Description
Specs
Reviews
The Platinum3 and Sonata3 models use a modified four piece OTL cantilever technology achieving a 10% tip mass reduction over the Prestige series and ultra-high purity long crystal (UHPLC) oxygen free copper wire in the coils. The Platinum3 model uses Grado's specially designed elliptical diamond, and the Sonata3 model uses Grado's specially designed nude elliptical diamond.
- Body: Australian Jarrah Wood
- Cantileaver: 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: 9 grams
- Tracking Force: 1.6-1.9 grams
- Compliance 20μm/mN
- Channel Separation: Average 30db - 10-30k Hz
- Controlled Frequency Response: 10-60 KHz
- Non-Sensative to Capacitive Load
- Builds: High Output, Low Output, Mono
Customer Reviews
We finally found an audio expert who was able to put our 26 year-old Rega Planar 3 back in service after movers destroyed the original Grado pickup through careless packing along with failure to secure the tonearm. The new Grado Platinum pickup sounds absolutely fantastic.
Cartridge arrived well packaged. Right away noticed the inner cartridge body was misaligned from the wooden outer body, both axial and lateral. To the extent that I knew it would be challenging to get a proper alignment on the tonearm. Emailed Grado customer service with pictures. No response. Called and left voicemail with no response. Emailed a second time. Still no response. I have spent many hours adjusting the cartridge on the tonearm and think I have done about as good as I can. The sound is very good. Lush, good extension on both ends, good soundstage, and lifelike presentation. I think it is a good cartridge but am disappointed with the quality control and customer service.
had open channel - returned
The Platinum 3 attaches very easily and is aligned very easily to my tonearm. It seems to me that the cantilever is maybe half the length of my previous Platinum 3. It could be an illusion, but it is definitely shorter .I mention this because I had the unfortunate experience of breaking the cantilever on my previous cartridge and I'm wondering if making the cantilever shorter is a product of others having had the same problem? Regardless though, and without much breaking in, the sound is immediately deep, colorful and the instruments very clear with an open and centered sound stage. Listening to a Mozart string quartet as well as a recently released Brubeck Quartet-Live From The Northwest, 1959, made all of that obvious. Highly recommended.
We purchased one last year, and it's still the best pick-up we have had. It was a test to purchase this before investing hard in a top Grado. But with our Sansui + Focal + Michell setup (in the absolute best end in those brands) we decided that this one fits our purpose like no other.
Yes, we will get a even better Grado, but decided to enjoy this longer time than palnned