Grado Signature S550 – Full-Size Headphones with Walnut Wood Ear Cups

American audio equipment manufacturer Grado Labs has released the new open-back full-size Signature S550 headphones, expanding its proprietary Signature series. The new model is aimed at listeners who value warmth, naturalness, and a comfortable, non-fatiguing presentation, while preserving the openness, speed, and detail that are characteristic of Grado sound.

The Grado Signature S550 has taken the position of the entry-level model in the Signature lineup, which also includes the Signature S750, Signature S950, and the flagship Signature HP100SE. In this way, the manufacturer offers a more affordable alternative to the senior models while retaining the key sonic and design features inherent to the headphones in the series.

At the core of the full-size Grado Signature S550 headphones are 50 mm S2 wideband dynamic drivers, tuned with the acoustic properties of the fully wooden ear cups in mind. The company emphasizes that this very configuration made it possible to achieve a warmer, richer, and more relaxed sound character while preserving speed of response, transparency, and strong microdynamics. According to the manufacturer, the headphones create a wide soundstage, deliver clear presentation, and offer natural dynamic expression, making them especially appealing for long listening sessions.

Special attention in the design has been paid to the material of the ear cups. They are made from sustainably sourced Brazilian walnut – the same wood used in the Signature S950 model. Thanks to the natural grain of the wood, each pair has a unique visual pattern. In addition to its visual appeal, walnut wood, according to the manufacturer, also contributes to the acoustic character of the model, giving the sound greater density, balance, and long-term stability. The claimed frequency response ranges from 6 Hz to 44 kHz, while the level of harmonic distortion is less than 0.2% at a sound pressure level of 100 dB.

Like other models in the series, the Signature S550 features Grado’s proprietary headband construction with a flexible metal core inside a leather covering. This approach is intended to provide a more comfortable and secure fit. The design also incorporates engraved metal hinges, stainless steel height-adjustment rods, reinforced connection points, and a controlled ear cup rotation mechanism. All of this highlights Grado’s intention to combine traditional design, mechanical reliability, and comfort during extended use.

The model weighs approximately 335 grams without the cable. The headphones come supplied with Grado’s proprietary B Cushion earpads, as well as a detachable Signature Silver cable. On the headphone side, balanced 4-pin mini-XLR connectors are used, while on the source side there is a standard 3.5 mm mini-jack. A 6.3 mm adapter is also included in the package.

Sales of the full-size Grado Signature S550 headphones will begin at the end of March 2026. The recommended retail price of the new model in the U.S. market will be $995.