The Opus3 was built specifically to bring the entry-level and the mid-range phono cartridges closer together, creating an even tighter ecosystem of cartridges. Grado worked on the Opus3 as a cost-effective wooden cartridge while taking advantage of the techniques and processes used in the higher-end models. If taking a step up in your turntable setup is on your to-do list, start here.
The Opus3 is nestled inside a Maple housing. After years of experience with Maple from the Heritage and Statement Series headphones, Grado decided it was time to bring it to a turntable. Maple produces a vibrant and luscious sound, while staying consistent and clear. Through a variation of thermal agingprocesses, the housing gains the ability to better dampen and control the resonant frequencies.
A Grand Entrance
Opus3
Opus3
The Opus3 was built specifically to bring the entry-level and the mid-range phono cartridges closer together, creating an even tighter ecosystem of cartridges. Grado worked on the Opus3 as a...
Regular price
$300.00
Sale price
$300.00
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Description
Specs
Reviews
How to remove the protective cover from your Grado cartridge without damaging the stylus
- Body: Maple Wood
- Cantilever: Aluminum / Elliptical Diamond
- Output:
High 4.0mV @5 CMV (45)
Low 1.0mV @5 CMV (45) - Inductance:
High Output 55mH
Low Output 6mH - Resistance:
High Output 660 ohms
Low Output 70 ohms - Input Load: 10k-47k ohms
- Cartridge Weight: 8 grams
- Tracking Force: 1.6-1.9 grams
- Compliance: 20μm/mN
- Channel Seperation: Average 30db - 10-30k Hz
- Controlled Frequency Response: 10-60 kHz
- Non-Sensative to Capacitive Load
- Builds: High Output, Low Output, Mono
Customer Reviews
When i say the most musical cartridge it means this cart is not for everyone. I have seen many negative reviews about this cart and all i can say is, It is not the cartridge it is either the type of the music you listen to or in many cases the audio system. If you like to listen to Jazz, Classic, Pop Music etc. this is the cart for you. If your system lacks the details and upper frequency this is not the cart for you. I own several carts and most of them cost more than Opus3 like AT-33PTG2, DL-103, DL-103R, Clearaudio and Micro Benz. The Opus3 is the only cart i can listen to for hours because it is the most musical of all. Low frequency sounds amazing, midds are well pronounced but never harsh. Simply it is a joy to listen. There are some issues like IGD is not as good as my other carts and the records must be very clean as the stylus. I have to clean the stylus after every record played to avoid pops because it is not very forgiving. I fell in love with Opus3 so i decided to order next step up Platinum3 and it sounded almost the same but there was lack of the Low frequency and decided to send it back and keep Opus3 because for $300 even some that cost 3 times more are not as Musical. Thank you Grado
Phenomenal sound!
Great cartridge probably the best in my collection as far as MM class this is MI but same class. I have AT MM and Ortofon 2M Blue and Bronze and it sounds better than any of them.
The Opus 3 is my first Grado ever. I wanted a cartridge for the MM input in my Unico Due integrated amplifier. I thought a smooth, warm-sounding
one would fit the sometimes effervescent character of the Italian and I
wasn’t wrong. Since I purchased it, my appreciation for classical and
jazz has increased. Naturalness is the key word here. In addition, I can
say that I had never listened to Dire Straits’ Communiqué as believably
as before and I could discover new shades in the voices in the first
track of The House of Love lp. Now, I play my records more often.
It’s the cheapest cart in my collection and it hasn’t got any right to
sound like this. The price-performance ratio is unprecedented. Thanks to Grado Labs for such an affordable masterpiece.
PROS
Beefy, lack of artifice sound.
Beats more expensive MC carts.
CONS
Maybe, I would choose another one I've already got for ripping my vinyls.
A bit more difficult to align than others.
Sometimes, noise in the interaction cart-wire-MM preamp easily overcome by changing wires or preamp.
The Low-Output Grado Opus 3 Mono Cartridge, mounted on the new Marantz Turntable and feeding into the phono stage of my Marantz PM-KI Ruby Integrated amp and out to my heavily-modified Belle Klipsch speakers, has given new life to my extensive mono record collection. Some MC cartridges that I have heard have not done nearly so well! Congratulations Grado on a first-class product, and Thank You!