Along with several new Ryzen mobile offerings Get Tom's Hardware's best news and in-depth reviews focusing on detailed CPU comparisons and general hardware news you’ll find him bending tubes for his ever-evolving custom water-loop gaming rig or benchmarking the latest CPUs and GPUs just for fun Dynatron coolers support up to 660W for Intel Diamond Rapids and AMD Venice CPUs Intel hedges its bet for High-NA EUV with the 14A process node — an alternate Low-NA technique has identical yield and design rules Arrow Lake die shot shows off the details of Intel's chiplet-based design The best just got that bit better: Grado's SR325x open-back headphones remain a class leader at this level Grado's distinctive range of wired headphones has long impressed us and the Prestige range of budget-to-mid-price headphones has been at the core of Grado’s output since it was first introduced over three decades ago While the series has developed over the years Grado has always done so in small evolutionary steps The story remains the same for this current ‘x’ generation with the Grado SR325x on-ear open-backs a current and multiple What Hi-Fi Put the range-topping SR325x on-ear headphones next to its immediate predecessor (the What Hi-Fi? Award-winning SR325e – last winning an Award in 2020 before conceding to its replacement) updated cable and lighter coloured stitching on the firmly padded headband The 44mm drive unit has been changed considerably with a revised motor system The aim is to improve efficiency and reduce distortion that new 8-conductor cable uses ‘super’ annealed copper and is claimed to deliver a purer sound than that used before It is now terminated by a 3.5mm headphone jack Elsewhere, the SR325x on-ears remain the same design as before. They still remind us of the headphones air traffic control operators used in the 1940s It’s a rather basic aesthetic that divides opinion among the What Hi-Fi The open-backed design means that they leak sound but also provide almost nothing in the way of noise isolation from the environment If you’re listening in a room with others be prepared for your listening experience to be disturbed if they make any noise at all Grado’s Prestige series models have rarely felt like luxury headphones and nothing has changed with this new generation It’s an impression that starts with the packaging and extends to the rather coarse foam used for the also new thinner earpads If you’re looking for a premium feel you’re not going to find it here But you will find ruggedness and durability We have used numerous pairs of Grado Prestige headphones over the years and they have needed little more than semi-regular earpad changes to keep going Those foam earpads don’t last forever but they are easily changed and don’t cost much to replace The basic structure of the headphones and materials chosen are impressively robust and deal with day-to-day use superbly Comfort is another area where these headphones divide opinions and there’s enough in the way of adjustment to cope with a wide variety of heads But not everyone will get along with the new foam earpads or the on-ear design – which is becoming increasingly rare in a world dominated by noise-cancelling wireless cans These are firmly wired headphones aimed at home use so we would warn against taking these out on the move it takes us a while to get used to them due to their thinness and overall shape A few days of acclimatisation makes us more kindly disposed towards them particularly as the new earpads cause a subtle shift to the balance of the SR325x’s sound We compare the two types of earpads and it becomes clear that the headphones sound smoother and more authoritative in the bass with the new design We try the new pads on previous generations of the SR325s (we have both the older ‘e’ and even older ‘i’ versions on hand) and in each case the sonic changes are consistent; a more direct presentation with greater top-end refinement and improved low-end solidity But the better sound of the SR325x is down to more than just the earpads – the benefits of those changes to the drive unit are obvious too We listen to Massive Attack’s Heligoland and the SR325x sound notably cleaner and clearer than before. These wired headphones have always been detailed and articulate performers but the ‘x’ generation sounds that bit more precise and insightful We can follow low-level instrumental strands with more ease especially in the album’s more densely produced tracks Rhythms are still delivered with enthusiasm and plenty of punch The SR325x’s open-backed design means that they’re wonderfully expressive dynamically but there’s still not the outright weight and low-end punch of closed headphone designs The SR325x can sound a little bass-light in comparison to such products though we’re happy to make that sacrifice given the many benefits of the open-design approach We switch to Lana Del Rey’s Chemtrails Over The Country Club set and love the Grados’ ability to convey the texture and attitude in her voice The excellent insight generates a lovely sense of atmosphere and we find ourselves getting lost in the music rather than focusing on analysing the SR325x’s performance The newfound sense of refinement makes it easier to relax when listening too if we want to hear the scale of the SR325x’s talents We listen to a wide range of music during our time with these Grados and they always please Regardless of whether it's the soul of Gladys Knight the hard-edged tunes of Nirvana or the hip-hop of Eminem These Grados once again prove that evolution is arguably a more reliable way of making things better than a headline-grabbing design revolution While there is plenty of new competition at this £200-£400 price level, we find that nothing quite beats the Grado for communicating all elements of music faithfully and with such enthusiasm but this three-time Award-winner remains a firm recommendation for anyone looking for a solid pair of wired headphones at this level Read our guide to the best wired headphones Read our Austrian Audio Hi-X55 review Read our Beyerdynamic T1 (3rd Generation) review Closed-back vs open-back headphones: which design is better for you is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval Read more about how we test You will be automatically redirected to the requested page after 3 seconds.Don't close this page Not only do the new Grado Signature S950 feature an improved headband and a brand new 52mm driver…but they finally have detachable cables Home > Latest > New Products > Headphones > Over-Ear Headphones > Grado’s Signature S950 Headphones Are the End of “Sameness” in Brooklyn So Grado did something other than move the letters around and finally ditched those terrible cables Is it the same tonal balance as the HP100 SE because I was interested after reading the review The decision to ditch fixed cables took forever but it was the right move and it allows users to try different connectors; which is rather important these days when you look at the DAPs the tonal balance is somewhat similar but the overall presentation is not as neutral sounding The treble is not as sharp compared to other Grado models that I’ve owned over the years Don’t even bother with the on-ear ear pads The over-ear are far more comfortable and the passive isolation is superior the Tivoli Audio Model One BT 70's Color Collection is both a Bluetooth speaker and table-top radio in five retro colors Unlock the gates of Asgard with Schiit Valhalla 3 — a fully modern OTL/OCL tube headphone amp forged for high-impedance cans and audiophiles who.. the Audiolab D7 and D9 DACs feature ESS chips and versatile connectivity for audiophiles $160,000 flagship loudspeakers designed to rival the best from DALI Discover how Danish engineering and over a decade of innovation come.. and AURUS subwoofer at High End Munich 2025 Upgrade Mom's home audio and video experiences this Mother's Day with 10 gift ideas she'll absolutely love -- and you might too Digital Trends claims ownership of Caleb Denison's new YouTube channel called CalebRated leading to all videos being removed from public view KEF speaker prices are going up on May 5 due to tariffs Tivoli Audio's limited-edition SongBook Max made in collaboration with Grammy-winning producer Sounwave and serious attitude to a retro-style Bluetooth speaker built.. a compact French streaming amplifier that combines high-end Class D power Castle Acoustics' Windsor Series Duke and Earl bookshelf speakers are now available through MoFi Distribution Amazon is blowing out remaining stock of the LG B4 OLED ecoustics is a hi-fi and music magazine offering product reviews, podcasts, news and advice for aspiring audiophiles, home theater enthusiasts and headphone hipsters. Read more → Copyright © 1999-2024 ecoustics | Disclaimer: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site Grado's 'happy birthday' headphones sound superb At this sort of money it isn’t enough for a pair of headphones to sound uncomplicatedly brilliant – which is a pity for the Grado Signature HP100 SE because ‘uncomplicatedly brilliant’ is how they sound Because where pride of ownership and perceived value are concerned Grado Labs reckons its founder Joseph Grado invented the whole idea of the properly high-end headphone when he developed and launched the Signature HP1 over 30 years ago In recognition both of this feat and of what would have been Joseph’s 100th birthday the company has launched these Signature HP100 SE headphones – and it promises a contemporary version of a classic Promises, promises. So can the Signature HP100 SE blaze the sort of trail their illustrious predecessors managed and be considered among the best wired headphones in existence The Grado Signature HP100 SE wired over-ear open-backed headphones launched in late November 2024 In the United Kingdom they currently sell for £2795 In the company’s native United States they’re a slightly less punchy $2495 sees them cost around AU$3999 – if you can find a pair I hardly need to say that this is a lot of money for a pair of hard-wired open-backed headphones – but equally the Grado are far from short of competition Similarly priced alternatives from the likes of Austrian Audio Focal and Yamaha are available – and that’s just for starters.. here’s a pair of Grado headphones that features detachable cables especially when you consider the business end of the cable here features a 6.3mm unbalanced connection Grado is making vague noises about alternative cables with different terminations but details as to when these might be available and what they might cost are extremely thin on the ground so the other end of the cable splits into ‘left’ and ‘right’ four-pin mini-XLR connections each cone is of paper composite construction and is backed by a rare earth alloy high-flux magnetic circuit and new voice coil made from copper-plated aluminium This arrangement not only results in a claimed frequency response of a touch over 3Hz to more than 51kHz but is designed to produce optimal dynamic and transient response and low distortion combined with high refinement Which all looks very good when it’s written down And with some genuinely high-resolution content playing (thank you the little niggles about materials and perceived value go all the way out of the window The Grado Signature HP100 SE are a