Item #Master3

Grado Master3

Moving Iron Phono Cartridge - High Output
Item #Master3

Grado Master3

Moving Iron Phono Cartridge - High Output
$1,000.00
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Overview

Nearing the top of the Timbre Series, the Master3 achieves optimal sonic quality due to an intricate curing process and specialized materials reserved for our best cartridges.

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.


Extreme Precision
Grado has combined newly developed coil winding techniques with decades-old disciplines. A new two-step shielding process brings not only exact unison between the four coils but an unobstructed path for a cleaner signal. The music is allowed to travel undistorted through the coils, greatly reducing mechanical noise while improving tracking. There is an extreme clarity over the full frequency range, with absolutely no stridency or shrillness.


Built from Jarrah
After the Platinum3 cartridge is crafted, it is then placed inside a Australian Jarrah housing. Jarrah is necessary for the majority of Timbre Series with its ability to produce surgically precise clarity without losing any depth. Through a variation of thermal aging processes, the housing gains the ability to better dampen and control the resonant frequencies.

Details & Specs

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


Reviews

Customer Reviews

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M
MervO
TImbre Master3 Cuts through the Grooves Seamlessly

I traditionally purchase cartridges in what I consider the 'sweet spot' of performance by manufacturers--the $1,000 to $2,000 caategory. With my current kit (VPI Signature with 3d Printed Gimbel tonearm), this price point matches well with the VPI's characteristics. So after Ortofon Black Quintet MC clearly showed signs of aging, I began seeking a replacment.
The Black Quintet is a stubby, well made affair that was always a bit too bright in my system (B & W 702 Signatures running through a Michi x5 integrated), but had clarity in the mid-bass and quiet passages of music. I wanted a bit more focus and read a review of the Grado Timbre series. I tested the Reference3 at $1,500.00 and loved its accuracy and focus. Bass was deep and it was certainly briniging out the best in the vinyl grooves, but when I tested the Master3 at $1,000.00, I felt a better all around cohesive warmth that was nostalgic, yet accurate.
I was dumbfounded frankly, at how great this cartridge sounded. The only difference between the Reference3 and the Master3 is the cut of the diamond. The "true ellipsoid" shape of the Reference3 was supposedly designed to dig a bit deeper in the grooves for more sorry to say, "Timbre" in the music, yet I found the nude elliptical shape of the Master3 as the better all around performer.
Because I listen to all types of music ranging from Jazz to Rock to Classical, I found the Master3 a better fit for my kit and for my ears. The $500 savings was a bonus as I can not believe what a value at 1 Grand this cartridge is. It opens up after about 20 hours and Grado rates it to last up to 2000 hours-amazing as most carts last between 1000 on average.
Bottom line: you can spend more, but you do not need to. The Grado Master3 is a winner.