Grado Signature S550 - Black

Description

A Streamlined Approach to High-End Musicality

The Grado Signature S550 introduces the core performance principles of the esteemed Signature Line into a highly approachable, streamlined design. Engineered specifically for high-fidelity audio enthusiasts, these headphones balance technical precision with an emotional, fatigue-free sonic presentation. The open-air architecture establishes an immediate, airy soundstage that eliminates the enclosed feeling of traditional designs, placing the listener directly in front of the performance with remarkable clarity and energy.

Advanced Driver Design and Engineering

At the heart of the S550 is a pair of newly engineered 50mm dynamic drivers. These drivers are meticulously matched to within an exceptionally tight tolerance of .05dB, ensuring flawless stereo imaging and a perfectly centered soundstage. Every element of the internal assembly is optimized to prioritize control, responsiveness, and tonal accuracy. The resulting performance captures both the finest acoustic textures and the sudden, demanding peaks of complex musical passages without ever losing composure or natural rhythm.

Modern Versatility and System Integration

For the modern audiophile, seamless system integration is essential. The S550 introduces Grado’s proprietary premium detachable cable system utilizing a 4-pin balanced mini-XLR connection at the earcups. The included Signature Silver cable is highly pliable and designed to prevent memory retention, significantly enhancing comfort during long listening sessions. Because the cables are fully interchangeable, listeners can easily adapt the headphones to different source components—whether connecting to a high-end dedicated headphone amplifier via balanced 4.4mm or XLR connections, or a traditional stereo receiver, CD player, or table tournante preamplifier using a single-ended configuration.

Personalized Comfort and Legacy Craftsmanship

Acoustic performance is intimately linked to physical fit, which is why the S550 is delivered with Grado's B cushions to provide a well-rounded tonal balance and superb ear support. To allow for deep personalization, the housing is entirely compatible with Grado’s S, F, L, and G cushions, enabling users to subtly alter the spatial presentation and comfort to match their exact preferences. Reflecting over seven decades of audio heritage, each S550 is painstakingly hand-assembled in Brooklyn, moving from workbench to workbench until it meets strict quality standards, ensuring a long-lasting luxury listening experience.

Common Questions

Why choose the Grado Signature S550 headphones?

The Grado Signature S550 is the perfect solution for dedicated high-fidelity listeners who want the uncompromising resolution of a premium audiophile headphone without sacrificing the emotional energy and musical flow of a live performance. It provides an approachable entry into Grado’s top-tier Signature Line, offering a highly natural soundstage and a fatigue-free presentation that makes it ideal for long, critical listening sessions paired with high-quality source components.

Are the cables on the Grado S550 removable?

Yes. The S550 features a detachable cable system using robust 4-pin balanced mini-XLR connectors at the earcups. This configuration enhances product longevity and allows users to swap cables effortlessly to accommodate different lengths or source connections.

What cable termination options are available for this model?

The headphone is available with several factory source terminations to match your amplification setup, including a standard 3.5mm mini-plug (with an included 6.3mm adapter), a 4.4mm balanced plug, or a 4-pin balanced XLR connector.

Can I change the ear cushions on the S550 to alter the sound?

Yes. While the S550 comes equipped with the versatile B cushions, the physical design is fully compatible with Grado's S, F, L, and G cushions, giving you the flexibility to fine-tune both the physical fit and the spatial audio characteristics.

Are these headphones closed-back or open-back?

The Grado S550 utilizes an open-air (open-back) operating principle. This design allows sound waves to pass through the outer grills naturally, creating an expansive, highly realistic soundstage, though it does not isolate external noise or prevent sound leakage.

What is the benefit of the .05dB driver matching?

Grado matches the left and right 50mm dynamic drivers within an extremely precise tolerance of .05dB. This near-perfect balance ensures an incredibly accurate stereo image, realistic instrument placement, and a cohesive, centered soundstage.

What's in the Box

Grado Signature S550 Headphones

Signature Silver Detachable Cable (6-foot or 12-foot depending on selection)

6.3mm (1/4") Gold-Plated Adapter (included with 3.5mm and XLR variants)