The friction-pole mechanism for adjusting the headband is surprisingly basic, especially for those familiar with Grado headphone designs. While the detachable cable is a bit more flexible than older Grado models, it’s still not particularly versatile. Honestly, I haven’t come across a more problematic cable length in the headphone world.
Speaking of the cable, Grado offers about 180 centimeters with a 6.3-mm jack at the end. When you’re paying a premium for headphones, it’s reasonable to expect your customer might have a device that supports a balanced connection. It’s puzzling why there isn’t an option for a variety of cables in the packaging. Most of Grado’s competitors include this as a standard offering, and while Grado’s website mentions upcoming cable options, including different lengths and balanced connections like 4-pin XLR and 4.4mm, these have been “upcoming” for quite a while and will come at an additional cost.
I can’t dispute the effectiveness of the “B” ear cushions when it comes to sound quality. The Signature S750 sounds fantastic, and Grado claims the cushion design plays a part in that. However, I can say that the foam of the ear cushions feels rather basic and isn’t particularly comfortable. Plus, they tend to trap and retain heat quite well. “Premium” and “luxurious” certainly aren’t words I would use to describe them.
In the end, it all comes down to what you value most. There’s no denying how incredible the Signature S750 sounds. They’re straightforwardly impressive and can be exhilarating to listen to, depending on the music. But unless you’re one of those hardcore hi-fi purists who believes that amazing sound quality isn’t valid unless there’s some discomfort involved, you might find too many drawbacks to ignore with these Grados. And that’s despite their claim of being “hand-assembled in Brooklyn, USA.”
