Grado Red3 Replacement Stylus (Elliptical)

The Grado Red3 Replacement Stylus is the original stylus for the Prestige Red3 – elliptical diamond, complete in a pull-off stylus assembly.

No dismounting, no re-aligning the geometry: the cartridge body stays exactly where it is, only the front part is replaced.

Why replace the stylus?

The diamond wears down a little more with every side of a record. You'll notice it first as roughness in the treble and a blurred sense of space – and if you keep listening, that wear transfers to the grooves. A new stylus is much cheaper than a ruined favourite record.

What you get

Grado's original stylus assembly. Once fitted, the Red3 plays again with the full dynamics and the rich foundation you bought it for.

Who is this stylus for?

For owners of a Grado Prestige Red3. Straight talk: it's not a universal part – not for other manufacturers, nor for Grado's own Timbre or Lineage systems. If you're not sure which system is fitted, send us a photo of the headshell and we'll sort it out in two minutes.

Our verdict

A wear part, plain and simple – but one that decides the sound of your entire system. Replace it in time and the Red3 stays a pleasure for years.

Technical data

• Type: Replacement stylus assembly
• Fits: Grado Prestige Red3
• Stylus profile: Elliptical diamond
• Replacement: User-replaceable, no tools required
• Manufacturing: Hand-assembled in Brooklyn, NY
• What's included: 1 replacement stylus assembly

Frequently asked questions

How do I tell the stylus is worn out?

The sound becomes sharp and unsettled, S-sounds distort, and the imaging loses depth. Some people notice first that quiet passages sound unclean. As a guide, expect around 800 to 1000 playing hours, sometimes less depending on tracking force and the condition of your records.

Do I need to realign after replacing the stylus?

The system's geometry stays unchanged because the body remains mounted. You should still check tracking force and anti-skate, since the effective mass can shift slightly. That's a five-minute job – or bring your turntable in and we'll do it.

Why buy the Grado stylus from HD Zürisee?

Because originals and copies are barely distinguishable online, but very much so in sound. We source through the official Swiss distributor. HD Zürisee in Wädenswil also handles the replacement and alignment on request – we have our own technician in-house for that.

Goes well with

The right cartridges, the correct phono preamp, and everything for vinyl.