Grado Gold 4 Moving Iron Systeme High Output

Grado Gold 4

The Grado Gold 4 represents the pinnacle of the Prestige Series and is based on decades of experience in the development and fine-tuning of phono cartridges. It combines a balanced, detailed, and musical sound reproduction with the consistency and reliability typical of Grado.

As a moving-iron cartridge, the Gold 4 operates with a particularly low moving mass and delivers a stable, precise, and responsive signal. The injection-molded housing ensures a consistent construction and simultaneously creates the conditions for precise operation of the internal components.

The Gold 4 is designed as a high-output cartridge and is available in both standard and P-mount versions. This makes it suitable for a wide variety of turntable and tonearm configurations.

Sound and performance

The Gold 4 is characterized by clarity, control, and a balanced, refined sound reproduction. The finest details are precisely rendered, while the treble remains smooth and authoritative. The midrange impresses with its natural presence and nuanced texture, while the bass is defined and powerful.

The Gold 4 also renders complex recordings with stable and clean separation. The balanced and coherent reproduction preserves the individual character of the music without overpowering it with a pronounced sonic signature.

diamond, cantilever and needle

The Gold 4 uses a bonded elliptical diamond stylus mounted on an aluminum cantilever. The elliptical profile ensures effective contact with the record groove and reliable tracking. The aluminum cantilever contributes to stable and controlled operation.

The combination of diamond and cantilever ensures clear, balanced and consistent playback across a wide range of different recordings.

The stylus assembly can be replaced by the user. This simplifies maintenance and allows for long-term use of the cartridge. The styli across the entire Prestige Series are compatible, offering additional flexibility when choosing or replacing the stylus assembly.

Moving iron technology

Like all Grado cartridges, the Gold 4 is based on the Flux-Bridger principle patented by Joseph Grado. In this system, an iron piece with a particularly low moving mass moves, while the coils remain fixed in position.

This design enables precise and rapid signal transmission, combining high response speed with control and harmonic integrity. At the same time, the principle contributes to consistent performance over long periods, without the internal signal path losing precision due to mechanical aging.

High-purity 5N-OCC copper

Grado uses high-purity 5N-OCC copper for the internal signal path. The material was chosen for its high conductivity and consistent electrical properties.

Each pickup is also cryogenically treated and internally damped. This reduces unwanted resonances and preserves the integrity of the audio signal. The result is a coherent, balanced, and dynamically precise reproduction.

Technical data

• Output voltage: 4.0 mV at 5 cm/s (45°)
• Frequency range: 10–55,000 Hz
• Channel separation: average 25 dB at 10–30,000 Hz
• Needle: elliptical diamond
• Recommended termination impedance: 10–47 kOhms
• Inductance: 50 mH
• DC resistance: 660 ohms
• Weight: 6 g
• Tracking force: 1.6–1.9 g
• Needle compliance: 20 µm/mN
• Mounting: P-mount or ½-inch screw mounting