Grado Labs has spent decades proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy a good pair of open-back headphones. The original SR60 and SR80 helped establish that reputation, offering an energetic, immediate presentation that made rock, jazz, and acoustic music difficult to ignore. They also came with some familiar compromises: permanently attached cables, minimalist construction, and a tonal balance that could become rather unforgiving with aggressive recordings. I lost a pair on a bus in the Negev during a wave of Hamas suicide bombings during the Second Intifada which sorta tied me to our friends from Brooklyn for life.
Over the past two years, the Brooklyn manufacturer has been changing that formula with its more expensive Signature Series. The HP100 SE, S950, and S550 introduced redesigned dynamic drivers, improved headbands, detachable cables, and a greater emphasis on tonal balance and comfort. Our experience with those models has demonstrated meaningful progress, although not every change has been equally successful.
The HP100 SE impressed us with its resolution and expansive presentation but could still sound mildly aggressive in the upper midrange and treble. The S950 and S550 suggested that Grado was moving toward a fuller, smoother, and more accommodating sound without abandoning the immediacy that defines the brand.
That brings us to the Grado Signature S150, a $295 open-back headphone that attempts to bring some of those engineering advances to a much larger audience. But there is an interesting complication. Grado already makes less expensive headphones, including its recently updated Classic Series, which builds on the longstanding Prestige lineup.
The S150 therefore has to offer more than a recognizable design and the satisfaction of owning something assembled in Brooklyn. With competition at this price becoming increasingly serious, it needs to demonstrate that the Signature improvements actually matter where most people can afford to experience them.
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Where Does the S150 Fit in Grado’s Lineup?
The introduction of the Classic Series in March 2026 created an interesting overlap in Grado’s headphone range. The $125 SR60 and $175 SR80 remain affordable entry points, while the $350 SR325 offers an aluminum housing and more substantial construction. All three use Grado’s newer X2 driver platform, with refinements to their headbands and cables, but the wiring remains permanently attached.
The S150 sits between the SR80 and SR325 in price, yet belongs to a different product family. Rather than adapting the X2 platform, Grado developed a new 44mm S driver based on technology introduced in its significantly more expensive Signature headphones. It also incorporates a redesigned acoustic chamber, detachable cables, and a different headband assembly.
That positioning raises an obvious question. Why would someone spend $295 on the S150 rather than save $120 with the SR80 or stretch another $55 for the metal-bodied SR325? The answer shouldn’t come down to the badge on the earcup.
The S150 represents a different approach to materials, mechanical construction, and driver design. Whether those differences translate into better performance is something that can only be established through listening. Preferably with a slice of Brooklyn pizza nearby, because evaluating headphones from Brooklyn on an empty stomach seems like a violation of borough law.
A Smaller Version of Grado’s New Driver Technology
At the heart of the Signature S150 is a newly developed 44mm S dynamic driver featuring a paper-composite diaphragm derived from the 52mm S driver technology used in the HP100 SE and S950.
Grado designed the smaller driver specifically for the S150 rather than simply transplanting an existing unit into a less expensive housing. According to the company, the new design is intended to deliver greater clarity, more articulate bass, and a fuller tonal presentation while retaining the speed and dynamic character associated with its headphones.
The distinction matters because the Classic SR80 and SR325 also use 44mm drivers, but their X2 architecture is different. Driver diameter alone tells us very little about how headphones reproduce music. Diaphragm materials, motor design, acoustic loading, damping, and the relationship between the driver and ear cushions all influence the result.
The S150 has a specified impedance of 38 ohms and sensitivity of 104 dB SPL at 1mW. That suggests it should work with a broad range of portable DACs, digital audio players, and desktop headphone amplifiers without requiring unusually high output power.
A More Modern Approach to Grado Construction
The Signature S150 introduces a new single-piece acoustic chamber molded from engineered ABS polymer rather than using the wood or machined metal housings found on more expensive Signature models. The matte-black finish retains the company’s familiar circular earcup design, but with a more understated appearance.
The decision to use polymer is not necessarily a disadvantage. It allows Grado to keep the weight to just 220 grams, while offering a different combination of durability, manufacturing consistency, and acoustic properties. A heavier metal housing might look more expensive, but additional mass isn’t automatically a benefit when it’s resting on someone’s head.
The headband assembly incorporates a padded leather strap and internal flexible steel band that allows users to adjust the clamping force. Matte-black polymer gimbals, stainless-steel height rods, and reinforced junction blocks complete the revised construction.
Grado supplies the S150 with its F cushions, which feature internal acoustic slits intended to influence airflow and the headphone’s sonic presentation. Other Grado cushion designs are compatible, providing an opportunity to experiment with different fits and acoustic characteristics.
This flexibility is welcome, particularly because cushion selection has made a substantial difference during our previous Signature Series evaluations. Whether the supplied F cushions are the right choice for the S150 will be addressed in our comfort and listening tests.