thrillingly complete listen and straight-edged lowest frequencies to the shining insightful and convincingly musical performers their frequency response completely smooth and even No matter the sort of music you’re listening to the HP100 SE deliver it in confidently unified and utterly convincing fashion They hit with respectable determination at the bottom of the frequency range but these headphones are not mindless thumpers with plenty of light and shade revealed – and the Grado control the bottom end with such authority that rhythmic expression is always just somehow correct club-footed… it doesn’t matter the nature of the music the HP100 SE communicate its rhythm in the most persuasive manner and the idea that you’re not getting a complete description of a singer’s technique There’s just as much information loaded onto the top of the frequency range and the brilliance of the treble reproduction is nicely balanced against a tangible sensation of substance no detail is too fleeting or too minor to elude the Grado – and they do a spectacular job of putting even the most transient occurrences in a recording into proper context is the fact that this forensic attitude is not at the expense of engagement or excitement the HP100 SE can peer deep into a recording and let you know exactly what’s what – but their musicality their energy and the vibrant nature of their reproduction leaves you in no doubt that there’s an absolute bucket-load of dynamism available – and in every sense So if the orchestra shifts from ‘single contemplative woodwind instrument’ to ‘everyone trying to outdo everyone else at the climax’ the distance the Grado can put between these two positions is prodigious the harmonic variations are identified in an almost casual manner what sportsfolk like to call ‘an all-court game’ they’re among the very best headphones around Some of the Signature HP100 SE design is a departure for Grado you’d be hard-pressed to identify exactly what these design changes are – because these headphones look very much like Grado business as usual The housings around the edge of the earcups are made of individually milled treated aluminium – they’re in a finish called ‘space grey’ and are engraved with some branding and the model name The headband features 50% more padding than previous Grado models – that's not to say it’s especially generously padded a 50% increase in comfort is not to be sniffed at braided finish than previous Grado products and promises better flexibility and lower weight – but then it would have been difficult to find a less flexible heavier cable in all of headphone-land than the one supplied with previous high-end Grado designs there’s not a lot to differentiate the Signature HP100 SE from Grado’s older premium models raw foam ‘G’ cushion earpads – they’re eminently fit for purpose but hardly the last word in luxury – and a pair of the smaller ‘F’ cushions is supplied in the packaging The idea is to achieve your preferred sonic balance but it also means you’re offered the choice between ‘too much earpad’ and ‘not quite enough earpad’ Headband adjustment is achieved using the long-serving ‘friction pole’ arrangement It’s perfectly adequate in the way it functions – although the Signature HP100 SE are likely to prove too large for the smaller-headed among us – but there’s no denying that it’s rather agricultural and certainly not the sort of methodology you might be expecting from a pair of headphones costing the thick end of three grand a bit of cachet is clawed back by the fact the Signature HP100 SE are assembled by hand at the Grado facility in Brooklyn If an appraisal of a pair of headphones began and ended with the way they sound the HP100 SE would already have taken their seat at the top table But there’s more to it than audio performance when you’re contemplating spending this sort of money on headphones and where the peripherals are concerned the Grado are on slightly shakier ground I can't emphasise enough that the Grado sound uncomplicatedly brilliant – you'll just need to wrap that up in the context of pride of ownership and perceived value You can spend considerably less than this on a pair of Meze Audio Liric 2 and get yourself a pair of great-sounding headphones that feel (and smell) almost as good as they sound Or you could nudge a little closer to Signature HP100 SE money and get yourself a pair of Austrian Audio The Composer – again great sound and no compromise where materials or perceived value is concerned The same is true of the Focal Stellia: excellent sound a very agreeable product in visual and tactile terms but not necessarily 'better' – depending on your preferences home and active products from the T3 experts Simon LucasSimon Lucas is a freelance technology journalist and consultant with particular emphasis on the audio/video aspects of home entertainment Before embracing the carefree life of the freelancer Should he find himself with a spare moment Simon likes nothing more than publishing and then quickly deleting tweets about the state of the nation (in general) the state of Aston Villa (in particular) and the state of his partner's cat you will then be prompted to enter your display name The S950 promise attractive looks and alluring audio Not content unveiling with the stunning anniversary Grado Signature HP100 SE at the end of 2024 Grado is looking to outdo those cans with the Grado Signature S950 which not only feature some impressive speakers The most attractive design feature of the Signature S950 is surely their Brazilian walnut wooden shell which gives these headphones a unique and elegant look Said shell will also help improve sound quality Grado claims – the company promises a more consistent listening experience “thanks to the lack of expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature or humidity helping to maintain the acoustical characteristics." The wonders of wood the Signature S950 uses an updated version of Grado’s 52mm S drivers which were initially designed for its previous flagship model The Brooklyn-based company set its sights on creating speakers that offered even more high-frequency clarity and detail than the drivers of the HP100 SE and Grado promises the S version will deliver “a smooth midrange and powerful bass while maintaining minimal distortion” Translation: your favorite tunes should sound the harmonic business on the Signature S950 Naturally, there are plenty more techy details to entice audiophiles looking for the best wired headphones The S950’s driver uses a “lightweight copper-plated aluminum coil" Paired with a “high-flux magnetic circuit made from rare earth alloys" – which really does sound like something from Back to the Future – we have high hopes for the dynamism and power of these headphones The second set of cans to appear in Grade’s Signature range after the aforementioned HP 100 SE The fact that they’re relatively lightweight (for serious high-end headphones) should ensure they’re easy to wear for hours on end The comfort factor should further be upped by a revised version of the PH 100 SE’s headband As is custom for Grado’s Signature series all this comfort and high-flux magnetic parts come at a price Want to pick up the Grado Signature S950 when these cans launch in March Prepare to cough up $2,195 / £2,495 (about AU$4,900) your audio-obsessed ears deserved nothing but the best right – especially with a mid-century-style walnut flourish Dave MeiklehamDave is a freelancer who's been writing about tech and video games since 2006 He's been obsessed with all manner of AV equipment ever since his parents first bought him a hideously garish 13-inch CRT TV (complete with built-in VCR Over the years he’s owned more plasma and OLED TVs than he can count he spends 30% of his waking existence having mild panic attacks about vertical banding and dead pixels. ShareSaveCommentInnovation Consumer TechGrado’s New Signature S950 Headphones Are Handmade With Brazilian Walnut HousingsByMark Sparrow Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights Technology journalist specializing in audio computing and Apple Macs.Follow AuthorFeb 19 09:00am ESTShareSaveCommentThe new S950 headphones from Grado Labs feature hand-crafted housings made from Brazilian Walnut the Brooklyn-based family company that makes award-winning headphones has announced the latest model in its high-end range of open-back headphones The all-new Signature S950 builds on the success of the brand’s recently released HP100 SE headphones the first launch in the company’s new Signature line Staying true to Grado’s tradition of using woods for their handcrafted housings this new model uses Brazilian Walnut and it’s the first time Grado has selected this family of woods Different woods offer distinct sonic characteristics giving each model a distinct sound signature compared to the more analytical sound of Grado’s HP100SE with its machined aluminum housings Walnut is a wood that’s prized for its density and resistance to decay which is why Grado chose it for the earpiece of the S950 to create a more relaxed sound presentation The lack of expansion and contraction of walnut due to changes in temperature or humidity also helps maintain the acoustical characteristics of the headphones The Grado Labs S950 from the company's new Signature range have new detachable cables with 4-pin .. the S950 are relatively lightweight but the durable nature of Brazilian Walnut provides a comfortable fit and reduced fatigue during long listening sessions The wood grain on each of the hand-crafted housings is never identical The Signature S950 uses a version of Grado’s 52mm S driver that was originally designed for the brand’s award-winning Signature HP100 SE Grado wanted to create a speaker with plenty of high-frequency detail a smooth midrange and a powerful bass while keeping distortion as low as possible to deliver a musically and harmonically accurate sound Grado selected a paper composite cone paired with a high-flux magnetic circuit made from rare earth alloys The driver also has a lightweight copper-plated aluminum voice coil With an advanced magnetic circuit and voice coil dynamics and transient response are enhanced The Grado Signature S950 headphones are available in March and priced at $2,195 / £2,495 While Grado’s Signature HP100 SE has been lauded by recording engineers and consumers around the world as detailed the Signature S950 provides a more neutral and balanced sound that enables the listener to experience a relaxed presentation The Grado Signature S950 headphones have the same detachable cables used on the Signature HP100SE These new cables have been a welcome change to Grado headphones and the Signature S950 ship with the Grado Signature Gold cable as standard with a length of 6 feet and a 6.35mm single-ended termination All new Grado cables now have a softer and more durable braided finish as well as improved insulation The cable connects to each housing via a 4-pin balanced mini XLR plug Future Grado detachable cables will be available with various termination options including a 4-pin balanced XLR termination and a 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced jack plug with variable cable lengths The detachable cables enable users to customize their headphones to best match their source and preferences The S960 headphones