Grado Epoch 4 Movin Iron System Low Output

Grado Epoch4 MC cartridge

Reference class for uncompromising vinyl enjoyment

With the Grado Epoch4, the long-established US manufacturer presents its most powerful cartridge to date in the renowned Lineage series. This high-end system combines decades of development work with innovative moving-iron technology and is aimed at discerning vinyl enthusiasts who demand the highest levels of detail, musicality, and authenticity.

Thanks to Grado's patented Flux-Bridger moving-iron principle, the Epoch4 combines the speed, transparency, and detail of a moving-coil cartridge with the sonic substance, stability, and longevity for which Grado is renowned worldwide. The result is exceptionally natural reproduction with impressive spatiality, precise instrument separation, and remarkable emotional expressiveness.

Special features

• Reference cartridge of the Grado Lineage series
• Patented Flux-Bridger Moving-Iron Technology
• Naked Shibata diamond on a sapphire needle holder
• Case made of Brazilian ebony
• Gold-plated OCC copper coils of the highest purity
• Cryogenically treated components to optimize material properties
• Exceptional resolution, spatiality and musicality
• Available in stereo and mono versions
• Designed for demanding high-end and vinyl systems
• Handmade in the USA

Precision and musicality at a reference level

The Grado Epoch4 was designed for high-quality, high-gain phono preamps and impresses with its exceptionally balanced sound signature. The finest details are effortlessly revealed without sounding analytical or overly emphasized. The treble is airy and silky, while voices and instruments in the midrange are reproduced with natural warmth, body, and impressive texture. In the bass range, the Epoch4 delivers a powerful, precise, and controlled reproduction that lends structure and authority to even the most complex musical passages.

Even demanding recordings benefit from the system's exceptional resolution and spatial precision. Even densely arranged musical pieces are reproduced with impressive clarity, while the soundstage remains consistently stable, open, and believable.

Shibata diamond on a sapphire cantilever

For precise tracking of the record groove, Grado uses a high-quality, nude Shibata diamond stylus mounted on a particularly rigid sapphire cantilever. This combination enables excellent detail resolution, exceptionally precise groove tracking, and impressive dynamics across the entire frequency spectrum. Even the finest details are cleanly extracted from the record groove and reproduced with the utmost precision.

High-quality materials for maximum signal purity

Inside the Epoch4, only carefully selected materials are used. The signal path consists of gold-plated, high-purity OCC copper, ensuring optimal conductivity and long-term reliability. Additionally, each cartridge undergoes a complex cryogenic treatment to stabilize the material structure and further optimize sonic performance.

A specially developed internal damping system reduces unwanted resonances and vibrations to a minimum. This allows the Epoch4 to reproduce even the finest musical nuances faithfully and delivers an exceptionally coherent, dynamic, and natural sound.

Elegant ebony cabinet with added sonic value

The Grado Epoch4's plinth is crafted from high-quality Brazilian ebony. Beyond its exquisite appearance, the wood plays a crucial acoustic role by controlling resonances and contributing to a harmonious tonal balance. The optimized design also reduces moving mass and improves compatibility with a wide range of high-quality tonearms.

Furthermore, the open housing design facilitates the exact alignment of the pickup and supports precise mounting.

High-end cartridges for the highest demands

With its unique combination of innovative moving-iron technology, premium materials, and uncompromising manufacturing quality, the Grado Epoch4 sets new standards in the high-end analog sector. Anyone who wants to unlock the full potential of their record collection and is looking for a reference cartridge with exceptional musicality, detail, and long-term stability will find the Epoch4 to be one of the most fascinating cartridges in its class.

Technical data

• Cartridge type: Moving Iron (MI)
• Case: Brazilian ebony
• Needle cantilever: Sapphire
• Needle cut: Shibata diamond
• Output voltage: 1.0 mV at 5 cm/s (45°)
• Frequency response: 5 Hz – 75 kHz
• Channel separation: average 30 dB (10 Hz – 30 kHz)
• Recommended termination impedance: 10 ohms – 47 kOhms
• Inductance: 8 mH
• Internal resistance: 95 ohms
• Weight: 10.5 g
• Recommended tracking force: 1.6 – 1.9 g
• Needle compliance: 20 µm/mN
• Versions: Available in stereo or mono