Grado Reference PLATINUM-3 MM cartridge

After a number of years of good and faithful service, Grado's 'Wood' range has been discontinued and replaced! All 'Reference' models now feature the suffix 3!

Grado Reference Platinum-3: body

From the outside, the difference with the former Platinum version is obvious! The body is carved by hand from a beautiful block of Australian Eucalyptus wood.

It undergoes a process that hardens and stabilises it, thus reducing resonance.

This new variant is quite massive and its dimensions (1.5 x 2 x 3 cm) also justify its weight of 10 g.

Grado Reference Platinum-3: features

Grado designed a new generator based on the OTL principle. It uses 4 OTL pieces, combined with ultra high-purity long crystal (UHPLC) copper coils.

The generator/stylus module of this series does not allow for stylus replacement like on an MC cartridge.

It enables the development of a magnetic circuit designed in a single piece, allowing for a significant reduction of chassis resonance.

Grado Reference Platinum-3: stylus

The stylus of this Reference Platinum-3 cartridge is cut specifically for Grado to an Elliptical profile.

It is mounted to a brass cantilever.

The manufacturing and assembly processes are based on tighter tolerances on this Grado Platinum cartridge than on the Grado Sonata cartridge.

Grado Reference Platinum-3: listening and review

With an output level of 4.8 mV, this Grado Reference Platinum-3 is compatible with all MM phono inputs on the market. 

The dynamics, bass note placement and articulation are quite remarkable. The colouration is a lot less present than with the former versions. 

The mids are rich, very detailed and very authentic. The treble, which was somewhat lacking in the previous version, has improved in terms of subtlety and consistency.

The high mids are also more textured and less brilliant. The soundstage is quite expressive though it perfectly respects the players' placement!

The level of details is great, without making the sound too clinical.

We highly recommended it!