Grado's Reference Series gets an update: RS1x and RS2x launched with new fourth gen drivers

(Pocket-lint) - Grado has launched recently updated versions of its iconic Reference Series headphones called the RS1x and RS2x. Each with their ain operation of woods. 

Think of Grado and - if you're alert of the marque - there's a bully accidental you person a beardown intelligence representation of a rustic looking brace of headphones with woody receptor cups. 

The caller open-back Reference Series cans diagnostic that aforesaid instantly-recognisable woody receptor cup. The RS1x features a operation of maple, cocobolo and hemp wood portion the RS2x uses maple and hemp. Both models are besides built with a much durable cablegram and headband. 

Apart from the circumstantial woods used, the quality betwixt the 2 models is size, dictated by the size of the driver. RS1x has a marque caller 4th procreation 50mm X Driver, portion the smaller RS2x has a 44mm X driver. 

The X Driver, of course, archetypal made an quality successful the updated Prestige Series launched earlier successful 2021. 

In its property release, the institution states the drivers person been specifically tuned for the woody enclosure they're built into, which means subltle differences to tuning betwixt the larger and smaller. 

What's more, compared to erstwhile RS models, the driver's magnetic powerfulness has been accrued contempt a smaller coil mass, positive a tweaked diaphragm. 

Remarkably, successful the 27 years since the archetypal Reference Series, Grado Labs has lone upgraded its drivers doubly earlier now. This is conscionable its 4th procreation of headphone driver, with the institution stating it lone upgrades erstwhile it feels there's a existent request for it. 

Grado Reference RS1x and RS2x are disposable from contiguous with prices acceptable astatine £799/$750 and £599/$550 respectively. 

Writing by Cam Bunton. Originally published connected 9 November 2021.