Grado Signature Series

[Deli]

Aretha’s Gold- recent pressing. Sounds good but definitely shows the recording’s limitations. Bass is there, highs are there, so is the good but not great mastering effort. I’m used to Grado cartridges sounding a bit thick and truncated but always nice with voice. This one is a bit speedier and clearer and more open at the top and across the middle, digs deep enough into the bass to let you know it’s not missing anything, and bass remains rich but also detailed.

 

[prime minister]

I finally set this cartridge up- I made sure to spend time snd put some effort into it’s setup and what can I say- It’s a beauty. My phono stage has no issue driving it’s low output on the regular MM setting. One record so far- Dean Martin- Dream with Dean. Just lovely. It’s got me rethinking Grado cartridges.

Oh- and no Grado hum on a Technics SP25.

I didn’t want to say to much and prejudice your thinking of it. But, I can say now that I’m not surprised. They are truly lovely cartridges. And there isn’t much that captures vocals better.

 

[Deli]

I didn’t want to say to much and prejudice your thinking of it. But, I can say now that I’m not surprised. They are truly lovely cartridges. And there isn’t much that captures vocals better.

I’ve spun a short stack of primarily vocal and one jazz/bossanova record. Yes, vocals and midrange are its forté. It’s a sweet, easygoing cartridge in nature. It doesn’t really burnish the top end to a smooth round mass and doesn’t have such a soft, loose grip on the bass as some of the entry and mid-level models. It will never be mistaken for surgical or exacting, but you could never label it sloppy or lackadaisical either- just smooth, inviting. It retains all the Grado personality and positive traits with added clarity and grip and openness.

 

[Deli]

I can see where Joe Grado’s opera training influences this cartridge’s sound signature.

 

[prime minister]

I ran mine through a very resolving $70k system, and it held its own very nicely. It’s a magical cartridge.

 

[Deli]

I ran mine through a very resolving $70k system, and it held its own very nicely. It’s a magical cartridge.

The more I listen to it, the better I get an idea of what’s going on. I’m pretty much dealing with soul, jazz, and bossanova but it lends itself well to this. Relaxed presentation without being dull. Detail is there but not pushed in your face. Not aggressive, forced or too forward. Comfortable.

 

[HiFiGuy321]

I've had several Grados - a Gold, a Green and a Black 1. Loved all of them - especially the Gold, but had a turntable (Dual CS-5000) which made them hum. Gave them to a friend and as far as I know, he's still using them. Really warm mellow sound but with good highs. And when I called with a question about the Black 1, John Grado answered the phone and answered me quickly, completely and graciously.