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
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.
This is my Third, I had the original Reference and then the Reference 2 and now the Reference 3. It is that good!
I upgraded my old sonata to Reference3, thanks to Rich Grado for a great deal. After getting reference 3,
I couldn't wait to install the cartridge, and immediately chose a few records with exaggerated sound effects to play,
As soon as the sound came out, I felt shocked, a real feeling of upgrading, like going from a high school student to a master student all at once.
The Reference didn't require a long break-in period, showing good condition after a few hours.
I don't want to talk about treble, midrange, bass... in the review, I just want to talk about the musical sense of the reference,
what I feel is the lifelike performance, all the details and dynamics enter my ears, I feel
Unparalleled musicality is the soul of Reference3.
This cartridge is exquisitely crafted and reflects the continuation of the Grado legend. I applaud Grado!