I recently picked up a Thorens TT with TP 16 MKIII tonearm. It has a Grado Black mounted right now. I’m not sure how many hours are on it, but I feel like I need something with more depth and clarity. Not sure if it’s the fact that the stylus is base level or if it’s worn out, but the vocals seem a little murky. I like deep bass, but clear vocals are super important to me. I’d hate to shell out that kind of money and not be satisfied. Anyone have any insights or recommendations on either cartridge? Thanks in advance.
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Lorenzo47
Super Member
I have a Gold2 but not the Ortofon. I really enjoy the Gold2, it's my daily driver. I favor jazz music and some classical. The 2 series is superior to the 1 series in my opinion. I once owned a Black1 and found it way too dark for my taste.
I can compare the the Gold2 to my Denon DL-110 and my Shure V15 Type IV with JICA SAS stylus. I prefer the Grado over either of those. The Denon is smooth but bland in my system. The Shure is a bit top heavy (treble) for me.
I can compare the the Gold2 to my Denon DL-110 and my Shure V15 Type IV with JICA SAS stylus. I prefer the Grado over either of those. The Denon is smooth but bland in my system. The Shure is a bit top heavy (treble) for me.
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marcmorin
RIP 1953-2020
the current Gold -2 cartridge is quite pleasant to listen to. In the right arm, not much can portray the human voice like a Grado, or what I've heard of the Grace F8 and F9.
carts. if that grado black is from the original prestige series ( manu date on the back of the cart) I can understand what you don't like about it.
carts. if that grado black is from the original prestige series ( manu date on the back of the cart) I can understand what you don't like about it.
it looks like there is 18 5 on the back. I’m guessing it’s first gen. It’s etched in the plastic.
marcmorin
RIP 1953-2020
should be a letter followed by 2 numbers A=Jan B=Feb, etc.
Redd House
If she dont love me no more I know her sister will
My Grado Gold2 is a C18 - March 2018
Looks like it is very similar to the prestige black1 and black 2, but is neither. There is a silver border around the contact/output pins and the letters labeling the pins are painted silver. I don’t think that is a characteristic of the prestige black cartridges.
marcmorin
RIP 1953-2020
can you post a photo of the back of the cart?
You aren't kidding about the Grace cartridges, and they really shine on a Grace arm.
I have a Grado Blue with an 8MZ stylus, had a Grado wood body Platinum, my Grace F8's outperform them both. My Grace carts are the F8-L10' Advanced Luminal Trace 10th anniversary model and the F8-C Custom.
It has 8MR etched on the bottom in between the stylus and cartridge. Don’t really know much about it. Do you think it’s worth trying to get a new stylus for it or should I go for the gold? Lol.
The front has JG logo and says Grado underneath
Crab33
Super Member
Referring back to the original question, I have the Grado Gold (original) and Ortofon OM30 (including the Super OM body).
Now, the Gold has a warm, lush sound - deep, punchy bass and a nice mid-range but treble clarity is not one of its features, although I understand the Gold2 to be better in this respect. My Gold seems to perform better (more open) on lighter arms, so should be good with the low-mass TP16 MkIII.
The OM30 also has a deep, punchy bass but a bit more focus in the treble than the Gold. Here, we have to distinguish between the OM30 (with standard OM body) and Super OM30. I find the standard OM30 a tad dark, as the treble is fairly restrained. The Super OM30 is brighter and allows treble detail to shine through, but can be a little too forward at times. I actually prefer the standard OM20, as this seems to get the balance just right with the deep bass complemented by a crisp and detailed top-end. Another alternative from Ortofon is the 520 MkII / Vinyl Master Red / Music Hall Magic 3, which is fairly neutral but very dynamic and detailed right across the frequency range.
Now, the Gold has a warm, lush sound - deep, punchy bass and a nice mid-range but treble clarity is not one of its features, although I understand the Gold2 to be better in this respect. My Gold seems to perform better (more open) on lighter arms, so should be good with the low-mass TP16 MkIII.
The OM30 also has a deep, punchy bass but a bit more focus in the treble than the Gold. Here, we have to distinguish between the OM30 (with standard OM body) and Super OM30. I find the standard OM30 a tad dark, as the treble is fairly restrained. The Super OM30 is brighter and allows treble detail to shine through, but can be a little too forward at times. I actually prefer the standard OM20, as this seems to get the balance just right with the deep bass complemented by a crisp and detailed top-end. Another alternative from Ortofon is the 520 MkII / Vinyl Master Red / Music Hall Magic 3, which is fairly neutral but very dynamic and detailed right across the frequency range.
marcmorin
RIP 1953-2020
OK, so what you have is a Signature 8MR cart. that to me is the best sounding of the 8 Series. you just need to purchase a new stylus. You can't buy an 8MR stylus but you can purchase an 8MZ or the Gold 2, or you can send this off to a retipper , this is the one I have used
Cartridge_Retipping@outlook.com
Yes, the midrange of the Grado's is their best attribute imo. I've gone thru 4 levels of the Grado carts, have one left, after trading and gifting. I need to get the last mohican in play.
marcmorin
RIP 1953-2020
a most recent post on here about the puckey you'll find on the ends of the coil poles should remind you that the stuff doesn't need cleaned off to replace the stylus
Would you mind breaking your last post down a little bit? I have no idea what any of that means. Lol.