Quote Originally Posted by tube fan View Post
I've heard a great sounding Grado for $600. It was a moving iron. I bought a Benz MC 3 long ago and have stuck (very happily) with Benz cartridges ever since. I'm currently using a Benz Ruby 3. However, aside from the London moving iron cartridge (in a league of its own), Grado is making the best non-mc cartridges that I have heard.


I have the Benz MC Gold but of course it is not a Swiss made Benz. I am planning on sending it to Soundsmith for a stylus upgrade. One day I may step up the Benz line. As much as I am enjoying the Statement Sonata it will not be soon. Oh well my watch is Swiss.

I have been very pleased with the Grado. At first it was typically warm but then it opened up in the highs and now we are entering into a more coherent sound with a touch of sweetness. Certainly not syrupy with a loss of details but very engaging.

I would have to say that what I have heard so far makes this $600 cartridge a bargain. When I upgrade tables to something superior I may upgrade cartridges. Now I think the Grado is a good fit for my current analog set-up.