Grado Signature S150 Review

New York City’s own Grado Labs recently released a new addition to their on-ear ensemble. Offering an entry-level introduction to their “Signature” line, the Grado Signature S150 brings the series’s specs to an affordable price. Can premium aspirations and a few added tricks craft an experience that goes beyond its marketable budget? What should listeners expect from Grado’s invitation to the Signature series?

The S150 blends visuals from its Signature lineage and the “SR” models around its price range, cleverly articulating its status amongst both camps. An all-black color scheme most resembling the Signature S750 diverts with a matte finish, feeling smooth to the touch and sleek to the eye. While I might be a fan of Grado’s retro style norm, this direction has its own appeal for fans of a low-key look. 

Grado’s on-ear fit strays away from the contemporary audiophile experience, but the S150 makes a pretty good case for this alternative. The added friction from its foam “F Cushion” pads keeps the S150 seriously secure for a headphone so light. Its nice leather headband pairs well with these aforementioned pads, forming lasting comfort for an extended listen. Defying the typical concerns of its class, the S150 has merit for both preexisting on-ear fans and listeners wanting a good price for their first.

Build overall relies more on an engineered ABS polymer than the metals of the SR325, though the only feeling of decreased reliability is its lighter weight. Folding and adjusting the cups felt equally fluid, with no cheap clicking from these aforementioned parts. For me, the holy grail of the S150 package is its swappable bronze cables. While not as physically durable as the pricier SR325, its ability to be replaced theoretically gives the S150 better staying power. The cable keeps the S150’s durability competitive with its counterparts in Grado and beyond, even when its lower budget slightly compromises the aforementioned materials used.

• Transducer Type: Dynamic
• Operating Principle: Open Air
• Frequency Response: 16hz – 34kHz
• THD: <0.3% @ 100dB
• SPL 1mW: 104dB
• Nominal Impedance: 38 ohms
• Driver Size: 44mm
• Driver Matching: 0.05 dB
• Weight: 220g
• Cable Type: Signature Bronze Detachable
• Headphone Connection: Dual 3.5mm Mini
• Source Connection: 3.5mm with 6.3mm Adapter
• Earpad Supplied: F Cushion

SOUNDSTAGE & IMAGING

Boasting its Signature status, the S150’s staging is very natural. Sound pushes out to where you would expect it, giving the headphones a reference quality that accurately replicates intimate jams and grandiose scores. Although some might prefer a more exaggerated spectacle, I find the S150’s offering to be more complimentary to its realistic sound. With uniformly appropriate dimensionality, the S150 expands everywhere a track needs it to be. 

Consistent in my previous experiences with Grado’s lineup, the S150 is an instrumental monster. The most impressive part of this headphone is its ability to layer the most technical tracks with equally legible and musical sound. While emphasized vocal songs might not reap this reward, busier songs feel full and rewarding. For instrument-focused performances, the S150 is a serious triumph for the price range.

BASS FREQUENCIES

As a supportive underbelly to the overall sound, the S150’s low end is fast and tight. The S150 rolls back serious rumble to accent a thick upper bass, backing mid instrumentals with some extra body. While this is amazing for genres like jazz, heavier intricate genres like metal start to lose out on some needed grit. When keeping it light, the S150 has a suitable bass that compliments its overall signature.

MIDRANGE FREQUENCIES

Easily the best part of the S150 sound is its midrange. Everything I previously said crediting this headphone is meant tenfold here. Instruments sound fun and precise, reinstating its status as a composition-heavy machine, especially in acoustic genres. As mentioned previously, vocals take a bit of a backseat in the mids, but higher registers still get to shine appropriately.

I am typically adverse to jam bands, but I absolutely carved through the Grateful Dead’s discography with the S150s. Every pluck of their guitars sound so playful and alive, perfect for their live sound. I seriously implore anyone who can demo these for themselves to give jam bands a try. The S150s midrange convinced me more of the Dead’s legacy than most Deadheads I have met.

TREBLE FREQUENCIES

The S150 sound resolves into its brighter treble. While slightly shouty at higher listening volumes, I found its tone to resonate well with the rest of the signature. It maintains the headphones’ consistent speed with a crisp finish, keeping percussion resonance with ample detail. While this brightness might not be for everyone, I find it works well with the headphone's overall objective.

While I briefly mentioned the SR325 for its build, I find it equally important to compare the S150 next to its closest price equivalent in sound. Between these two headphones, presentation at the polar ends is the most significant difference. Specifically, the SR325 has a more robust low end, providing it more balance than the S150. By contrast, the S150’s treble takes that energy for a brighter experience. This results in the SR325 feeling more versatile, but the S150 being exceptional in the genres it is built to cover. I wish I could provide a definitive overall choice between the two, but their previously mentioned design strengths make each worth a listen.

As both an introduction to their Signature line and an individual entry to their on-ear family, Grado’s new S150 is more than welcome. The S150 brings the specs and sounds of its predecessors to the entry-level, granting users new and old a lush midrange, transparent staging, and enduring cable capabilities. Where bassier tracks might find more from the SR325, the S150 offers a more present treble which complements smoother genres. For fans of jazz, folk, and especially acoustic jams, the S150 is a tough on-ear to beat.

The S150 is available at Audio46.