Grado THE REFERENCE-3
High-end MM cartridge from the Timbre series, hand-assembled by Grado in Brooklyn, with Jarrah wood body and elliptical diamond stylus.
Description
The Reference3 is a moving magnet (MM) cartridge that holds a high position in Grado's Timbre Series range. It is designed to be fitted to a turntable tonearm and to reproduce the signal cut into the groove with a high level of detail. Each unit is hand-assembled by the Grado team in Brooklyn, following an artisanal know-how the brand has upheld since its beginnings in 1953.
The cartridge body is made from Jarrah wood, a material whose mass contributes to the mechanical stability of the assembly and plays a part in the sonic signature sought by Grado. The stylus tip is an elliptical diamond, specially designed by the brand and hand-fitted to each cartridge. The cantilever uses a four-piece OTL technology, modified to reduce tip mass by 5% compared to the Prestige Series, aimed at improving tracking responsiveness.
The coils are made from ultra-high-purity, long-crystal oxygen-free copper wire (UHPLC). Grado highlights a two-stage shielding process, designed to ensure better consistency between the four coils and to limit interference along the signal path, with the aim of reducing mechanical noise and improving groove tracking. The cartridge also features a dual-magnet system combined with the Flux-Bridge technology specific to the Timbre series.
This cartridge is aimed at vinyl enthusiasts with a quality turntable and tonearm, capable of making the most of a high-end cartridge. Grado states that it can be set up on both entry-level turntables and high-end stereo systems, making it a suitable choice for a user wishing to upgrade their system without necessarily changing turntables.
What to check before buying used
Check the condition of the elliptical diamond stylus and the OTL cantilever, particularly sensitive to shocks and wear from cumulative playing hours: a worn tip or a misaligned cantilever irreversibly degrades sound reproduction. Also inspect the Jarrah wood body for cracks or signs of re-glued repairs, and check the stylus suspension, which can stiffen or lose flexibility over time. The coil shielding is worth testing by ear to rule out any abnormal hum once the cartridge is mounted on the tonearm.
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