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Grado Labs RS1e Open-Back On-Ear Audiophile Headphones

Grado Labs RS1e Open-Back On-Ear Audiophile Headphones

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Page last updated Sep 28, 2025

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Description

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Experience the ultimate in sonic purity with the Grado Labs RS1e Open-Back On-Ear Audiophile Headphones. Designed for musicians, mix engineers, and audiophiles alike, these headphones deliver an unparalleled listening experience that brings you closer to your music. The beautifully crafted cured mahogany earpieces aren't just a visual delight; they enhance the acoustics by providing a warm, natural resonance that elevates every note.

The RS1e headphones are a testament to Grado's commitment to precision and quality. With drivers matched to within 0.05 dB, you'll enjoy an astonishingly accurate soundstage that captures every nuance and detail of your tracks. The open-back design offers an expansive, airy sound that places you right at the heart of your recordings. Whether you're fine-tuning your latest mix or savoring your favorite album, these headphones promise a truly immersive auditory journey.

Key Features:

Open-back on-ear design for an expansive soundstage
Cured mahogany earpieces for enhanced acoustics
Drivers matched to within 0.05 dB for precision audio
Frequency response similar to high-end studio monitors
Lightweight and comfortable for extended listening sessions

Product specs

Brand	Grado Labs
Model	RS1e Open-back Headphones
Year	2010s
Categories	On-ear Headphones, Open-back Headphones

FAQs

What type of sound signature can I expect from the Grado Labs RS1e headphones?: The Grado Labs RS1e headphones are known for their detailed and dynamic sound signature, offering a warm midrange, extended highs, and tight bass, making them ideal for critical listening and audiophile applications.
Are the Grado Labs RS1e headphones suitable for professional studio monitoring?: While the RS1e headphones provide excellent sound quality, their open-back design may not be ideal for professional studio monitoring due to sound leakage and lack of isolation.
How comfortable are the Grado Labs RS1e headphones for long listening sessions?: The Grado Labs RS1e headphones feature on-ear cushions designed for comfort, but individual experiences may vary depending on personal preference and ear shape.
Do the Grado Labs RS1e headphones require a headphone amplifier for optimal performance?: While the RS1e headphones can be driven by most devices, using a dedicated headphone amplifier can enhance their performance, providing better dynamics and sound quality.
What is the primary use case for the Grado Labs RS1e headphones?: The Grado Labs RS1e headphones are primarily designed for audiophiles and music enthusiasts seeking high-quality, immersive listening experiences at home.

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Unboxing of the Grado Reference RS1e Headphones

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Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Grado Labs RS1e Open-Back On-Ear Audiophile Headphones.

Build quality

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Owners note that Grado's lightness makes them less fatiguing compared to heavier models like the Sennheiser Momentum M2, with a difference of 80g.
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Mods and upgrades

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Users suggest trying Yuhtech replacement open cell foam pads for better comfort and improved imaging, despite the tight fit over the headphones.
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Detachable cables can be added to Grados easily, even for beginners, by melting glue with a hair dryer for up to ten minutes.
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Owners have successfully modded Grados with mini XLR connectors to share cables with Audeze and ZMF headphones.
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Features and functionality

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The RS1e's latest revision is praised as the best sub-$1000 headphone by one owner, highlighting its exceptional performance.
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Grado's new RS1x features a 50mm driver and uses three types of wood—maple, hemp, and cocobolo—offering a unique aesthetic and potentially enhanced acoustic properties.
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Use cases and applications

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Some users prefer the GW100's wireless sound for its stronger bass and warmth, while others appreciate the wired sound for its traditional Grado signature.
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Grados excel with conventional instruments like acoustic guitars, jazz, and classical music, but are less suited for rap or electronic music.
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Comparisons

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The Grado GW100 is compared favorably to the Audio Technica ATH-AVA400, with better warmth and bass but slightly less stereo separation.
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Grados are described as having a more forward and exciting sound compared to Sennheiser’s relaxed, concert-hall-like presentation.
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User experience

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The Grado RS1x's design choices make it feel more like an "artisanal" product, appealing to those interested in unique, high-quality audio experiences.
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Critic Reviews

Grado RS1e Review – 5 Minutes with Joe

joewilcox.com

A love letter to audiophiles with a taste for the retro, Grado's RS1e headphones deliver a distinct, airy soundstage that's ideal for pre-2000s music and classical compositions. Handcrafted mahogany enclosures contribute to their spacious sound signature, while the open-back design fosters an immersive listening experience. However, they aren't suited for bass enthusiasts or noisy environments, as the sound leakage and lack of punchy lows might disappoint. Priced at $695, these headphones demand high-quality audio sources to truly shine and require a break-in period for optimal performance. If you're seeking detailed fidelity over thumping bass, the RS1e could be your perfect match.

positive

Full Review

Grado RS1e Review – Groundhog Day Again?! - Home Studio Basics

homestudiobasics.com

Grado RS1e headphones offer fantastic bass and superb instrument separation, but they're plagued by significant design flaws. The build feels flimsy, with an awkwardly heavy, non-detachable cable likened to an extension cord. Comfort is notably poor, with minimal padding that digs into the ears. The sound profile, while revealing, is marred by a harsh treble and aggressive mid-range, making long listening sessions uncomfortable. Despite their detailed and textured sound, the overall experience is let down by these persistent issues. For those curious about Grado's signature sound, the cheaper SR60e might be a safer bet.

negative

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Grado RS1e: Close to perfect

stereoindex.com

The Grado RS1e headphones offer a timeless design with mahogany and leather, exuding vintage charm. Their soundstage is impressively wide, and they deliver detailed, clear audio with controlled bass, rich mids, and airy highs, making them ideal for genres like jazz and classical music. However, their open-back design means zero noise isolation, and the sound signature isn't for everyone, potentially being too intense for some. While the craftsmanship is mostly solid, minor manufacturing nuances can vary due to the handmade nature. For Grado fans, these headphones are a delight, but auditioning before buying is wise.

positive

Full Review

Grado RS1e Headphone Review | Sound & Vision

soundandvision.com

Grado's RS1e headphones captivate with their handcrafted appeal and sprawling soundstage, delivering clarity that's hard to beat at this price. Perfect for home use, these lightweight cans offer an expansive auditory experience, although bass lovers might find them lacking in punch compared to closed-back rivals. The non-detachable cable can be a nuisance on the go, but for those seeking an open and airy listening session, the RS1e is a compelling choice. A joy for audiophiles who appreciate spacious soundscapes, though the cable and bass might leave some wanting more.

positive

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