from Grado Labs are an open-back design featuring a new headband and ear .. The Signature S950 features the new headband assembly that was first made available on the Signature HP100 SE the updated headband has 50% more padding than earlier Grado models It also has a stainless-steel band and adjustable height rods for a customized fit Grado Labs has crafted the S950’s engraved gimbals from an aluminum alloy while the stainless-steel height rods bring extra stability at the connection point The height rod is designed to remain secure to the junction block and restrict the housing rotation to 105 degrees Years after debuting as a $420 limited edition I've been using the Hemps for the last few weeks to see if they're worth that higher price the Hemps rest on your head more than clamp down on your cranium It makes them comfortable for extended periods especially with their ridiculously low weight of 218g although you do have to get their fitment just right to reap the rewards If you haven't used a pair of Grados before it takes some getting used to with their thinner elements across the headband and around the earcups They can get uncomfortable if not fitted right and I do wish that Grado would opt for slightly plusher earpads the coiled cable is disproportionately thick This can get in the way a tad when you're deep in your favourite tracks As much as everything else about the Hemps' design feels quite rudimentary and basic their use of maple and hemp on the earcups does not The wood used combines to have this intricate which is a harder wood than the more commonly-found oak helps the Hemps to offer a lot of detail and width in their audio It carries a different feel to other cans that use metal with just 38 ohms of impedance - meaning you could theoretically pair them with just a vacant headphone jack on a phone or PC you're better off plugging them into a dedicated DAC that can help make their sound even wider and capture even more detail It may only be the top of the top end and the real low levels of sub bass but having a good DAC and high-quality recordings certainly brings the best out of the Hemps This means they let as much noise out as they do in but it comes with the party piece of them offering marvellous imaging and unrivalled width It means though that you can only use these at home in a quiet room - ideal for critical listening to your favourite tracks then The Hemps are unlike any other pair of headphones I've tested or a more intimate option such as John Martyn's May You Never The Hemps deliver some of the richest and most detailed audio available especially if paired with high-quality recordings and a fantastic DAC or DAP such as the Chord Mojo 2 and mid-range FiiO M11S where they can really stretch their legs and arguably more prominent than on other Grados out there and it made tracks such as Rush's YYZ and the aforementioned Let's Groove feel meaty where they needed to be the Hemps' low-end isn't so prominent that it's overpowering but not so much that it overtakes the high levels of energy and detail on offer throughout the frequency range their mid-range presentation and handling of vocals is impressive Those more intimate tracks from the likes of John Martyn (May You Never) James Taylor (I Was A Fool To Care) and Jimmy Buffett (Son Of A Son Of A Sailor) reveal a warmth and roundness to the Hemps' sound that was unlike It captured all of those tracks' little guitar inflections perfectly while the Buffett track also allowed the Hemps to demonstrate their fantastic width in the song's introduction with a small ship's bell far off to one side That was presented with the utmost clarity The percussion on Gloria Estefan's Get On Your Feet was also crisp and detailed too - sometimes this can feel a little lost in such a busy track but that certainly wasn't the case with the Hemps The same also goes for the top-end presentation where tracks such as Steely Dan's Do It Again give the Hemps the chance to demonstrate that fantastic amount of detail I don't think I've heard the competing percussion intro of this particular Dan track handled with such finesse it can be a bit of a nightmare given how busy it is The same also went for the cymbal rides in the instrumental section of Rush's Working Man - sometimes they can come across as harsh but they were delivered with clarity and smoothness with the Hemps Regardless of which area the frequency range you focus on though Steven Wilson's Impossible Tightrope is an evil track for headphones comes across as far too narrow to let the song breathe where it needs to As is becoming a bit of a theme with the Hemps with lots of breathing space given for the track's individual elements It helped to portray how excellent the Hemps' imaging was too as opposed to simply being from left and right All of this also combines to make the Hemps a great pair of gaming cans too. In rigging them up to my desktop Chord Mojo 2 and plugging that into my PC and booting into some rounds of CS2 it became clear how potent the Hemps were rather quickly Their high levels of detail and a marvellously wide soundstage provided some excellent width for hearing footsteps with fantastic accuracy while heavy gunfire and grenade explosions offered brilliant immersion with the cans' robust low end Switching over to Forza Motorsport, that wide soundstage and excellent imaging made it a joy to race other AI or people online as it helped with placing my car alongside others for overtaking, and worked well in tandem with the game's proximity arrows to give me a definite idea where the opposition were on circuit. This also went in some races on Assetto Corsa too although this time in tandem with a top-down radar mod I installed some time ago so you want something that's going to be the cream of the crop the Hemps get pretty damn close but won't necessarily jibe with every listener in terms of style and comfort © 2025 Eurogamer.net a brand of IGN Entertainment No part of this website or its content may be reproduced without the copyright owner's permission Eurogamer is a registered trademark of Gamer Network Limited Grado debuts premium Signature S950 wired headphones the S950 are the second set of cans released in the nascent Signature line so the incorporation of Brazilian walnut for the S950's ear cups is a return to familiar territory The Signature S950 use an incarnation of Grado's 52mm S driver originally designed for the Signature HP100 SE cans Grado strove to create a driver unit that would deliver "exceptional high-frequency detail all while keeping distortion levels at a minimum for a pinpoint accurate sound Each new driver deploys a paper composite cone paired with a high-flux magnetic circuit as well as a copper-plated aluminium voice coil Grado claims that the magnetic circuit and voice coil enhance the new headphones' dynamic reproduction while providing a "refined sense of space The Signature S950's updated headband includes 50 per cent more padding than earlier Grado models for extra comfort and features a stainless-steel band and adjustable height rods for customising your fit accordingly The new cans are equipped with a six-foot cable ending in a 6.3mm connector while they connect to the headphones using 4-pin balanced mini XLR plugs Grado is offering varying lengths of detachable cable options in the future with 4-pin balanced XLR and 4.4mm balanced terminations available granting users greater choice depending on their personal preference and the source being used The Grado Signature S950 will be available in March Read our review of the premium Grado GS3000x headphones These are the best wired headphones we've tesed and rated Closed-back vs open-back headphones: which is right for you? Harry McKerrellSocial Links NavigationSenior staff writerHarry McKerrell is a senior staff writer at What Hi-Fi? he has written countless news stories alongside features advice and reviews of products ranging from floorstanding speakers and music streamers to over-ear headphones He has covered launches from hi-fi and consumer tech brands When not at work he can be found playing hockey practising the piano or trying to pet strangers' dogs the Grado Signature HP100 SE are the company’s new flagship open-back headphone that are hand-assembled in Brooklyn with newly engineered drivers Home > Latest > New Products > Headphones > Over-Ear Headphones > Grado’s Signature HP100 SE Headphones Offer Some Big Changes: Preview The SR325x drop from £329 to £249 Now here's a deal we can really get behind While we back every juicy discount we recommend to potential buyers £80 off an Award-winning set pair of Grados Grado rarely misses when it comes to open-backed wired headphones, but the SR325x stand proud as one of the Brookyln-based brand's finest achievements. A pair of perennial classics that continue to scoop What Hi-Fi? Awards year after year they're still our pick for the best wired on-ear headphones over £200 you're not getting many fancy features here nor are you enjoying the privacy of a closed design that won't leak sound to all of your friends You're not even getting the most luxurious build even if there's something rather alluring about the SR325x's mean so much so that they could be the only pair of headphones you'd ever need for home and private use As our review attests: "The SR325x’s open-backed design means that they’re wonderfully expressive dynamically but there’s still not the outright weight and low-end punch of closed headphone designs" not to mention heaps of dynamic and rhythmic insight And the best over-ear headphones An ode to open-back headphones - and why I'd never go (closed) back 7 test tracks that have been playing on repeat in the What Hi-Fi? test rooms Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more This past fall, Grado Labs announced new flagship open-back headphones, the Signature HP100 SE which paid homage to its first-ever Signature HP1 headphone from the early 1990s The Signature HP100 SE share a similar 90s aesthetic as its forefather but had featured updated drivers and modern design tweaks such as detachable cables (a “first” for any Grado headphone) the revered Brooklyn-based audio maker has added a new addition to its high-end Signature series It’s built in the same vein as the Signature HP100 SE but boasts a new look and sound thanks to its material upgrade The Grado Signature S950 is the newest addition to its Signature series of audiophile-grade open-back wired headphones the most obvious difference is the material — they have wooden housing instead of aluminum And while Grado is no stranger to incorporating wood into their headphones the S950 are the first to feature Brazilian walnut has acoustic properties that absorbs vibrations and helps prevent distortion According to Grado the Brazilian walnut was chosen for its “relaxed musical presentation and stability,” giving the Signature S950 a unique sound signature that contrasts the “more analytical” HP100 SE Grado introduced a completely new 52mm driver design — it paired a paper composite cone with “a powerful high-flux magnetic circuit” and a new voice coil made from lightweight copper-plated aluminum And the Grado Signature S950 shares that same 52mm drivers But while the Signature HP100 SE is known for delivering an incredibly detailed sound that’s accurate to the original recording