Grado Labs has introduced the Signature S550, the fourth headphone in its expanding Signature Line.
Built around a 50mm S2 dynamic driver that’s been tuned specifically to take advantage of its Brazilian Walnut housing, the S550 delivers a warmer presentation without sacrificing the speed and detail Grado is known for.
The S550 enters a crowded open-back headphone market where competitors at a similar price point pursue reference-grade neutrality, making Grado’s push towards warmth and reducing listening fatigue a choice rather than a compromise.
Rather than developing an entirely new driver architecture, Grado focused engineering effort on optimising the acoustic interaction between the existing S2 driver and the wood enclosure, a methodology that prioritises tuning refinement over specification-driven differentiation.
Brazilian Walnut housings are individually crafted, with natural grain variations ensuring no two pairs are identical; while the wood’s density contributes to the S550’s fuller tonal balance and maintains consistent acoustic performance as the material settles over time.
The headphone ships with Grado’s Signature Silver detachable cable terminated in a 4-pin balanced mini XLR at each housing, with a 3.5mm plug and 6.3mm adapter at the source end. It remains compatible with Grado’s broader ecosystem of aftermarket cable options for listeners who prefer balanced terminations.
Image Credit (Grado)
Comfort customisation follows the rest of the Signature Line with Grado’s B cushions included as standard, along with full compatibility with the complete Grado cushion range, and a leather headband with integrated flexible metal support that allows the fit to be adjusted gradually to individual head shape over time.
Technical specifications list a frequency response of 6Hz to 44kHz, THD below 0.2% at 100dB, 112dB SPL at 1mW, 38 ohms nominal impedance, and driver matching within 0.05dB, figures that reflect the precision tolerances typically expected at this price tier in the audiophile headphone segment.
Those looking for context on where the S550 sits in the wider market can find our picks for the best headphones available right now.
The Grado Signature S550 begins shipping later in March and will be available to hear at CanJam NYC on March 7th and 8th, priced at $995 / £995.
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