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Grado Gold1 Prestige Series Phono Cartridge - Standard Mount
The difference between Reference and Prestige series, basically speaking, are stylus mass, tip mass, diamond shapes and size, different coils, different wires and compliance. The cost difference between the Reference and Prestige series are the closer tolerances, skilled technicians vs assembly line production, much higher parts cost and different design in the Reference series. The Prestige series of cartridges are designed for high output and excellent stability under severe use. A considerable tip mass reduction results in a frequency response to 55 kHz and beyond and tracking forces from 1-2 grams.
The Silver and Gold models use a four piece OTL cantilever technology, ultra-high purity long crystal (UHPLC) oxygen free copper wire in the coils and Grado's specially designed elliptical diamond mounted on a brass bushing. The Gold model is selected from the Silver production run and meet higher test specifications. Approximately 5% of the production run meet these standards and become Gold models.
Grado Silver & Gold Technical Specifications:
Output at 1KHz 5CM/sec. 5mV
Cartridge Type: Moving Iron
Stylus Type: Specially designed elliptical diamond
Wire: Ultra-high purity long crystal copper
Frequency Response: 20~60,000 Hz
Recommended Tracking Force 1.5
Recommended Load: 47 Kohm
Channel Separation at 1KHz 35
Inductance 45mH
Resistance 475
Compliance CUs 20
Stylus Replacement U=user U
Mounting S/P
Weight 5.5
Body: ABS plastic
"It was lively and detailed but never edgy on vocal sibilants, and didn't over-emphasis leading edges on acoustic guitar."
"Beefheart's Clear Spot, the undoing of many an under-performing cartridges, didn't faze the Grado."
"It's a definite Best Buy!" -Hi Fi Choice / Alan Sircom
"The Prestige Gold's sound was readily identifiable, but after just a few seconds it didn't matter much, so engaging were the results." -Wayne Garcia - The Absolute Sound
Grado Cartridges Superior Design & Precision Fabrication
All Grado cartridges now use a derivation of the moving iron principle which feature patented OPTIMIZED TRANSMISSION LINE cantilever technology, PIVOTED FIXED AXIAL STYLUS-GENERATOR MODULE, and Grado's FLUX-BRIDGER GENERATOR SYSTEM.
Grado Reference & Prestige Cartridge Literature PDF
Grado Replacement Stylus History
The Legacy Continues... & Product Warranty Coverage
Grado, one of the oldest family owned companies in the Audio Industry, has for almost half a century been the leaders in design engineering for the high-end audio and recording industries.
GRADO, ONE OF THE OLDEST FAMILY OWNED COMPANIES IN THE AUDIO INDUSTRY
In 2003 Grado will celebrate 50 years of manufacturing products that offer top value to the consumer. We look forward to the next 50 years
of keeping the tradition alive.
Forbes Magazine Article UP & COMERS Grado Labs
After working for his uncle since the age of 12, John Grado finally took over the business five years ago.
AudioEnz Review of the Grado Gold
Conclusion: The Grado Prestige Gold is definitely a "best buy" in the cartridge stakes. It's cheap enough to be an impulse purchase, yet musical enough to satisfy. Very highly recommended!
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| The Grado Gold 78 stylus is interchangeable with all Prestige body cartridges.
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