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info needed on Grado ZT+

hyder

hyder

tubes and grooves
Can someone out there who understands the Grado hierarchy please let me know where a ZT+ falls and whether it's worth replacing the stylus? I definitely don't want to start anything but any comments on how it compares to the M75s and M91s that I've tended to find on my Duals would be appreciated as well.
I've downloaded the "z-series" Grado manual from VE and I see references to a ZTE and a ZTE+ but no ZT+. Probably something simple I don't understand about Grado to go with all the other stuff I still don't know about turntables ;)
 
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hyder said:
Can someone out there who understands the Grado hierarchy please let me know where a ZT+ falls and whether it's worth replacing the stylus? I definitely don't want to start anything but any comments on how it compares to the M75s and M91s that I've tended to find on my Duals would be appreciated as well.
I've downloaded the "z-series" Grado manual from VE and I see references to a ZTE and a ZTE+ but no ZT+. Probably something simple I don't understand about Grado to go with all the other stuff I still don't know about turntables ;)
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The ZT+ and the ZTE+ are the same cart..........which has morphed into todays Grado Black. The Black-1 is an upgrade. Basic bottom dweller in the Grado series. A new Black-1 stylus should bring the ZT+ up to today's standard. Or, any of the prestege styli will fit it.......including the 8MZ stylus.
$30.00 gets you back to stock, $100.00 gets you a pretty nice cart.
 
needlestein said:
@marcmorin: I just got one of these used in the mail, because it came with a headshell I wanted. Does the ZT+ original stylus have silver dots?
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I'll answer since I asked the exact question of marcmornin on the ZT+ I have.;) Yes the silver nips are original equipment essentially a "Black" stylus of today's vintage
 
needlestein said:
@marcmorin: You are so right! This is one sweet sounding cartridge. I really like this one and the highs don't seem muted like they can with the later Prestige versions. Lots of detail from the doorknob of a bonded .3 x .7 elliptical, too. Also, remarkably quiet in the groove. To think I bought this for the Nagaoka headshell and Litz wire. I was going to flip it. Not now, I guess.View attachment 1013050
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:thumbsup: .........I didn't think it was just me. Wanna hear the top Z series offering? No door knob at the end, a nice nude "twin-tip". sounds about halfway between the 8MZ and MCZ.
 
needlestein said:
Maybe I'll get that 8MZ stylus after all, but I'm still working on the KAB fluid damper which I may need for when my Decca cartridge gets here. I think the reason I haven't gotten the 8MZ or the fluid damper is because I have a phobia against paying retail.
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So, ya wanna hear a stylus?
 
I got a ZT+ with an old Empire 598 that I just restored. Despite it's lowly status, it is a very nice sounding cartridge. Actually, I'm kind of shocked at how good this turntable and cartridge sound. I thought I was restoring to sell, but this is a keeper. Musical, great imaging, wonderful frequency response and great toe tapping dynamics.

Grados are often described as warm. I suppose they are a bit warm. But I find them neutral and full bodied, without a trace of bloat. Compared to Shure cartridges, I would characterize them as having a stiffer response. Less lush and rolled off in the upper frequencies. Maybe barky is a good word. The ZT+ is fuller sounding than the Ortofon OM-30, but to me, just as clear, with better midrange presentation. I would also favor the Grado over the venerable Pickering XV-15 with Stereohedron stylus. The Pickering has a beautiful, but artificial glow. I love all these cartridges, by the way. Just commenting for a sense of differentiation.

This evening I have been listening to vintage Columbia Masterworks Respighi and Shostakovich with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Ormandy conducting. I love live symphony concerts and this rig did them justice. Very natural timbres. Great brass, strings, hall acoustics. Then I moved on to Black Sabbath Paranoid. Holy cow! I was air guitaring like the college student I once was. Now on to some 80s Chick Corea, The Joberg Sessions. This is a somewhat laid back record with some terrific subtle virtuosic playing. Everything is crystal clear. Don Alias Congas sound so good. Also Carlos Benavent on the Jazz Bass. Fantastic!

If this is entry level, I can see why a small family business like Grado is still around, while many others have faded away.
 
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