Grado Reference "The Reference 1" Phono Cartridge
This Much Loved Cartridge Gets a Big Upgrade - If you prefer a warm, rich and relaxed tonal presentation from your vinyl, Grado cartridges are sure to satisfy. Fans of these cartridges find them particularly appealing in the midrange, while other listeners may prefer brands which offer more extension at the frequency extremes
Grado's Reference cartridges have long been coveted for their excellent rhythm and pacing, their warm tonal balance and their outstanding bass. The Reference1 continues this grand tradition by adding superior resolution and improved tracking.
The newly redesigned Reference1 has reconfigured coil design reducing the effective moving mass of the generating system by 17%. Hand-assembled within a machined, ABS housing, the Reference1 uses a five piece OTL cantilever technology achieving a 5% tip mass reduction over Platinum and Sonata models. The coils are wound with Ultra-high purity long crystal (UHPLC) oxygen free copper wire and the Reference1 uses Grado's specially designed true ellipsoid diamond.
"With its high output and outstanding tracking ability, the Grado offered a sense of ease and control over wide dynamic swings that made listening a relaxing yet rewarding experience. Music exploded from a quiet, velvety backdrop, rendering low-level details much like the finer moving-coils."
-- Michael Fremer, Stereophile
"Get out the 1960's Angels Of Klemperer and the Philharmonia (like the Mozart Symphonies 31 and 34, S-36216), or the Nonesuch Bachs, the Columbia Louis Armstrongs, the Italian Quartet's Beethoven and Mozart on Philips. These great performances have until now been obscured, almost crippled by distorted sound. With this cartridge, they are almost pure joy."
-- Adam Walinsky, The Absolute Sound
"The Reference 1 has a highly detailed, hi-res sound that is never metallic or annoying, even with poorer recordings. Neither is there the unnaturally rising high end slope of many MC cartridges. I can't imagine anyone being displeased with the sweet sound of this lovely cartridge."
-- John Sunier, Audiophile Audition
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 60kHz
Principal: MI
Channel Separation at 1KHz: 40dB
Input Load: 47K
Output: 5.0mV
Recommended Tracking Force: 1.5Gms
Stylus Type: Elliptical
Inductance: 45mH
Resistance: 475Ω
Compliance CUs: 20
Stylus Replacement: User
Mounting: Standard
Weight: 6.5g
Warranty: 1 year
