Grado Timbre Sonata3 MI Phono Cartridge (Low Output)

The Grado Sonata3 is the step up from the Platinum3 in Grado's Timbre series – a Moving Iron phono cartridge with an Australian Jarrah wood body, hand-built in Brooklyn. This Low Output version delivers 1.0 mV for low-noise phono stages.

The solid wood mass keeps the Sonata3 calm and stable – the basis for the typical, colourful Grado sound.

Why the Sonata3?

Grado builds on the Moving Iron principle with a dual-magnet system (Flux-Bridge): small moving mass, low inductance, open sound. The Jarrah body distributes the mass evenly and settles resonances.

The aluminium cantilever is a modified version of Grado's four-piece OTL construction, tracked by a Grado-own elliptical diamond. The coils are wound with ultra-pure UHPLC copper.

What you hear

The warm, full Grado character with even more resolution and calm than the Platinum3 – a musical, balanced cartridge that audibly rewards a good turntable.

Who is the Low Output version for?

For anyone with a low-noise phono stage that brings enough gain. Plain 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 Sonata3 is the upper middle of the Timbre series. The Low Output version coaxes the last bit of openness out of a good, low-noise phono stage.

Technical specifications

• Type: Moving Iron phono cartridge (MI), Low Output, stylus replaceable
• Series: Grado Timbre
• Body: Australian Jarrah wood
• Cantilever: Aluminium, modified four-piece OTL construction
• Diamond: Grado-own, 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: 9 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 – which can sound especially open and clean, but requires a low-noise phono stage with more gain. If you use a normal MM input, take the High Output version (4.0 mV).

Is the Sonata3 MM or MC?

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

Where does the Sonata3 sit in the Timbre series?

Above the Platinum3 and below the Master3. The Sonata3 and Platinum3 share the Jarrah wood body and aluminium cantilever; the Sonata3 is more highly selected and more finely tuned. Above it come the Master3 and Reference3 with boron cantilevers.

Why buy the Grado Sonata3 at HD Zürisee?

Because a cartridge only shows its potential with correct fitting and a matching phono stage. HD Zürisee in Wädenswil is an authorised Grado dealer; we fit the Sonata3 precisely and advise you on gain. Free shipping from CHF 190.

Goes well with

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