Grado Timbre Reference3 MI Cartridge (Low Output)

The Grado Reference3 is the flagship of Grado's Timbre series – a moving-iron cartridge with an Australian Jarrah wood body and a machined boron cantilever, hand-built in Brooklyn. This low-output version delivers 1.0 mV for low-noise phono stages.

The Reference3 can do everything the Master3 can – just a notch better. That's thanks to a more elaborate manufacturing and aging process that only a few Grado cartridges go through.

Why the Reference3?

Grado builds on the moving-iron principle with a dual-magnet system (Flux-Bridge): small moving mass, low inductance, open sound. The five-piece OTL construction with boron cantilever lowers the 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; every Reference3 is individually calibrated and goes through a special aging process for more color and depth.

What you hear

The warm, colorful 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 low-output version for?

For high-end analog listeners with a very low-noise, high-gain phono stage. Straight talk: on a normal MM input the level stays too low – then the high-output version at 4.0 mV is the right choice.

Our verdict

The Reference3 is the pinnacle of the Timbre series. The low-output version squeezes out the last bit of openness and calm on a high-quality, low-noise phono stage.

Technical Data

• Type: Moving-iron cartridge (MI), low output, replaceable stylus
• Series: Grado Timbre (flagship)
• Body: Australian Jarrah wood
• Cantilever: Machined boron, five-piece OTL construction
• Diamond: Grado "true ellipsoid"
• 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: 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, boron cantilever and the five-piece OTL construction. The Reference3 goes through a longer, more elaborate manufacturing and aging process and uses Grado's "true ellipsoid" diamonds – the result is a touch more color and depth. It's the flagship of the Timbre series.

Low or high output – which version?

This low-output version (1.0 mV) has fewer windings but thicker wire and a shorter signal path – which can sound especially open and clean, but needs a low-noise phono stage with more gain. If you use a normal MM input, go with the high-output version (4.0 mV).

Is the Reference3 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 is 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 and the right phono stage. HD Zürisee in Wädenswil is an authorized Grado dealer; we align the Reference3 exactly and advise you on the right gain. Free shipping from CHF 190.

Goes well with

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