{"id":336570,"date":"2026-10-22T16:44:49","date_gmt":"2026-10-22T16:44:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ecoustics.com\/products\/grado-signature-s150-headphones\/"},"modified":"2026-10-22T23:13:02","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T23:13:02","slug":"grado-signature-s150-headphones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ecoustics.com\/products\/grado-signature-s150-headphones\/","title":{"rendered":"Grado Signature S150 Headphones: New Driver, Detachable Cables, and a Rare Brooklyn Bargain"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Finding anything affordable in Brooklyn these days is becoming increasingly difficult, especially if you’re looking for an apartment, a decent sandwich, or somewhere to park without collecting three tickets. Grado Labs, however, is moving in the opposite direction with the $295 Signature S150<\/strong>, a new open-back headphone that brings some of the company’s most important recent design improvements to a considerably more accessible price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We’ve covered Grado’s expanding Signature Line extensively at eCoustics, including the HP100 SE<\/a>, S950<\/a>, S750<\/a>, and more recent S550<\/a>. Those headphones introduced new driver technologies, improved comfort, and detachable cables, but the previous entry point was $995. The S150 changes that equation considerably, and it doesn’t look like Grado simply slapped a different badge on an existing Prestige Series model.<\/p>\n\n\n

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A New 44mm Driver and Updated Brooklyn Design<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Signature S150 introduces an entirely new 44mm S dynamic driver<\/strong>, featuring a paper-composite diaphragm derived from the larger 52mm drivers used in the HP100 SE and S950. Grado developed the smaller driver specifically for this model, with the goal of delivering improved clarity, controlled bass, and a fuller presentation without losing the immediacy that has characterized its headphones for decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead of the more expensive wood or machined metal housings found on other Signature models, the S150 uses a single-piece acoustic chamber made from engineered ABS polymer. The matte-black finish retains Grado’s familiar industrial design, but the updated construction helps keep the weight to just 220 grams (7.8 ounces)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grado has also incorporated a padded leather headband with adjustable clamping force, redesigned polymer gimbals, stainless-steel height rods, and reinforced junction blocks. The supplied F cushions feature acoustic slits intended to manage airflow, while compatibility with Grado’s other cushions allows owners to experiment with comfort and tonal balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Detachable Cables Without the Four-Figure Admission Fee<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the most welcome changes introduced by the Signature HP100 SE was the arrival of detachable cables, ending decades of complaints about permanently attached wiring that could develop a personality of its own. The S150 continues that improvement with Grado’s new Signature Bronze cable<\/strong>, designed to be softer, lighter, and more flexible than previous constructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike the more expensive Signature models that use four-pin mini-XLR connectors, the S150 features dual 3.5mm connections at the earcups. The included cable terminates in a 3.5mm plug with a 6.3mm adapter, while alternative terminations are available when ordering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s a practical improvement for listeners who use different DACs, headphone amplifiers, and digital audio players. Brooklyn stubbornness has its place, but permanently attached headphone cables didn’t need to remain part of the family tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Grado Signature S150 Specifications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n