Grado Timbre Master3 MI Phono Cartridge (High Output)

The Grado Master3 High Output is a Moving Iron phono cartridge from the Timbre series that runs at 4.0 mV on any classic MM phono input.

Body made of Australian Jarrah, machine-crafted boron cantilever, hand-assembled in Brooklyn. Within the Timbre series, the Master3 sits high up the ladder – only the Reference3 ranks above it.

Why the Master3 High Output?

Grado builds on the Moving Iron principle with a dual-magnet system: the moving mass stays small, the sound open and fast. The machine-crafted boron cantilever in a five-piece OTL construction further reduces tip mass compared to the smaller Timbre models and brings audibly more control.

The difference to the low-output version lies in the generator system, not just the level: 55 mH inductance and 660 Ω internal resistance are classic moving-magnet values. This version is built for the MM input you already have in your amplifier – and needs neither an MC stage nor a step-up transformer. It's rare enough in this hobby for an upgrade to come without a follow-up purchase.

Tracking is handled by Grado's own bare elliptical diamond; the coils are wound with ultra-pure UHPLC copper.

What you hear

The warm, colourful Grado character, but with significantly more precision, calm and fine detail than the smaller Timbre models. The Jarrah body settles resonances and keeps the imaging stable. Because 4.0 mV means ample level on a normal MM stage, the phono stage works comfortably – signal-to-noise ratio is uncritical, even on more modest inputs.

Who is the Master3 High Output for?

For anyone with a fully grown turntable and an MM phono input who wants to give their analogue setup a big step up. Plain talk: on an entry-level turntable it's overkill – there you'll get more enjoyment at Opus3 or Prestige level. And if your phono stage only offers an MC input hard-wired to 100 Ω, neither Master3 version will be happy: Grado wants to see 47 kΩ, regardless of output level.

Our verdict

High-end analogue sound just below the Timbre summit – wood, boron and craftsmanship from Brooklyn. The High Output version is the pragmatic one of the two: same body, same cantilever, but you simply plug it into the MM input and you're done.

Technical specifications

• Type: Moving Iron phono cartridge (MI), High Output
• Series: Grado Timbre
• Body: Australian Jarrah wood
• Cantilever: Machine-crafted boron, five-piece OTL construction
• Stylus profile: Bare elliptical diamond (Grado cut)
• Output voltage: 4.0 mV (5 cm/s, 45°)
• Internal resistance: 660 Ω
• Inductance: 55 mH
• Recommended load resistance: 10–47 kΩ
• Load capacitance: Uncritical, Grado systems don't react to capacitive load
• Suitable phono input: MM (Moving Magnet), around 40 dB gain
• Frequency response: 10–60,000 Hz
• Channel separation: average 30 dB (10–30 kHz)
• Compliance: 20 µm/mN
• Recommended tracking force: 1.6–1.9 g
• Weight: 10 g
• Stylus: Not user-replaceable; Grado offers an exchange and trade-in programme for wood-bodied systems
• Manufacturing: Hand-assembled in Brooklyn, NY

Frequently asked questions

High or Low Output – which Master3 version suits me?

It depends on your phono stage. This High Output version delivers 4.0 mV and runs on any normal MM input with around 40 dB of gain. The Low Output version with 1.0 mV needs about 55 to 60 dB and an input that can be terminated at 47 kΩ. When in doubt, it's not the sound but the input you have that decides.

Which phono input does the Master3 High Output belong to?

The MM input. With 4.0 mV output voltage, 660 Ω internal resistance and 55 mH inductance, the Master3 behaves like a moving-magnet system and wants to see a load of 10 to 47 kΩ. It's not sensitive to cable capacitance – so the length of your phono cable is uncritical.

Can I replace the Master3's stylus myself?

No. Unlike the Prestige series, the stylus assembly on Timbre systems is not user-replaceable. If the diamond wears out, the cartridge goes back to Grado in Brooklyn via specialist retailers and is refitted there; in return, you receive an exchange system. We handle this for you.

Where does the Master3 rank in the Timbre series?

High up. In ascending order: Opus3 with maple body, then Platinum3 and Sonata3 with aluminium cantilever, then Master3 and Reference3 with boron cantilever in a Jarrah body. Only the Reference3 ranks above it. Every Timbre model comes in a High and a Low Output version.

Why buy the Grado Master3 High Output at HD Zürisee?

Because a cartridge of this class only delivers on its potential with careful setup. HD Zürisee in Wädenswil is an authorised Grado dealer, sets tracking force, anti-skate and azimuth precisely, and tells you honestly whether your phono stage suits the High Output version. Call us or write to us.

Goes well with

You'll find the right turntable among our turntables, and the amplification among our phono preamps. For comparison, it's worth checking out the other phono cartridges, and for setup and care, our turntable accessories and record cleaning – and if you're diving into the whole topic, our All Vinyl section.