Grado Reference 3 MI Cartridge

Grado Reference 3 cartridge

The Grado Reference 3 is one of those cartridges that doesn't impress with spectacular effects, but rather with its ability to faithfully reproduce music in its natural structure and dynamics. For years, the Reference series has enjoyed an excellent reputation among discerning analog listeners – the current third generation consistently develops this concept further from a technical standpoint.

A key update of the Reference 3 is the revised cabinet damping , which was directly adopted from the flagship Grado Epoch. This allows for significantly more precise control of resonances within the system, resulting in smoother tracking, cleaner spatial imaging, and greater sonic stability.

As a classic moving iron (MI) cartridge, the Reference 3 combines the sonic advantages of high-quality MM and MC designs. It utilizes UHPLC coils made of long-crystal, oxygen-free copper , designed for low-loss signal transmission. This is complemented by an exceptionally lightweight, five-part boron cantilever , whose reduced moving mass enables precise tracking of even complex musical passages.

For the diamond stylus, Grado uses a meticulously crafted True Ellipsoid cut , which extracts even more resolution from the groove compared to the elliptical stylus of the Grado Master 3. Subtle tonal colors, precise transients, and impeccable timing remain consistently organic and free from any analytical harshness.

The body is made of carefully crafted jarrah wood , which not only has a distinctive visual appeal but also contributes to acoustic resonance control. The result is a pickup with exceptional tonal coherence, impressive detail resolution, and an extraordinarily authentic reproduction of acoustic instruments and voices.

Flexible options for MM and MC phono stages

The Grado Reference 3 is available in several versions, making it ideal for integration into different analog chains:

• High Output Version (4.8 mV) – ideal for high-quality MM phono preamps
• Low Output / Statement Version (1.0 mV) – designed for high-performance MC phono inputs
• Mono version – for specialized mono playback

This leaves the choice of suitable phono preamp open – regardless of whether your system is based on MM or MC cartridges.

Technical data

• Model: Grado Reference 3
• Type: Moving Iron (MI) Pickup
• Weight: 10 g
• Recommended tracking force: 1.6 – 1.9 g
• Needle carrier: 5-part boron cantilever
• Needle shape: True Ellipsoid
• Coils: UHPLC long-crystalline, oxygen-free copper
• Case: Jarrah wood
• Output voltage:
  • 1.0 mV (Statement / Low Output)
  • 4.8 mV (Reference / High Output)
• Frequency response: 10 – 60,000 Hz
• Needle compliance: 20 µm/mN
• Internal impedance:
  • 70 O (Low Output)
  • 660 O (High Output)
• Recommended termination impedance: 10,000 Ω – 47 kΩ

For listeners with a clear demand for analog playback

The Grado Reference 3 is aimed at vinyl listeners who, in a cartridge, are less interested in flashy effects and more in sonic substance. Those who value natural timbres, precise tracking, and consistently compelling musical reproduction will find here a system that makes technical sophistication audible.