Grado Signature S150 Specifications
- Headphone Type: Wired, open-back dynamic
- Driver: Newly developed 44mm S driver
- Diaphragm: Paper-composite
- Frequency Response: 16 Hz to 34 kHz
- Nominal Impedance: 38 ohms
- Sensitivity: 104 dB SPL at 1mW
- Total Harmonic Distortion: Less than 0.3% at 100 dB
- Driver Matching: 0.05 dB
- Weight: 220 grams (7.8 ounces)
- Housing: Single-piece engineered ABS polymer
- Finish: Matte black
- Headband: Padded leather with adjustable internal steel band
- Gimbals: Matte-black polymer
- Height Adjustment: Stainless-steel rods
- Cable: Detachable Signature Bronze
- Headphone Connections: Dual 3.5mm
- Source Connection: 3.5mm plug with 6.3mm adapter
- Supplied Ear Cushions: Grado F cushions
- Other Cushion Compatibility: Grado S, L, G, and B cushion designs
- Assembly: Hand-assembled in Brooklyn, New York
Design and Build Quality
My initial reaction to the Signature S150 was somewhat mixed. The housings and earcups felt somewhat plasticky, until I pulled out my battle-worn SR80x for comparison. The older Grados actually feel cheaper, particularly the thicker but less refined headband. The S150’s stitched leather headband looks and feels more premium, even if the polymer housings aren’t going to impress anyone expecting luxury materials.
The biggest improvement is undoubtedly the detachable Signature Bronze cable, something Grado owners have wanted for years. The connectors feel sturdy, the plugs are well made, and the supplied screw-on 6.3mm adapter inspires confidence. More importantly, the cable is considerably easier to live with. During walks along the boardwalk in Long Branch and Asbury Park, I experienced zero audible cable microphonics as it brushed against my Ajai chore coat and shawl cardigans.
No annoying kinks, unexpected snags, or cable noise interrupting the music. Anyone who has wrestled with the permanently attached cables on older Grados will appreciate the change. Brooklyn finally got the message, even if it took a few decades.
Fit and Comfort
At just 220 grams, the Signature S150’s lightweight construction works strongly in its favor. They’re noticeably lighter than my Meze Audio 99 Classics Gen 2 and Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X, one of which usually accompanies me when traveling alongside a pair of wireless headphones. Both are closed-back designs and offer considerably better isolation, but the Grados have an advantage when it comes to weight and ventilation.
The supplied foam ear cushions have been a Grado staple for decades, and while some might question their decidedly 1980s appearance, I found them remarkably comfortable. Even walking outdoors in direct sunlight during 70-degree October weather, my ears never felt excessively warm. The stitched leather headband isn’t as generously padded as those on the Meze or Beyerdynamic, but it distributed the weight evenly without creating hot spots. A little additional padding wouldn’t hurt.
Having a rather large noggin, I’m particularly sensitive to excessive clamping force. The S150 applies moderate pressure, remaining secure even when I deliberately tried shaking them loose, without ever feeling too tight. My older SR80x clamps noticeably harder and is less comfortable over extended listening sessions. The manually adjustable sliding gimbals are straightforward to use, and the earcups rotate flat for easier storage.
My biggest complaint is the complete absence of a carrying pouch or case. At $295, not even a basic cloth or nylon bag? These headphones are lightweight enough to travel with, and a simple pouch would help protect the ear cushions, prevent damage in a laptop bag or carry-on, and keep the detachable cable organized. Grado has improved the comfort and practicality considerably, but Brooklyn apparently still expects us to supply our own luggage.
Listening
For this review, I used my new iPhone 17 (finally splurged), iMac, and MacBook Air, paired with portable dongle DACs from iFi Audio, Questyle, AudioQuest, and Clarus Audio. Desktop listening included the FiiO K11 R2R and my trusty Schiit Audio Magni 3+. The S150 isn’t especially difficult to drive, but I found that the choice of DAC and amplifier influences its tonal balance, particularly through the upper midrange and treble.
Don’t judge these headphones straight out of the box. They weren’t bad initially, but the treble had a slightly hard edge that became less noticeable after a solid week of playback, including healthy doses of Metallica, Deadmau5, and Rush. Clarity and tonal refinement also seemed to improve. Whether that was driver break-in, my ears adjusting to the presentation, or a combination of both, I wouldn’t rush to judgment after the first few hours. Brooklyn doesn’t always make the best first impression.
Bass performance is one of the S150’s strengths. The open-back design doesn’t provide the same physical impact as my closed-back headphones, but the trade-off is better definition and less thickness through the mid-bass and upper bass. The treble remains extended rather than rolled off, and warmer DACs and amplifiers proved more enjoyable than leaner combinations. These are not consistently as warm or forgiving as their more expensive Signature siblings, but they retain plenty of the energy that makes Grado headphones engaging.
