Stylus 8MZ

I was gifted a Thorens T160 turntable along with a signature series cartridge many years ago which needed to be outfitted with a replacement stylus and I my friend recommended the 8MZ well, that was many years ago and I had been enjoying its smooth sound. But recently, I noticed that some of my records just didn't sound that great so, I determined that it was time for a new stylus... And not surprisingly, a new 8MZ brought my beloved signature series cartridge back up to its previous glory! Yes, I know that mamy audiophiles would just advocate for a full replacement of cartridge and stylus but, I see no need to toss a perfectly good cartridge when all it needed was some TLC in the form of some dusting off of some residual dust and a new 8MZ stylus to once again make my aged record collection sing. Long live Grado, to my ears you're the best!

Better clarity without having to entirely replace my black series cartridge. Simple swap. Would recommend.

Significantly better than the Silver series I replaced with the 8MZ. Better imaging and overall sound quality. Highly recommended.

I love the Grado Gold with the 8mz stylus. I have two- one Gold 3/8mz and one Gold1/8mz. They’re perfect to me. They sound just right.

On my main system, I have a Grado Master3 on a VPI Scout II…….wonderful sound.
So…for my living room system that I didn’t think was too revealing (Harman Kardon T60, Arcam integrated and some 1979 vintage Jensen System C orDahlquist DQM-7c or N.E.A.R 15M speakers) I used a Grado Green because I may be in other rooms, doing other things….and again…..didn’t think there would be much audible difference.
With all this, I noticed my turntable was sounding much warmer….a bit rolled off on top, not the best defined bass….compared to other sources.
So…..I really liked the Black/Green balance and sound overall (had tried Blue and Silver stylus before but actually prefer the black/green for the money).
But….after reading other reviews on the 8MZ, I was trying to decide if I should try Ortofon Red or Blue….or would the 8MZ make a bigger/better difference than the Silver.
I ordered the 8MZ.
The improvements start with a more neutral tonal balance…..less warmth through the whole bass/lower midgrange…..a bit more top end. In my system, now very neutral while still sounding Grado.
Most importantly….dynamics and transient attack are better. Albums have more rythm with drums standing out a bit better…..and faster attack to drums, cymbals and bass notes.
So, love the warm, pleasant, enjoyable, guilt-free-play-all-the-records-you-want $75 Green…….but the $175 8MZ does bring in more definition, dynamics, top end and more neutral blance…..