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Grado Help. Please

ADKBob

ADKBob

Well-Known Member
I have a tan Grado GF1 cartridge with a tan stylus that is marked with 2 blue dots. I emailed V-M Audio Enthusiasts to identify the stylus and asked for a recommendation for a replacement stylus. But, Gary could not help and said Grado doesn't have the cross reference list at their site anymore. Could someone help me with the i.d. and recommendation? I see Gary has a 526-DE stylus available, but I'm not sure it is a good fit.

thanx,

Bob
 
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You can use any Prestige series stylus. The $100 8MZ stylus will outperform even a Gold1 stylus, despite costing less!
 
ADKBob said:
I have a tan Grado GF1 cartridge with a tan stylus that is marked with 2 blue dots. I emailed V-M Audio Enthusiasts to identify the stylus and asked for a recommendation for a replacement stylus. But, Gary could not help and said Grado doesn't have the cross reference list at their site anymore. Could someone help me with the i.d. and recommendation? I see Gary has a 526-DE stylus available, but I'm not sure it is a good fit.

thanx,

Bob
Click to expand...

Have you checked the styus for wear? If it is worn, nothing short of the 8MZ stylus will perform as well as your original. The 8MZ will outperform it.

The G series of carts will sound better loaded down from 47K.......22-24K is generally the area they perform best.
 
Thanks for the help. What is the difference between the GF1 and the GF1+? I see in the table they list GF1+. This cartridge was on a TT I picked up for spare parts and was surprised to see they didn't remove the cartridge. I usually don't find such a grade of cartridge on thrift TTs.
 
While we're on the subject of the 8MZ... Can I put a MCZ in a Gold-1 body?
If so, can anyone describe the differences or characteristics in the three (Gold-1, 8MZ, MCZ)?

I really enjoy the Gold-1 and welcome all opinions on a replacement for when the time comes.
 
cmhuff said:
While we're on the subject of the 8MZ... Can I put a MCZ in a Gold-1 body?
If so, can anyone describe the differences or characteristics in the three (Gold-1, 8MZ, MCZ)?

I really enjoy the Gold-1 and welcome all opinions on a replacement for when the time comes.
Click to expand...

The 8MZ stylus bests the Gold-1 stylus. The MCZ stylus bests the 8MZ stylus, however it will need the input loading changed to get the proper tonal balance. the Gold body is 5mv, 45mH coils. the MCZ body was 1.5mv 9mH coils. The MCZ stylus was desingned aound that body.

http://daveyw.edsstuff.org/vinyl/cartridges/mi-cartridges/

a good read. However, I don't have to load my MCZ srylus down as far as Davey does.....different systems and all that.
 
ADKBob said:
Thanks for the help. What is the difference between the GF1 and the GF1+? I see in the table they list GF1+. This cartridge was on a TT I picked up for spare parts and was surprised to see they didn't remove the cartridge. I usually don't find such a grade of cartridge on thrift TTs.
Click to expand...

the GF1 and GF1+ are pretty much the same thing. Pretty decent cart you have there regarding the quality of body. In those years the only bodies above that were the G1, G2, and the Grado Signature ll and lll. If you're concerned about the diamond, I can look at it for you. PM me for particulars.
 
I have an 8mz in a tan GT and it works well (would probably work even better if it wasn't on the junky table i'm using).
 
marcmorin said:
The 8MZ stylus bests the Gold-1 stylus. The MCZ stylus bests the 8MZ stylus, however it will need the input loading changed to get the proper tonal balance. the Gold body is 5mv, 45mH coils. the MCZ body was 1.5mv 9mH coils. The MCZ stylus was desingned aound that body.

http://daveyw.edsstuff.org/vinyl/cartridges/mi-cartridges/

a good read. However, I don't have to load my MCZ srylus down as far as Davey does.....different systems and all that.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info and link Marc! Good read indeed. I've bookmarked Davey's page for future reference.
 
Marc, as the DL-110 is no longer a budget option for an HOMC cart, what do you think of an 8MZ stylus in any compatible Grado cart as an alternative?

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
 
Thanks to marcmorin I have a 8mz in a GF3(loaded down) and a G1 with a MCZ in it( I haven't loaded this one down yet. I wanted to get a before and after sound comparison).

One day I might take the leap to the TLZ...... but that will not be until I wear out one of these other two first. :)
 
Pio1980 said:
Marc, as the DL-110 is no longer a budget option for an HOMC cart, what do you think of an 8MZ stylus in any compatible Grado cart as an alternative?

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

The higher the body, the better it will perform as far as inner detail, air, etc is concerned. As I've mentioned before, the biggest issue(s) difference between bodies (generations) is soundstage perspective, and loading them to what they want in ones system. The two signature 8 bodies i sent you to compare, one was the 8MZ, and one was the 8MR. The 8MR was the one with 23mH coils that you measured. I should have sent along a stylus also, because i believe there was an issue with yours.

If you'd like, I can send you a full 8MZ cart to compare against your DL-110
 
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