Nick Cave’s “Into My Arms” and “Avalanche” were particularly revealing of the S150’s strengths and limitations. Cave’s gravelly voice has plenty of presence and texture, while the piano carries convincing weight and attack. “Avalanche,” in particular, benefits from the Grado’s ability to communicate dynamic intensity without making the lower registers sound bloated. The S150 doesn’t dissect every musical element with surgical precision, nor does it offer the lushest midrange presentation. Grado is more about emotional impact here than analytical precision, and with a warmer amplifier, that’s not necessarily a bad trade-off.
Amy Winehouse’s BBC performance of “Valerie” highlighted the headphone’s immediacy and strong sense of pacing. Her voice remains firmly in focus, with excellent articulation and enough rhythmic energy to keep the performance moving. The downside is that the upper midrange can become a little assertive, particularly with brighter sources. Lee Morgan’s “The Sidewinder” reinforced that impression. The trumpet has convincing bite and attack, but listeners who prefer a softer, more relaxed presentation may find the S150 a little enthusiastic. Nobody has ever accused a Grado of being afraid to speak its mind.
Soundstage width was a pleasant surprise, particularly with the right amplification. The S150 can project instruments convincingly beyond the earcups, with good image specificity and separation, although depth doesn’t quite match the lateral presentation. Radiohead’s “Reckoner” highlighted those strengths, with its layered instrumentation remaining open and uncongested, while cymbals had plenty of extension and air. Leaner sources pushed their leading edges a little harder than I prefer, but the overall presentation was revealing without becoming clinical. Grado clearly favors musical engagement over surgical precision, and that’s part of what makes the S150 enjoyable.
Speed, dynamic impact, and rhythmic precision are among the S150’s greatest strengths, particularly with complex rock arrangements. Rush’s “Xanadu” demonstrated how effectively these headphones handle the transitions between quieter passages and the full band, with Neil Peart’s drums, Geddy Lee’s bass, and Alex Lifeson’s guitar remaining distinct without sacrificing momentum. Dense, aggressively mastered recordings are less forgiving, however, and some Metallica tracks exposed a harder edge at higher listening levels. The S150 thrives on energy and musical drive, but it won’t make a poor recording sound better. Brooklyn has never been particularly interested in sugarcoating things.
Deadmau5’s “Seeya” was another reminder that bass quality and bass quantity are not the same thing. The S150 delivers textured, controlled low frequencies with impressive speed and very little of the mid-bass congestion that can make electronic music sound thick and sluggish. The deepest notes don’t have the physical slam of a good closed-back headphone, but the bass lines remain distinct and rhythmically convincing. If you’re looking for exaggerated sub-bass that rearranges your fillings, these are probably not the headphones for you.
One final consideration is sound leakage, which is substantial. During my testing, music remained audible from approximately 10 to 15 feet away, depending on the listening level and surrounding noise. That makes the S150 a questionable choice for trains, crowded cafés, or anywhere else people expect a degree of peace and quiet. And if you’re listening to a political podcast, you might want to reconsider. Nobody on NJ Transit needs to hear your entire argument with the host.
The overall sonic character is energetic, fast, and engaging, with surprisingly good bass definition and imaging for the price. The S150 favors musical momentum and impact over absolute neutrality, and its somewhat assertive treble makes careful source matching worthwhile. It’s recognizably a Grado, but with enough refinement to suggest that some of the lessons learned from the more expensive Signature models have made their way down the lineup.
The Bottom Line
The $295 Grado Signature S150 brings meaningful improvements to Brooklyn’s familiar formula, with punchy, textured bass, excellent speed and pacing, spacious imaging, and a more refined presentation than the older SR80x. Lightweight construction, improved comfort, and detachable cables make these headphones considerably easier to live with, although the plasticky housings, substantial sound leakage, and lack of a carrying pouch are disappointing.
The treble can be assertive, particularly with brighter sources, making warmer DACs and amplifiers preferable. The S150 isn’t the most neutral headphone under $300, but it’s one of the more engaging and a worthwhile step up from Grado’s entry-level models. Brooklyn hasn’t lost its attitude. It’s just learned a few manners.
Pros:
- Fast, engaging sound with excellent pace and dynamics
- Punchy, textured bass with impressive mid-bass control
- Wide soundstage and precise imaging with the right source
- Lightweight, comfortable design with moderate clamping force
- Detachable cables are a major improvement over older Grados
- Works well with affordable DACs and headphone amplifiers
- More refined construction and headband than the SR80x
Cons:
- Treble can sound hard and aggressive, especially initially
- Warmer DACs and amplifiers deliver better tonal balance
- Limited sub-bass impact compared with closed-back headphones
- Significant sound leakage makes public listening impractical
- No carrying pouch or protective case included
- Polymer housings don’t feel particularly premium for $295
Our Ratings
★★★★★★★★★★ Sound Quality
★★★★★★★★★★ Build Quality
★★★★★★★★★★ Comfort
★★★★★★★★★★ Value
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