Grado Reference MASTER 3
Grado Master3 MM cartridge, hand-assembled, with a Jarrah wood body and nude elliptical diamond.
Description
The Grado Master3 is a moving magnet (MM) cartridge, designed to be fitted to a turntable and convert the signal cut into the groove into an electrical signal usable by a phono preamplifier. It shares the general architecture of the Reference3 from the same brand, while distinguishing itself with a so-called "nude" elliptical diamond, cut and mounted specifically by Grado.
The cartridge body is made from Jarrah wood, a species chosen for its ability to damp unwanted vibrations. The cantilever is made up of five parts assembled using the OTL technique, with a tip mass reduced by 5% compared with the Platinum1 in the Grado range, which lightens the moving part responsible for tracking the groove. The coils are wound in UHPLC copper. The stated output voltage is 5 mV, and the frequency response spans from 10 Hz to 60 Hz. The unit is hand-assembled.
This cartridge is aimed at vinyl enthusiasts with a turntable and tonearm compatible with an MM mount, seeking a refined reproduction and a craftsman-like level of finish. It will suit attentive listening, on a system capable of making the most of a high-end cartridge.
Technical specifications
| Cartridge type | MM (moving magnet) |
| Diamond | Nude elliptical |
| Cantilever | 5-piece OTL |
| Body | Jarrah wood |
| Coils | UHPLC copper |
| Output voltage | 5 mV |
| Frequency response | 10 Hz - 60 Hz |
What to check before buying used
The nude elliptical stylus is a priority check point: verify there is no flat spot, embedded dust, or lifted adhesive at the base of the OTL cantilever, which is particularly exposed to impact on this five-piece assembly. Also examine the Jarrah wood body, which may show micro-cracks or dulled varnish depending on its storage history. Finally, test both channels to rule out any winding fault in the UHPLC copper coils, invisible to the eye but audible when listening.
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