Reference3
Reference3
The Master3 and Reference3 models use a five piece OTL cantilever technology achieving an additional 5% tip mass reduction over the Platinum3 and Sonata3 models. The coils are wound with...
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Description
Specs
Reviews
The Master3 and Reference3 models use a five piece OTL cantilever technology achieving an additional 5% tip mass reduction over the Platinum3 and Sonata3 models. The coils are wound with ultra-high purity long crystal (UHPLC) oxygen free copper wire. The Master3 model is mounted with Grado's specially designed nude elliptical diamond, and the Reference3 model uses Grado's true ellipsoid design diamond. These cartridges are individually calibrated.
How to remove the protective cover from your Grado cartridge without damaging the stylus
- Body: Australian Jarrah Wood
- Cantileaver: Machined Boron / Diamond Tip
- 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: 10 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
Have been pulling out album after album. Love the clarity,
I’ve been into audio since I was a kid and I finally have enough money to buy the equipment I want and started building a high-end system about 3-years ago. I bought a decent turntable and started the record collection (sitting at about 1000+ LP’s to date), and always went with the MM carts (Ortofon 2M Blue and Black), but knew I was missing something. I was going to go with a standard MC pick from one of the standard manufactures, but had read so many good things about the Grado’s, the I decided to pull the trigger and I’m so happy I did. It sounded head and shoulders above the MM carts, even before being broken in. I don’t have the vocabulary to fully detail the nuances of the Reference3, but I know that there all types of micro details that I was missing before and the bass response is much more flushed out. Over all, a huge win and I think I’m a Grado convert from here on out.
I have long been a fan of Grado headphones and had admired their cartridges from afar until my recent purchase of the Reference3. After some great correspondence with the Grado team on my gear and music tastes and the gain requirements for the Low Output vs High Output, I went with the Reference3 High Output. My great expectations have been exceeded and I am absolutely loving its sound—very rich and accurate detail in an enveloping soundscape. Complex musical passages flow with sterling precision and lovely midrange—I simply find myself getting lost in the presentation. This is just what I wanted. Thank you Grado team!!
I received a pre-mounted Ref 3 lo output today from my dealer, in a Technics head shell, playing on a Technics 1300G table. I was so eager since I had been using a Sumiko Starling MC and found that so very harsh. Well, this Ref 3 is magnificent, even with no break-in. I am pleased, happy, elated.
Bumped up from Master3 to Reference3 and still breaking it in at around 25 hours but have to say the improvement is audible and awesome. Soundstage is wide and deep and very centered. Vocals are smooth and real- can’t wait until I get a few more hours on it. Great help from Grado folks, by the way.