Grado S550 Launched: New Signature Series Headphones Revealed

The official launch of the Grado S550 took place today (03). Grado Labs states that its newest model in the Signature line delivers “clarity, balance, and energy,” and was designed for “long listening sessions.” All details about the Grado S550 are presented below.

Grado launches the fourth model in its Signature line after the HP 100 SE

The S550 is the fourth model to reach the market following the headphone released to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Joseph Grado, the Grado HP 100 SE.

Below is the release timeline for the models in Grado’s Signature line along with their respective prices.

HP 100 SE
• Release date: November 2024
• Price: US$2,495

S950
• Release date: March 2025
• Price: US$2,195

S750
• Release date: November 2025
• Price: US$1,695

Developed for a balanced and engaging presentation

According to Grado Labs, the Grado S550 employs a dynamic driver designed to “deliver a balanced and engaging presentation while preserving speed and clarity.” The fourth headphone in the Signature line features an “open” sound, yet maintains “good balance across a wide variety of recordings,” according to the company.

Grado describes the presentation of the S550 as follows:

“It is a headphone that responds effortlessly to both subtle textures and more demanding passages, feeling equally at home with intimate acoustic recordings and larger-scale performances.”

However, sound quality alone is not sufficient if the product lacks practicality. For this reason, Grado continues to introduce new models featuring removable cable systems.

Removable cables

The Grado S550 features a removable cable system, allowing users to select the cable that best suits their preferences. As a result, the overall user experience with the headphone can be significantly improved when compared to models from other Grado lines that use fixed cables.

In an effort to further enhance the listening experience, Grado has also developed new ear pad designs, although comfort remains one of the most frequently cited concerns among users across several models.

More comfortable and easier-to-position ear pads

The S550 comes with the “B cushions,” ear pads developed by Grado Labs to provide greater comfort and improved fit without compromising sonic performance.

Richard Grado, Chief Operating Officer of Grado Labs, commented on the new Grado B cushions:

“The ‘B cushion’ offers listeners an option in how they wish to experience Grado headphones. We have always designed our drivers to achieve the best possible sound, but we understand that every listener appreciates a slightly different sonic signature. With the S750, we are giving users the flexibility to listen the way they prefer.”

Grado S550: Specifications

• Driver type: Dynamic
• Design: Open-back
• Frequency response: 8 Hz – 44 kHz
• THD: < 0.2% @ 100 dB
• Sensitivity: 112 dB
• Impedance: 38 ohms
• Diaphragm diameter: 50 mm
• Driver matching: 0.05 dB
• Cable: Detachable Signature Silver
• Headphone connection: 4-pin balanced mini-XLR
• Plug: 3.5 mm with 6.3 mm adapter
• Ear pads: B Cushion

Release, price, and availability

The Grado S550 is now available for purchase through the official online store of Grado Labs for US$995, with the option of a 1.8-meter cable and a 6.35 mm plug. A 3.6-meter cable option is also available, and users may additionally choose 4.4 mm or XLR connectors.