Grado
Grado Opus3
Best cartridge for audiophiles looking to elevate mid-range turntable performance.
The Grado Opus3 phono cartridge expertly bridges entry-level and mid-range performance by integrating advanced techniques into a cost-effective Maple wood housing. Thermal aging of the body enhances resonance control, delivering a vibrant, luscious, and consistently clear sound signature. It is designed for use with Moving Magnet (MM) inputs.
$300.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
173
/ 1638
#173 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-76%
Below average
Body Material
Maple Wood
/ Maple Wood
Who it's for
- Listeners seeking an emotionally resonant and warm musical experience
- Audiophiles prioritizing artisanal aesthetics for high-end turntable setups
- Vinyl enthusiasts wanting simple integration with standard phono stages
Who should skip it
- Owners of turntables with unshielded or sensitive motor designs
- Listeners demanding maximum high-frequency detail and tracking precision
- Purists requiring absolute sonic neutrality and transparency
Performance breakdown
Resonance Control
Thermally aged maple housing effectively dampens unwanted vibrations for cleaner playback.
Sonic Character
Delivers a lush, vibrant sound signature that breathes life into vinyl.
System Compatibility
Flexible output options and load tolerance simplify integration with existing setups.
Tracking Precision
Elliptical diamond stylus maintains reliable contact for accurate groove tracing.
Build Quality
Hand-crafted maple construction offers a premium feel and superior acoustic properties.
Frequency Range
Impressive 10-60 kHz response captures subtle details across the entire spectrum.
Key Specs
Body Material
Maple Wood
Stylus Type
Elliptical Diamond
Cartridge Weight
8 grams
Tracking Force
1.6-1.9 grams
Frequency Response
10-60 kHz
High Output Voltage
4.0mV
Low Output Voltage
1.0mV
Inductance
6mH-55mH
Features
- Maple wood housing for vibrant and clear sound
- Thermally aged wood for enhanced resonance control
- Designed to elevate mid-range turntable setups
- Available in multiple output options
- Non-sensitive to capacitive load
- High musicality and naturalness
- Excellent value for performance
What customers say
The Grado Opus3 consistently earns high marks for exceptional sound quality that surpasses its price class. Reviewers frequently highlight the cartridge's warm, engaging musicality and impressive midrange detail, creating a truly immersive vinyl listening experience. This strong performance, paired with its accessible price, establishes the Opus3 as a standout value for serious analog enthusiasts seeking an immediate sonic upgrade. It delivers outstanding musical engagement.
Know before you buy
The Opus3 is designed for standard Moving Magnet (MM) phono inputs. Because it is not sensitive to capacitive loading, it is highly compatible with a wide range of integrated amplifiers and external phono stages.
The Maple wood body is thermally aged to improve resonance control. This process helps minimize unwanted vibrations, resulting in a more natural, vibrant, and clear sound signature compared to standard plastic housings.
The high output version (4.0mV) is designed for standard MM phono stages. The low output version (1.0mV) is intended for systems with high-gain phono preamps or step-up transformers, offering a slightly different sonic character for more advanced setups.
The Opus3 performs best when tracked between 1.6 and 1.9 grams. We recommend starting at 1.75 grams and adjusting slightly based on your specific tonearm and listening preference.
Yes, at 8 grams, the Opus3 is compatible with most standard tonearms. However, ensure your tonearm allows for adjustable tracking force and anti-skate to properly accommodate the elliptical diamond stylus.
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