Grado says that the Signature S950 promises something different the Signature S950 has a more neutral and balanced sound that “allows the listener to experience a relaxed personal insight to what the music is communicating.” the Signature S950 promises to be more comfortable They weigh roughly four ounces (or 113 grams) less than the Signature HP100 SE the new cans feature the same redesigned headband that Grado claims has 50 percent more padding than its other headphones The Signature S950 also comes with detachable cables — a rarity for Grado — giving you the flexibility to use the headphones with different sources or change/upgrade the cables in time The included cables feature a 6.3mm termination plug and connect to each housing using a 4-pin mini XLR plug The Grado Signature S950 headphones cost $2,195 making them a good chunk more affordable than the brand’s Signature HP100 SE the Grado Signature S950 are hand assembled in Brooklyn Grado Labs has released its latest open-back headphone Building on the success of the recently released HP100 SE the Signature S950 is the second headphone to become part of the brand’s new Signature line Staying true to Grado’s long standing tradition of using woods in crafting its headphone housings the first time Grado has chosen this family of woods Grado finds that different woods offer distinct sonic characteristics allowing this headphone its own sound signature which contrasts the more analytical Grado states that it is concerned for the sustainability of our forests and it is for this reason that only FSC Certified woods are used in the production of its headphone housings known for its density and resistance to decay has been chosen for a relaxed musical presentation and stability The lack of expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature or humidity helps maintain the acoustics characteristics. the lightweight but durable nature of Brazilian Walnut is designed to offer a comfortable fit and reduced fatigue for long listening sessions The wood grain on each individually crafted housing is never identical bringing a special one-of-kind quality to each build. The Signature S950 utilises a version of the new Grado 52mm S driver originally designed for the Signature HP100 SE Grado aimed to create a speaker that delivers impressive high-frequency detail a smooth midrange and powerful bass while maintaining minimal distortion paired with a high-flux magnetic circuit made from rare earth alloys The driver also features a lightweight copper-plated aluminum voice coil the advanced magnetic circuit and voice coil enhance dynamics and transient response while providing a sense of space While the Signature HP100 SE has been lauded by recording engineers and consumers around the world as detailed revealing and accurate to the recorded piece the Signature S950 has a more neutral and balanced sound The Grado Signature line will continue to feature detachable cables First introduced with the launch of the Signature HP100 SE these new cables have been a welcome change to Grado headphones The Signature S950 headphone will ship standard with the Grado Signature Gold cable with a length of 6 feet and a 6.35mm single ended termination. All new Grado cables have been redesigned with a softer more durable braided finish as well as an improved insulation that enhances flexibility while reducing overall weight. Future Grado detachable cables will be available with termination options there will be a 4-pin balanced XLR termination and 4.4mm balanced termination variable cable lengths will also be available The detachable cables allow users to customise their headphones to best match their source and personal preferences. The Signature S950 will utilise the new headband assembly that was first made available on the Signature HP100 SE the updated headband includes 50% more padding than earlier Grado models. It features a stainless-steel band and adjustable height rods allowing for a customised fit that helps reduce listening fatigue. Grado Labs has crafted the engraved gimbals from an aluminum alloy while the stainless-steel height rod adds stability at the connection point The height rod is designed to remain secure to the junction block as well as restrict the housing rotation to 105 degrees The Grado Signature S950 is available in March Headphones The Company Pages refer to individual microsites created for companies where all press releases and stories featured on the Essential Install are collated These microsites serve as a comprehensive record of a company’s promotional activities over time This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page The open-back Signature HP100 SE have landed American audio brand Grado has announced the launch of its new flagship Signature HP100 SE wired headphones Harking back to the high-end Signature HP1 cans from the early 1990s and released to mark the 100th birthday of Joseph Grado the Special Edition over-ears seek to honour the company's past while putting a contemporary spin on a classic design new headband assembly and detachable cables for the first time They are hand-assembled in the brand's Brooklyn-based headquarters as with all other Grado headphones The Signature HP100 SE remain an open-back design and feature newly engineered 52mm drivers that aim for "excellent high-frequency resolution" alongside a smooth midrange The new drivers pack a paper composite cone a high flux magnetic circuit and a copper-plated aluminium voice coil to deliver what Grado describes as a "highly refined sense of space These new headphones draw influence from the design of the original HP range but with a contemporary twist with housings constructed using treated aluminium The headband has been redesigned to be more comfortable to wear over long listening sessions with 50 per cent more padding than "previous Grado designs" while the removable ear cushions use a foam variant that is chosen for its acoustic properties and promises to offer greater airflow and a more open soundstage The Signature HP1000 SE come with detachable cables and a 6.3mm headphone jack Additional 4-pin XLR and 4.4mm balanced cable options The Grado Signature HP100 SE will be available in November for £2795 / $2495, and sit above the five-star Grado GS3000x cans as the new flagships so you'll have to be happy with the new Grados' space grey finish Best wired headphones: the 7 top pairs tested by our in-house experts Read the Grado GS3000x review Closed-back vs open-back headphones: which design is right for you ShareSaveCommentBETAThis is a BETA experience. opt-out hereInnovation Consumer TechGrado Reveals Signature HP100 SE High-End HeadphonesByMark Sparrow computing and Apple Macs.Follow AuthorOct 29 10:16am EDTShareSaveCommentThe new HP100 SE flagship headphones from Grado Labs celebrate the centenary of company founder Joe .. Brooklyn-based Grado Labs designs and manufactures award-winning headphones in the heart of New York the brand is announcing the launch of its newest and flagship headphones Grado Labs founder Joseph Grado created what many consider to be the high-end headphone market with the release of the Signature HP1 headphones in the early 1990s In recognition of Joseph Grado’s centenary Grado Labs is releasing these Special Edition headphones he will always be a presence at Grado Labs” While the HP100 SE pay homage to Grado’s past these headphones are a modern version of a classic the HP100 SE have detachable cables and a new headband assembly the headphones are hand-assembled at the company’s Brooklyn headquarters The new Grado HP100 SE are the brand's new flagship open-back headphones At the heart of the HP100 SE is a completely new 52mm transducer Grado’s goal was to deliver a driver that produced excellent high-frequency resolution midrange smoothness and bass energy with low distortion alongside a powerful high-flux magnetic circuit using rare earth alloys The drivers also use a new voice coil made from lightweight copper-plated aluminum the magnetic circuit coupled with the voice coil produces excellent dynamics and transient response along with a highly refined sense of space Honoring the recognizable heritage of the original Signature HP1/2/3 headphone designs the new housings have a distinctly modern feel and are individually machined from specially treated aluminum with the Grado name engraved on the face The HP100 SE are finished in a stylish space grey The HP100 SE are the first Grado headphones to feature detachable cables A departure from the cable currently employed on the Statement Series the new cable has been engineered with a softer but durable braided finish with cable insulation that improves flexibility and decreases the overall weight The HP100 SE from Grado Labs are the first headphones from the brand to feature detachable cables The cable is terminated with a 6.3mm jack plug and connects to each housing using a four-pin mini XLR plug Additional detachable cables with a four-pin XLR termination or 4.4mm balanced jack plug will be available in the future It will also be possible to order cables in different lengths The HP100 SE headband assembly has changed from the classic Grado models Designed for comfort during long listening sessions the new headband has 50% more padding than previous Grado designs The headband is reinforced with stainless steel and height rods can be adjusted for the ideal fit to minimize listening fatigue Grado Labs engraved gimbals are made from an aluminum alloy with stainless-steel height rods enhancing the stability at the point where the two meet The height rod is also designed to not slide out of the junction block if the zinc alloy end caps become dislodged This mechanism limits housing rotation to 105 degrees to reduce wear and tear The range-topping GS3000x fall from £2195 to £1899 Hot on the heels of the SR325x dropping at Peter Tyson, Grado is back with another gang-busting headphones deal to supercharge your spring listening a drop of almost £300 from their original £2195 test price For listeners who are serious about getting the best out of their tunes there aren't many headphones that can match the GS3000x for sheer musicality but the articulation and musicality you'll enjoy from their fluid Grado's move from its previous GS3000e headphones to the newer GS3000x cans brought some major improvements The new 'x' headphones use earpiece housings made of a metal core surrounded by Cocobolo wood aiming to deliver a structure that combines high rigidity with excellent damping capabilities a 52mm design that features a more powerful motor unit a lower mass voice coil for and a revised diaphragm all aiming to improve efficiency and reduce distortion The Grado GS3000x are immensely articulate and insightful performers picking apart dense and challenging recordings and making them into something sublime as they reveal the interplay between instruments Vocals come through with exceptional clarity while the cans' rhythmic drive is delivered with control and verve giving the music a strong sense of propulsion And the best over-ear headphones Giorgia Meloni is trampling what few rights the LGBTQ+ community has – so many just feel grateful to be ‘tolerated’ I was chatting online the other day with a female friend who is undergoing IVF in Italy to have a child with her girlfriend. IVF