Reference4 is part of the Grado Timbre Series, representing a refined balance of resolution, control, and musicality. Developed through decades of cartridge design, it brings a high level of performance to a wider range of systems while maintaining the tonal integrity that defines Grado cartridges. Built on Grado’s moving iron design, Reference4 delivers a stable and highly responsive presentation with low moving mass and long-term consistency. Offered in both stereo and mono configurations, Reference4 continues the tradition of Grado’s wood body cartridges. Reference4 is part of the Grado Timbre Series, representing a refined balance of resolution, control, and musicality. Developed through decades of cartridge design, it brings a high level of performance to a wider range of systems while maintaining the tonal integrity that defines Grado cartridges. Built on Grado’s moving iron design, Reference4 delivers a stable and highly responsive presentation with low moving mass and long-term consistency. Offered in both stereo and mono configurations, Reference4 continues the tradition of Grado’s wood body cartridges. Moving Iron Design All Grado cartridges utilize a moving iron design built on Joseph Grado’s patented flux-bridger principle. This approach allows the cartridge to generate a precise signal with extremely low moving mass, while keeping the coil structure fixed. The result is a presentation that combines speed, control, and harmonic integrity without the fragility often associated with traditional moving coil systems. Diamond & Cantilever Reference4 features a nude Shibata diamond mounted to a machined boron cantilever. The Shibata profile is highly effective at retrieving detail from the groove, offering exceptional contact and resolution while maintaining a natural, unforced presentation. Paired with a machined boron cantilever—known for its low mass and responsive behavior—the system delivers clarity, speed, and stability across the frequency range. Coil & Internal Structure The internal signal path is built using ultra-high purity 6N OCC copper, selected for its conductivity and consistency. Each cartridge undergoes cryogenic treatment and internal damping to reduce unwanted resonance and preserve signal integrity. Housing The Reference4 is housed in an American Osage wood body, selected for its ability to help control resonance and contribute to the cartridge’s tonal balance. The reshaped housing improves visibility of the cantilever during setup, allowing for more precise alignment while supporting compatibility across a wide range of tonearms. Specs: Body: American Osage WoodCantileaver: Machined Boron/Shibata DiamondOutput:High 4.0mV @5 CMV (45)Low 1.0mV @5 CMV (45)Inductance:High Output 55mHLow Output 6mHResistance:High Output 660 ohmsLow Output 70 ohmsInput Load: 10k-47k ohmsCartridge Weight: 9.6 gramsTracking Force: 1.6-1.9 gramsCompliance 20μm/mNChannel Separation: Average 30db - 10-30k HzControlled Frequency Response: 10-60 KHzNon-Sensative to Capacitive LoadBuilds: High Output, Low Output, Mono
