Grado has expanded its high-end Signature Series with the new S150 wired headphones, offering a more affordable entry point into the brand’s premium audio lineup. Priced at $295 / £295, the headphones cost less than one-fifth of the flagship Signature S750 while retaining key elements of Grado’s audiophile-focused engineering.
The new model introduces a specially developed 44mm S driver derived from technology used in the company’s more expensive headphones. It also features a refreshed design, detachable cables and a padded leather headband aimed at improving comfort during extended listening sessions.
Although the S150 is significantly cheaper than its Signature Series siblings, it remains a premium product rather than a budget-friendly option.
A More Accessible Entry Into Grado’s Signature Series
Grado’s Signature S750 headphones retail for $1,695 / £1,695, putting them firmly in the high-end market. The S150 offers a more accessible alternative at $295 / £295, allowing more listeners to explore the brand’s approach to open-back audio.
The new headphones use a 44mm S driver developed from technology associated with Grado’s higher-priced HP100 SE and Signature S950 models. Both of those headphones use larger 52mm S drivers.
The S150’s driver features a paper-composite diaphragm based on the technology found in those premium models. Grado’s approach suggests that it is aiming to bring elements of its more expensive audio engineering to a smaller and less costly product.
Refined Styling With a Familiar Grado Identity
The S150 also introduces a subtle design change. Grado describes the headphones’ earpieces as having an entirely new, single-piece housing, giving them a more modern appearance while retaining the brand’s recognizable identity.
The result is a less aggressively industrial look than some of the company’s other models, including the Hemp and SR80x headphones.
This more restrained styling could broaden the S150’s appeal to listeners who appreciate Grado’s audio heritage but prefer a cleaner, more contemporary design.
The headphones retain an open-back construction, a defining feature of Grado’s approach to wired listening.
Detachable Cables and Comfort-Focused Details
Despite the lower price, Grado has included several features associated with its Signature Series.
The S150 comes with detachable Signature Bronze cables and a padded leather headband designed to provide comfort during longer listening sessions.
Each ear cup features a 3.5mm connection, while the supplied cable terminates in a standard 3.5mm plug. A 6.3mm adapter is included, allowing the headphones to connect to a wider range of home audio equipment, headphone amplifiers and compatible audio players.
Grado also offers alternative cable terminations for customers who need a different connection for their existing setup.
Price and Availability
The Grado Signature S150 is priced at $295 in the US and £295 in the UK, with an estimated Australian price of around AU$420 based on the US price.
At this level, the S150 sits between mainstream wired headphones and the company’s substantially more expensive audiophile models. Its combination of a newly developed driver, refined styling and detachable cabling could make it an attractive option for listeners looking to step into premium wired audio without spending thousands.
However, a final verdict on sound quality will have to wait for hands-on testing. The specifications and design changes are promising, but listening tests will ultimately determine how well the S150 performs.
For now, the S150 looks like an interesting addition to Grado’s lineup, particularly for audiophiles who want the brand’s signature open-back approach at a more approachable price.