Grado Prestige DJ200i MI Cartridge for DJs

The Grado Prestige DJ200i is a moving-iron cartridge built for use behind the turntable in clubs and studios – with high output voltage, a rugged diamond stylus, and tracking forces from 2 to 5 grams.

Grado has built it practically unchanged for years, which in an industry full of yearly model refreshes is almost a statement in itself. Anyone who knows it knows why.

Why the DJ200i?

The four-piece OTL cantilever transfers the signal cleanly and stays put when the record is pulled back, instead of skipping. Oxygen-free copper in the coils, a highly polished diamond in a brass bushing, and Grado's Flux-Bridger generator deliver low stylus mass and low inductance – the combination that protects both groove and stylus alike.

What you get

A cartridge that plays loud, stays securely in the groove, and still brings Grado's warm, full sound. 5 millivolts of output means it drives any MM phono input effortlessly, even the one in a DJ mixer.

Who is the DJ200i for?

For anyone who works with records instead of just listening to them – DJs, mobile sound systems, archiving, record stores. Honestly: it isn't the first choice for the living-room system. If you want finely resolved treble and maximum resolution, a Green3, Gold3, or a Timbre model serves you far better.

Our verdict

The DJ200i is a tool, not a showpiece – and that's exactly its merit. Rugged, loud, forgiving, and with a replaceable stylus. When your cartridge has to work rather than shine, the list of alternatives is short.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Moving-iron cartridge (MM-compatible)
• Series: Grado Prestige, DJ version
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 50 kHz
• Output voltage: 5 mV at 1 kHz (5 cm/s)
• Channel separation: 30 dB at 1 kHz
• Load impedance: 47 kOhm
• Recommended tracking force: 2.5 g (range 2–5 g)
• Stylus: Diamond, user-replaceable
• Inductance: 45 mH
• DC resistance: 475 ohms
• Mounting: Standard half-inch and P-mount
• Weight: 5.5 g
• Manufacturing: Hand-assembled in Brooklyn, NY

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the DJ200i handle back-cueing and scratching?

Yes, that's what it's built for. The transmission-line cantilever keeps the stylus stable when the record is pulled back, and the permitted tracking force of up to 5 grams prevents skipping. For aggressive turntablism, though, the rule still applies: the higher the tracking force, the faster the wear – the stylus is replaceable.

Will the DJ200i fit my tonearm?

In the vast majority of cases, yes. The DJ200i is designed for standard half-inch mounting and can also be run on P-mount tonearms. At the phono input, it's treated like an MM system: 47 kOhm load, no special handling needed. If you're unsure, just send us your tonearm model.

Why buy the Grado DJ200i from HD Zürisee?

Because we don't just hand the cartridge over the counter. HD Zürisee in Wädenswil will mount and align it properly on request, and our technician checks tracking force and anti-skate at the same time. Questions welcome by phone, email, or WhatsApp.

Goes well with

The right phono preamp, more cartridges, and everything for vinyl.