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Grado Timbre Series Opus3

cratz2 said:
This one is definitely easy to listen to. I've mostly been using the VM95 ML on one table and the 2M Blue on another table. When I first put the Grado on it was pleasing but hearing them back to back... I don't know.

Of course, the 2M Blue has been in my big boy rig for a while. The system is bright and The cart is bright so trying to give The Grado the benefit of doubt, maybe my ears need to become accustomed to a less bright cartridge.

Overall I'd say it sounds similar to the LP/AT Gear CF3600 but with a bigger bottom end and a bit more refined midrange. Problem is, I paid $39 for the CF3600 and $270 for the Grado.

I'll also try swapping a UTurn Pluto 2 in place of the iFi and I'll try the high output MC setting on the iFi. I'll definitely work with it.
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Give it a while. Then, put on some of your favorite female vocals and smile for a long time!
 
Listening to the clips, the VM95ML is the nicest most balanced sound. The Opus is slightly thinner, especially in the highs, and the 2M Blue, to me anyway, is not very nice at all (overblown and a bit harsh).
 
I have owned a wood body Grado for years, it was my most expensive cart at the time. Still have it but it is on my Yamaha PX2 on a system I don't listen to much often. I thought it was enjoyable, but after moving to AT LOMC it fell from grace.
 
Ken Boyd said:
I have owned a wood body Grado for years, it was my most expensive cart at the time. Still have it but it is on my Yamaha PX2 on a system I don't listen to much often. I thought it was enjoyable, but after moving to AT LOMC it fell from grace.
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Yeah, can't beat a LOMC AT cartridge for the money! :thumbsup::music: Out of my price range! ;)
 
MisterDK said:
Steve, did you get the high output or low?
I’d be interested in your opinion of how it compares to your Nag mp200.
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Duane, bought the High output. Will be hooked up to my tubed Yaqin MS-23B phono preamp that's for MM & MI.

Yes, will be very interesting how the Opus3 stacks up against my Grado Gold3, Nagaoka MP-200 & AT VM540ML. Will let you know about that.
 
Punk_oldie said:
Listening to the clips, the VM95ML is the nicest most balanced sound. The Opus is slightly thinner, especially in the highs, and the 2M Blue, to me anyway, is not very nice at all (overblown and a bit harsh).
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I can tell you right now that the Grado Gold3 is king of bass! Gold3 has much more bass slam than the AT VM540ML & Nagaoka MP-200. The MP-200 is second, followed by the VM540ML. Out of the three I would say the MP-200 is the most balanced sound wise. Grado has that velvety fluid sound stage, darkest background compared to the other two. Always wanted a Grado Woody!
 
Ilikevinyl said:
Duane, bought the High output. Will be hooked up to my tubed Yaqin MS-23B phono preamp that's for MM & MI.

Yes, will be very interesting how the Opus3 stacks up against my Grado Gold3, Nagaoka MP-200 & AT VM540ML. Will let you know about that.
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Definitely post your findings!
 
I wonder how the new cart compares to the old Grado Reference Sonata. I paid more for the Reference Sonata then I did my Audio Technic OC9/III, in fact double at the time.

I just got hold of AT and they gave me the prices for trade in my old AT's. I didn't keep track of hours on my carts so with no way local to check wear, I think I will just trade in a few, the prices are not bad.

AT-OC9XML $281.79

AT-OC9XSH $332.80

AT-OC9XSL $375.74

I plan on buying a timer so I can better track real time running.

I sure wish their was a way to listen to carts prior to purchase. I know you could give us a review but being so subjective what one person likes another might not find as favorable.
 
Ken Boyd said:
I sure wish their was a way to listen to carts prior to purchase. I know you could give us a review but being so subjective what one person likes another might not find as favorable.
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Definitely. Look at how many people swear by the Shure M97XE and how many people are willing to spend three twice again as much to make it listenable.

:D

Back in the day, there were a couple companies that would lend you, say, three sets of RCA cables then you'd return them all and buy new versiins of whichever you preferred.

Obviously carts are radically more delicate but it sure would be nice to, maybe, order three $500 to $700 carts with very low hours then either keep whichever you liked or return them all and buy a new version of your preference.

I fear I would go broke, but I could spend my money with a lot more confidence.
 
Ken Boyd said:
I wonder how the new cart compares to the old Grado Reference Sonata. I paid more for the Reference Sonata then I did my Audio Technic OC9/III, in fact double at the time.

I just got hold of AT and they gave me the prices for trade in my old AT's. I didn't keep track of hours on my carts so with no way local to check wear, I think I will just trade in a few, the prices are not bad.

AT-OC9XML $281.79

AT-OC9XSH $332.80

AT-OC9XSL $375.74

I plan on buying a timer so I can better track real time running.

I sure wish their was a way to listen to carts prior to purchase. I know you could give us a review but being so subjective what one person likes another might not find as favorable.
Click to expand...

Those are very nice prices, Ken! :thumbsup:
 
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