Over-Ear
Grado Signature S550
78Great
$1020
Full review dataGrado Signature S550 vs Sennheiser HD 800: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Sennheiser HD 800 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Sennheiser HD 800 - Outstanding overall at around $1800.
Over-Ear
Sennheiser HD 800
88Outstanding
$1800
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
Sennheiser HD 800
Sound9.5
Noise cancelling0.0
Value6.5
Specifications
| Spec | Grado Signature S550 | Sennheiser HD 800 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1020 | $1800 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2026 | 2009 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 50mm S2 dynamic driver | dynamic |
| Driver size | 50 mm | 56 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 6Hz-44kHz | 14Hz-44.1kHz |
| Impedance | 38 Ω | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 112 dB/mW | 102 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | - | 102 |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 | - |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LC3 | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Controls | none | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 335 g | 330 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| Foldable | No | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | No | 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
Sennheiser HD 800
The Sennheiser HD 800 is a premium open-back headphone designed for audiophiles who prioritize an expansive, speaker-like soundstage and exceptional detail retrieval. Its large dynamic drivers and angled transducer placement deliver a wide, airy presentation with precise imaging, though it demands a powerful amplifier to perform at its best. While the price tag is steep, the combination of engineering precision, comfort, and clarity makes it a standout choice for serious listening at home.
- Pro:Exceptional soundstage width and spatial imaging
- Pro:Highly detailed and resolving treble with controlled bass
- Pro:Very comfortable for long listening sessions
- Con:Requires a high-power amplifier; not suitable for portable use
- Con:Fully open design offers no noise isolation
- Con:Expensive retail price
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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