Grado Timbre Reference3 MI Cartridge (High Output)

The Grado Reference3 is the flagship of Grado's Timbre series – a moving-iron cartridge with an Australian Jarrah wood body and a machine-crafted boron cantilever, hand-built in Brooklyn. This High Output version delivers 4.0 mV for any MM phono input.

The Reference3 does everything the Master3 does – just a touch better. That's down to a more elaborate manufacturing and maturation process that only a few Grado cartridges go through.

Why the Reference3?

Grado builds on the moving-iron principle with a dual-magnet (flux-bridge) system: small moving mass, low inductance, open sound. The five-piece OTL construction with boron cantilever lowers tip mass compared to the more affordable Timbre models and brings more control and resolution.

Tracking is handled by Grado's "true ellipsoid" diamonds. The coils are wound with ultra-pure UHPLC copper; each Reference3 is individually calibrated and goes through a special maturation process for more colour and depth.

What you hear

The warm, colourful Grado character at the series' highest level: precise, calm and deep, with a finely fanned-out soundstage. The Jarrah body keeps the sound stable and low in resonance.

Who is the Reference3 for?

For high-end analogue listeners with a quality turntable and a properly adjustable tonearm. Straight talk: if you can't or won't adjust VTA and azimuth, you won't unlock its potential – the Platinum3 or Sonata3 are then the smarter choice.

Our verdict

The Reference3 is the peak of the Timbre series: the last measure of resolution and colour that Grado coaxes out of wood, boron and handwork before the Lineage series begins.

Technical data

• Type: Moving-iron cartridge (MI), High Output, replaceable stylus
• Series: Grado Timbre (flagship)
• Body: Australian Jarrah wood
• Cantilever: Machine-crafted boron, five-piece OTL construction
• Diamond: Grado "true ellipsoid"
• Output voltage: 4.0 mV (5 cm/s)
• Inductance: 55 mH
• Resistance: 660 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: 10 g
• Manufacturing: Hand-assembled in Brooklyn, NY

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the Reference3 and the Master3?

Both use Jarrah wood, a boron cantilever and the five-piece OTL construction. The Reference3 goes through a longer, more elaborate manufacturing and maturation process and uses Grado's "true ellipsoid" diamonds – the result is a touch more colour and depth. It's the flagship of the Timbre series.

High or Low Output – which version?

This High Output version (4.0 mV) matches any classic MM phono input and is the right choice for most systems. The Low Output version (1.0 mV) can sound even more open on a low-noise phono stage but needs considerably more gain.

Is the Reference3 MM or MC?

Technically a moving-iron system, run like an MM: 4.0 mV output, 10–47 kΩ load, any MM input. Not sensitive to cable capacitance. The stylus is user-replaceable.

Why buy the Grado Reference3 from HD Zürisee?

Because a cartridge in this class demands precise mounting. HD Zürisee in Wädenswil is an authorised Grado dealer; we align the Reference3 exactly (tracking force, anti-skate, azimuth, VTA) and advise you on the right phono stage. Free shipping from CHF 190.

Goes well with

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