Grado introduces the next generation of Prestige Series headphones. With over six decades of audio design experience, this headphone range is deep-rooted in the New York-based company history. The Prestige series were the first headphones designed by John Grado three decades ago. Building on the award-winning E series, the new Prestige X Series, sees a further refinement of its predecessor, featuring new enhanced speakers, an advanced cable design and a more comfortable headband across its five models – the SR60x, SR80x, SR125x, SR225x and SR325x.
Seen as the best way to experience the Grado sound for the first time, the core performance and design DNA of what makes the Prestige range so special remains within the X Series. All headphones are handcrafted at the Brooklyn-based headquarters. The classic, signature enclosure design throughout the range is present with the flagship model, SR325x, retaining its metal housing.
New speaker design
The enhanced X Series speaker design encompasses a new magnetic circuit that’s been revised for improved efficiency in conjunction with a newly designed voice coil and diaphragm to further reduce distortion and enhance harmonic integrity. As a result the new Prestige series is easier to drive across a variety of portable devices and deliver the best audio performance possible.
New cable design
The Prestige X Series deploys a new cable design offering more durability and flexibility. The 8-conductor (SR125x, SR225x, SR325x) and 4-conductor (SR60x, SR80x) cables now feature a super annealed copper wire to deliver an improved purity of the audio signal. Being faithful to the recorded event is and always will be a priority for Grado.
Headband redesign
Grado headphones have always been designed for comfort, especially when enjoying long listening sessions. The Prestige X Series redesign to the headband improves comfort which reduces listening fatigue. The headband has a leather aesthetic, however, is a synthetic protein material which means it is vegan-friendly, except for the SR325x which continues to use a leather headband.
Lifelong investment
Grado believes owning a pair of its headphones is a lifelong investment. This is characterised by the iconic Grado industrial design which follows the mantra of form follow function which is carried further by optimising sonic performance of form and materials.
John Grado, Owner, Grado says, “The Prestige Series means the world to our family”, says Jonathan Grado. “It’s the first series we ever released, and includes not only our first-ever headphone (SR80) but also our first metal pair as well (SR325). Our goal was to increase the efficiency of our drivers while not only maintaining, but improving, the purity of the original recording and the mid-range we’re known for. Without the Prestige Series, we wouldn’t be here.”
The Grado Prestige X Series (availability TBC) priced (SRP):
- Grado SR60x – £109.95 / $99
- Grado SR80x – £129.95 / $125
- Grado SR125x – £189.95 / $175
- Grado SR225x – £249.95 / $225
- Grado SR325x – £329.95 / $295