for lesbian couples is not approved by law in Italy; instead doctors have the power to decide whether to approve the treatment on a case-by-case basis My friend was enthusiastic about her gynaecologist, because, as she told me, “despite being utterly against same-sex parenting, she is helping us do it without objecting”. That conversation left me with a bitter taste and, above all, confirmed how desensitised queer Italians have become to the daily discrimination they face As an Italian who has spent most of my adult life abroad I feel I have the privilege of being able to examine from afar LGBTQ+ Italians’ perceptions of homophobic mistreatment in their own country I can see that the hardships they experience have made it difficult for them to detect when they are being unfairly treated whose constant exposure to abuse has been shown to decrease their perception of maltreatment discriminated-against minorities – LGBTQ+ people included – often don’t see abuse for what it is and instead are grateful for what they perceive as being partially accepted I asked my friend if she was aware that “objecting” – even if it was acceptable to “object” to equality which it isn’t – should never be expressed in a medical setting if the service provided is being approved and paid for she feels it would be “too much” to complain This is just one example of how LGBTQ+ couples in Italy often feel that they need to adjust their expectations and how this has led to a lowering of the bar for what constitutes homophobic discrimination which made it feel like a day of mourning rather than a show of solidarity against gender-based violence Many cases of LGBTQ+ people being dismissed as if they have no human rights often verge on the surreal like this one where a child’s birth certificate may all of sudden be deemed not valid The very existence of a child – including their right to be able to keep living with their non-biological mother in the event of their other mother dying – is treated not as a basic human right but not for discriminating against anyone on the grounds of their sexual orientation No wonder the latest ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map ranks Italy a shocking 36 out of 49 – one of the most homophobic countries in Europe I moved into a new house with my girlfriend and a straight Italian couple we had just met One of the first things my girlfriend said to the couple was “Viola and I are dating” Free weekly newsletterThe most pressing stories and debates for Europeans – from identity to economics to the environment the guy in the couple replied: “No worries it’s fine for us.” This answer falls into the same category as the mostly sympathetic gynaecologist Both express an acceptance of a same-sex partnership but the problem is that neither take it as a given but as something they choose to accept out of an act of kindness a guy I was dating asked me if I was bisexual because of some trauma implying that otherwise I would be 100% straight he too reassured me that he had “nothing against same-sex couples” When I told my friends about both instances They didn’t see why it was such a “big deal” in their eyes they wouldn’t define both scenarios as discrimination because they live in a society that fails to recognise it Recently, Pope Francis allegedly used a homophobic slur to discourage bishops from admitting queer men into seminaries despite the church’s known intolerance of LGBTQ+ people An obvious answer seems to be because the outside world feels even less welcoming despite having undergone IVF abroad as a single mother declares she believes the “traditional family” is better than any other kind We will only really know when Italy is starting to evolve as a more equal society when queer Italians are able to call out the discrimination that they continue to face in Meloni’s Italy this is unlikely to happen anytime soon Viola Di Grado is an Italian novelist and literary translator LBV Magazine English Edition Seven archaeological sites in the waters of the Grado lagoon (in the Italian province of Gorizia have been investigated by the Underwater Archaeology Unit of the University of Udine The aim of the investigations is to reconstruct the archaeological landscape between the sea of Grado and Roman Aquileia The area of the current waters surrounding the island was part of what in Roman times was the outskirts of Aquileia The activities were carried out in collaboration with the Superintendency of Archaeology This is the first research campaign of the Aquileia Waterscape project by the Department of Humanistic Studies and Cultural Heritage of the University of Friuli The results of the investigations were presented at the University of Friuli Among the most interesting sites are the so-called Piere de San Gottardo (Docks of San Gotardo) located just over 1.5 kilometers southeast of the Grado lagoon mouth The site is characterized by the presence of a quadrangular heap of stone blocks resting on a sandy bottom varying between minus 3.90 and minus 4.40 meters which were recovered in the first intervention in 1933 as well as in an initial study campaign in 1985 The University of Udine returned to the Piere de San Gottardo 90 years after the first underwater explorations to carry out detailed documentation a non-random arrangement of stone elements was observed Underwater checks confirmed that some of these elements show signs of work suggesting an original architectural function While the linear elements may have been used first in what appears to be a maritime work this is less likely for the worked elements and quite improbable for the inscribed monuments recovered in the last century as well as for a previously unknown funerary altar identified in these new investigations the sites were more precisely located using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) which has a margin of error of just two meters Once the exact coordinates were established archaeologists conducted underwater investigations to study the nature of the sites in a non-invasive way The San Gottardo site was also used to test artificial intelligence software for managing photogrammetric surveys developed by the AI4CH Interdepartmental Center it was used to experiment with the integrated use of aerial and underwater technologies such as an autonomous navigation catamaran equipped with a side-scan sonar and a remotely piloted aircraft The archaeological investigations focus on the waters of Grado because they were part of the outskirts of Aquileia There was probably an extensive port here where large ships’ cargoes were transferred to flat-bottomed boats that could more easily reach the urban port or travel the inland waterways connecting the region The project’s goal is to reconstruct this aquatic landscape whose understanding is essential for studying the dynamics of interaction between the sea and the Aquileian metropolis The choice to investigate the aquatic space closest to the Grado settlement was also suggested by the discoveries it was necessary to better define the relationship between the two sites to obtain more general information about the submerged archaeological landscape in this transitional zone between the sea and the lagoon just a few hundred meters off the coast of Grado the company “Lavori Subacquei” by Stefano Caressa reported a presence on the seabed identified by sonar The Superintendency carried out an initial verification that allowed the identification of a lead anchor stock the Superintendency requested scientific collaboration from the Department of Humanistic Studies and Cultural Heritage of the University which in July 2022 led to a first scientific research campaign This allowed the discovery of a new shipwreck dated between the 2nd century and the beginning of the 1st century BC just two kilometers away but within the lagoon the remains of a second previously unknown Roman-era shipwreck were located with the help of underwater Carabinieri from the Genoa unit Given the informative potential of this part of the aquatic territory of the Municipality of Grado since 2023 the University of Friuli has requested a permit for non-invasive investigations The sea activities were carried out by researchers and students from the Department of Humanistic Studies and Cultural Heritage with the support of the company “Lavori Subacquei” by Stefano Caressa and with the participation of the underwater technician of the Superintendency some days were devoted to providing scientific support for sea activities coordinated by the Carabinieri from the Cultural Heritage Protection Unit of Udine The new results of archaeological investigations in the waters of Grado – said Rector Roberto Pinton – confirm the importance of continuing to study our territory which is rich in important testimonies of the past that can become a fundamental heritage for better understanding our history and an added value for the tourism potential of Friuli Venezia Giulia The significant contribution our students were able to make in underwater archaeological research confirms the inclination towards the formation of well-rounded professionals which characterizes the degree courses established in the Department of Humanistic Studies and Cultural Heritage The vice president and cultural advisor of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region emphasized that we are one of the northernmost areas of the European Mediterranean accessible by sea: this position and condition have given this territory extraordinary strategic relevance throughout history both from a commercial and cultural perspective The excellent excavation campaigns – explained Anzil – carried out by the University of Friuli will allow us to reconstruct and shed light on previously unknown aspects of the maritime relations that Aquileia had at that time: enlightening and enriching research that the Region can only be proud of and support professor of archaeological research methodology at the University of Friuli although today the remains of Aquileia are fully part of an agricultural landscape and its port is located in the shadow of an unnaturally elevated “archaeological promenade” that strongly alters its original perspective the city owed its fortune to its position as a hinge between transmarine and terrestrial routes However – explained Capulli – this colony was not built along the coast but was founded near a kind of interface between the plain and the Grado lagoon within a “water landscape” of salty waters that surrounded it and perhaps initially impregnated it as for many other Roman cities in the northwest Adriatic lies in a low and sandy coastal morphology which ancient authors already defined as unsuitable for port use Aquileia and its port were built just over nine kilometers in a straight line from the current coastline but perhaps – concludes Capulli – it would be more accurate to say that near the city only the final terminal of a generalized port system was located Università degli studi di Udine Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email Archaeologists from universities in the United States and Denmark found deep within the Actun Uayazba Kab cave in Belize two small stone tools dated between 250 and 900 AD that… men and women gathered to play a game called Cuju A team of researchers has succeeded in recreating