Grado Signature S550 vs Verum 2: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Verum 2 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Verum 2 - Outstanding overall at around $499.

Over-Ear

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Verum 2 leads on 4 of 4 measures.

Grado Signature S550
Verum 2

HearWiki score

Sound

8.4

8.9

Value

7.2

9.0

Price (USD)

$1,000

$500

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

Grado Signature S550 (2026) against Verum 2 (2025). These are the same generation of hardware - nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price.

Signature S55020261 yr newer
22025

Specifications

Signature S5502

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $1,000; $500
HearWiki score: 74; 85
Released: 2026; 2025
Availability: Sold new; Sold new
Driver: 50 mm dynamic; 105 mm planar magnetic
Driver type: dynamic; planar
Driver size: 50 mm; 105 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 6 Hz - 44 kHz; -
Impedance: 38 Ω; 8 Ω
Sensitivity: 112 dB/mW; 96 dB/mW
Bluetooth: 5.3; -
Codecs: SBC, AAC, LC3; -
Multipoint pairing: No; -
Active noise cancelling: No; No
ANC type: -; none
Transparency mode: -; No
Companion app: -; No
Custom EQ: -; No
Wear detection: -; No
Controls: none; -
Voice assistant: -; No
Weight: 335 g; 450 g
Water resistance: none; -
Foldable: No; -
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: No; No
Pad material: -; fabric
Connector: 3.5 mm; 3.5 mm
Balanced connection: -; Yes
Call noise reduction: -; No

Specification comparison of Grado Signature S550 vs Verum 2
Spec	Grado Signature S550	Verum 2
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$1,000	$500
HearWiki score	74 / 100 Great	85 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2026	2025
Audio
Driver	50 mm dynamic	105 mm planar magnetic
Driver type	dynamic	planar
Driver size	50 mm	105 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	6 Hz - 44 kHz	-
Impedance	38 Ω	8 Ω
Sensitivity	112 dB/mW	96 dB/mW
Wireless
Bluetooth	5.3	-
Codecs	SBC, AAC, LC3	-
Multipoint pairing	No	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
ANC type	-	none
Transparency mode	-	No
Companion app	-	No
Custom EQ	-	No
Wear detection	-	No
Controls	none	-
Voice assistant	-	No
Design
Weight	335 g	450 g
Water resistance	none	-
Foldable	No	-
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	No	No
Pad material	-	fabric
Connector	3.5 mm	3.5 mm
Balanced connection	-	Yes
Calls
Call noise reduction	-	No

What reviewers said

Grado Signature S550

The Grado Signature S550 offers a more wallet-friendly gateway into the brand's premium open-back line, pairing a 50mm dynamic driver with a modern detachable cable system. It delivers a warm, lush, and characterful sound with a strong midrange and smooth treble, though its soundstage is somewhat limited and long-term comfort may vary. As a wired-only option with no ANC or controls, it’s aimed squarely at purist audiophiles who prioritize tone and value over extra features.

Pro:Warm, engaging sound with excellent midrange detail
Pro:New detachable cable adds practicality and upgradeability
Pro:Smooth treble that avoids harshness

Con:Soundstage width is narrower than some rivals
Con:Comfort may degrade during extended listening sessions
Con:No wireless, ANC, or onboard controls

Verum 2

No summary yet - we haven't aggregated enough reviews.

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparison Grado Signature S550 Verum 2