premium feel and secure fit with Grado's signature supra-aural comfort
• 8-Conductor Super-Annealed Copper Cable: Low-interference signal path and rugged, braided exterior
• Handmade in Brooklyn, NY: Assembled, matched and tested by the Grado team to within 0.05 dB driver pair-matching

Customer Benefits

With the RS2x you get Grado's Reference-level detail and soundstage without stepping up to the flagship price. The maple-and-hemp cup marries warmth with speed, the X driver reveals layers in your favourite recordings, and the hand-built craftsmanship means every pair measures and sounds the same — a headphone you can grow with for years.

Quick Specs

• Driver Type: Dynamic (4th-Generation X-Series)
• Operating Principle: Open-air, open-back
• Frequency Response: 14 – 28 000 Hz
• Sensitivity (SPL @ 1 mW): 99.8 dB
• Nominal Impedance: 38 Ω
• Driver Matching: 0.05 dB (pair-matched)
• Cable: 8-conductor super-annealed copper, 3.5 mm termination
• Ear Cushions: L-Cushion (foam)
• Housing: Maple & hemp wood

What's in the Box

• 1 × Grado RS2x Headphones
• 1 × 6.3 mm (¼") adapter
• 1 × Owner's Guide & Warranty Card

Use Cases / Ideal For

Ideal for home audiophiles, vinyl listeners and serious music lovers who want a hand-built open-back with Reference-level resolution and musicality.

Compatibility

Works directly with any 3.5 mm headphone output and, via the supplied ¼" adapter, with full-size headphone amplifiers, integrated amps and DACs. The 38 Ω impedance drives easily from quality portable amps to dedicated headphone stages.

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

• Reference-Series sound quality at a mid-tier price
• Beautiful maple + hemp wood aesthetic
• Tight 0.05 dB driver matching and hand-built QA
• Easy to drive from almost any source

⚠️ Cons:

• Open-back design leaks sound — not for office or commute
• L-Cushions can feel firm until broken in
• Fixed cable (XLR termination is a factory option, not user-replaceable)

The Grado RS2x is a rare thing in 2026: a handmade, wood-housed headphone that lets you hear into the recording without chasing flagship pricing. If you want open-back musicality with Reference pedigree, the RS2x belongs on your desk.