Grado Timbre Opus3 MI Phono Cartridge (Low Output)

The Grado Opus3 is the entry point into Grado's Timbre series – a Moving Iron phono cartridge, hand-built in Brooklyn and Grado's first cartridge with a maple wood body. This Low Output version delivers 1.0 mV for low-noise phono stages.

It brings technology and manufacturing know-how from the more expensive Grado models at an affordable price – the ideal first step into higher-quality analogue sound.

Why the Opus3?

Grado builds on the Moving Iron principle with a dual-magnet system: small moving mass, low inductance, open sound. The maple body – the same tonewood used in Grado's Heritage and Statement headphones – is thermally aged to dampen resonances.

The aluminium cantilever (modified four-piece OTL construction) is hand-fitted with an elliptical diamond. A new two-stage shielding process and ultra-pure UHPLC copper coils ensure a clean signal path and low mechanical noise.

What you hear

The typical, slightly warm Grado character with clear, effortless reproduction across the whole frequency range – without harshness.

Who is the Low Output version for?

For anyone with a low-noise phono stage that offers enough gain. Plain talk: on a normal MM input, the level stays too low – then the High Output version with 4.0 mV is the right choice.

Our verdict

The Opus3 is the most affordable way into Grado's wood-bodied cartridges: musical, versatile and honestly made. The Low Output version is for anyone with a low-noise phono stage looking for that last bit of openness.

Technical specifications

• Type: Moving Iron phono cartridge (MI), Low Output, stylus replaceable
• Series: Grado Timbre (entry level)
• Body: Maple wood
• Cantilever: Aluminium, modified four-piece OTL construction
• Diamond: Elliptical
• Output voltage: 1.0 mV (5 cm/s)
• Inductance: 6 mH
• Resistance: 70 Ω
• Recommended load: 10–47 kΩ
• Frequency response: 10–60,000 Hz
• Channel separation: approx. 30 dB (10–30 kHz)
• Compliance: 20 µm/mN
• Recommended tracking force: 1.6–1.9 g
• Weight: 8 g
• Manufacturing: Hand-assembled in Brooklyn, NY

Frequently asked questions

Low or High Output – which version?

This Low Output version (1.0 mV) has fewer windings but thicker wire and a shorter signal path – this can sound especially open and clean, but requires a low-noise phono stage with more gain. If you're using a normal MM input, go with the High Output version (4.0 mV).

Is the Opus3 MM or MC?

Technically a Moving Iron system. This version works at 1.0 mV on a low-noise phono stage (10–47 kΩ load) and isn't sensitive to cable capacitance. The stylus is user-replaceable.

Where does the Opus3 rank in the Timbre series?

The Opus3 is the entry point. Above it come Platinum3 and Sonata3 (Jarrah wood), then Master3 and Reference3 with boron cantilever. All share the Moving Iron principle and the HO/LO design.

Why buy the Grado Opus3 at HD Zürisee?

Because a cartridge only shows its potential with correct setup. HD Zürisee in Wädenswil is an authorised Grado dealer; we fit the Opus3 precisely and advise you on the right phono stage. Free shipping from CHF 190.

Goes well with

The right turntable, more phono cartridges and the matching phono preamp.