Grado
Grado MC+ Cartridge
Best mono cartridge for vinyl enthusiasts seeking authentic, quiet playback.
The Grado Prestige Mono MC+ phono cartridge is designed for analog enthusiasts with mono record collections. It features a three-piece OTL cantilever, oxygen-free wire in the coils, and a specially designed, high-polished elliptical diamond mounted in a brass bushing. This cartridge aims to make your mono records sound quieter and enhance the musical pleasure of these recordings. It utilizes a Moving Iron principal and has a recommended tracking force of 1.5 grams. The stylus is user-replaceable, offering convenience for long-term use.
$90.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
681
/ 1638
#681 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-93%
Below average
Frequency Response
1050
/ -
Who it's for
- Audiophiles demanding clean, distortion-free playback on complex tracks
- Listeners seeking fatigue-free, long-form musical enjoyment
- Vinyl enthusiasts using standard moving magnet phono stages
Who should skip it
- Novice users intimidated by complex cartridge alignment procedures
- Owners of turntables with unshielded motors or power supplies
- Listeners preferring clinical, high-frequency analytical detail
Performance breakdown
Mono Signal Purity
Dedicated mono design significantly reduces surface noise on vintage records.
Transient Response
Low tip mass ensures crisp, agile reproduction of complex musical passages.
Mechanical Accuracy
Fixed axial cantilever provides stable tracking for consistent playback performance.
Maintenance Ease
User-replaceable stylus design simplifies long-term upkeep for analog enthusiasts.
Output Efficiency
Flux-Bridger system delivers a robust signal compatible with standard phono stages.
Resonance Control
OTL cantilever technology effectively minimizes unwanted vibrations during playback.
Key Specs
Frequency Response
10-50
Principal
MI
Input Load
47K
Output at 1KHz 5CM/sec.
5mV
Recommended Tracking Force
1.5g
Inductance
45mH
Resistance
475 ohms
Mounting
Standard 1/2 inch
Features
- Designed specifically for mono vinyl playback
- Optimized Transmission Line cantilever eliminates resonance
- Fixed Axial Cantilever offers improved mechanical accuracy
- Flux-Bridger design for efficient, balanced output
- Low tip mass for better transient response
- User-replaceable stylus for convenience
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Grado MC+ for its exceptional sound quality, often describing the audio as warm, detailed, and highly musical, offering a rich listening experience that punches above its price point. Reviewers frequently highlight the cartridge's ability to extract nuances from vinyl, making it a significant upgrade for serious listeners. This high level of audio performance combined with its accessible price solidifies its reputation as an outstanding value proposition in the audiophile community.
Know before you buy
Yes, it features a standard 1/2-inch mounting design, making it compatible with the vast majority of tonearms found on modern and vintage turntables.
No, this cartridge is specifically engineered for mono vinyl playback. Using it on stereo records will not provide the correct channel separation and may result in improper playback.
The Grado MC+ is designed to perform optimally at a tracking force of 1.5 grams. It is important to calibrate your tonearm to this setting to ensure both sound quality and record longevity.
Yes, the stylus is user-replaceable. This allows you to maintain the cartridge's performance over time without needing to replace the entire unit.
The Moving Iron principle uses a lightweight iron element to modulate the magnetic field, which helps reduce moving mass. This results in faster transient response and a more nuanced, natural sound compared to heavier moving magnet designs.
Yes, because it is specifically optimized for mono grooves, it effectively ignores the vertical noise components often found on worn or older mono pressings. This results in a quieter, cleaner playback experience.
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