Grado
Grado Reference3
Best high-end cartridge for audiophiles seeking rich, detailed analog sound.
Experience superior audio with the Grado Reference3 cartridge, engineered for discerning listeners. Its advanced five-piece OTL cantilever technology minimizes tip mass for enhanced detail. Crafted with ultra-high purity long crystal oxygen-free copper wire coils and a true ellipsoid diamond stylus, each unit is meticulously calibrated for precise performance. Users praise its exceptional clarity, rich midrange, and significantly improved bass response. Available in High-Output, Low-Output, and Mono configurations, it adapts to your audio setup, delivering an enveloping soundscape.
$1500.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
173
/ 1640
#173 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
+19%
Above average
Body Material
Australian Jarrah Wood
/ Australian Jarrah Wood
Who it's for
- Listeners seeking a rich, fatigue-free sound for long sessions
- Audiophiles prioritizing intimate vocal and acoustic instrument realism
- Vinyl enthusiasts using standard phono stages without high-gain needs
Who should skip it
- Owners of unshielded turntables prone to electromagnetic interference
- Listeners who prefer analytical, hyper-detailed treble over warmth
- Users with low-mass tonearms requiring different compliance specifications
Performance breakdown
Sonic Clarity
Advanced cantilever design extracts remarkable detail from every vinyl groove.
Build Quality
Hand-assembled Jarrah wood housing provides superior resonance control and aesthetic appeal.
Frequency Range
Broad 10-60kHz response delivers deep bass and shimmering, extended high frequencies.
System Compatibility
Flexible load requirements ensure seamless integration with most high-end phono stages.
Channel Separation
Precise coil alignment creates an expansive and immersive stereo soundstage.
Tracking Precision
Lightweight construction maintains stable contact for accurate, distortion-free playback.
Key Specs
Body Material
Australian Jarrah Wood
Cantilever
Machined Boron / Diamond Tip
Cartridge Weight
10 grams
Tracking Force
1.6-1.9 grams
Frequency Response
10-60 KHz
Channel Separation
Average 30dB (10Hz - 30kHz)
High Output Voltage
4.0mV @5 CMV (45)
Required Input Load
10k-47k ohms
Features
- Five-piece OTL cantilever technology for reduced tip mass
- Coils wound with ultra-high purity long crystal (UHPLC) oxygen-free copper wire
- Individually calibrated after manufacture for optimal performance
- Utilizes Grado's Flux-Bridge technology integrated with Jarrah wood
- Hand-assembled in Brooklyn, USA
- Jarrah wood housing dampens and controls resonant frequencies
- Two-step shielding process for exact coil unison
- Delivers enveloping soundscape and midrange
- Exceptional clarity and bass response
- Non-sensitive to capacitive load variations
What customers say
Consumers overwhelmingly celebrate the Grado Reference3 for its stunning audio fidelity. Reviewers consistently highlight the exceptional clarity and detailed musical presentation, noting significant upgrades in soundstage depth and dynamic range. While the price point is high, owners feel the unparalleled quality justifies the investment. This component is positioned as a benchmark for serious audiophiles seeking pure sonic excellence.
Know before you buy
The Australian Jarrah wood serves as a natural dampening material. It effectively controls and minimizes resonant frequencies, which helps produce a cleaner, more stable sound compared to plastic or metal housings.
The Reference3 is designed to be non-sensitive to capacitive load variations, making it quite versatile. It works well with standard 1/2-inch mount tonearms and supports an input load range of 10k to 47k ohms.
Choose the High-Output version if you are using a standard moving magnet (MM) phono stage. The Low-Output version is designed for systems paired with a dedicated moving coil (MC) phono preamp or a step-up transformer.
The Reference3 should be set to a tracking force 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.
The OTL (Optimized Transmission Line) cantilever technology reduces the effective tip mass of the stylus. This allows the cartridge to track the record groove more accurately, resulting in better high-frequency detail and reduced distortion.
No, the stylus is not user-replaceable. Because each unit is individually calibrated at the factory for optimal performance, the cartridge must be sent to Grado for professional retipping or replacement.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.