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Grado Gold Upgrade Path

bharry said:
Where would my Grado X1+ with MCZ stylus match up with a modern Grado cart? If it does at all?
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Above the original Gold and Gold-1 I was rather impressed by the Gold-2. However the MCZ shod X1 might need to be run into a lower input to sound it's level best
 
marcmorin said:
Above the original Gold and Gold-1 I was rather impressed by the Gold-2. However the MCZ shod X1 might need to be run into a lower input to sound it's level best
Click to expand...

Thanks. I dropped the load down to 10k based on your advice in another thread.
 
Heard back from Rich Grado on the Blue3 and the Prestige 3's in general (I'm assuming Black, Blue and Gold since those are the only one's on Amazon so far). He passed along that there is no doubt that my E19 code Blue3 is indeed a v3. He told me the code is a production run code on the molded chassis not a build date of the unit. In addition all cartridges built since July of 2019 have been v3 models that they shipped in v2 packaging.
 
Redd House said:
Heard back from Rich Grado on the Blue3 and the Prestige 3's in general (I'm assuming Black, Blue and Gold since those are the only one's on Amazon so far). He passed along that there is no doubt that my E19 code Blue3 is indeed a v3. He told me the code is a production run code on the molded chassis not a build date of the unit. In addition all cartridges built since July of 2019 have been v3 models that they shipped in v2 packaging.
Click to expand...
I guess that would suck if someone had their heart set on a 2. :):dunno:
 
Jeff K said:
I guess that would suck if someone had their heart set on a 2. :):dunno:
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So when I bought my Black 2 stylus last October I actually received a Black 3 stylus!? Now I'm pissed! I will ask for a refund or they should send me a proper Black 2 stylus! :-D
(No wonder it sounds wondeful - but actually it depends on since when the dealer had it in stock...)
 
Jeff K said:
Any updates/impressions from members that purchased Prestige 3’s? Lorenzo47? Redd House?
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I only have a couple hours on mine but I'm very pleased so far. Especially with the high end. They've definitely improved that area and I noticed it right away. I need to get a lot more hours logged to give a full critique but so far so good!
 
My Blue3 is near the equal of my Gold2. Not quite as refined but the top end is a bit stronger. Still need some more break in hours on the Blue3 though. I had a Grado Woody come into my life recently and I'm playing around with that right now.
 
I've got a Black2, thinking about upgrading to a Gold, guess it's a Gold3 now. You Grado Guys, big diff between Black and Gold?
 
Questions for Grado owners with previous models who have recently added new series 3 carts to their arsenals: Do you notice any difference in tracking or tracing? Inner grooves? Does it seem like the only difference in the 3's is in the body, or stylus too?
 
I got the gold3 recently, maybe 10hrs on it so still breaking in. Right away, quieter, more dynamic, bass slam is strength, not super extended or detailed highs, but you don’t feel like it’s missing either. Extremely natural & organic, just sounds real. On my vintage Thorens with a Rega arm, it’s a hugely entertaining music machine. I’ve had Green1, Black 2 with 8mz and even an F1+. All had their moments, but the Gold3 is way better. Haven’t even felt I needed to put the 8mz on it yet. Big thumbs up on Gold3
 
Multiplex said:
Questions for Grado owners with previous models who have recently added new series 3 carts to their arsenals: Do you notice any difference in tracking or tracing? Inner grooves? Does it seem like the only difference in the 3's is in the body, or stylus too?
Click to expand...
I would love to know this too. Does the body measure the same, is body damping the same? Id the stylus tip the same or have they changed something? Have they just called the 2 a 3?
Chris
 
Black3 owner reporting in.
  • Date code E19. Sticker on the box reads "Black3"
  • Shiny substance applied to the bodies of the Prestige 2 series has been omitted.
  • No "earwax" potting in-between the coils. There is some in the upper cavity of the body where the stylus goes.
  • Sounds pretty darn good. Don't have a Black1 or 2 to compare, but it definitely has the Grado sound. IGD slightly better that expected (tracking @1.75g)
cafe latte said:
Gold 2 dc resistance is 680 ohms
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If that was consistent across all the Prestige2 bodies my multimeters indicate that likely hasn't changed. These aren't Fluke-quality so I'm sure they're a hair off.

index.php


index.php


HTH
 
Last edited:
nicinc said:
Black3 owner reporting in.
  • Date code E19. Sticker on the box reads "Black3"
  • Shiny substance applied to the bodies of the Prestige 2 series has been omitted.
  • No "earwax" potting in-between the coils. There is some in the upper cavity of the body where the stylus goes.
  • Sounds pretty darn good. Don't have a Black1 or 2 to compare, but it definitely has the Grado sound. IGD slightly better that expected (tracking @1.75g)


If that was consistent across all the Prestige2 bodies my multimeters indicate that likely hasn't changed. These aren't Fluke-quality so I'm sure they're a hair off.

index.php


index.php


HTH
Click to expand...
Pics dont work, is the resistance the same?
Chris
 
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