Grado
Grado Platinum3 Timber Series
Best moving iron cartridge for audiophiles seeking warm, detailed analog sound.
Elevate your listening experience with the Grado Platinum3 cartridge. This premium accessory features a modified OTL cantilever technology for reduced tip mass and UHPLC oxygen-free copper wire for exceptional signal clarity. Its specially designed elliptical diamond stylus ensures precise groove tracking. Available in High-Output, Low-Output, and Mono configurations, the Platinum3 delivers a warm, detailed sound with an expansive soundstage, bringing your music to life with lifelike fidelity. The Australian Jarrah Wood body adds a touch of natural elegance.
$400.00
More Platinum Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
957
/ 1638
#957 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-68%
Below average
Body Material
Australian Jarrah Wood
/ Australian Jarrah Wood
Who it's for
- Vinyl enthusiasts wanting high-end sound without upgrading their phono preamp
- Audiophiles seeking rich, natural vocal and acoustic instrument reproduction
- Design-conscious listeners valuing both sonic resonance and handcrafted aesthetics
Who should skip it
- Listeners preferring quick, DIY maintenance for their turntable stylus
- Owners of turntables with poor motor shielding or interference issues
- Users with lightweight tonearms requiring high-compliance cartridge compatibility
Performance breakdown
Sonic Warmth
The Jarrah wood body imparts a rich, organic character to playback.
Tracking Precision
Elliptical stylus geometry ensures stable, accurate retrieval of groove information.
Signal Clarity
UHPLC copper wiring maintains exceptional signal integrity from stylus to output.
Soundstage Depth
Modified cantilever technology creates an expansive, immersive listening environment.
System Compatibility
Flexible output options allow for seamless integration into diverse phono setups.
Build Craftsmanship
Australian Jarrah wood construction offers both acoustic resonance and visual elegance.
Key Specs
Body Material
Australian Jarrah Wood
Cantilever Material
Aluminum
Stylus Shape
Elliptical Diamond
Cartridge Weight
9.0 grams
Recommended Tracking Force
1.6-1.9 grams
Frequency Response
10-60 KHz
High Output Option
4.0mV
Low Output Option
1.0mV
Features
- Reduced tip mass for enhanced detail
- UHPLC copper wire for superior signal
- Precise elliptical diamond stylus
- Multiple output options (High, Low, Mono)
- Easy setup, non-capacitive load sensitive
- Warm, detailed sound with wide soundstage
- Stable tracking with high compliance
- Crafted with Australian Jarrah Wood body
What customers say
Reviewers consistently celebrate the Platinum3 for its superior sound quality, noting a natural warmth and detailed musical presentation. The handcrafted timber body significantly enhances the aesthetic appeal and perceived quality, setting it apart from standard cartridges. While this represents a considerable investment, listeners agree the exceptional sonic performance fully justifies the premium cost. The core consensus emphasizes outstanding craftsmanship and genuine musicality, confirming this component offers a transformative upgrade for vinyl enthusiasts.
Know before you buy
The High-Output version is designed to work seamlessly with standard moving magnet (MM) phono stages. The Low-Output version offers a cleaner, more refined signal path but requires a phono stage capable of handling lower voltage, typically found in high-end moving coil (MC) preamps.
Yes, the Jarrah wood housing acts as a natural dampening material. It helps control unwanted resonances and vibrations, which contributes to the cartridge's signature warm, detailed sound profile.
The Platinum3 uses a standard 1/2-inch mount, making it compatible with the vast majority of modern and vintage tonearms. It is also non-capacitive load sensitive, which simplifies the setup process compared to many other cartridges.
We recommend setting your tracking force between 1.6 and 1.9 grams. Staying within this range ensures stable groove tracking while protecting your records from unnecessary wear.
The Mono version is specifically optimized for mono playback and will not provide the correct channel separation for stereo records. If you listen to a mix of both, we recommend the stereo version, which handles both formats effectively.
The elliptical stylus is a classic choice that offers an excellent balance of detail retrieval and groove contact. It provides a precise, musical performance that is well-suited for the Platinum3’s warm, expansive soundstage.
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