Professional Series

Grado PS500x Headphones

Transducer type:

Dynamic

Operating principle:

Open Air

Frequency response:

14–29 kHz

SPL 1mW:

99.8 dB

Nominal impedance:

38 ohms

Driver Matched dB:

±0.05

Ear pads:

L Cushions (Bowl Pads)

Grado PS500x Headphones

The Grado PS500x is a rare and limited-edition model from Grado’s Professional Series. Unlike other models in the “x” generation, the PS500x was created using leftover housings from the original PS500. With fewer than a dozen units made, this hybrid model combines the aluminum and maple housing of the PS500 with Grado’s fourth-generation X Series drivers. The result is a unique headphone that blends retro craftsmanship with modern engineering, offering a sound profile that Grado enthusiasts will find both nostalgic and refreshing.

Facts

History and Trivia

Build Quality and Design

Sound Description

Modding Potential

The PS500x stands apart in the Grado lineup due to its unique origins and extremely limited production.

Hybrid Model: Created using leftover aluminum and maple housings from the original PS500, paired with the modern X Series drivers, cable, and headband.
Limited Edition: Fewer than a dozen units were produced, making the PS500x one of the rarest Grado headphones ever released.
Legacy Touch: While incorporating X Series components, the PS500x pays homage to the original PS500, which has been discontinued for several years.

The PS500x combines the vintage charm of its housings with the advanced features of the “x” generation.

Materials: Aluminum and maple wood hybrid housing, chosen for its acoustic and aesthetic properties.
Headband: Black leather-covered metal band, offering both durability and comfort.
Cable: X Series braided Y-cable, designed for durability and improved signal transmission.

The lightweight construction and bowl-shaped L Cushions provide a comfortable fit, suitable for extended listening sessions.

The PS500x delivers a sound signature that blends the warmth and depth of its classic housing with the precision and clarity of X Series drivers.

Bass: Controlled and impactful, offering excellent depth and presence without overwhelming the mids and treble.
Mids: Forward and natural, with a rich clarity that brings vocals and instruments to life.
Treble: Crisp and detailed, with a smooth sparkle that enhances separation and airiness.
Soundstage: Open and immersive, offering precise imaging and separation that elevate the listening experience.

The PS500x is versatile, excelling across genres like rock, jazz, and classical, where its tonal balance and detail truly shine.

As a limited-edition hybrid model, the PS500x is less commonly modded, though enthusiasts may still explore customization options.

Common Mods:
- Swapping ear pads with G Cushions or Nyczaj Earpads for enhanced comfort and soundstage.
- Upgrading to Nyczaj Aluminum Grado gimbals and Nyczaj padded leather headbands to improve durability, comfort, and aesthetics.
- Re-cabling for detachable connectors or balanced audio setups, though care must be taken to preserve its hybrid housings.

Collectibility and Reception

The PS500x’s rarity and unique blend of old and new components make it highly desirable among audiophiles and collectors.

Community Reception:
- Praised for its rich tonal balance and unique backstory, the PS500x is often regarded as a “special find” in Grado’s lineup.
- Listeners appreciated its nod to the classic PS500 while benefiting from modern driver technology.
Rarity:
- With fewer than a dozen units produced, the PS500x is one of the rarest Grado headphones, making it highly collectible.

The Grado PS500x is a fascinating blend of Grado’s history and innovation. Its limited production, hybrid design, and X Series enhancements make it a truly special addition to the Professional Series. Whether used for critical listening or as a prized collectible, the PS500x offers a unique glimpse into Grado’s ability to combine legacy and progress in one exceptional headphone.