Grado Prestige Red3 MI Phono Cartridge

The Grado Prestige Red3 is a Moving Iron phono cartridge from the Prestige series, hand-assembled in Brooklyn – with high output voltage for any MM phono input. Within the Prestige lineup, it sits between the Green3 and Gold3.

A versatile all-rounder: detailed and clear, without weakening in any particular discipline – a good first proper cartridge and a sensible upgrade for entry-level turntables.

Why the Red3?

Grado builds its cartridges on the Moving Iron principle – instead of a magnet or a coil, a tiny iron piece moves. This keeps the inductance roughly ten times lower than in classic MM systems and produces a clean, open treble.

Compared to the Green3, the Red3 uses a four-piece OTL cantilever (Optimized Transmission Line) with a Grado-own diamond on a brass bushing – this transmits the groove signal with even less loss and suppresses resonances. A dual-magnet system and ultra-pure copper coils ensure precise channel balance.

What you hear

The typical Grado character with an extra dose of detail and clarity: full, lively and spacious, while still versatile enough for almost any system. Recommended tracking force 1.5 g.

Who is the Red3 for?

For anyone with an MM phono input who wants more than the entry level offers, but doesn't want to jump straight to the top model. Plain talk: if you have a pure MC input with no MM option, you're better served by a moving-coil system – the Red3 wants to see a 47 kΩ MM input.

Our verdict

The Red3 is the golden middle of the Prestige series: more resolution than the entry level, uncomplicated in operation and a cartridge that grows with your system.

Technical specifications

• Type: Moving Iron phono cartridge (MI), High Output, stylus replaceable
• Series: Grado Prestige (mid-range)
• Frequency response: 10–50,000 Hz
• Output voltage: 5 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s)
• Recommended load: 47 kΩ
• Recommended tracking force: 1.5 g
• Cantilever: Four-piece OTL construction
• Diamond: Grado's own, on a brass bushing
• Magnet system: Dual magnet, ultra-pure copper coils
• Mounting: Standard 1/2 inch
• Weight: approx. 5.5 g
• Manufacturing: Hand-assembled in Brooklyn, NY

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between Red3, Green3 and Gold3?

All three are Moving Iron systems in the Prestige series with 5 mV and 47 kΩ. The Green3 is the entry point (three-piece OTL cantilever). The Red3 uses a four-piece cantilever and sits in the middle. The Gold3 is hand-selected and additionally uses a finely finished generator for more transparency.

Is the Red3 an MM or MC system?

Technically it's a Moving Iron system, but it's operated like an MM: high output voltage (5 mV), 47 kΩ load, connects to any MM phono input. The stylus is user-replaceable – so a later stylus change remains simple.

Why buy the Grado Red3 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 Red3 precisely, set tracking force and anti-skate, 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.