for the first time in a laboratory experiment a phenomenon that until now only existed as a theory in the realm of… the Cantonal Archaeology of Aargau carried out a rescue excavation between early May 2024 and the end of March 2025 The Egyptian archaeological mission affiliated with the Supreme Council of Antiquities announced the discovery of a group of defensive structures and a system of moats that could indicate… In the southeastern area of the city of Rome archaeologists excavating inside the Triton Baths within the monumental complex of the Villa di Sette… Why did some animals from ancient eras become fossils while others simply disappeared without a trace A recent study on the cave paintings of the Altamira Cave in Santillana del Mar Cantabria (Spain) has concluded that some of the artworks it contains could be much older… A team of paleontologists from the University of Leicester has managed to decipher one of the many enigmas of the dinosaur era—the exact moment when pterosaurs Rome achieved numerous military victories that allowed it to grow and dominate nearly the entire known world in Antiquity Receive our news and articles in your email for free You can also support us with a monthly subscription and receive exclusive content you're not wrong: these new flagship headphones are a contemporary homage to the iconic Signature HP1 headphones made between 1989 and 1992 The HP100 SE boast newly engineered drivers and as well as a fresh headband assembly to complete a look Grado is calling "a new design direction" for the family-run firm the HP100 SE are hand-assembled in Grado's Brooklyn headquarters In recognition of what would've been Joseph Grado’s 100th birthday Grado Labs is proudly introducing these Special Edition cans “Although Uncle Joe left us 10 years ago he will always be a presence at Grado Labs” Grado tells me that although the HP100 SE are based on an iconic pair of headphones the approach here has been "from the ground up." First off there's a completely new 52mm driver using a new paper composite cone and a fresh voice coil made from lightweight copper-plated aluminum Honoring the heritage of the original Signature HP1/2/3 headphone designs but with a modern feel the housings are individually machined from specially treated aluminium with the product name engraved on the face The HP100 SE come in space gray (and space gray only) and again it is the first Grado model to feature detachable cables each driver housing is connected via a 4pin mini XLR plug but the company tells me that additional detachable cable options (4pin XLR termination plus various cable lengths) will be available in the future They're designed for comfort during long listening sessions The new headband features 50% more padding than previous Grado designs but with the brand's trademark stainless steel height rods that can be adjusted and rotated up to 105 degrees to minimize listening fatigue priced $2,495 / £2,795 (which is around AU$4,231) and although I haven't yet had the pleasure of putting them on my ears but joined the team in 2022 as Senior Staff Writer testing and reviewing everything from wallet-friendly wireless earbuds to huge high-end sound systems Prior to gaining her MA in Journalism in 2018 Becky freelanced as an arts critic alongside a 22-year career as a professional dancer and aerialist – any love of dance starts with a love of music she can still be found throwing shapes in a dance studio these days with varying degrees of success Soto Grado Crossed Out with Copa del Rey Background | Didac Aguirre FIRST TEAM Soto Grado Withdraws From Copa Final Decision After Mendizorroza EmbarrassmentThe Copa del Rey Will Have Another Referee for the Grand Final After César Soto Grado's Scandalous Work14/04/2025 19:40:00h by Didac Aguirre Real Madrid faced a more complicated match than desired during their visit to Mendizorroza Achieving victory against Deportivo Alavés by the minimum César Soto Grado's refereeing left much to be desired Sending off Kylian Mbappé and Manuel Sánchez his participation in the Copa del Rey has been put into question Being one of the options to referee the Copa del Rey final Soto Grado has greatly reduced his chances If it hadn't been for Gil Manzano in the VAR Soto Grado's refereeing would have caused much more controversy and uncalled fouls were some of his countless errors César Soto Grado in Match | Didac AguirreWhile the referee for the Copa del Rey final has yet to be determined the presence of a much more prepared and knowledgeable referee is required Refereeing in Spanish soccer has been much talked about throughout this season due to its controversies César Soto Grado has been one of the most criticized referees by the teams is not at all happy with Soto Grado's performance Needing better referees for the prestigious Spanish competitions it is evident that Soto Grado is one of the least prepared Despite being 44 years old and having extensive experience in this field Soto Grado has shown how little he has learned César Soto Grado in Match | Didac AguirreThe match at Mendizorroza will be remembered not only for the controversies but for potentially being the sentence for Soto Grado's future With the Copa del Rey final drawing closer it is evident that Soto Grado will not be the referee responsible for this match Having no hopes of being the referee for the Copa del Rey final Soto Grado is suffering the consequences of his actions Amid the multiple complaints from Spanish teams about the quality of refereeing Soto Grado Pointing with Mbappé in Black and White and Act of Incognito | Didac Aguirre FIRST TEAM The Matches Mbappé Will Face According to Soto Grado's Report No Doubt About ItThe sanction Kylian Mbappé will have to face after his expulsion has been determined by Soto Grado's report14/04/2025 21:55:00h by Didac Aguirre Needing the three points to stay in the fight for LaLiga Real Madrid managed to overcome Deportivo Alavés Through a solitary goal by Eduardo Camavinga Real Madrid remains in the fight against Barcelona the situation that took all the spotlight was Kylian Mbappé's harsh tackle against Antonio Blanco Being sent off by referee César Soto Grado With various speculations surrounding the severity of his sanction Mbappé finally knows that he will not be able to play in 2 matches the referee used the expression "in the contest for the ball," affecting the sanction César Soto Grado in Match | Didac AguirreImplying that Mbappé This allows Mbappé to be available to play in the Cup final and the Clásico against Barcelona in LaLiga Kylian Mbappé is a player who is not at all accustomed to being sent off Having received a red card on three occasions in the past his expulsion in the match against Alavés was only his fourth time Although there was much speculation about his sanction it has not been as severe as it initially seemed apart from being the reason for the 2-day sanction With several people claiming and assuring that Mbappé intended to injure Antonio Blanco Soto Grado's report has shown the opposite Mbappé Displeased | Didac AguirreTrying to recover the ball for Real Madrid Mbappé made a mistake that is not typical of a player of his caliber both Real Madrid and Mbappé have not complained about the sanction knowing that 2 matches is a more than fair punishment While Mbappé will not be able to help Real Madrid for two matches the player will be present in the most important games The Cup final and the Clásico on May 11 are matches where Mbappé's presence is crucial to achieving victory Grado Labs — the revered third-generation family-owned audio company that handcrafts its headphones in Brooklyn — has released new flagship hi-fi headphones to celebrate what would have been the company’s founder Joseph Grado’s 100th birthday The all-new Grado Signature HP100 SE are contemporary versions of the company’s classic Signature HP1 its first headphones released in the early 1990s The new models share similar 90s nostalgia but have been re-engineered from the ground up with new drivers and modern design tweaks The headline feature of the HP100 SE is its 52mm driver which Grado says is a completely new speaker design It pairs a paper composite cone with “a powerful high flux magnetic circuit” and a new voice coil made from lightweight copper-plated aluminum are headphones that produce “excellent high-frequency resolution resulting in a voicing that is musically and harmonically correct.” The HP100 SE are wired open-back headphones that take design ques from Grado’s previous Signature models — HP1 HP2 and HP3 — but boast updated housings that have been individually machined from specially treated aluminum The headband has been redesigned — with 50 percent more padding — to be more comfortable for long listening sessions the HP100 SE are hand-assembled in the company’s Brooklyn-based headquarters the HP100 SE are Grado’s first-ever headphones to have detachable cables This allows for more flexibility should you want to use different sources or change cables in time The cables also differ from those found on the brand’s high-end Statement Series headphones the new cables have a “softer but durable braided” finish They feature a 6.3mm termination plug and connect to each housing using a 4-pin mini XLR plug Grado says it will release compatible detachable cables — with 4-pin XLR and 4.4mm balanced terminations The Grado Signature HP100 SE headphones will be available for order now and will ship next month They come in a space grey finish and cost $2,495 The CTA fully supports the decision made by Soto Grado in the classic | Real Madrid Confidencial FIRST TEAM The CTA's Reaction to Tchouaméni's Penalty Message to Soto Grado: 'What You've Done'The heads of Spanish referees condemn the performance of the on-field referee in the Madrid classic09/02/2025 14:55:00h by Enrique Sanz The great controversy of the Madrid classic is the penalty committed by Aurélien Tchouaméni on Samu Lino was not quick in the tackle and stepped on the Atlético de Madrid player in the area The referee from Ávila made it clear that this action was clearly a penalty in favor of the red-and-white sports discipline a shot that Julián Álvarez took care of converting with a 'panenka' The debates about this action haven't reached a consensus among the refereeing experts called by the media in addition to highlighting the indignation of Madrid fans The action that Soto Grado determined as a penalty against Real Madrid | Real Madrid ConfidencialThe comments and opinions about this penalty called by Soto Grado have prompted the direct intervention of the Technical Committee of Referees The body chaired by Medina Cantalejo paid special attention to the performance of César Soto Grado and Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea at Santiago Bernabéu and didn't hesitate to support their decisions The information published by Mundo Deportivo a newspaper that has consulted various sources close to the refereeing group reveals that the CTA considers that the verdict of the action "doesn't admit discussion" despite the tense and thorny controversy that focuses on Real Madrid Especially considering that a similar infraction was called in the Athletic Club-Girona Iturralde González made it clear that the play by Tchouaméni on Samu Lino should be "a penalty but for refereeing consistency" gives