S2 Driver Tuned for Musical Warmth and Performance

Continuing the Evolution of the Signature Line

March 3, 2026 — Brooklyn, NY — Grado Labs, designer and manufacturer of award-winning headphones, announces the release of the Signature S550, the fourth headphone to join its expanding Signature Line.

The Signature S550 continues Grado’s long tradition of thoughtful evolution—combining proven driver technology, carefully chosen materials, and deliberate tuning choices to create a headphone with its own distinct voice. Designed for listeners seeking warmth, openness, and clarity without fatigue, the S550 offers a more relaxed presentation while preserving the speed, detail, and immediacy that have long defined the Grado sound. The Grado Signature S550 will begin shipping later in March. The S550 will be available for demonstration at CanJam NYC on March 7th & 8th at the New York Marriott Marquis.

S2 Driver Tuned for Musical Warmth and Performance

At the core of the Signature S550 is Grado’s 50mm S2 dynamic driver, tuned specifically for its all-wood enclosure. Rather than pursuing an entirely new driver architecture, Grado focused on optimizing the interaction between the S2 driver and the acoustic properties of the housing.

This approach yields a presentation that is warmer and more forgiving, yet remains fast, detailed, and spatially open. The S550 offers a wide soundstage with precise imaging and natural dynamics, inviting longer listening sessions while maintaining the immediacy and engagement Grado listeners expect.

Brazilian Walnut Housing

The Signature S550 features housings crafted entirely from Brazilian Walnut, continuing Grado’s long-standing use of wood as an acoustic material. Each housing is individually made, with natural variations in grain ensuring that no two pairs are exactly alike.

Walnut is valued for both its tonal characteristics and structural stability. Its density contributes to the S550’s fuller, more balanced presentation, while helping maintain consistent acoustical performance over time. The wood is sourced with consideration for sustainable practices, supporting long-term availability while respecting the ecosystems in which it grows.

Detachable Cable System

The Signature S550 ships standard with Grado’s Silver detachable cable, designed to be lighter, softer, and more flexible than previous Grado cables. Each housing is terminated with a 4-pin balanced mini XLR, allowing compatibility with Grado’s expanding ecosystem of detachable cables.

The included cable is terminated with a 3.5mm mini plug at the source end and includes a 6.3mm adapter, ensuring immediate compatibility with a wide range of audio equipment. Additional cable options—featuring alternative lengths and balanced terminations—are available from Grado as aftermarket accessories or as part of the original purchase.

Comfort, Fit and Personalization

The Signature S550 comes standard with Grado’s new B cushions and remains compatible with the full Grado cushion lineup, allowing listeners to tailor both comfort and sonic presentation to their individual preference. Like all headphones in the Signature Line, the S550 utilizes Grado’s Signature headband assembly. Integrated within the leather headband is a flexible metal support that allows the fit to be gently adjusted, enabling listeners to fine-tune how the headphone rests on the head and personalize comfort over time based on individual listening habits.

The S550 features the narrower leather headband strap, as used on the S750, and incorporates engraved metal gimbals, stainless-steel height rods, reinforced junction blocks, and controlled housing rotation to ensure durability, stability, and long-term comfort during extended listening sessions.

A Growing Signature Line

As the fourth model in the Signature Line, the S550 reflects Grado’s ongoing commitment to refining its designs through listening, material selection, and measured engineering choices. With additional models planned, the Signature Line continues to evolve—offering distinct sonic perspectives united by a shared design philosophy.

The Grado Signature S550 will be available at an MSRP of $995 USD.

Technical Specifications

Transducer Type: Dynamic
Operating Principle: Open Air
Frequency Response: 6 Hz – 44 kHz
THD: <0.2% @100 dB
SPL 1mW: 112 dB
Nominal Impedance: 38 ohms
Driver Size: 50 mm
Driver Matching: 0.05 dB
Weight: 335g (without cable)
Cable type: Signature Silver detachable
Headphone Connection: 4-pin Mini XLR
Source Connection: 3.5mm w/6.3 mm adapter
Earpad Supplied: B Cushion
To learn more about the Signature S550 and discover other Grado products please visit www.gradolabs.com

About Grado Labs

Grado Labs was founded in 1953 by audio legend Joseph Grado, inventor of the stereo moving coil phono cartridge. Today Grado makes world-renowned hand-built headphones and phono cartridges. This family-owned American company still operates out of its original Brooklyn location led by CEO/Owner John Grado. Stay current on all future announcements from Grado by joining its mailing list. For more information and to view additional products visit
www.gradolabs.com