Grado Red 4 Moving iron Systeme High Output

Grado Red 4

The Grado Red 4 is part of the Prestige Series and combines decades of experience in cartridge development with a balanced and musical sound reproduction. It is based on Grado's fundamental design principles while offering high compatibility with various hi-fi systems.

Like all Grado cartridges, the Red4 utilizes moving-iron technology. Its low moving mass enables a stable and precise signal, contributing to reliable playback over time. The injection-molded housing ensures consistent manufacturing quality and dependable performance.

The Red 4 is designed as a high-output pickup and is available in both standard mount and P-mount versions.

Sound and performance

The Red 4 presents itself as balanced and controlled. Details are clearly rendered, while the treble remains smooth and natural. The midrange possesses presence and body, while the bass is defined and reproduced with authority.

Even complex recordings are displayed stably and coherently. Clean channel separation and precise spatial imaging support the structure of the recording without obscuring its individual character.

Diamond, stylus and stylus unit

The Red4 features 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 further contributes to stable and controlled operation.

The stylus assembly is user-replaceable. This makes the cartridge easy to maintain and ensures long-term use. The styli in the Prestige Series are interchangeable, allowing for straightforward replacement and added flexibility within the model range.

Moving iron technology

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

The design enables precise signal transmission with high response speed, combining speed and control with natural, harmonious reproduction. At the same time, this principle contributes to consistent performance over a long period.

High-purity 5N-OCC copper

The internal signal path of the Red 4 consists of high-purity 5N-OCC copper. The material was chosen for its high conductivity and consistent properties.

Each pickup is also cryogenically treated and internally damped. This reduces unwanted resonances and helps maintain signal integrity. The result is a coherent, balanced, and dynamically responsive sound 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