all its support to the field referee of the Madrid classic So much so that they would have sent him the following message: "what you have done is make the right decision" The referee from Ávila comes out strengthened from this match in the eyes of the heads of the refereeing group but his performance has only increased the indignation of all the members of the merengue team César Soto Grado asking Samu Lino to get up | Real Madrid ConfidencialThe comments about Soto Grado's decision are quickly accumulating regarding that penalty that served as a prelude to the Atlético goal in the classic The doubts that some have about the development of the play don't seem to have reached the CTA which shows its total support for the referee appointed to officiate the match there is no time to get lost in controversies because the competitive calendar remains demanding: the visit to the Etihad Stadium is approaching after this exhausting effort That is the main concern of the coaching staff led by Carlo Ancelotti famously known as "the island of a thousand bikes," where they enjoy a cycle along the promenade before hopping on a ferry to the Isle of Cumbrae a collection of luxury eco-friendly cabins one of Millport’s most iconic landmarks even getting the chance to step into the ship’s control room they check into the employee-owned Auchrannie Resort while Grado opts for the spa resort hotel—conveniently close to the bar and restaurant Their island exploration takes them off-road as they test their balance on Segways home to the world’s only accredited Olympic curling stone manufacturer Grado tries his hand at polishing the iconic granite stones—discovering it's much harder graft than expected The five-level castle seamlessly blends historic charm with modern luxury featuring a sauna in a turret and breathtaking views Judith and Grado soak in the spectacular scenery that Ayrshire has to offer as they look out over the Firth of Clyde Hides preview environment warning banner on preview pages Select a theme and theme mode and click "Load theme" to load in your theme combination Old-school looks and sensational sound quality at a discounted price The Grados use a 44mm driver and come with an 8-conductor headphone cable which uses ‘super’ annealed copper which is claimed to improve sound quality It is terminated by a 3.5mm headphone jack you’ll need to remember that the Grados are an open-back design so they leak sound but if you’re using them in the four walls of your own listening room then this shouldn’t have any real impact Our only real disappointment relates to build quality and the fact you couldn't really describe it as premium the foam used for the earpads is rather coarse but it is rugged and durable and these are two words that also apply to the rest of the build and structure of these headphones It feels like they are built to last and that’s what we’ve experienced in our time testing and living with them Whether or not you find the SR325x comfortable will be down to personal preference while others can’t quite get along with this particular on-ear design which isn’t particularly heavy and allow for some simple adjustments to get them set on your head correctly You can plug the SR325x into a laptop or budget music player and they’ll do a fine job, but you’ll really make the most of their abilities if you have a decent outboard DAC on hand or a more premium music player Wired vs wireless headphones: pros and cons, and which is better? How to choose the right pair of headphones An ode to open-back headphones – and why I'd never go (closed-)back Our pick of the best headphone deals Andy MaddenSocial Links NavigationAndy is Deputy Editor of What Hi-Fi and a consumer electronics journalist with nearly 20 years of experience writing news Over the years he's also contributed to a number of other outlets Premium wireless earbuds are his passion but he's also keen on car tech and in-car audio systems and can often be found cruising the countryside testing the latest set-ups In his spare time Andy is a keen golfer and gamer From the products themselves to the various ways we can listen to music these days it has all evolved to such a degree that we now live in a world where everything is connected and integrated and you can play music wirelessly at the tap of a button what a music system looks like has gone beyond the shackles of a traditional separates set-up which is good news for many of us short on space and cash but still wishing for proper good audio A blend of modern and retro aesthetics seems to be de rigueur and has wide appeal across generations too and that’s reflected in our rather stylish modern music system that sounds as good as it looks. The Ruark R2 Mk4 is the centrepiece of this system and fully functions as a music system in its own right with slatted wood grilles and a large bonded-glass full-colour display for at-a-glance track information (and the time The elegant unit is larger than most bedside clock radios as long as it’s connected to the mains. An aux input allows you to plug in wired sources while the USB-C port handily charges up your smartphone or tablet as well. Sonically, the Ruark R2 is a delight. In our R2 Mk4 review our in-house team of expert reviewers said: “For what is a fairly compact unit the sound that emanates from the R2 Mk4 is surprisingly big and spacious and it can reach decently loud volumes without getting too strained or losing composure the musical cohesion of a song remains intact and a compelling listen even at lower volumes.” expressive presentation with pleasing clarity the latter being particularly well-suited to playing talk radio while there’s ample headroom for high notes to soar. The Ruark comes with an integrated “RotoDial” controller – a tactile physical control on top of the unit with buttons and a dial for selecting menus but you can also download a third-party app (Undok or Oktiv) to make browsing radio stations saving presets and playing from any music source much easier. You can use any smart device for this, including your existing smartphone but we’ve picked the Award-winning Apple iPad here especially if you use multiple music streaming sources and want a richer streamlined experience for controlling the Ruark and your music. not to mention various video streaming and game apps should you wish to give all entertainment options an audio boost by beaming the sound to the Ruark R2. The Ruark R2 also sports a 3.5mm headphone jack, and we have an excellent pair of wired headphones to complete this mini system Headphones are a must if you like listening to music late into the night and/or don’t want to disturb your housemates or neighbours with Billie Eilish or MFDoom on repeat. Don’t let the Grados’ industrial looks fool you: these are lightweight, open-back headphones whose airy transparent nature is ideal for long listening sessions the SR80x is an on-ear model with foam cushions that might feel odd at first but years of using Grado headphones have proven that they remain durable Their open-back design means that they will leak a fair amount of sound and let outside sound in but for home use we find this combination to be perfectly fine. and insight across well-defined frequencies – has been inherited,” along with punch and a terrific sense of timing and agility They have a wonderful sense of space and clarity and while they’re a touch on the forward side (though without being clinical) forensic approach works well with the Ruark’s smoother balance. This combination gives you the best of both worlds: retro charm and cutting-edge streaming technologies all culminating in incredible audio performance with true hi-fi heritage forming the backbone of this compact system. you have got a bona fide music system that’s modern The ultimate music tracks to test your hi-fi system We built a classy streaming hi-fi system with two brand-new, five-star products and a recent Award-winner During her time in the consumer tech industry she has reviewed hundreds of products (including speakers been to countless trade shows across the world and fallen in love with hi-fi kit much bigger than her Kash can be found tending to an ever-growing houseplant collection and shooing her cat Jolene away from spinning records The Draw in the Madrid classic Has Left Many Consequences Besides the tactical aspects of both teams many have focused the debate on the penalty that Soto Grado a supposed stomp by Tchouaméni on Samu Lino Especially when refereeing experts from various media outlets can't agree on the resolution of that play The sequence of what happened on the field of Santiago Bernabéu stadium is revealed following the publication of the VAR audios I recommend an OFR to evaluate a possible penalty" warned Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea to his colleague at the merengue stadium The action that Soto Grado determined as a penalty against Real Madrid | Real Madrid ConfidencialThat call to make an on-fieldreview of the play between Tchouaméni and Samu Lino was accepted by Soto Grado: "I'm going to evaluate it" De Burgos Bengoetxea showed some images of the action but then I'm going to show you one with more quality" de Burgos Bengoetxea indicated that "now I'm going to show you another one with more quality so you can see the stomp" Such appreciation from the referee in charge of the VAR came without Soto Grado having determined that Tchouaméni had stepped on Lino inside Real Madrid's area "Stop it at the point of contact so he can see it Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea asks one of the technicians joining him in the VOR room Those images didn't seem to convince Soto Grado who asked "let's see if you have one where he hits him from behind" seeking to have a clearer angle of the play seemed to appreciate that Tchouaméni "steps on him with studs" to the Atlético de Madrid player requesting more shots and angles of the same play But de Burgos Bengoetxea excused himself by making it clear that "these are the best quality ones In the face of that absence of new angles to evaluate such an important play for the pace of the match Soto Grado announced that "I'm going to call a penalty concludes the field referee of the Madrid classic Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea and Vinícius Jr. in the 22/23 season | Real Madrid ConfidencialThis revealing conversation between César Soto Grado and Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea in the review makes Madridism not hesitate to point again at the Spanish referees Especially because of the bad memories that both referees bring in previous seasons especially two duels at Mestalla in which Vinícius ended up expelled The controversy hasn't diminished after the publication of the audio of the conversation between the field referee and the VAR referee of the Madrid classic The possibility of maintaining or taking the lead in LaLiga will be set aside until the next matchday.. with the white club still in first position The Røde NTH-100 just continue to impress It's been a year of repeated successes in the wired headphones category the standard of wired models on offer continues to impress There are even rumblings that many younger users are turning their backs on Bluetooth models superior sound and environmental credentials of the traditional wired style