Grado Labs has officially introduced the Signature S550, the fourth addition to its expanding Signature Line of open-back headphones. Blending the brand’s heritage of wood craftsmanship with refined driver tuning and modular design, the S550 is engineered for listeners who prioritize warmth, openness, and long-session comfort without sacrificing detail or speed.
The Grado Signature S550 will begin shipping later this March and will be available for demonstration at CanJam NYC on March 7th and 8th at the New York Marriott Marquis. The headphone will retail at an MSRP of $995 USD.
Tuned for Warmth: 50mm S2 Dynamic Driver
At the heart of the Signature S550 is Grado’s 50mm S2 dynamic driver, carefully tuned to complement its all-wood enclosure. Rather than developing an entirely new driver platform, Grado focused on optimizing the interaction between the S2 driver and the acoustic properties of Brazilian Walnut.
This measured approach results in a presentation that leans warmer and more forgiving, while maintaining the speed, clarity, and immediacy that define the classic Grado sound. The S550 delivers:
- A wide, open soundstage
- Precise imaging
- Natural dynamics
- Low distortion performance
With a frequency response spanning 6 Hz to 44 kHz, total harmonic distortion under 0.2% at 100 dB, and tight 0.05 dB driver matching, the S550 aims to balance musicality with technical precision.
Brazilian Walnut Housing: Craft Meets Acoustics
The Signature S550 features housings crafted entirely from Brazilian Walnut, continuing Grado’s long-standing tradition of using wood as an acoustic material.
Each housing is individually produced, with natural grain variations ensuring no two pairs are identical. Beyond aesthetics, walnut contributes to the headphone’s tonal balance and structural integrity. Its density supports a fuller, more balanced presentation while maintaining consistent acoustic performance over time.
Grado also emphasizes responsible sourcing practices, supporting the long-term sustainability of the material.
Detachable Silver Cable System with Mini XLR
The Signature S550 introduces a refined detachable cable system designed for flexibility and long-term usability.
Each earcup is terminated with a 4-pin balanced mini XLR connector, making the S550 compatible with Grado’s growing ecosystem of interchangeable cables. The included Signature Silver cable is lighter, softer, and more flexible than previous Grado offerings.
Out of the box, the cable features:
- 3.5mm mini plug termination
- Included 6.3mm adapter
- Balanced mini XLR headphone connection
Additional cable lengths and balanced terminations are available as optional accessories, offering expanded system compatibility for desktop amplifiers and portable gear alike.
Comfort and Personalization
Grado equips the Signature S550 with its new B Cushions, while maintaining compatibility with the full Grado cushion lineup. This allows users to fine-tune both comfort and sonic presentation.
The S550 also incorporates Grado’s Signature headband assembly, featuring:
- Leather headband with integrated flexible metal support
- Engraved metal gimbals
- Stainless-steel height rods
- Reinforced junction blocks
- Controlled housing rotation
The narrower leather strap design, previously seen on the S750, enhances fit precision while maintaining long-term durability. At 335 grams (without cable), the S550 remains lightweight for extended listening sessions.
A Growing Signature Line
As the fourth model in the Signature Line, the S550 reflects Grado’s continued commitment to thoughtful refinement rather than radical reinvention. By focusing on material selection, driver tuning, and ergonomic updates, the Signature Line offers distinct sonic perspectives while adhering to a unified design philosophy.
With additional models planned, Grado’s Signature Line continues to evolve as a premium tier within the company’s portfolio.
Grado Signature S550 Technical Specifications
- Transducer Type: Dynamic
- Operating Principle: Open Air
- Driver Size: 50mm
- Frequency Response: 6 Hz – 44 kHz
- THD: <0.2% @ 100 dB
- SPL (1mW): 112 dB
- Nominal Impedance: 38 ohms
- Driver Matching: 0.05 dB
- Weight: 335g (without cable)
- Cable Type: Signature Silver detachable
- Headphone Connection: 4-pin Mini XLR
- Source Connection: 3.5mm with 6.3mm adapter
- Earpad Supplied: B Cushion
The Grado Signature S550 will begin shipping later in March at a retail price of $995 USD. Attendees of CanJam NYC will have the opportunity to audition the headphone in person ahead of its wider release.
You can find more from Grado at Audio46.
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