Grado
Grado Epoch3
Best high-end phono cartridge for discerning audiophiles seeking ultimate sonic realism.
Experience the pinnacle of audio with the Grado Epoch3, the flagship phono cartridge from the esteemed Lineage Series. Hand-built by John Grado himself, this exceptional piece masterfully combines exotic Honduras Cocobolo wood with a sapphire cantilever and diamond stylus. It delivers unparalleled realism and dynamic accuracy, bringing vocals and instruments to life with superb tonal balance. Decades of Grado's coil winding expertise ensure precise channel balance and imaging, while the patented Flux-Bridger generator design provides superior resolution and clarity across the entire frequency spectrum for an unmatched listening journey.
$12000.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
957
/ 1640
#957 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
+852%
Above average
Body Material
Honduras Cocobolo Wood
/ Honduras Cocobolo Wood
Who it's for
- Vinyl enthusiasts demanding precise playback of complex, high-density record grooves
- Audiophiles seeking an emotionally resonant and detailed listening experience
- Collectors valuing artisanal craftsmanship and superior acoustic material construction
Who should skip it
- Users with unshielded turntable setups prone to electromagnetic interference
- Budget-conscious listeners seeking high-end performance at a moderate price
- Owners of incompatible tonearms requiring a plug-and-play cartridge solution
Performance breakdown
Sonic Realism
Captures the nuance and texture of live performances with startling accuracy.
Frequency Extension
Delivers a remarkably wide range from deep bass to shimmering highs.
Channel Separation
Precise imaging creates a vast and well-defined soundstage for listeners.
Build Craftsmanship
Hand-assembled precision meets premium materials in this flagship design.
Tracking Stability
Maintains consistent contact with the groove for distortion-free playback.
Signal Purity
Advanced shielding ensures a clean, noise-free path for delicate audio signals.
Key Specs
Body Material
Honduras Cocobolo Wood
Cantilever Material
Sapphire with Elliptical Diamond Stylus
Output Voltage
1.0mV @ 5 CMV
Frequency Response
5 Hz - 75 KHz
Channel Separation
Average 35db
Input Load Recommendation
10-47k ohms
Cartridge Weight
12 grams
Tracking Force Range
1.6-1.9 grams
Features
- Flagship model of the Lineage Series
- Lowest effective moving mass
- 24-karat solid gold signal wire
- Hand-assembled by John Grado
- Exceptional tonal balance and realism
- Patented Flux-Bridger generator design
- Cocobolo wood housing
- Precision-machined internal magnetic circuit parts
- Four-step shielding process for clean signal
- Sapphire cantilever with diamond stylus
What customers say
The Grado Epoch3 delivers an exceptionally musical and detailed listening experience. Users consistently praise the superb build quality and the engaging sonic signature, noting the sound is both rich and precise. While the unique aesthetic is notable, the core strength is the pure audio performance. This product is viewed as a worthwhile investment for serious enthusiasts who prioritize top tier sound quality above all other considerations.
Know before you buy
The Epoch3 serves as the flagship model, featuring the lowest effective moving mass in the series. It utilizes a sapphire cantilever and 24-karat solid gold signal wire to achieve superior resolution and tonal accuracy compared to the lower-tier models.
The Epoch3 uses a standard 1/2-inch mounting system, making it compatible with the vast majority of high-end tonearms. However, at 12 grams, you should ensure your tonearm can be properly balanced for this specific weight.
With an output voltage of 1.0mV, this is a medium-output cartridge. It performs best with a phono stage that supports an input load between 10k and 47k ohms, allowing you to fine-tune the impedance for optimal performance.
The Cocobolo wood housing is chosen for its specific density and resonance-damping properties. It helps eliminate unwanted vibrations, allowing the internal magnetic circuit to operate with greater clarity and less coloration.
The recommended tracking force range is between 1.6 and 1.9 grams. We suggest starting at 1.75 grams and adjusting slightly based on your specific tonearm and listening preferences to find the perfect balance.
Like any high-end stylus, the sapphire cantilever is delicate and should be handled with care. Use a high-quality stylus brush and clean from back to front only, ensuring you never touch the cantilever with your fingers or abrasive materials.
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