Brooklyn’s coolest hifi company Grado Labs has updated is Reference Series of headphones with fourth generation X Drivers, housed within exotic wood cups plus a redesigned headband and cable. The two model line up is comprised of the RS1x and RS2x, with the latter combining maple and hemp wood. The RS1x goes one tree further by also adding a cocobolo outer ring to the wood mix.

Grado RSx1

The Grado RSx1 and its exposed ear-cup revealing its maple sleeve, hemp core and cocobolo outer ring construction

Each wood species has been specifically selected for their combined warm, tonal qualities with 50mm drive units for the RS1x and 44mm for their smaller RS2x siblings. As is the Grado way, both models are on-ear open-back designs to enhance their Grado signature open soundstage.

Prices and availability

The Grado Reference RS1x costs £799.95 while the the RS2x is priced at £599.95. Both models will be available from December. Find out more on Grado Labs’ website.