Over-Ear
Grado Signature S550
78Great
$1020
Full review dataGrado Signature S550 vs HiFiMAN HE 1000se: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN HE 1000se comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: HiFiMAN HE 1000se - Outstanding overall at around $1699.
Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000se
88Outstanding
$1699
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Grado Signature S550
Sound8.0
Value7.5
HiFiMAN HE 1000se
Sound9.5
Value6.5
Specifications
| Spec | Grado Signature S550 | HiFiMAN HE 1000se |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1020 | $1699 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2026 | 2018 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 50mm S2 dynamic driver | planar |
| Driver size | 50 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 6Hz-44kHz | 8Hz-65kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 38 Ω | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 112 dB/mW | 96 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 | - |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LC3 | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Controls | none | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 335 g | 440 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| Foldable | No | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | - |
| Balanced connection | - | Yes |
What reviewers said
Grado Signature S550
The Grado Signature S550 offers a more budget-friendly route into Grado's premium open-back lineup, featuring a 50mm S2 dynamic driver and a detachable cable system. It delivers a warm, lush sound with standout midrange and smooth treble, though its soundstage width and comfort over long sessions have some limitations. Overall, it's a modernized take on Grado's classic sound that balances approachability with audiophile appeal.
- Pro:Warm, lush sound with rich midrange
- Pro:Smooth treble that avoids harshness
- Pro:Detachable cable adds convenience
- Con:Soundstage feels narrow compared to peers
- Con:Comfort can wane during extended listening
- Con:No wireless or ANC features despite premium price
HiFiMAN HE 1000se
The HiFiMAN HE1000se is a high-end planar magnetic headphone that delivers exceptional detail retrieval and a spacious, airy soundstage. Its bright-neutral tuning offers strong bass and treble extension, though the prominent treble can become harsh with lower-quality recordings. While its 35-ohm impedance and 96 dB sensitivity make it moderately easy to drive, it still benefits from quality amplification to perform at its best.
- Pro:Outstanding resolution and micro-detail clarity
- Pro:Wide, airy soundstage with excellent instrument separation
- Pro:Strong extension at both frequency extremes
- Con:Bright, peaky treble can fatigue on poorly mastered tracks
- Con:Requires a decent amp despite moderate sensitivity
- Con:Midrange lacks warmth and body for some tastes
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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