Grado Signature S150 Review

The Signature S150 is Grado's most accessible way into its Signature Line. The previous entry point was $995, so a $295 model is a notable shift for a range that has always sat at the top of the brand's catalogue. It doesn't feel like a stripped-down afterthought, either. Grado developed a new 44mm S driver for it, derived from the larger 52mm drivers in the HP100 SE and S950. It also gets a new single-piece housing and detachable cables, a feature that has historically been a sticking point on Grado's more affordable models.

This looks aimed at listeners who want a taste of Grado's higher-end engineering without a four-figure outlay. That includes existing Grado owners stepping up from the entry ranges and newcomers to open-back listening. As with any open-air design, it suits quiet rooms at home rather than commutes or shared offices. The 38-ohm impedance and 104dB sensitivity suggest it shouldn't need a dedicated amplifier to get going.

Judged on the supplied specs and claims alone, the S150 makes a compelling case for itself. Note that this assessment does not include hands-on listening. We can't yet comment on tonal balance, comfort over long sessions or how it compares sonically with Grado's pricier Signature models. Our score reflects the design and feature set as described, and it's provisional until we've heard it.

• Driver pedigree: The new S driver borrows from the S950 and HP100 SE. Tight 0.05 dB driver matching is an encouraging sign of quality control at this price.
• Practicality: Detachable cables with dual 3.5mm sockets are a meaningful upgrade in longevity. A worn cable no longer means a dead headphone.
• Cable options: Grado's site lists 4.4mm balanced and 4-pin XLR terminations, plus 6 ft or 12 ft lengths. That gives desktop and portable-amp users real flexibility.
• Cushions: The supplied F cushions have internal acoustic slits, and the S150 is compatible with Grado's other cushions, so you can tune comfort and sound.
• Easy to drive: The impedance and sensitivity figures point to good compatibility with modest sources.

On the other side of the ledger, the housing is engineered ABS polymer rather than the more exotic materials often associated with the Signature name. Some buyers may feel this makes it a Signature model in name more than in build. The open-back design also leaks sound and offers no isolation, which narrows where and how you can use it. Overall, this looks like a well-judged value proposition, pending a full listening test.