Grado's $1,675 Signature S750: A Sonic Masterpiece Trapped in a Flawed Body

Grado's new Signature S750 headphones, hand-assembled in Brooklyn, present a stark paradox. On one hand, they produce a sound so pristine and natural it could challenge a high-end stereo system. On the other, their physical design and comfort feel so underwhelming you'll question the $1,675 price tag. This is a tale of two very different products in one.

Musically Magnificent: A Pure Conduit for Sound

If judged on sound quality alone, the S750 is a triumph. The company developed a new 50mm dynamic driver for this model, which Grado claims delivers a massive frequency response of 6 Hz to 46 kHz. In practice, this translates to an effortlessly dynamic and informative performance. From the delicate notes of Arvo Pärt to the wall-of-sound of My Bloody Valentine, the headphones remain unflappable, presenting music exactly as the artist intended.

The tonal balance is utterly lifelike. There's no artificial coloring or bass-boosting here; just a coherent, spacious delivery. The soundstage they create is expansive yet rigorously focused, giving every instrument in a complex orchestral piece the space it needs. Highs are detailed without being harsh, lows are deep and textured, and the midrange, especially with vocals, is delivered with stunning clarity and emotion. It's an analytically precise yet deeply musical experience.

Key Specs - Driver: 50mm dynamic driver - Frequency Response: 6Hz – 46kHz - Weight: 460g (1.01 lbs) - Connection: 6.3mm termination (default) - Type: Open-back, over-ear

Aesthetically Plain: The Physical Disconnect

Unfortunately, you don't just listen to headphones; you have to wear them. And this is where the S750 stumbles. The machined aluminum earcups are well-made, but the minimal articulation and strong clamping force make them less than comfortable, even on an average-sized head. The headband, which supports the considerable 460g weight, is so meagerly padded it's a source of pressure rather than relief.

The list of grievances continues. The friction-pole adjustment mechanism feels agricultural. The non-detachable, 1.8m cable is inflexible and terminates only in a 6.3mm plug. In an era where balanced connections (like 4.4mm) are standard for high-end gear, its absence is glaring. Grado's website suggests other cable options are "forthcoming," but they aren't included and will likely cost extra. Finally, the new 'B' ear cushions, while sonically beneficial, are made of a raw-feeling foam that traps heat and feels anything but luxurious.