What we have here is a collection of wired headphones all returning for another round of well-earned glory The Røde NTH-100 are still the relative newbies in the paddock arriving in late 2022 and showing that you can squeeze a breathtaking amount of performance from an affordable model Some very competent competitors tried to take their crown this year but it is the incredible versatility of the Rødes that has earned them a repeat accolade and spacious without sounding pulled apart they were an absolute dream at their launch price of £149 / $149 / AU$249 and are today better value than ever now that they have dropped in price significantly in the interim If you're keen on over-ears but want to go a little cheaper the talented and immensely likeable Austrian Audio Hi-X15 stand alone Not only do they sound fantastic and boast a handsome but you could also manage to snaffle a pair for around £90 / $90 if you play your cards right For users who want to go higher up the price scale and crave open-backed (i.e the Grado SR325x are still our best pick as the best wired headphones over £200 — detailed Can anyone come along and topple the mighty Grados it's starting to feel like an insurmountable task you'll be smug and secure knowing that you're enjoying sparkling deeply detailed sound for under £50 / $50 / AU$100 If you're willing to spend a bit more on wired in-ears, the Shure Aonic 3 remain our pick of those that just crosses the three-figure mark a position they've also held for roughly five years The Aonic 3 produce the best in-ear sound you can get for their money blending superb dynamics and musicality with a detailed balanced presentation that just does everything so professionally The wired headphones category feels like the men's tennis landscape in the 2010s whereby established veterans – greats of the game even – were making it hard for eager but naive newbies to break through and pick up a few Grand Slams of their own We're keen to see a headphones equivalent of a Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner emerge to challenge for the top but they need to be at their very best because the kings won't simply hand over their crown if they're still operating at the top of their game Which pair will win our coveted Product of the Year Award? All will be revealed at the What Hi-Fi? Awards ceremony in November Discover every What Hi-Fi? Awards 2024 winner right here Grado is joined by Judith Ralston for an unforgettable journey to find Scotland's very best holiday escapes Scotland’s Greatest Escape reveals the best holiday escapes Scotland has to offer presenter Grado is joined by weather presenter Judith Ralston swapping the BBC Scotland weather studio for an unforgettable adventure on the road No passports required - this dynamic duo is on a mission to uncover Scotland’s ultimate holiday destinations From the rugged Highlands to the picturesque shores of Dumfries and Galloway and budget-friendly stays to suit every kind of traveller Grado and Judith’s journey will take them across land as they experience everything from houseboats and castle estates to treehouses and unique eco-retreats they’ll meet the passionate people behind these remarkable stays and delve into the fascinating stories that make each escape special And they’re not just relying on travel guides - social media has played a key role in shaping their itinerary the pair will dive into thrilling activities such as bungee jumping at Killiecrankie and soaring above the Black Isle on a scenic flight just an unforgettable journey as Judith and Grado explore Scotland’s very best holiday escapes Judith Ralston commented: "I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Grado on this adventure to find Scotland’s Greatest Escape Getting to travel the country and experience so many breathtaking locations is a real dream come true this series is set to be a real ray of sunshine—and I can’t wait for viewers to join us on the journey." Grado adds: "Having Judith aff the weather along for the ride has made this series even more special and I think people will really enjoy watching us visit these incredible escapes I’m still blown away by the hidden gems Scotland has to offer - I guarantee there’s something for everyone!" says: "Grado and Judith bring a fantastic energy to this new series and natural banter make them the perfect hosts Judith is a brilliant addition to the show and we’re excited for audiences to see the amazing escapes they’ve discovered." Scotland’s Greatest Escape Series Three (5x30’) is a Red Sky Production for BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer The new series launches at 10:30pm on Monday with all episodes available on BBC iPlayer The Grado Signature HP100 SE headphones promise exceptional audio from their newly-engineered drivers Grado's new Signature headphones feature brand new drivers and a new design direction The HP100 SE over-ears are available from November 2024 for £2,795 / $2,495 a pair Grado makes some of the world's best headphones and its high-end models regularly receive five-star rave reviews from the audio press Now there's a new Signature model that heralds a new design direction for the audiophile over-ears maker The Grado Signature HP100 SE headphones have been created to mark the 100th birthday of the company's founder Their design references the past but the engineering is new: there are newly-engineered drivers detachable cables – a first for the brand – and a new headband assembly each pair is assembled by hand in its Brooklyn HQ The newly designed drivers are 52mm with a new paper composite cone a new voice coil made from lightweight copper-plated aluminium and a powerful high flux magnetic circuit incorporating rare earth alloys According to Grado the result produces "excellent dynamics and transient response Frequency response is an exceptionally low 3.5Hz to a high 51.5kHz Total harmonic distortion is \<0.1% @ 100dB and for the first time for Grado the cables are removable; the braided finish is softer "but durable" with more flexible insulation and lower cable weight than before The cable has a 6.3mm plug and connects to each housing via a 4-pin mini XLR; additional cable options including 4-pin XLR termination and 4.4mm balanced termination will be available in the near future The headband has 50% more padding than before and it incorporates a stainless steel band and height rods to get the perfect fit The new Signature HP100 SE will be available from November The recommended retail price is £2,795 / $2,495 / about AU$5,470 Having taken in the best sights and stays the country has to offer Grado and new Scotland’s Greatest Escape co-host Judith Ralston have come back from their recent adventure with enough holiday snaps to fill several albums The unlikely pairing of wrestler and weather presenter have also picked up another valuable souvenir – a flourishing friendship that has them in fits of laughter as they recount some of their travel tales ahead of the first episode airing tomorrow Grado was delighted to have a new tag team partner to have a real laugh with on the road “I knew that I’d be doing it with somebody who was up for a laugh,” he said “Judith’s very funny and from the minute we jumped into the back of a van we had banter the full shift “We both work a lot of the time in the cities and it’s rare we get the chance to jump on the road and explore “It was a big reminder of how beautiful Scotland is and how much we really don’t appreciate it.” Judith was also thrilled to join her new pal for the ride He got recognised all over the place and always had time to speak to people.” There were also some older gentlemen that were “I think she made some of these guys’ dreams come true just by standing next to them.” but the new series is the first time the two have teamed up Paired for a screen test on a Rosie-and-Jim-style canalboat trip they clicked instantly and have become firm friends with plenty of tales – whether it’s hearing each other break wind for the first time Grado baring all on camera by accident or the perils of going to the toilet in a wind-buffeted tent But becoming best pals didn’t mean Grado ignored the rule of ladies first when it came to taking on a daunting bungee jump at Killiecrankie in Perthshire “Hats off to Judith because she went right in there and was brilliant,” he laughed scared of nothing … but as you’ll see on the show If you watch it back I look like a baby that’s just come right out the womb!” Judith said: “I was quite glad I’d done it and could show my kids that I was brave and did it Neither of us are particularly outdoorsy so it was really stepping out of our comfort zone.” While the first two series had a competition element between accommodation providers this is more of a road trip adventure and love letter to what Scotland has to offer from stunning sights to the people that keep things running “I am so in love with Scotland and this has made me fall even more in love,” Judith said We’re exploring places like Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders which people often bypass or prefer to go up north But they’re both so strikingly beautiful.” having someone who knows the weather is pretty handy for a trip round Scotland’s unpredictable climes and Judith gave her co-star a new outlook on embracing the conditions that make us such a green and pleasant land “It was great to see her passion for the weather,” Grado said “She’d look up at the sky and find a certain sort of cloud lick her finger and put it in the air and know what was happening “It also meant I had a good contact during Storm Eowyn where it would hit and if my fence was going to get it I was screengrabbing it and sending it to my pals going: ‘Here’s what Judith the Weather says!’” It wasn’t all smooth sailing as Judith broke her ankle during filming – which is shown in a later episode – but she was determined to plough on The pair hope to go on many more adventures and are delighted and humbled to have become fixtures on our screens Grado has expanded beyond his wrestling success to star in the likes of Two Doors Down Judith has hosted documentaries and guest-starred on Scot Squad “I was delighted telling everyone I was doing a series with Judith from the weather,” Grado laughed Judith added: “It always takes me aback when I get recognised People are watching our programmes and liking us for being ourselves We’re like friends that come in your front room and have a wee blether about what we’re up to “My parents aren’t alive any more and Grado’s mum’s passed away and it’s always in the back of my mind that I wish they could have seen us It’s humbling because we all come from normal backgrounds Scotland’s Greatest Escape Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed Pope Francis visited the Nativity Scene from Grado he had presided at First Vespers for the Solemnity of Mary and the Te Deum hymn of thanksgiving for the conclusion of the year Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General of the Governorate of Vatican City State the Pope paused for some time before the Nativity Scene The Nativity Scene includes a depiction of the Shrine of Our Lady of Barbana located on an island on the far eastern end of Grado Lagoon The Archdiocese of Gorizia designated the Shrine as a Jubilee Church throughout the Holy Year