Grado is expanding its higher-end lineup with the new Signature S550, a $995 open-back headphone that takes a slightly different approach to the company’s familiar sound. Instead of chasing something radically new, Grado says this model is tuned for a more relaxed, warmer presentation, while still keeping the speed and clarity longtime fans expect.
The Signature S550 is the fourth model in Grado’s growing Signature Line, and it’s scheduled to begin shipping later in March. It will also be available for demo at CanJam NYC on March 7–8 at the New York Marriott Marquis.
At the heart of the S550 is Grado’s 50mm S2 dynamic driver. Rather than redesigning the driver from scratch, the company focused on how that driver interacts with the headphone’s housing.
In practical terms, that means Grado tuned the S2 driver specifically for the S550’s all-wood enclosure. The goal is a presentation that feels warmer and a bit more forgiving, especially during longer listening sessions. According to Grado, the S550 still delivers the wide soundstage, precise imaging, and quick response the brand is known for, but with a smoother overall balance.
For listeners who sometimes find traditional Grado tuning a little forward or energetic, this model may offer a slightly different flavor.
One of the most noticeable features of the Signature S550 is its use of Brazilian walnut for the earcups. Grado has worked with wood for decades, and it continues that tradition here.
Each housing is individually made, so the grain pattern will vary from pair to pair. Beyond aesthetics, Grado says walnut contributes to the headphone’s fuller tonal balance and helps maintain consistent acoustic behavior over time. The company also notes that the wood is sourced with sustainability in mind.
If you’ve followed Grado over the years, you know that wood isn’t just cosmetic—it’s part of how the company shapes its sound.
Another practical update is the detachable cable system.
The S550 ships with Grado’s Silver detachable cable, which the company says is lighter and more flexible than previous designs. Each earcup connects via a 4-pin balanced mini XLR connector, making the cable replaceable and opening the door to different cable options.
Out of the box, you get a 3.5mm plug and a 6.3mm adapter, so it will work with everything from portable players to full-size headphone amps. Grado also offers additional balanced cable options if you want to experiment with different terminations.
For buyers who’ve wanted removable cables on a Grado, this will likely be welcome news.
The Signature S550 includes Grado’s new B cushions, and it remains compatible with the company’s broader cushion lineup. Swapping pads on Grado headphones can subtly change both comfort and sound, so there’s some room for personalization here.
The S550 also uses Grado’s Signature headband assembly, which includes a leather headband with an internal flexible metal support. That design allows you to gently adjust the fit over time. The headphone also incorporates engraved metal gimbals, stainless-steel height rods, reinforced junction blocks, and controlled housing rotation aimed at long-term durability.
Technical Specifications:
At $995, the Signature S550 sits in a competitive segment.
It will likely be compared to the Meze Audio 109 PRO, which sells for $799 at Crutchfield, and the Focal Clear MG, priced at $1,599 at Crutchfield. We reviewed the Clear MG back in 2022 and gave it an Editor’s Choice award, so it’s a known quantity for many HomeTheaterReview readers.
The S550 positions itself squarely between those two options in price, offering a wood-based design and a tuning that leans toward warmth and long-session comfort.
How does it compare to the S750 and S950? With a $995 price tag, the Signature S550 sits at the more accessible end of Grado’s Signature Line. Above it are the Signature S750 ($1,695) and the Signature S950 ($2,195), both positioned as more premium offerings within the same family.
How does it compare to the rest of Grado’s Signature line? Well, the Signature S550 is the most accessible entry into Grado’s Signature Line. But it’s far from the only option. Above it sit the Signature S750 ($1,695), the Signature S950 ($2,195), and at the top, the Signature HP100 SE ($2,495).
So what separates them?
The S550 is tuned for warmth and ease. Built around the 50mm S2 driver and housed in Brazilian walnut, it’s described as offering a more relaxed presentation while still maintaining speed and spatial openness. This is the model that appears designed for longer listening sessions — detailed, but not overly sharp.
Step up to the S750 ($1,695) and the focus shifts toward refinement and resolution. While it shares the Signature build architecture — leather headband, metal gimbals, stainless steel height rods, and similar mechanical construction — it targets listeners who want more clarity and micro-detail. The price jump reflects a move toward a more revealing presentation.
The S950 ($2,195) pushes further into premium territory. Positioned above the S750, it represents a higher level of performance within the Signature Line, emphasizing increased resolution and technical precision. This is aimed at listeners who want to extract as much information from recordings as possible and are willing to pay for that incremental gain.
Then there’s the HP100 SE ($2,495), which sits at the top of the current Signature lineup. At this level, Grado is clearly targeting dedicated enthusiasts who prioritize maximum performance and exclusivity. It represents the brand’s most ambitious execution within this family, both in price and positioning.
In simple terms:
If you’re considering the S550, the real question isn’t whether the more expensive models exist — it’s whether you need what they’re offering. The S550 keeps you under the four-figure mark while still delivering the Signature Line build and tuning philosophy. The others stretch further into enthusiast territory, both in performance goals and in price.
The Grado Signature S550 is available now for pre-order at Crutchfield, with shipping expected later in March.
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