Grado Sonata3
Best moving iron cartridge for audiophiles seeking warm, immersive vinyl playback.
This cartridge transforms vinyl playback by pairing a precise nude elliptical stylus with a resonant Australian Jarrah wood body. It trades clinical, analytical accuracy for a lush, immersive soundstage that makes every record feel like a live performance.
$600.00
at
Moon Audio
More Timbre options
Who it's for
- Vinyl enthusiasts wanting easy integration with standard MM preamps
- Audiophiles seeking natural, warm vocal and acoustic textures
- Listeners prioritizing vibration-free, clean, and focused sonic clarity
Who should skip it
- Listeners craving clinical, high-resolution, and airy treble detail
- Budget-conscious owners avoiding expensive factory-only stylus replacements
- Novice turntable users intimidated by precise VTA calibration
Performance breakdown
Sonic Soundstage
Delivers an expansive, immersive depth that brings live performances to life.
Tracking Precision
The nude elliptical stylus navigates complex grooves with impressive accuracy.
Build Quality
Australian Jarrah wood construction provides both aesthetic elegance and resonance control.
Frequency Response
Wide 10-60kHz range captures every nuance from deep bass to highs.
Installation Ease
Standard mounting makes setup straightforward for most compatible tonearm systems.
Listening Fatigue
Smooth, warm tonal balance ensures comfort during extended vinyl sessions.
Key Specs
Cartridge Type
Moving Iron
Body Material
Australian Jarrah Wood
Cantilever
Aluminum / Elliptical Diamond
Weight
9 grams
Output Voltage
4.0mV
Tracking Force
1.6-1.9 grams
Compliance
20μm/mN
Frequency Response
10Hz-60kHz
Channel Separation
30dB
Load Impedance
10k-47k ohms
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